For those seeking a chilling cinematic experience, “The Amityville Horror” (1979) and its many sequels and remakes are readily available across various streaming platforms and rental services. Your viewing options depend largely on your region and preferred services, but several popular options consistently offer access to at least one iteration of the franchise.
Understanding the Amityville Horror Franchise
The “Amityville Horror” is more than just a single film; it’s a sprawling franchise rooted (loosely) in the purported true events experienced by the Lutz family in their infamous Long Island home. Before diving into where to watch, it’s important to understand the different entries and their varying availability. The original 1979 film, often considered the benchmark, is frequently sought after, but remakes, sequels, and even documentaries explore different facets of the story.
Key Titles in the Franchise
- The Amityville Horror (1979): The iconic original starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder.
- Amityville II: The Possession (1982): A prequel focusing on the DeFeo murders.
- Amityville 3-D (1983): Attempts to capitalize on the 3D craze of the era.
- The Amityville Horror (2005): A remake starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George.
- Numerous other sequels: Many direct-to-video releases extending the lore.
- Documentaries: Exploring the real-life events and the controversies surrounding them.
Streaming and Rental Options
The best way to watch “The Amityville Horror” depends on your location and preferred platform. Here’s a breakdown of commonly available options:
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Streaming Services:
- Shudder: Often features horror classics, including some “Amityville” installments. Check their current listings.
- Tubi: A free streaming service with a rotating selection of horror movies, occasionally including “Amityville” titles.
- Amazon Prime Video: While not always included with Prime membership, many “Amityville” films are often available for rent or purchase.
- Hulu: Hulu’s horror selection fluctuates, so check availability regularly.
- Other niche streaming services: Look into horror-specific platforms for potential availability.
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Rental and Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video: As mentioned above, renting or purchasing digital copies is a reliable option.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Another digital storefront where you can rent or buy the films.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Provides similar rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: A popular digital video service offering rentals and purchases.
- Physical Media: For dedicated fans, Blu-ray and DVD copies are readily available online and in some stores. This ensures you own the film outright.
Factors Affecting Availability
Several factors can influence where you can watch “The Amityville Horror”:
- Geographic Location: Streaming rights vary by country. What’s available in the US may not be available in the UK or elsewhere.
- Streaming Service Agreements: Licensing agreements between studios and streaming services expire and are renegotiated, leading to films being added and removed from catalogs.
- Release Date and Age of the Film: Newer films are often available for rental or purchase sooner than they become part of streaming service libraries. Older films may have more limited distribution.
Finding the Right Amityville Horror Film
When searching for “The Amityville Horror,” specify which film you’re looking for. Search terms like “The Amityville Horror 1979 streaming” or “Amityville Horror 2005 rent” will yield more accurate results. Consider using movie aggregation websites like JustWatch to determine where specific films are currently streaming or available for rent/purchase.
FAQs: Your Amityville Horror Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify your viewing options:
FAQ 1: Is the original “Amityville Horror” (1979) available on Netflix?
Netflix availability changes frequently. Currently, the 1979 original is not consistently available on Netflix in all regions. It’s best to check your local Netflix library directly, as availability varies depending on licensing agreements within your country. The same goes for other installments of the series.
FAQ 2: Is the 2005 “Amityville Horror” remake worth watching?
Whether or not the 2005 remake is “worth watching” is subjective and depends on your taste. While it stars Ryan Reynolds, many fans consider the original 1979 film superior in terms of atmosphere and suspense. The remake offers a more modern visual style and different interpretations of certain events. It’s widely available for rent or purchase.
FAQ 3: Are any of the “Amityville Horror” sequels any good?
The quality of the “Amityville Horror” sequels varies greatly. Many are considered low-budget and campy. “Amityville II: The Possession” is often cited as one of the better sequels, offering a disturbing prequel narrative. However, many sequels stray far from the original story and are generally considered forgettable.
FAQ 4: How can I tell which “Amityville Horror” movie I’m watching?
The best way is to check the release year and title. Movie database websites like IMDb and The Movie Database (TMDb) provide comprehensive information, including plot summaries, cast details, and release dates. Confirming this information before you start watching will prevent any confusion.
FAQ 5: Is there a documentary about the “real” Amityville Horror?
Yes, several documentaries explore the case, examining the Lutz family’s claims and the controversies surrounding them. Search for documentaries titled “My Amityville Horror” or documentaries exploring the DeFeo murders to find these types of programs. These can often be found on streaming services specializing in true crime.
FAQ 6: Why is the availability of “The Amityville Horror” movies always changing?
This is due to licensing agreements between film studios and streaming services. These agreements have expiration dates, and negotiations for renewals or new agreements can take time. Consequently, films are frequently added and removed from streaming catalogs.
FAQ 7: Can I watch “The Amityville Horror” for free?
Yes, potentially. Services like Tubi often offer free streaming, supported by advertisements. However, availability is not guaranteed and can change. Be cautious of unofficial streaming sites, as they may be illegal and pose security risks.
FAQ 8: Are there any extended or director’s cut versions of “The Amityville Horror”?
There isn’t a widely known or readily available extended or director’s cut of the original 1979 “Amityville Horror.” What you generally find is the theatrical release version.
FAQ 9: Where can I find behind-the-scenes information about “The Amityville Horror”?
DVD and Blu-ray releases of the original film sometimes include bonus features like documentaries, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. You can also find information on movie-related websites and fan forums.
FAQ 10: Is it legal to download “The Amityville Horror” from unofficial sources?
Downloading movies from unofficial sources is generally illegal and constitutes copyright infringement. It’s best to stick to legal streaming services, rental platforms, or purchasing physical copies.
FAQ 11: Is there a connection between the DeFeo murders and the haunting in “The Amityville Horror”?
Yes, the “Amityville Horror” story is based on the events that allegedly occurred after the DeFeo family was murdered in the same house. The Lutz family claimed to have experienced paranormal activity, attributing it to the house’s history. “Amityville II: The Possession” directly depicts a fictionalized version of the DeFeo murders.
FAQ 12: What’s the best way to ensure I can watch “The Amityville Horror” anytime I want?
The most reliable way is to purchase a physical copy (Blu-ray or DVD) or a digital copy through a platform like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. This guarantees you access to the film regardless of streaming service availability.
By considering these options and staying informed about platform availability, you can successfully find and enjoy “The Amityville Horror” and its associated films. Happy watching… if you dare!