So, you’ve got that itch for some early 2000s Marvel nostalgia, or maybe you just want to see Nicolas Cage chew the scenery while his skull is literally on fire. I get it. Finding out where can I watch Ghost Rider isn't always as straightforward as you'd think, mostly because the rights to these movies have been bouncing around like a flaming chain. We aren't just talking about one movie, either. There is the 2007 original directed by Mark Steven Johnson and that wild, gritty fever dream of a sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, from 2011. If you're looking for the Robbie Reyes version of the character, you’re actually looking for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which is a whole different beast.
The Streaming Reality for Johnny Blaze
The short answer? It depends on the week. Honestly, streaming licenses for Sony-produced Marvel films (which these are) move between platforms constantly. As of early 2026, the primary home for the original Ghost Rider (2007) is often Hulu or Disney+ in the United States, thanks to the ongoing deals between Sony and Disney. But here is the kicker: it’s not always there. Sometimes it migrates to Tubi or Pluto TV for a few months if the ad-supported giants pony up the cash.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is even more elusive. It frequently pops up on Starz or Max. If you have a subscription to one of those "add-on" channels through Amazon Prime Video, you might find it sitting there waiting for you.
Why isn't it just on Disney+ permanently?
People always ask this. "It's Marvel, right?" Well, yes and no. While Marvel Studios (Disney) owns the character now, those specific movies were produced by Columbia Pictures (Sony). It’s the same reason the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies aren't always on Disney+. The contracts are old, messy, and involve "output deals" that were signed before streaming was even a major thing.
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Digital Purchase and Rental: The Fail-Safe
If you’re tired of chasing the licensing dragon, you can basically always find both movies on the standard digital storefronts.
- Amazon Prime Video: Usually $3.99 to rent, $12.99 to own.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Often has the 4K HDR version, which, let’s be real, makes those hellfire effects look significantly better.
- Google Play / YouTube: Reliable, though the interface isn't everyone's favorite.
- Vudu (Fandango at Home): Frequently runs "2 for $10" deals on these older Marvel titles.
Buying it is the only way to ensure it doesn't disappear from your library when a contract expires at midnight on the first of the month.
What About the Other Ghost Rider?
If you aren't looking for Nicolas Cage's Johnny Blaze but rather the muscle-car-driving Robbie Reyes, you need to head straight to Disney+. Gabriel Luna played the character in the fourth season of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s a much more modern take, and frankly, the special effects hold up remarkably well for a network television budget. You'll want to look for Season 4, Episode 1, titled "The Ghost." He sticks around for a significant portion of that season, and it’s arguably some of the best live-action Ghost Rider content we’ve ever gotten.
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International Viewers: A Different Story
If you're reading this from the UK, Canada, or Australia, your "where can I watch Ghost Rider" results will look different.
- In Canada, the movies often live on Crave.
- In the UK, look at Disney+ or Sky Go.
- Australia often hosts them on Binge or Stan.
VPNs are an option, sure, but most people just want to click play and see a motorcycle jump over a row of helicopters.
Why We Still Care About These Movies
It's easy to dismiss the 2007 film as "pre-MCU jank." But there is a charm there. Nicolas Cage famously loves this character—he even had a Ghost Rider tattoo he had to cover up with makeup to play the part. The sequel, Spirit of Vengeance, is directed by Neveldine and Taylor (the guys behind Crank), and it is absolutely bonkers. It feels more like a grindhouse horror movie than a superhero flick.
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The visuals of the charred, bubbling leather jacket and the blackened skull in the second movie are genuinely impressive. They used "liquid metal" CGI techniques that still look visceral today. If you're a fan of practical stunts, the bike work in the second film is top-tier.
Actionable Next Steps
To see Ghost Rider right now without the headache, follow this sequence:
- Check JustWatch or Reelgood: These sites are the gold standard for real-time tracking. Type in "Ghost Rider" and it will tell you exactly which app has it in your specific region today.
- Search Disney+ First: Due to the Sony/Disney deal, it is the most likely "free" home for the original film if you already pay for the bundle.
- Check for "Live TV" Apps: If you have a Roku or Vizio TV, check the free ad-supported channels like The Roku Channel. They cycle through 2000s action movies constantly.
- Go Physical if you're a superfan: The 4K Blu-ray of the original movie is actually a decent transfer and includes some "making-of" features that explain how they did the fire effects, which is fascinating for film nerds.
Whatever you do, don't pay for a sketchy "free movie" site that’s going to infect your laptop with malware just to see a flaming skeleton. It's not worth it. Stick to the major platforms or just spend the four bucks to rent it on Amazon and call it a day.