Honestly, finding exactly where to watch The Black Phone shouldn't be this complicated. But here we are. It’s early 2026, and between the original 2022 hit and the brand-new sequel that just dropped on streaming, navigating the licensing deals is a whole mood. If you're looking to catch Ethan Hawke’s creepy-as-hell Grabber, you basically have two main paths depending on whether you want the first film or the new one.
Let’s be real. Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill really tapped into something primal with the first movie. That 1970s suburban grime? Terrifying. Now that the sequel, Black Phone 2, has officially landed on digital, the landscape has shifted a bit. You've got options, but they aren't all in the same place.
Where Can You Watch The Black Phone (2022) Today?
If you want to start from the beginning—where Finney is stuck in that basement with the disconnected rotary phone—you’re mostly looking at Peacock. Since it’s a Universal Pictures release, Peacock is its natural home.
You can usually find it there if you have a Premium or Premium Plus subscription.
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Sometimes it pops up on the USA Network app or even Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) as a "free with ads" title, but that's hit or miss. If you don't want to deal with subscriptions, renting it for a few bucks on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or Apple TV is the easiest way to go. It usually costs about $3.99 to rent. Cheap enough for a Friday night scare.
What About Black Phone 2?
This is the big news. As of January 16, 2026, Black Phone 2 is officially streaming on Peacock.
The sequel takes place four years after the first movie. Finn is 17 now. Gwen is 15. And yeah, the Grabber is back, but it's more of a supernatural, Nightmare on Elm Street vibe this time around. Universal didn't wait long to move this from theaters to your living room.
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If you aren't a Peacock subscriber, you've probably noticed you can already buy or rent the sequel on PVOD (Premium Video on Demand). Platforms like YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV have had it since late 2025. It’s more expensive there—usually $19.99 to rent—but if you want to own it digitally, that’s where you go.
Why You Can't Find It on Netflix
People ask this all the time. "Why isn't it on Netflix?"
Basically, Universal has a very tight relationship with Peacock. They want you in their ecosystem. While some Universal movies eventually migrate to Netflix for a short window (thanks to a complex "pay-one" licensing deal), The Black Phone movies spend the vast majority of their time on Peacock. If you’re searching Netflix and coming up empty, don't be surprised. It's just business.
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Physical Media Lovers, Take Note
Believe it or not, some of us still like discs. Black Phone 2 hit 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on December 23, 2025. If you want the best possible picture quality—and some of those behind-the-scenes features like "Dialed In: The Cast of Black Phone 2"—physical is the way to go. The original movie is also widely available in 4K, and honestly, the HDR on that dingy basement footage makes a huge difference.
Quick Summary of Your Options
- Peacock: Both the original and the sequel are here. This is the "one-stop shop."
- Rental/Purchase (Digital): Available on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
- Physical: 4K and Blu-ray are out for both.
- Free Options: Occasional ad-supported runs on Fandango at Home or live TV apps like USA/Syfy.
If you’re planning a marathon, start with the 2022 original to get the vibe. Then, jump straight into the sequel on Peacock to see how they handled the Grabber's "return" from beyond the grave. It’s a wild ride, and Gwen’s psychic dreams play a much bigger role this time.
Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and maybe keep your own phone on silent. Just in case.
Check your Peacock app first—if you've got an active sub, you're already set to watch both movies right now without spending another dime.