Name: Bukowski: Born Into This
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2003-01-18
Duration: 115 min
Cast: Charles Bukowski, Harry Dean Stanton, Sean Penn, Bono, Linda Bukowski

Where to stream Bukowski: Born Into This

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Data updated on October 10, 2026. Availability data from JustWatch.

Bukowski: Born Into This plot summary

Director John Dullaghan’s biographical documentary about infamous poet Charles Bukowski, Bukowski: Born Into This, is as much a touching portrait of the author as it is an exposé of his sordid lifestyle. Interspersed between ample vintage footage of Bukowski’s poetry readings are interviews with the poet’s fans including such legendary figures such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Joyce Fante (wife of John), Bono, and Harry Dean Stanton. Filmed in grainy black and white by Bukowski’s friend, Taylor Hackford, due to lack of funding, the old films edited into this movie paint Bukowski’s life of boozing and brawling romantically, securing Bukowski’s legendary status.

Details

Release date: January 18, 2003
Runtime: 1h 55m
Genres: Documentary
Directed by: John Dullaghan
Country: United States
TMDB rating: 6.8 / 10 · 58 votes

Bukowski: Born Into This trailer

Cast

Charles BukowskiSelf
Harry Dean StantonSelf
Sean PennSelf
BonoSelf
Linda BukowskiSelf
Pam MillerSelf
Taylor HackfordSelf
Barbet SchroederSelf
Tom WaitsSelf
Michael D. MeloanSelf

FAQ

Where can I watch Bukowski: Born Into This?

In the United States, Bukowski: Born Into This is available to stream on Prime Video and Philo. It's also free on Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free, Plex, Plex Channel, Xumo Play, and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.