---
title: "Hidden Figures"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/hidden-figures-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 381284
imdb_id: "tt4846340"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 127
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 10521
content_rating: "PG"
---

# Hidden Figures (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/hidden-figures-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Hidden Figures is a 2016 film categorized within the drama and history genres. The movie, which has a runtime of two hours and seven minutes, was released in the United States on December 10, 2016. The narrative focuses on the untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These three brilliant African-American women worked at NASA and served as the intellectual force behind the mission to launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit. By crossing gender and race lines, the trio worked to inspire future generations to pursue ambitious goals. The film is noted for its depiction of technical subjects, including the use of the FORTRAN programming language. As a historical drama, the production highlights the contributions of these women to one of the most significant operations in history. The film is rated PG and invites audiences to learn about the individuals who operated behind a well-known mission.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Three brilliant African-American women at NASA help launch John Glenn into orbit."

### Why Watch
- Celebrates unsung heroes in STEM
- Highlights intersection of race and gender barriers
- Strong ensemble performances

### Caveats & Content Note
- Fictionalized elements in storytelling
- Some pacing issues in middle act
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for most audiences, with mild thematic elements around discrimination.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: inspiring, historical, dramatic, uplifting, groundbreaking

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Theodore Melfi
- **Networks / Studios**: Fox 2000 Pictures, Levantine Films, Chernin Entertainment

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Taraji P. Henson** as *Katherine G. Johnson*
- **Octavia Spencer** as *Dorothy Vaughan*
- **Janelle Monáe** as *Mary Jackson*
- **Kevin Costner** as *Al Harrison*
- **Kirsten Dunst** as *Vivian Mitchell*
- **Jim Parsons** as *Paul Stafford*
- **Mahershala Ali** as *Jim Johnson*
- **Glen Powell** as *John Glenn*
- **Ariana Neal** as *Joylette Johnson*
- **Saniyya Sidney** as *Constance Johnson*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is Hidden Figures based on a true story?
Yes, it is loosely based on the 2016 non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly.

### Q: Who are the main characters in the film?
The film focuses on Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.

### Q: What is the setting of Hidden Figures?
The story takes place during the early years of the U.S. space program at NASA.

### Q: Who directed Hidden Figures?
The film was directed by Theodore Melfi.

### Q: What major event does the movie revolve around?
It centers on the orbital launch of astronaut John Glenn.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Hidden Figures — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/381284)
- [Hidden Figures movie review & film summary (2016) | Roger Ebert](http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hidden-figures-2016)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*