You’ve heard the rumors about this movie. If you’re a horror fan, it’s basically a rite of passage. But tracking down Martyrs where to watch is surprisingly tricky because there are actually two versions of this film, and they live in very different corners of the streaming world. One is a foundational pillar of the "New French Extremity" movement from 2008, and the other is a 2015 American remake that—honestly—most hardcore fans tell people to skip.
Finding the original is the real challenge. It’s not just about clicking a button on Netflix.
The Search for the Original 2008 Martyrs
Pascal Laugier’s original Martyrs is a brutal, philosophical endurance test. It’s not "fun" horror. It’s "I need to sit in a dark room for three hours and rethink my life" horror. Because of its extreme graphic violence and transgressive themes, it often hops around different streaming platforms depending on licensing deals.
As of right now, the most reliable place to find the 2008 Martyrs where to watch is through specialty horror services. Shudder is usually your best bet. If you have an AMC+ subscription, you can often find it tucked away there too. It’s also frequently available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play. However, be warned: regional licensing is a nightmare. In some territories, it might disappear for months at a time because a distributor forgot to renew a contract or the rights are tied up in legal limbo.
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If you see it on a service like Tubi or Freevee, grab it immediately. These ad-supported platforms rotate their "extreme" catalogs fast. One week it's there; the next, it's gone.
What About the 2015 American Remake?
The 2015 version directed by Kevin and Michael Goetz is much easier to find. It’s usually streaming on Tubi for free (with ads) or available on Vudu.
Is it worth it? Most critics and fans say no. While the original movie feels like a visceral descent into madness and spiritual inquiry, the remake feels like a standard, watered-down thriller. It lacks the "New French Extremity" DNA that made the first one so controversial and impactful. If you’re looking for Martyrs where to watch because you want the experience everyone talks about on Reddit, make sure you are looking at the 2008 poster with the distinctive, haunting imagery of a woman’s face. Don't settle for the remake just because it's easier to find on your Roku.
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Why This Movie Is So Hard to Stream
Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ generally stay away from movies as intense as Martyrs. The film deals with themes of systematic torture and transcendence in a way that makes "The Human Centipede" look like a Saturday morning cartoon. It’s high art, but it’s high art that makes people uncomfortable.
Distribution companies like Wild Bunch and Weinstein Company (under the Dimension Extreme label) handled the initial releases. Since then, the rights have been fragmented. In the UK, StudioCanal often holds the keys. In the US, it’s a bit of a shell game. This fragmentation is why you often have to pay the $3.99 rental fee on Amazon rather than finding it as part of a standard subscription.
Honestly, if you are a physical media collector, this is one of those movies you should just own on Blu-ray. The 10th-anniversary editions or the releases from Umbrella Entertainment often have better transfers than what you’ll see on a compressed 1080p stream.
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Navigating Regional Restrictions
If you are outside the US or UK, the hunt for Martyrs where to watch gets even weirder. In Australia, it might show up on Stan. In Canada, Crave occasionally picks up these types of titles.
If it isn't showing up on your local platforms, people often turn to a VPN to access the US version of Shudder or Tubi. It’s a common workaround for horror enthusiasts who live in countries with stricter censorship laws or smaller digital libraries. Always check JustWatch or Reelgood before you start your search; these sites are fairly accurate at tracking which library currently holds the license in your specific zip code.
A Quick Warning for First-Time Viewers
This isn't a "popcorn and chill" movie. Martyrs is famous for its second act, which shifts from a standard revenge flick into something much more agonizing and experimental. If you’re watching the 2008 version, prepare for a very bleak ending that doesn't offer easy answers. It’s a film that stays with you, for better or worse.
Actionable Steps for Your Viewing Session
- Verify the Year: Double-check that you are selecting the 2008 version if you want the "true" experience. The 2015 version is widely considered inferior.
- Check Specialty Apps First: Open Shudder or AMC+ before searching general platforms like Netflix or Hulu.
- Look for Sales: If you see the digital version for under $5 on FanFlix or Vudu, buy it. It’s one of those titles that frequently gets "delisted" due to its controversial nature.
- Subtitles Over Dubs: If you find the 2008 version, watch it in the original French with English subtitles. The English dub often ruins the emotional weight of the performances by Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï.
- Check Your Local Library: Don't laugh—many libraries have the DVD or Blu-ray in their "International" or "Horror" sections, and you can borrow it for free via the Libby or Hoopla apps if they have the digital rights.
Once you find the movie, clear your schedule. You’re going to need a bit of time to decompress after the credits roll. It’s one of the most significant pieces of 21st-century horror cinema, but it demands your full attention and a very strong stomach.