Finding out where can you watch Annie in 2026 shouldn't feel like a scavenger hunt through Miss Hannigan’s messy office, but here we are. Between the 1982 classic, the 2014 Jamie Foxx update, and that 1999 Disney version everyone forgets is actually really good, the rights are scattered all over the place.
Honestly, it’s a mess. One month it’s on Netflix, the next it’s vanished into the "vault." If you're trying to figure out which subscription you actually need right now, you've come to the right place.
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The 1982 Original: Where the Sun Comes Out Today
The Aileen Quinn and Carol Burnett version is the gold standard for many. It’s the one with the literal "Hard Knock Life" choreography and the bridge scene that probably gave us all a fear of heights as kids.
As of January 2026, the 1982 Annie is currently available to stream on Netflix.
If you don't have a Netflix sub, you aren't totally out of luck. You can find it on Spectrum On Demand if you’re still rocking a cable package. For the "I don't want another subscription" crowd, the digital storefronts are your best bet.
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- Amazon Prime Video: Available to rent or buy (usually $3.99 for a 48-hour window).
- Apple TV (iTunes): They often have the 4K remastered version, which looks surprisingly crisp for a movie filmed over forty years ago.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): Another solid option for a permanent digital copy.
Why You Might Not See It on Disney+
A lot of people assume because it’s a family musical, it’s a Disney property. Nope. The 1982 film was produced by Columbia Pictures (Sony). That's why you’ll usually find it bouncing between Netflix and Hulu rather than sitting next to Mickey Mouse.
Where Can You Watch Annie (2014) Right Now?
The Quvenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx version—the one with the modern beats and the "Opportunity" song—is also currently living on Netflix.
It's actually pretty convenient that both the 1982 and 2014 versions are under the same roof for the moment. It makes for a great back-to-back comparison if you want to see how "Will Stacks" compares to the original "Daddy Warbucks."
Beyond Netflix, you can find the 2014 version on:
- Tubi: It occasionally pops up here for free with ads. It’s worth a quick search if you want to save a few bucks, though it’s not always a permanent resident.
- Google Play Movies: Reliable for a quick rental.
- YouTube Movies: Same deal as Google Play; simple, fast, no monthly fee.
The "Forgotten" 1999 Disney Version
This is the one starring Victor Garber and Kathy Bates. For many theater purists, this is actually the superior version because it sticks closer to the Broadway script.
Because this was a Wonderful World of Disney production, this version is on Disney+.
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If you’ve searched for "Annie" on Disney+ and only found a documentary or a random short, it’s because the 1999 movie is often buried in the search results. Search for "Annie 1999" specifically. It’s also available for purchase on most digital platforms, but if you’re already paying for the Mouse House, just watch it there.
Buying vs. Streaming: What Makes Sense?
Streaming licenses are fickle. A movie can be there on Monday and gone by Tuesday because a contract expired at midnight. If Annie is a staple in your house—maybe you have a kid who insists on wearing a red dress every day—buying the digital version for $10 to $15 is usually the smarter move.
You’ll save yourself the headache of "where did it go?" later this year.
A Quick Reality Check on "Free" Sites
Look, we’ve all seen those sketchy sites claiming you can watch the full movie for free. Don't do it. Between the malware and the 480p resolution that looks like it was filmed on a potato, it’s not worth it. Stick to the legitimate apps. If you really need a free fix, check Kanopy or Hoopla. If you have a library card, these services let you stream movies for free, and they often carry the 1982 classic.
Watching the Live Specials
In 2021, we got Annie Live! on NBC with Celina Smith and Taraji P. Henson. If that’s the specific version you're hunting for, head over to Peacock. It’s an NBCUniversal production, so it lives there permanently.
Moving Forward with Your Movie Night
To get the most out of your watch party, check your existing subscriptions in this order:
- Check Netflix first: They currently hold the "big two" (1982 and 2014).
- Check Disney+ second: Only if you want the 1999 TV movie version.
- Check Peacock third: For the 2021 live Broadway-style broadcast.
- Rent as a last resort: Use Amazon or Apple TV if you don't want to subscribe to a new service just for one film.
Always double-check the "leaving soon" section on your streaming apps at the start of the month, as musicals are notorious for rotating out of libraries during the spring and fall seasons.