You probably heard about it first as the "three-and-a-half-hour architect movie" that everyone was obsessed with at Venice. Then came the Oscar buzz. Now, the question is basically just one thing: where is The Brutalist streaming so you can actually watch it without losing an entire day at a 70mm theater?
The answer isn't as simple as checking Netflix. Honestly, if you’re looking for it there, you’re out of luck.
The Official Streaming Home for The Brutalist
Because this is an A24 film, it follows a very specific path. Thanks to a massive multi-year deal between A24 and Warner Bros. Discovery, Max (formerly HBO Max) is the exclusive streaming home for The Brutalist.
It officially landed on the platform on May 16, 2025.
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If you have a Max subscription, you've already got access. If you don't, you might be looking at other ways to get in. For example, some folks get Max for "free" through their Cricket Wireless unlimited plans or via certain Hulu/Disney+ bundles. It's also worth noting that while the film is on Max, it hasn't always been available in 4K/UHD for every tier of subscriber right away. WBD has a habit of keeping the highest resolution for their "Ultimate" ad-free plans, which kinda stinks if you’re trying to appreciate the VistaVision cinematography on a budget.
Can you rent or buy it elsewhere?
Yeah, you can. If you aren't a fan of monthly subscriptions, The Brutalist is available on all the usual VOD (Video on Demand) suspects. You’ve got options like:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- Google Play / YouTube
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
Typically, it costs around $5.99 to rent and $19.99 to buy it digitally. If you’re a collector, A24 also released a physical Blu-ray and 4K UHD version, which many purists argue is the only way to watch it given how Brady Corbet (the director) feels about film grain and texture.
Why Everyone Is Talking About This Movie
It’s an epic. There’s really no other way to describe a film that runs 215 minutes. That’s 3 hours and 35 minutes of Adrien Brody playing László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and tries to rebuild his life in post-war America.
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People compare it to The Godfather or There Will Be Blood. It’s got that massive, sweeping feeling of a "Great American Novel," but it’s actually an original screenplay by Corbet and Mona Fastvold.
The story spans thirty years.
It’s heavy.
It’s gorgeous.
And it actually had a 15-minute intermission in theaters.
One of the best things about it streaming on Max is that you can actually use that intermission to go grab a sandwich or, you know, use the bathroom without missing a pivotal scene about concrete or high-society betrayal.
Critical Acclaim and the Oscar Run
The Brutalist didn't just exist; it dominated. It picked up 10 Academy Award nominations in 2025. Adrien Brody won Best Actor—his first win since The Pianist over twenty years ago. Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones were also all over the supporting categories.
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The film's score, composed by Daniel Blumberg, is also a character in itself. It’s minimalist, screechy in parts, and totally haunting. You can actually stream the soundtrack on Spotify or Apple Music if you want to feel like you’re building a monumental library in Pennsylvania while you’re just doing the dishes.
Common Misconceptions About Streaming Availability
A lot of people think that because Focus Features handled the international distribution, the movie might show up on Peacock in the US.
Nope.
In the United States, A24 holds the keys. That means Max is the only spot. If you’re in the UK, things are a bit different because Focus Features (owned by Universal) handled things there. In the UK, you’re more likely to see it on Sky Cinema or NOW, or available for rent on Prime Video UK.
Actionable Steps for Viewers
If you’re ready to dive into this 3.5-hour masterpiece, here is the most efficient way to do it:
- Check your Max Subscription: If you have the "Ultimate Ad-Free" plan, look for the 4K version. It was shot in VistaVision and looks significantly better with the extra bit depth.
- Plan for the Intermission: The film has a built-in 15-minute break. Don't skip it. The pacing of the movie actually relies on that "reset" moment.
- Optimize your Audio: Daniel Blumberg’s score is incredibly nuanced. If you have decent headphones or a soundbar, use them. The "Library" and "Construction" sequences use sound design that gets lost on standard TV speakers.
- Consider the VOD Purchase: If you don't have Max, buying the film for $19.99 is often cheaper than subscribing for multiple months if you're the type of person who likes to rewatch complex dramas to catch all the architectural metaphors.
The movie is a mountain, but it's one worth climbing. Whether you stream it on Max or buy it on Apple TV, just make sure you have the time to sit with it. It isn't "background noise" cinema.