Ghosts of Mississippi

PG-13

Released Dec 20, 1996

2 hr. 10 min.

History

Drama

List

43%

30 Reviews

Tomatometer

62%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In this film based on actual events, black activist Medgar Evers (James Pickens Jr.) is murdered in 1963, and much of the evidence points toward white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods). However, after two trials, De La Beckwith is acquitted twice by a jury of whites. Now, decades later in 1989, Evers' widow, Myrlie (Whoopi Goldberg), thinks she has evidence to finally convict him. But no lawyer will touch the case except the young and brash Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin).

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Mar 12

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent Ghosts of Mississippi on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

James Woods is convincing as a white supremacist, but everything else rings false in this courtroom drama, which examines a weighty subject from the least interesting perspective.

Read Critics Reviews

Lance U

Unfortunately the filmmakers behind ‘GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI' didn't feel that this very fascinating, very heartbreaking, very powerful & very true story deserved a very good movie. Such a wasted opportunity. C-

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/12/23

Full Review

Michael W

This courtroom movie was really good. Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, James Woods, Craig T. Nelson, William H. Macy, and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in this movie. This true story about the murder case of activist Medger Evers that took nearly 30 years to convict the murderer was dramatic, inspirational, and tense. It's about never giving up on a case no matter how long it takes to win. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a definite must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/02/23

Full Review

Michael S

James Woods as an evil racist is the only reason to see this underachieving drama.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/06/23

Full Review

Jelisije J

A movie that is based on a true story and yet has the most cartoonish Hollywood stereotypes to hard to ignore in what could've been an instant classic.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/02/23

Full Review

Renato D

I have seen this film and loved It. Whoppi is a great actress

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The Ghosts of Mississippi was a great film. Still is. I do not post much,but, i had to as i am here watching many historic Black Films, from X (Denzel/Spike Lee) to Medgar movie today. I'm loving how Hollywood actress Whoopi was acting in the film. I love how his real life widow, never gave up a fight for what is right. Real women are exactly like Coretta Lovely Scott-King, to Merlie Evers, so many others, during this time, when my parents remember it all. Their younger decades of seeing many innocent people of color just being slained for no reason. I like how the film focus on the trial and Alec Baldwin, was great in it, as POLTERGEIST GUY and he also starred in his own sitcom "COACH." (forgetting his name, Craig something)but, they were on the "good guys team and prosecuted." i love it. Watching it right now. So sad, how this GREAT man was slain, by as usual, a WHITE COWARD with a gun. Nothing more. Same as the WHITE KKK nothing but wimpy, no good POS cowards, have to "hide behind a sheet on their redneck white heads, can't approach a black, jewish hispanic brown men face to face, always have to "hide."True definition of a COWARD, even up through today. Hiding behind a tree by his house? Yea, that's a real tough guy. Medgar was a good man. Actress Whoopi Goldberg, was incredible, all the way through. The kids crying in the beginning, watching him die, was heartbreaking. Him saying, "Just turn me loose, turn me loose, then dying peacefully at least, in her arms." Not right, but he is still remembered by my family, and others."I'm glad it has received the praise it deserve.(Even if not here on R.Tomatoes, the majority matter, not limited.)It is a great film, well done by ROB REINER, a huge fan of his reality, his passion for history, justice, even throughout today." James Woods, like always, plays a great realistic White POS racist type,or sleazeball in Casino. He is a convincing loser type of character. Going back to watch. Love this one. But, love more MISSISSIPPI BURNING. i feel DAMN good when i am able to smile when the white racist POS cowards are finally held accountable, same as today." From: MATT IACONA.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Rob Reiner

Director

Alec Baldwin

Bobby DeLaughter, Assistant D.A. Hinds Co. Mississippi

Whoopi Goldberg

Myrlie Evers

James Woods

Byron De La Beckwith

Craig T. Nelson

Ed Peters, District Attorney Hinds Co. Mississippi

Susanna Thompson

Peggy Lloyd

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

50%

51%

Geronimo: An American Legend

11%

50%

In Love and War

75%

83%

Les Miserables

TRAILER

for Les Miserables

31%

35%

Jefferson in Paris

78%

76%

Mansfield Park

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

David Denby

New York Magazine/Vulture

I've grown increasingly restive at such films as Mississippi Burning, A Time to Kill, and Ghosts of Mississippi... All three films celebrate the heroism of white law officers in prosecuting racist killers.

Dec 5, 2018

Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Jan 1, 2011

Full Review

Scott Mendelson

rec.arts.movies.reviews

Rated: C+

Apr 25, 2007

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 2/5

Oct 9, 2005

Full Review

Michael Szymanski

Zap2it.com

Rated: 4/5

Sep 23, 2005

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

In this film based on actual events, black activist Medgar Evers (James Pickens Jr.) is murdered in 1963, and much of the evidence points toward white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods). However, after two trials, De La Beckwith is acquitted twice by a jury of whites. Now, decades later in 1989, Evers' widow, Myrlie (Whoopi Goldberg), thinks she has evidence to finally convict him. But no lawyer will touch the case except the young and brash Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin).

Director: Rob Reiner
Executive Producer: Charles Newirth, Jeffrey Stott
Screenwriter: Lewis Colick
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Castle Rock Entertainment, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG-13
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 20, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.1M
Sound Mix: Surround

Most Popular at Home Now