Daniel Day-Lewis screams about milkshakes. He crawls through the dirt with a broken leg. He builds an empire out of spite and oil. It’s been nearly two decades since Paul Thomas Anderson dropped this 158-minute epic on us, and honestly, it hasn't aged a day. If you’re looking for There Will Be Blood where to watch, you’re probably either a cinephile due for a rewatch or someone who finally realized they’ve missed out on one of the greatest performances in film history.
Finding where a movie is streaming is usually a headache. One day it’s on Netflix, the next it’s vanished into the licensing void. As of early 2026, the landscape for There Will Be Blood is a mix of subscription-based platforms and the old-reliable digital storefronts.
The Current Streaming Landscape for There Will Be Blood
Right now, if you want to watch Daniel Plainview descend into madness, your best bet is usually Paramount+. Because the film was produced by Paramount Vantage (along with Miramax), it tends to live there more consistently than anywhere else. However, licensing deals are fickle things. You might also find it popping up on MGM+ or occasionally as a featured title on Prime Video for those with the right add-on channels.
If you don't have those specific subscriptions, don't sweat it. You've got options.
The digital "rent or buy" market is the most stable way to access the film. You can find it in 4K on Apple TV (iTunes), Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu). Usually, a rental will set you back about $3.99, while owning a digital copy costs around $14.99. Honestly, for a movie this beautiful, the 4K upgrade is worth the extra couple of bucks. Robert Elswit’s cinematography—which won an Oscar, by the way—looks absolutely haunting with the high dynamic range.
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Why physical media still wins here
I know, I know. Nobody wants to deal with discs anymore. But listen. Streaming bitrates are kind of a lie. When you stream There Will Be Blood, the dark, soot-covered landscapes of 19th-century California can sometimes look "blocky" or compressed in the shadows.
If you’re a real stickler for quality, the Blu-ray or the 4K UHD disc is the gold standard. The sound design alone—Jonny Greenwood’s discordant, nerve-wracking score—deserves the uncompressed audio you only get from a physical disc. Plus, you never have to worry about a "license expiration" removing the movie from your library.
What makes There Will Be Blood worth the hunt?
You might be asking why people are still obsessed with a movie about a grumpy oil man from 2007. It's simple. It's perfect.
Daniel Day-Lewis is a force of nature. He famously stayed in character for the entire shoot, which reportedly intimidated some of his co-stars. His portrayal of Daniel Plainview isn't just acting; it's an exorcism. The story is loosely based on Upton Sinclair’s 1927 novel Oil!, but Anderson took that premise and turned it into a dark, nihilistic exploration of the American Dream. It’s a movie about competition, religion, and the ways that greed can hollow a person out until there’s nothing left but "the hatred inside."
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The Paul Dano factor
We talk about Day-Lewis a lot, but Paul Dano’s dual role as Paul and Eli Sunday is what makes the movie tick. The tension between the capitalist (Plainview) and the prophet (Eli) is the heart of the film. That final scene in the bowling alley? It’s legendary for a reason. It’s grotesque, hilarious, and terrifying all at once. If you haven't seen it yet, I’m actually jealous. You’re about to experience something truly singular.
Breaking down the technical brilliance
When you're looking for There Will Be Blood where to watch, you should prioritize the highest resolution possible. This isn't a movie to watch on your phone while on the train.
- The Cinematography: Robert Elswit used 35mm film, often using natural light or period-appropriate sources. The result is a grainy, tactile texture that feels like you're breathing in the dust of the oil fields.
- The Score: Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead created a score that sounds like a panic attack. It doesn't follow the typical "sweeping epic" rules. It’s jagged and weird.
- The Pacing: It’s a slow burn. The first fifteen minutes have almost no dialogue. It’s pure visual storytelling. If you’re used to modern blockbusters, the pace might feel "off" at first, but stick with it. The payoff is immense.
Common misconceptions about streaming availability
A lot of people think that just because a movie is "old," it should be free on YouTube or tucked away in a corner of Netflix forever. That’s not how it works. Movies like There Will Be Blood are high-value library titles. Studios know people will pay to see them.
You might see "Free" versions on sites like Pluto TV or Tubi, but these usually come with heavy ad breaks. Imagine being right in the middle of a tense confrontation between Plainview and his son, only to be interrupted by a commercial for insurance. It kills the vibe. Totally.
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Check your local library, too. Many libraries offer Kanopy or Hoopla, which are free streaming services for library cardholders. They often have Criterion-level films and prestige dramas like this one available for "rent" using your monthly credits. It’s a total pro tip that most people overlook.
Actionable steps to watch right now
If you’re ready to pull the trigger and dive into the madness of the California oil boom, here is exactly how to handle it:
- Step 1: Check your current apps. Open Paramount+ first. If you have the "Showtime" tier, it’s almost certainly there.
- Step 2: Search across platforms. Use a tool like JustWatch or the built-in search on your Apple TV/Roku/Fire Stick. This will tell you if it’s currently on a "free with ads" service you might have missed.
- Step 3: Opt for the 4K Digital Buy. If you don't have a subscription, don't waste time on a $4 rental that expires in 48 hours. This is a movie you will want to show people later. Just buy the digital copy on Apple or Amazon.
- Step 4: Settings Check. Before you hit play, turn off "Motion Smoothing" on your TV. This movie is supposed to look like film, not a soap opera. Crank the sound.
There Will Be Blood isn't just a movie; it's a monumental piece of art. Whether you're watching for the "milkshake" meme or the profound character study, it delivers. Get the lighting right, grab a drink, and prepare for Daniel Plainview to take over your living room.