You’ve probably seen the cryptic trailers or heard the whispers about "Companion," the movie that basically ruined weekend cabin getaways for everyone in early 2025. If you missed the theatrical run—where people were genuinely losing it over that mid-movie twist—you’re likely asking the big question: what can I watch Companion on?
Honestly, the way movies move from the big screen to your living room is getting confusing. One day it’s "only in theaters," and the next it’s buried in a library of a dozen different apps. For Companion, the sci-fi horror hybrid that stars Sophie Thatcher and a very unhinged Jack Quaid, the path is actually pretty straightforward once you know where to look.
Since the film was produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros., it has a very specific "home" in the streaming world.
Where to stream Companion today
If you want to watch Companion as part of a subscription you’re already paying for, Max (formerly HBO Max) is the place. It landed there on April 18, 2025, and has been a staple of their horror and sci-fi section ever since.
It makes sense. Warner Bros. owns Max, so they keep their heavy hitters like this one close to the chest. If you have the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle, you're also good to go.
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But what if you don't do the Max thing?
You aren't totally out of luck. You can find Companion on most major digital storefronts for rent or purchase. People usually head to:
- Amazon Prime Video (You can rent it or buy a digital copy to keep).
- Apple TV (Usually the best bit-rate if you're a stickler for 4K quality).
- Fandango at Home (The app formerly known as Vudu).
- Google Play & YouTube.
One weird thing to note: as of early 2026, some users have noticed the "rental" window is getting shorter. Typically, once you hit play on a rental, you’ve only got 48 hours to finish it. Don’t start this at 11 PM if you aren't prepared to see the whole 97-minute runtime through.
Why everyone is talking about this movie
Let’s be real for a second. Most "AI gone wrong" movies are kinda predictable. You’ve seen M3GAN, you’ve seen Ex Machina. But Companion hits differently because it’s basically a "toxic relationship" movie disguised as a tech-thriller.
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Written and directed by Drew Hancock, the story follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid). They go to a cabin. Things get weird. Then things get violent. The "hook" that most people get wrong before watching is thinking it’s a simple slasher. It isn’t.
Without spoiling the big reveal for the three people left who haven't seen it: it’s about control. It explores what happens when "companionship" is something you can literally program and jailbreak. Jack Quaid plays the "nice guy" trope so well that when the mask slips, it’s genuinely unsettling.
The cast that makes it work
The chemistry—or lack thereof, intentionally—is what keeps you watching.
- Sophie Thatcher: She’s been on a tear since Yellowjackets, and here she carries the emotional weight of the film.
- Jack Quaid: Forget the charming guy from The Boys. He is terrifying here.
- Lukas Gage & Harvey Guillén: They provide some of the weirdest, most "is this a comedy or a nightmare?" moments in the film.
Is it worth the rental fee?
If you’re debating whether to drop $5.99 on a rental or just wait for it to maybe pop up on Netflix (spoiler: it probably won't because of that Warner Bros. deal), here’s the deal.
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The movie is 1 hour and 37 minutes of pure adrenaline. It’s "certified fresh" for a reason. Critics like Richard Roeper called it a "meditation on manipulation," while others just loved the gore. It’s rated R for a reason—there is some seriously gnarly stuff involving an electric corkscrew and some self-driving car chaos.
If you like the "unhinged" vibe of movies like Barbarian (which shares the same producers), you’ll love this. If you want a slow-burn, philosophical deep dive into the ethics of AI? Maybe not so much. This is a popcorn flick with teeth.
How to get the best experience
Look, if you're watching this on a phone, you're doing it wrong. The sound design in Companion is half the fun. Those mechanical whirrs and the "70s gentle romance" score by Hrishikesh Hirway need a decent pair of headphones or a soundbar.
Also, if you're watching on Max, check if you have the "Ultimate Ad-Free" tier. That’s the only way to get it in 4K with Dolby Atmos. For a movie this sleek and "retro-chic," the extra clarity actually matters.
What to do after watching
Once the credits roll and you’ve processed that ending (and the "skin" scene), you’ll probably want more.
- Check the Special Features: If you bought the movie on Apple TV or Prime, look for the "I Feel, Therefore I Am" featurette. It has Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher breaking down their characters’ twisted dynamic.
- Watch Barbarian: If you haven't seen the producers' previous hit, do it immediately. It has the same "the movie you start isn't the movie you finish" energy.
- Physical Media: If you’re a collector, the 4K UHD Blu-ray came out in April 2025. It’s worth it just for the cover art, honestly.
Stop scrolling through TikTok and just go watch it. Whether you're on Max or renting it on Prime, it’s the kind of movie that stays in your head way longer than you’d expect. Just... maybe don't trust your Alexa for a few days afterward.