Stephen King’s stories have a weird way of sticking to your ribs. You know the feeling. It’s that lingering chill after you realize that "sometimes dead is better." Whether you are looking for the gritty 1989 original that traumatized a generation of kids or the slicker, high-budget 2019 remake, finding Pet Sematary where to watch depends mostly on which streaming subscriptions you're currently paying for. It’s a bit of a moving target.
Rights jump around. One month it's on Max, the next it’s exclusive to Paramount+.
Honestly, the 1989 version is the one most people are actually looking for. It has that specific, low-budget 80s dread that CGI just can't replicate. Zelda in the hallway? Pure nightmare fuel. If you’re trying to track it down, your best bet is usually Paramount+. Since Paramount owns the distribution rights to the older library titles, they keep it tucked away there pretty consistently.
You’ve got options, though.
The Current Streaming Landscape for the Creed Family
If you aren't a Paramount+ subscriber, don't panic. You can still find Pet Sematary where to watch on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, but there is a catch. Usually, it’s behind a "channel" wall. You might see it listed, click play, and then get hit with that "Start your 7-day free trial of Paramount+" pop-up. It's annoying. I get it.
The 2019 remake—starring Jason Clarke and the always-excellent John Lithgow—is often bundled in the same place. However, because it’s a more recent "blockbuster" style release, it occasionally pops up on MGM+ or even Hulu during the Halloween season.
Check the "Live TV" sections if you use services like Sling or Fubo. They often cycle through horror classics on channels like AMC or IFC. If you catch it on a broadcast schedule, you can DVR it. That's the old-school way, but it works.
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Buying vs. Renting: Is it worth the ten bucks?
Sometimes it’s just easier to own the thing.
Look, streaming services are basically digital landlords. They can kick your favorite movie off the platform at midnight on the first of the month without saying a word. If you’re a die-hard King fan, buying a digital copy on Apple TV (iTunes) or Vudu (now Fandango at Home) is the only way to ensure it's there when you have that specific 11 PM craving for Maine-based horror.
Usually, the 1989 film goes for about $9.99 to $14.99. Renting is cheaper, obviously. About four bucks.
But here is a pro tip: wait for a sale.
Fanatical and Gruv often have digital code sales where you can snag the 4K version of the 2019 remake or the remastered 1989 original for five dollars. It’s a steal. Plus, the 4K remaster of the original looks incredible. They cleaned up the film grain just enough to make it sharp without losing that grimy, "buried in the woods" aesthetic.
What About Pet Sematary: Bloodlines?
We have to talk about the prequel.
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Released in 2023, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is a different beast entirely. It’s a Paramount+ Original. This means you won’t find it on Netflix. You won't find it on Disney+. It lives and breathes on Paramount's server.
It explores the backstory of a young Jud Crandall. It’s polarizing. Some fans love the lore expansion; others think it misses the point of the original book’s intimacy. Regardless of where you stand on the quality, if you're looking for this specific entry, you are locked into the Paramount ecosystem.
Why the 1989 Original Still Holds Up
Mary Lambert directed the first one, and she understood something crucial. It wasn't just about the jump scares. It was about grief.
Fred Gwynne—Herman Munster himself—delivered a performance as Jud that is iconic. When you're searching for Pet Sematary where to watch, you’re likely looking for that specific chemistry between Gwynne and Dale Midkiff.
The 2019 version tried to subvert expectations by switching which child dies. It was a bold move. It worked for some. But for many, the sight of Gage Creed with a scalpel is the definitive image of the franchise. That’s why the original remains a high-demand title on streaming services every single October.
Regional Differences and Using a VPN
If you are outside the United States, the "where to watch" map changes.
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In the UK, for example, the movies often land on Sky Go or NOW. In Canada, Crave is a frequent home for King adaptations. If you’re traveling and find your library has changed, a VPN is your best friend. Set your location to the US, and your Paramount+ login should behave like you’re sitting on your couch in Ohio.
Just be aware that some services are getting stricter about VPN usage. It’s a bit of a cat-and-mouse game.
Practical Steps to Start Watching
Don't spend twenty minutes scrolling through menus.
- Check JustWatch or Reelgood. These are the gold standard for real-time tracking. They will tell you if the movie moved from one service to another this morning.
- Verify your Amazon Channels. You might already have access through a secondary subscription you forgot to cancel.
- Search for the "King Collection." Many streamers group Stephen King movies together. If you see The Stand or Cujo, Pet Sematary is usually nearby.
- Physical Media. Don't laugh. The 4K Blu-ray of Pet Sematary is one of the best-looking horror discs on the market. If you have a player, the disc will never disappear because of a licensing dispute.
The ground is sour, but the streaming options are plenty. Whether you want the 80s nostalgia or the modern polish, your best bet remains Paramount+ for the full franchise experience. Just remember to keep the lights on when Gage starts wandering the hallways.
Next Steps for the Horror Fan:
Before you hit play, check the "Special Features" if you are watching on a digital store like Apple TV. The 1989 version often includes a commentary track by Mary Lambert that explains how they pulled off the more "impossible" shots with a child actor. Also, if you’re a purist, hunt down the audiobook narrated by Michael C. Hall (Dexter). It’s widely considered the best way to experience the story outside of the screen. Pair that with a rewatch, and you’ll see exactly where the movies stayed faithful and where they veered off the path into the deep woods.