You’ve probably seen the headlines or that grainy, unsettling trailer. Sebastian Stan looking eerily like a young Donald Trump, and Jeremy Strong—fresh off his Succession fame—playing the legendary and terrifying Roy Cohn. But finding out where can I see the movie The Apprentice has turned into a bit of a scavenger hunt for most people. It’s not like a Marvel movie where you just stroll into any multiplex or check the "New Releases" tab on Disney+. This thing has had a bumpy ride, to say the least.
Honestly, the distribution of this film felt like a political thriller in its own right. Between the standing ovation at Cannes and the legal threats from the Trump campaign, the movie spent a long time in limbo. Major studios were basically terrified of it. They didn't want the legal headache or the potential blowback. But it’s out now. Sorta. Depending on where you live and how much you’re willing to dig.
Where Can I See the Movie The Apprentice Right Now?
If you’re in the United States, your options have finally settled into a predictable groove. For a long time, it was "theaters only," but as of early 2026, that's changed. You can basically find it on most major VOD (Video on Demand) platforms. This means you aren't going to find it "free" with a subscription like Netflix or Hulu just yet—unless you caught that brief, weird window on Netflix late last year before it vanished again.
Here is the current reality for US viewers:
- Google Play & YouTube Movies: You can rent it in 4K for about $3.99 or buy it for $12.99.
- Apple TV / iTunes: Same deal here. It’s available for digital purchase and rental.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): If this is your preferred library, it's there.
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or buy it, but it is not included in your Prime membership for free.
It's kind of wild to think about, but for a movie this "loud" in the press, it's remarkably quiet on the major streaming apps.
The Netflix Disappearing Act
There was a massive buzz in late 2025 when Netflix briefly added The Apprentice to its library in certain regions, including parts of Europe and reportedly a short stint in North America. People thought the saga was over. Then, boom—it was gone. According to industry reports from Digital Spy, the movie was removed from Netflix after only about a month in some territories.
Why? Licensing. Independent films like this, distributed by smaller outfits like Briarcliff Entertainment, often have very specific, short-term windows. If you’re searching for it on Netflix today and getting "No results," you aren't crazy. You just missed the boat.
Is It Streaming Globally?
This is where it gets even more confusing. If you are reading this from outside the US, the answer to where can I see the movie The Apprentice changes completely.
In some European countries, like Bulgaria or Latvia, the movie has actually landed on HBO Max (or just Max). It seems the international rights were handled much more cleanly than the American ones. In Canada, Mongrel Media handled the release, and you’ll typically find it on platforms like Crave or for rent on the usual Canadian digital storefronts.
For those in the UK or Ireland, StudioCanal holds the reins. You might see it pop up on Sky Cinema or Now TV, but it frequently moves back and forth between "subscription" and "rental only."
Why You Might See It on Tubi or Pluto TV
You might have seen some search results or social media posts claiming the movie is on Tubi or Pluto TV for free. Let's clear that up. Most of the time, those platforms are hosting documentaries or older TV specials with the same name. Remember, The Apprentice was a massive reality show for decades. There are countless "The Apprentice" titles out there.
If you see a "free" version on a service like Tubi, check the cast. If it doesn't have Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, it's not the Ali Abbasi film you're looking for. Don't waste your time on a 2004 recap of Season 3 by mistake.
The Controversy That Almost Buried the Film
To understand why it’s so tricky to find, you have to look at what happened behind the scenes. This wasn't just another biopic. The film includes a very controversial scene involving Donald and Ivana Trump that led to immediate cease-and-desist letters from Trump’s legal team.
The financier Kinematics—which was actually backed by Dan Snyder, a Trump supporter—eventually pulled out because they hated the final cut. That left the filmmakers scrambling for cash to even get the thing into theaters. Eventually, a company called Rich Spirit stepped in, but the "radioactive" nature of the subject matter kept the big streamers like Disney+ and Apple TV+ (as a producer) from touching it with a ten-foot pole.
The Missing Scenes Rumor
There’s been some chatter on Reddit about whether the version you stream is the same as the one shown at film festivals. One user on a popular movie subreddit noted that a specific line of dialogue during a medical procedure scene seemed to be missing from the VOD version compared to the Cannes cut.
While there hasn't been an official "Director's Cut" announcement, it's common for indie films to undergo slight edits for legal clearance before they hit wide digital distribution. If you’re a purist, you're getting the "legal-approved" version on Amazon or Apple right now.
How to Watch If You Can't Find It
If you’ve checked every app and it’s still not showing up, it’s likely a geo-restriction issue. This movie’s availability is a patchwork quilt. Honestly, the most reliable way to see it without a headache is to just bite the bullet and pay the four bucks on a digital storefront like YouTube or Google Play.
Wait for the "2024" or "2025" tag in the description to ensure it's the Sebastian Stan version.
Steps to take if you're ready to watch:
- Check your digital "Buy" platforms first: Avoid searching Netflix or Hulu; they currently don't have it in the US. Go straight to the "Store" tab on your smart TV.
- Verify the cast: Make sure the description mentions Ali Abbasi (Director) and Sebastian Stan.
- Physical Media: If you’re a collector, there is a Blu-ray release, though it's often a "limited run" because the distributors are staying lean. It's often the only way to ensure you actually "own" a copy that won't disappear when a license expires.
- International viewers: Check your local HBO Max or Sky Cinema apps, as they have been much more consistent than the US counterparts.
The movie is a fascinating, if uncomfortable, look at the 1970s New York real estate scene and the man who arguably invented the modern version of Donald Trump: Roy Cohn. Whatever your politics, the performances are objectively powerhouse. It’s worth the hunt, even if the streaming giants made it harder than it needed to be.
Your next move: Open the YouTube or Apple TV app on your device and search for "The Apprentice 2024" specifically to find the rental option, as it remains the most stable way to view the film this week.