Fences Poster

Fences 2016

★ 6.92,788 votes139 min📅 2016-12-16

"Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in."

Denzel Washington's powerful adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Fences (2016), transports viewers to 1950s Pittsburgh where Troy Maxson, a proud yet embattled African-American garbage collector, grapples with the suffocating ...

Director: Denzel Washington

Cast

Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Troy Maxson
Viola Davis
Viola Davis
Rose Maxson
Stephen McKinley Henderson
Stephen McKinley Henderson
Jim Bono
Jovan Adepo
Jovan Adepo
Cory Maxson
Russell Hornsby
Russell Hornsby
Lyons Maxson
Mykelti Williamson
Mykelti Williamson
Gabriel Maxson
Saniyya Sidney
Saniyya Sidney
Raynell Maxson
Lesley Boone
Lesley Boone
Evangelist Preacher
Christopher Mele
Christopher Mele
Deputy Commissioner
Jason Silvis
Garbage Truck Driver

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fences (2016) about?

Fences (2016) follows Troy Maxson, a working-class African-American man in 1950s Pittsburgh, as he confronts the harsh realities of racism, limited opportunities, and personal regrets while trying to protect and provide for his family. His struggles to reconcile pride with vulnerability shape a story rich in emotion and hard-earned wisdom.

Who directed Fences?

Fences was directed by Denzel Washington, who also stars in the lead role. Known for his commanding presence both on and off screen, Washington brings a visceral intensity to this adaptation of August Wilson's iconic play.

Who stars in Fences?

The film stars Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, and Russell Hornsby in pivotal roles that anchor its emotional depth.

Is Fences (2016) worth watching?

Absolutely. Fences is a masterful blend of drama and family dynamics, anchored by powerhouse performances—especially Viola Davis' Oscar-winning portrayal. Its themes of resilience and regret resonate deeply, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven storytelling.

How long is Fences?

Fences (2016) has a runtime of 139 minutes, offering a full, immersive experience of its powerful narrative.

🎥 Trailer

About Fences (2016) — August Wilson's Masterpiece Brought to Life by Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington's powerful adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Fences (2016), transports viewers to 1950s Pittsburgh where Troy Maxson, a proud yet embattled African-American garbage collector, grapples with the suffocating weight of racism, economic hardship, and his own unresolved past. As he navigates a fragile family life with his devoted wife Rose and two sons, Troy's fiery determination to build emotional and physical barriers—both for protection and control—sets the stage for a deeply moving exploration of legacy, love, and the fractures beneath the surface of everyday struggles.

With a stellar ensemble cast including Viola Davis in a career-defining performance, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Jovan Adepo, the film transforms Wilson's stage masterpiece into a cinematic experience brimming with raw emotion and unforgettable dialogue. The richly textured atmosphere and unflinching portrayal of Black life in mid-century America make Fences (2016) a poignant reflection on the fences we construct—and those that ultimately define us.