American Made, the 2017 biographical crime film starring Tom Cruise as Barry Seal, is a thrilling ride through the world of drug smuggling, CIA operations, and political intrigue during the 1980s. Whether you’re a die-hard Cruise fan or simply curious about this captivating true story, this guide will comprehensively explain how to find and watch American Made legally and safely.
Understanding Your Options
Finding American Made is easier than ever, thanks to the proliferation of streaming services, on-demand platforms, and traditional physical media options. Your best bet depends on your personal preferences, budget, and technical setup. Here’s a breakdown:
Streaming Services
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Subscription Services: Many streaming services rotate movie titles regularly. Regularly check platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock to see if American Made is currently available in their library. Utilize dedicated search functions within each platform to verify availability. Sometimes, these services offer a free trial period, providing a temporary window to watch the film.
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Ad-Supported Streaming: Platforms such as Tubi, Crackle, and Roku Channel occasionally feature free, ad-supported movies. Check these services, but be prepared for commercial interruptions.
On-Demand Platforms
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Digital Purchase and Rental: Major platforms like Apple TV (iTunes), Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video (for purchase or rental even if not in their regular streaming library), Vudu, and YouTube Movies offer American Made for purchase or rental. Rental periods typically last 48 hours after you begin watching. Purchasing allows you to keep the movie indefinitely in your digital library.
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Microsoft Store: Similar to the options above, the Microsoft Store offers digital versions of American Made for purchase or rental on your Xbox or Windows devices.
Physical Media
- DVD and Blu-ray: The most reliable method to ensure permanent access to American Made is purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray. These formats often include extra features like deleted scenes, commentary tracks, and behind-the-scenes footage. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target typically stock these formats. Consider checking local used bookstores or online marketplaces for discounted options.
Factors to Consider
Before committing to a particular viewing method, consider the following:
- Price: Rental options are the most budget-friendly for a single viewing. Purchasing is more economical for repeated viewings. Subscription services offer access to a vast library of content for a monthly fee.
- Accessibility: Ensure the platform you choose is compatible with your devices (smart TV, computer, mobile device).
- Video Quality: Blu-ray offers the highest video and audio quality. Streaming quality depends on your internet connection and the platform’s encoding. Digital purchases typically offer higher quality than rentals.
- Availability: As mentioned earlier, streaming service availability can change frequently. Confirm the movie is currently available before subscribing or initiating a rental/purchase.
Avoiding Illegal Downloads
It’s crucial to emphasize that downloading or streaming American Made from unauthorized sources is illegal and unethical. These websites often contain malware, viruses, and other harmful software that can compromise your device and personal information. Supporting the film industry through legal means ensures that creators and distributors are fairly compensated for their work. Always opt for legitimate platforms to watch movies.
FAQs About Watching American Made
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further assist you:
1. Is American Made available on Netflix in the US?
Netflix’s library constantly changes. While American Made may have been available in the past, it’s essential to check their current offerings by searching directly on the Netflix platform. Use the Netflix search bar and type “American Made” to confirm.
2. Can I watch American Made for free online?
Legally, free options are limited to ad-supported streaming services like Tubi or Crackle, and even then, availability is not guaranteed. Beware of websites claiming to offer free streaming of copyrighted movies; these are often illegal and unsafe.
3. Where can I rent American Made digitally?
You can rent American Made on platforms such as Apple TV (iTunes), Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Rental periods typically last for 48 hours after you start watching.
4. What’s the difference between buying and renting a movie digitally?
Renting gives you temporary access, typically for 48 hours after starting to watch. Buying gives you permanent ownership of the digital copy, allowing you to watch it anytime on your linked devices.
5. Is there a director’s cut or extended version of American Made?
Currently, there is no officially released director’s cut or extended version of American Made. The version available on streaming and physical media is the theatrical release.
6. What extras are included on the American Made Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray edition of American Made typically includes bonus features such as deleted scenes, a making-of documentary, and commentary from the director and/or cast. These features provide deeper insight into the film’s production.
7. Does American Made contain mature content?
Yes, American Made is rated R for language, some violence, and drug content. Viewer discretion is advised.
8. Is American Made based on a true story?
Yes, American Made is loosely based on the true story of Barry Seal, a pilot who became a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel and later worked as an informant for the CIA. However, it’s important to remember that the film takes creative liberties with the actual events.
9. Can I watch American Made offline?
If you purchase or download the movie through a digital platform like Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, you can typically download it to your device for offline viewing. Subscription streaming services often offer this feature as well.
10. What are some similar movies to American Made?
If you enjoyed American Made, you might also like Blow, War Dogs, Narcos, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Catch Me If You Can, all of which explore themes of crime, corruption, and unconventional characters.
11. How do I find out if a specific streaming service has American Made?
The easiest way is to use the search function within the specific streaming service’s app or website. Alternatively, you can use third-party websites and apps like JustWatch, which track movie availability across various streaming platforms.
12. Is American Made available in 4K UHD?
Yes, American Made is available in 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) on select digital platforms, offering a superior viewing experience with enhanced resolution and color. Check your preferred digital retailer to confirm availability in 4K.
By following this guide and consulting these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to find and watch American Made in a way that suits your needs and preferences. Enjoy the thrilling true story brought to life!