Finding the right stream for a movie from 1997 shouldn't be a chore. Yet, here we are. You're probably sitting on your couch, remote in hand, wondering exactly where can I watch The Jackal without jumping through ten different subscription hoops. It’s a classic problem for fans of that specific era of high-stakes, big-budget cat-and-mouse action.
Bruce Willis in a blonde wig? Check. Richard Gere doing an Irish accent that... well, people have opinions on it? Check. Sidney Poitier being effortlessly regal? Absolutely.
The licensing for films like The Jackal—a loose remake of the 1973 classic The Day of the Jackal—is honestly a mess. It bounces between streamers like a pinball. One month it’s a staple on Netflix, and the next, it has vanished into the digital ether, only to reappear on a service you’ve never heard of. Right now, your best bet for a "free" stream (included with a subscription) is usually through platforms like Tubi or Peacock, but that changes based on who owns the distribution rights this week.
If you aren't seeing it on the big names, check the "Live TV" sections of apps like Roku or Pluto TV. They love these late-90s Universal Pictures thrillers.
Why Tracking Down The Jackal Is Surprisingly Annoying
Digital rights are a headache. Universal Pictures produced The Jackal, which means it often finds a home on Peacock. But Peacock doesn't keep it there forever. They rotate their catalog to keep things "fresh."
Most people search for the film and get frustrated when it's only available for rent. That’s because the "long tail" of movie revenue relies heavily on those $3.99 rentals. If you’re tired of the hunt, honestly, just checking Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV for a rental is the fastest path. It’s less than the price of a latte, and you don’t have to worry about the movie disappearing from your "Watch Later" list halfway through the month.
There is a weird quirk here, though. Don't confuse it with the original 1973 film. If you search "Where can I watch The Jackal," some search engines might point you toward the Fred Zinnemann masterpiece The Day of the Jackal. While that's arguably a "better" film in terms of pure tension and craft, it’s a completely different vibe. You want the one with the remote-controlled heavy machine gun and the 90s techno-thriller aesthetic. Make sure the poster has Willis and Gere on it before you click "buy."
The Streaming Landscape in 2026
Streaming has fractured. We used to have one or two choices; now we have twenty. This makes finding older hits a game of digital hide-and-seek.
For those in the United States, Hulu occasionally grabs the rights as part of their partnership deals. In the UK or Canada? The situation is even more volatile. You might find it on Crave or BFI Player, depending on the territory. It’s also worth noting that many "free with ads" services (FAST channels) are becoming the primary home for mid-budget 90s movies.
If you have a library card, try Kanopy or Hoopla. People constantly sleep on these services. They are completely free and often have deep catalogs of thrillers that the big streamers ignore because they aren't "trending."
A Quick Reality Check on Quality
If you do find a stream, pay attention to the resolution. Some of the older uploads on budget streaming sites are still stuck in standard definition (SD). Watching a 1997 action flick in 480p on a 65-inch OLED is a miserable experience. You want at least the HD version. If you’re a real stickler for quality, the Blu-ray is usually cheap in bargain bins and will always beat a compressed stream. Plus, no one can "delist" a physical disc from your shelf.
Is It Actually Worth the Search?
Critics hated this movie when it came out. Roger Ebert gave it one and a half stars. He called it "shallow" and "recycled."
But audiences? We kinda love it.
There’s something about the way Michael Caton-Jones directed this that feels incredibly tactile. The scene where the Jackal tests his weapon in the woods is legendary for its cold, clinical brutality. It’s also one of the last "analog" feeling thrillers before everything became CGI-heavy. Bruce Willis plays a true villain here—not an anti-hero, not a misunderstood guy—just a professional killer. It’s a rare turn for him.
Richard Gere’s Declan Mulqueen is a bit of a polarizing character. His backstory as an imprisoned IRA sniper adds a layer of political grit that the movie doesn't quite know how to handle, but his chemistry with Sidney Poitier’s FBI Deputy Director Carter Preston is solid.
Technical Specs and Trivia for the Nerds
If you’re watching this for the first time, keep an eye out for the technology. 1997 was a weird transitional year. They use bulky laptops, cellular phones that look like bricks, and primitive internet interfaces. It’s a time capsule.
The "Jackal" himself uses a Polish-made ZSU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun modified for his purposes. It's ridiculous. It's over-the-top. It's exactly why we watch these movies.
Also, look for a very young Jack Black in a small but incredibly memorable role. His scene with Willis is probably the most talked-about moment in the whole film. It perfectly demonstrates the coldness of the titular character.
Where to Look When All Else Fails
- YouTube Movies: Often overlooked, but they have a massive "Rent/Buy" catalog that stays more stable than the subscription services.
- Vudu (Fandango at Home): They frequently bundle The Jackal with other 90s thrillers like The Fugitive or Mercury Rising for a low price.
- Microsoft Store: If you’re on an Xbox, this is often the most integrated way to watch.
- Google TV: It aggregates all your apps so you can see the price differences side-by-side.
Honestly, the "streaming wars" have made it harder to find specific mid-tier classics. We’re in an era where movies are treated like disposable content rather than a permanent library. If you find yourself asking where can I watch The Jackal every six months, it might be time to just buy the digital copy for $7.99 and be done with it.
Your Tactical Next Steps
Stop scrolling through the Netflix "Action" category. It isn't there.
First, open a search aggregator like JustWatch or Reelgood. These sites track the daily movements of movie licenses across every platform. They are the most accurate way to see if The Jackal just landed on a random service like AMC+ or Starz.
👉 See also: Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis Season 2: Why the Cringe Still Works
Second, if you’re a fan of the genre, check out the 1973 original afterward. It provides a fascinating contrast in how Hollywood storytelling changed over twenty-four years. The original is a slow-burn procedural; the 1997 version is a high-octane spectacle.
Finally, check your local digital "deals" section. This movie frequently goes on sale for $4.99 on platforms like FanFlix. Buying it once ensures you never have to play the "where is it streaming" game again.
Actionable Insight: Download the JustWatch app and add The Jackal to your watchlist. Set an alert for "Price Drops" or "New on Streaming." This automates the hunt so you can spend more time watching and less time searching. If it's currently unavailable on your active subscriptions, the rental on Amazon Prime is the most reliable high-definition source available today.