The historical epic film Napoleon, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Joaquin Phoenix, is available for streaming on Apple TV and Movistar Plus on August 15. The feature presents a cinematic reconstruction of the French military commander's rise and fall, tracking his early military triumphs, his coronation as emperor, and his ultimate defeats.
The release date of August 15 marks a double significance on the calendar. Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769, in Corsica, decades before he became Emperor of France and led famous military campaigns across Europe.
During the Napoleonic Empire, August 15 became officially linked to the celebration of Saint Napoleon, aligning with the Catholic feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin. In Spain, August 15 is observed as a national public holiday for religious reasons under the official labor calendar published by the Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado). The feast of the Assumption remains a non-substitutable national holiday observed across all Spanish territories.
Director's Cut and Cast Details
Director Ridley Scott built the film beyond traditional battlefield chronicles by positioning the relationship between Napoleon and Empress Josephine as a central axis of the narrative. Vanessa Kirby plays Josephine alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, with French actor Tahar Rahim featured in the supporting cast.
The theatrical release runs for 2 hours and 37 minutes, featuring large-scale battle scenes, monumental army stagings, and specialized historical cinematography. Viewers seeking an expanded narrative can access a Director's Cut offering 48 additional minutes of material.
The extended version brings the total runtime to 3 hours and 24 minutes. This longer cut expands on specific aspects of Josephine's life and provides deeper coverage of Bonaparte's personal trajectory.
Streaming Options on Apple TV and Movistar Plus
Both the 2-hour-37-minute theatrical version and the 3-hour-24-minute Director's Cut are available directly on the Apple TV platform. The film forms part of Apple's feature film catalog accessible across compatible digital devices.
Subscribers to Movistar Plus with the Ficción Total package in Spain can also access the Apple TV catalog integrated into the platform. The service allows viewing through dedicated decoder set-top boxes as well as the Movistar Plus mobile application.
While recommended for enthusiasts of epic cinema, historical recreations, and major battles, viewers are advised to approach the production as a cinematic interpretation of Bonaparte's life rather than a historical documentary.
