You’re sitting there, the lights are low, and you suddenly have this weird, masochistic urge to see a shapeshifting clown drag children into a sewer. We’ve all been there. But trying to figure out where to watch It—and by "It," I mean both the 2017 blockbuster and the 1990 miniseries that gave us all nightmares—is surprisingly annoying. Streaming rights move around like a red balloon in the wind. One month it’s on Netflix, the next it’s buried in some premium add-on you forgot you subscribed to.
Honestly, the landscape is a mess.
If you’re looking for the modern Andy Muschietti version featuring Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying lazy eye, your best bet is almost always Max. Since Warner Bros. produced the film, it lives on their home turf. However, if you are an international viewer, things get wonky. In the UK or Canada, you might find it on Netflix or Crave, respectively. It’s all about those licensing deals that happen behind closed doors.
The Streaming Shuffle for the Losers Club
Right now, if you want to stream It (2017) or It Chapter Two (2019) in the United States, you need a Max subscription. It’s the most stable home for the franchise. Sometimes, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video will snag the rights for a month or two through a partnership with Warner, but don't count on it. If it’s not on Max, it’s probably nowhere for "free" with a subscription.
You've got to consider the 1990 version too. Tim Curry’s performance is legendary. It’s campy, it’s dated, and it’s genuinely unsettling in a way the CGI-heavy modern films aren't. Finding the original miniseries is usually a bit tougher. It pops up on platforms like Tubi or Pluto TV occasionally because it’s older, but more often than not, it’s relegated to the "rent or buy" category on VOD platforms.
Why does this happen? Licensing. Basically, platforms pay for a window of time. When that window closes, Pennywise packs his bags and heads elsewhere. It’s why you’ll see people on Reddit constantly asking "where to watch It movie" every single October. The answer changes.
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Renting vs. Buying: Is It Worth the Ten Bucks?
Look, if you’re a horror fan, just buy the digital copy. I’m serious.
Platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Vudu (now Fandango at Home) sell the 4K UHD version for about $14.99, and it often drops to $7.99 during sales. If you buy it, you never have to hunt for it again. You own it. Plus, the 4K transfer of the 2017 film is gorgeous—or as gorgeous as a movie about a child-eating monster can be. The HDR really makes those red balloons pop against the dreary Maine backdrop.
If you just want a one-night stand with a clown, renting is usually $3.99. Just remember that once you hit play, you usually only have 48 hours to finish it.
Why the Location Matters (VPNs and More)
Streaming is a geographic game. If you're traveling or living outside the US, the answer to where to watch It changes instantly. Netflix remains the king of international distribution for these titles. In many European and Asian markets, Netflix holds the rights to the 2017 film.
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Some people use VPNs to jump over these digital fences. By routing your connection through a server in, say, Germany or the UK, you might find the movie sitting right there on your Netflix dashboard even if it's missing in the States. It's a bit of a gray area, but it works for those who are tech-savvy enough to set it up. Just make sure your VPN provider actually works with streaming services, as many get blocked.
The Physical Media Argument
I know, I know. Nobody wants a shelf full of plastic cases anymore. But here’s the thing: physical media is the only way to ensure you actually own the movie. When you "buy" a movie on a digital platform, you’re basically buying a long-term license. If that platform goes under or loses a deal, your movie could theoretically vanish.
A Blu-ray of It costs about the same as a digital rental these days. Plus, you get the commentary tracks. Hearing Andy Muschietti talk about the technical challenges of filming the "Projector Scene" adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the craft.
Watching the Prequel: Welcome to Derry
There is a huge reason everyone is looking for where to watch It right now: the upcoming Max original series Welcome to Derry.
This show is a prequel set in the same universe as the Muschietti films. It’s going to explore the history of Pennywise and the town of Derry long before the Losers Club showed up. Since this is a Max original, it’s a safe bet that the 2017 and 2019 films will remain on Max for the foreseeable future to help build hype for the show. If you're trying to catch up on the lore before the series drops, a Max subscription is your most efficient path.
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Summary of Quick Options
If you’re in a rush and just want the movie on your screen in the next five minutes, here is the breakdown of the most reliable methods:
- Max (formerly HBO Max): The primary home for both modern It films in the US.
- Netflix: Check here if you are outside the US; it's a common staple in international libraries.
- VOD (Apple/Amazon/Google Play): Always available for rent or purchase. This is the "no-fail" method if you don't mind spending a few extra dollars.
- Cable On-Demand: If you still have traditional cable, check channels like TNT or TBS. They own the broadcast rights and often have it available to stream via their apps if you log in with your provider credentials.
The 1990 miniseries is currently a bit more elusive. It tends to bounce between Max and various "free with ads" services. If you see it on a platform like Freevee or Tubi, watch it immediately before it disappears.
Getting the Best Experience
Don't just watch this on your phone. It is a movie that relies heavily on sound design. The whispers in the walls, the creak of the old house on Neibolt Street, and the sudden, jarring jumpscares are half the fun. Use decent headphones or a soundbar.
Also, pay attention to the version you’re watching. There is an "Ultimate It" fan cut floating around the internet that combines both movies into one giant epic, but that’s not an official release. Stick to the theatrical cuts for your first viewing to get the pacing the director intended.
Actionable Next Steps
To watch It tonight without the headache of searching for hours, follow these specific steps:
- Check Max first. If you have the app, search for "It." It usually appears as the first result alongside the sequel.
- Use a search aggregator. Sites like JustWatch or the "Where to Watch" feature on Google are surprisingly accurate for real-time tracking of which service currently holds the rights.
- Check your library. Many local libraries offer digital streaming through apps like Hoopla or Kanopy. You’d be shocked how often big-budget horror movies end up there for free.
- Buy the 4K bundle. If you see the two-film collection on sale for under $15, grab it. It saves you from ever having to do this search again.
- Prepare for Welcome to Derry. If you’re watching to get ready for the new series, start with the 2017 film, then the 2019 sequel, and then—if you're feeling brave—the 1990 miniseries to see the different interpretations of the character.