You know that feeling when you finish a movie and just sit in the dark for ten minutes? That’s Sean Baker’s 2017 masterpiece. Finding The Florida Project streaming right now isn’t actually as hard as you might think, but the platforms shift around like the Florida weather. It’s a movie about the "hidden homeless" living in the shadow of Disney World, specifically at the Magic Castle motel.
I remember watching this for the first time and being floored by Brooklynn Prince. She was six. Literally six years old and delivering a performance that most Oscar winners would kill for. It’s raw. It’s neon-soaked. It’s deeply uncomfortable because it shows you a version of the "Most Magical Place on Earth" that the tourism board tries to pretend doesn’t exist. If you’re looking to watch it, you’ve basically got a few solid options depending on what subscriptions you’re already paying for.
The Current State of The Florida Project Streaming
Right now, the most reliable place to find the film is on Max (formerly HBO Max). A24, the studio behind the movie, has a long-standing output deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. This means most of their heavy hitters—including The Florida Project—live there. If you don't have Max, you can usually find it on Kanopy. Honestly, Kanopy is the best-kept secret in streaming. If you have a library card or a university login, you can watch it for free. No ads. No weird rental fees. Just pure cinema.
Sometimes it pops up on Showtime or Paramount+ via their bundle, but that's been hit or miss lately. If you’re a "buy it and own it" person, Apple TV and Amazon are your best bets. It usually retails for about $14.99, but I’ve seen it drop to $4.99 during sales.
Wait.
Before you hit play, you should know that this isn't a traditional narrative. It’s a "slice of life" film. There’s no ticking time bomb. No villain in a black cape. The villain is poverty. It’s the bureaucracy of Child Protective Services. It’s the cycle of desperation that forces Halley, played by Bria Vinaite, to make impossible choices.
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Why Willem Dafoe deserved that Oscar
Can we talk about Bobby? Willem Dafoe plays the motel manager, and it is easily one of the most empathetic roles of his entire career. He’s the surrogate father, the reluctant disciplinarian, and the only person standing between these families and the street. He’s just a guy doing his job. He’s fixing the ice machine. He’s chasing off creeps. He’s trying to keep the power on.
Dafoe was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and honestly, he should have won. His performance is subtle. It’s all in the way he looks at the kids—this mixture of exhaustion and genuine love. He knows how their story likely ends, and he’s just trying to delay that ending for as long as possible.
The Reality Behind the Magic Castle
The movie was filmed at an actual motel on US Highway 192 in Kissimmee. It’s called the Magic Castle Inn & Suites. It’s still there. It’s still purple.
Sean Baker used real residents as extras. That’s why it feels so authentic. You aren't looking at a set designed by a Hollywood art director; you’re looking at a real community. The "Magic Castle" is just one of many motels along that strip where families live because they can’t afford the first and last month’s rent for an apartment. It’s a precarious existence. One bad week—one missed shift at the strip club or one broken-down car—and you’re out.
The iPhone Ending Controversy
The ending of the film is polarizing. No spoilers, but the way it was shot is fascinating. Because Baker didn't have permission to film at Disney World, he and a skeleton crew snuck in with iPhones.
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- They used the iPhone 6S Plus.
- The footage was processed to look like the 35mm film used for the rest of the movie.
- It creates this jarring, dreamlike shift in reality.
Some people hate it. They think it breaks the immersion. I think it’s brilliant. It represents the escapism that the characters desperately need. When reality becomes unbearable, the only place left to go is a fantasy world.
Why You Should Watch It Today
We are living through a massive housing crisis. In 2026, the themes of The Florida Project are even more relevant than they were in 2017. Rents have skyrocketed. The gap between the "vacation class" and the "service class" has widened into a canyon.
When you're looking for The Florida Project streaming, you aren't just looking for entertainment. You're looking at a sociological document. It’s a movie that demands you look at the people you usually ignore. The kids screaming in the hallway. The woman selling perfume in a parking lot. The guy just trying to fix the washing machine.
It’s funny, too. That’s the genius of it. Moonee and her friends are hilarious. They have that specific kind of childhood wonder that hasn't been crushed yet. They find adventure in a cow pasture or a melted ice cream cone. It reminds you that even in the toughest circumstances, kids are still kids. They’re resilient. Until they aren't.
Technical Details for the Cinephiles
If you’re watching this on a high-end OLED, you’re in for a treat. Alexis Zabe, the cinematographer, used 35mm film for almost the entire shoot. The colors are insane. The Florida sunset looks like a bruised peach. The neon purple of the motel pops against the bright blue sky.
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It’s a "pretty" movie about a "ugly" situation. That contrast is intentional. It mirrors the way Disney presents a sanitized version of joy while the reality just outside the gates is far more complex.
Actionable Steps for Viewers
If you've finished the film and want to actually do something about the issues it raises, here is how you can practically engage:
Check the "Hidden Homeless" stats in your own city. This isn't just a Florida problem. Look up "Point in Time" counts for your local area. Most people are surprised to find that motels are used as emergency housing in almost every major US suburb.
Support the Community Hope Center. This is the actual non-profit based in Kissimmee that helped Sean Baker research the film. They provide services to the "wraparound" community living in hotels along the 192 corridor. You can donate or look for similar organizations in your zip code.
Watch Sean Baker’s other work. If the style of The Florida Project clicked with you, check out Tangerine (shot entirely on iPhones) or Red Rocket. He has a very specific way of capturing the American fringe without being exploitative.
Look for the "A24" section on your streaming app. If you have Max, search for the A24 collection. It’s a goldmine of indie cinema that shares this same "prestige" feel without the Hollywood gloss.
Watching The Florida Project is an experience. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. It sticks to your ribs. You’ll find yourself thinking about Moonee and Bobby long after the credits roll and you’ve closed your laptop.