So, you've probably heard the noise by now. Joker: Folie à Deux didn't exactly have the same "billion-dollar lightning in a bottle" run as the first one. Honestly, it was a bit of a chaotic mess at the box office. But that’s actually good news for you if you’re looking to watch it from your couch. Because it struggled in theaters, Warner Bros. rushed it onto digital platforms way faster than anyone expected.
Whether you’re a Gaga superfan wanting to see her take on Lee Quinzel or you just need to see if the musical numbers are as polarizing as the internet says, you have plenty of options. As of right now in 2026, the film has settled into its long-term home on streaming services.
Where to watch the Joker 2 on streaming right now
If you’re looking for the "free" option—well, free with a subscription—there’s only one primary place to go. Since this is a Warner Bros. Discovery production, Max (formerly HBO Max) is the exclusive streaming home for Joker: Folie à Deux.
It officially landed on the platform on December 13, 2024, which was barely two months after it hit theaters. Usually, a movie this big would take three or four months to transition to streaming, but the studio hit the gas pedal to try and find an audience at home. It actually worked, too. Despite the theatrical "flop" narrative, the movie shot straight to the number one spot on Max almost immediately after it dropped.
Here is the deal with Max right now:
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- The Ad-Supported Tier: You can grab this for about $9.99 a month. It’s the cheapest way to see the movie if you don’t mind a few interruptions while Arthur Fleck is singing his heart out.
- The Ad-Free Plan: This will run you around $16.99. It’s better for the "vibe" of the movie, honestly.
- The Ultimate Ad-Free Tier: If you have a fancy 4K setup, this is the one. It’s $20.99 a month, and it’s the only way to stream it in 4K UHD with Dolby Atmos.
If you happen to be a Cricket Wireless customer on their $60/month unlimited plan, check your account. They often include the "With Ads" version of Max for free, which is a solid win.
Can you watch Joker: Folie à Deux on Netflix or Prime Video?
This is where people get kinda confused. You might see the movie listed on Amazon Prime Video, but usually, it’s not part of the base Prime membership.
Instead, Prime Video acts as a storefront. You can "rent" or "buy" the digital version there. Or, you can subscribe to the Max channel add-on through Prime. It’s basically the same price as a standalone Max sub, but it keeps all your stuff in one app.
As for Netflix, don't hold your breath. In the U.S., Warner Bros. keeps their big DC titles pretty close to the chest on Max. While they occasionally license older movies to Netflix (like they did with some DC films in late 2023), Joker 2 is still a relatively fresh "prestige" title for them. It’s likely going to stay a Max exclusive for the foreseeable future.
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Buying vs. Renting: The VOD Breakdown
If you don't want another monthly subscription, you can just buy the thing outright. It’s been available for digital purchase since October 29, 2024.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Usually the best for Apple users because of the high bitrate and "Extras" menu.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): They often have bundles where you can buy the first Joker and Folie à Deux together for a discount.
- Google Play / YouTube: Simple, works on everything, but rarely has the cool bonus features.
Renting is usually around $5.99 now, while buying the digital 4K version has dropped to about $14.99 to $19.99 depending on the sale.
Physical Media: For the collectors
I know, I know—who buys discs anymore? Well, people who want the best bitrates and don't want to worry about a movie disappearing because of a licensing dispute.
The physical 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions hit shelves on December 17, 2024. The 4K disc is actually pretty stunning. Even if you didn't love the plot, the cinematography by Lawrence Sher is top-tier, and the disc handles the dark, grimy shadows of Arkham much better than a compressed stream.
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The physical release also includes a four-part documentary called Everything Must Go, which goes into the making of the film. It's actually a pretty honest look at the production, which is rare for these big studio features.
What to know before you hit play
The tone is... different. That’s the big thing. If you’re expecting a gritty "taxi driver" style crime thriller like the first one, you might be surprised. It’s a courtroom drama mixed with a jukebox musical.
There is a lot of Lady Gaga. There is a lot of singing. There is a lot of Arthur Fleck being miserable in a cell.
Some people found it to be a bold, subversion of the "superhero" genre. Others felt it was a middle finger to the fans of the first movie. Honestly, watching it at home is probably the best way to experience it because you can really digest the weirdness without the pressure of a $20 theater ticket hanging over your head.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current subs: See if you already have Max through a cable provider or phone plan.
- Compare the quality: If you have a high-end OLED TV, skip the "With Ads" Max tier; the compression will ruin the beautiful cinematography. Buy the 4K digital version or the disc instead.
- Double Feature: If you need a refresher, the original Joker (2019) is also on Max. It’s worth watching them back-to-back just to see how drastically Todd Phillips shifted the style.
Grab the Max app or head over to your favorite digital retailer and look for the title. It's ready when you are.