Looking for where can you watch The Black Phone for free without breaking the bank or violating copyright laws? The Black Phone, the 2021 horror-thriller film starring Ethan Hawke, has captivated audiences with its chilling story about a kidnapped boy who receives mysterious phone calls. While finding completely free and legal ways to stream new movies can be challenging, there are several legitimate options including free trials, library services, and ad-supported platforms that let you watch The Black Phone without paying. This comprehensive guide will show you all the legal ways to watch this terrifying film for free, help you avoid illegal streaming sites, and explain your best options for catching this modern horror masterpiece.
What Is The Black Phone?
Before diving into where to watch it, let’s briefly cover what makes this movie worth seeking out.
The Black Phone is a 2021 supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson (who also directed Sinister and Doctor Strange). The movie is based on a short story by Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son).
The plot: Set in 1978, the film follows Finney Shaw, a 13-year-old boy who’s kidnapped by a sadistic serial killer known as “The Grabber” (played by Ethan Hawke). Finney is imprisoned in a soundproof basement with only a disconnected black rotary phone on the wall. When the phone begins to ring, Finney discovers he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims, who are calling from beyond the grave to help him escape.
Why people love it: The Black Phone combines psychological horror with supernatural elements, features a genuinely creepy performance from Ethan Hawke, and tells a suspenseful story with real emotional depth. It was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $161 million worldwide on a modest budget.
Rating: The film is rated R for violence, bloody images, language, and some drug use. It’s not appropriate for young children.
Legal Free Streaming Options for The Black Phone
Let’s start with the most important information: legitimate ways to watch The Black Phone without paying.
Free Trial Options
Several streaming services offer The Black Phone, and many provide free trials that let you watch without immediate payment:
Peacock Premium: NBC’s Peacock streaming service frequently includes The Black Phone in its library. Peacock offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. After the trial, it’s $5.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free), but you can cancel before being charged.
How to use this option:
- Visit peacocktv.com or download the Peacock app
- Sign up for Peacock Premium with a new email address
- Start your 7-day free trial
- Search for The Black Phone and start watching
- Set a reminder to cancel before day 7 if you don’t want to continue
Important: Free trials require payment information upfront. They’ll charge you automatically after the trial unless you cancel. Mark your calendar to cancel at least one day before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Amazon Prime Video: The Black Phone is sometimes available for rent or purchase on Prime Video, and Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for Prime membership. While the movie itself may require additional rental even with Prime, occasionally it’s included with the subscription.
Paramount+: Occasionally available here with their 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
Apple TV+: While The Black Phone isn’t an Apple original, you can rent it through Apple TV, and new Apple device owners often get extended free trials (up to 3 months).
Library Services (Completely Free)
This is one of the best-kept secrets for free, legal streaming:
Hoopla Digital: Many public libraries partner with Hoopla, which offers free streaming of movies, TV shows, music, and ebooks. The Black Phone is often available on Hoopla.
How it works:
- Check if your local library is a Hoopla partner (visit hoopladigital.com)
- Get a library card from your local library (usually free for residents)
- Sign up for Hoopla using your library card number
- Browse their catalog and stream The Black Phone for free
- Most libraries allow 5-10 “borrows” per month
Kanopy: Another library-based streaming service, Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities. While Kanopy focuses more on art house and educational films, they sometimes carry popular releases.
How it works:
- Visit kanopy.com and check if your library participates
- Sign up using your library card
- Get a certain number of “tickets” each month (usually 10)
- Each movie costs one ticket and is available for 3 days
Library DVD checkout: The old-fashioned way still works! Many libraries have DVD copies of The Black Phone that you can borrow completely free. Call your local library or check their online catalog.
Why library options are best: They’re 100% legal, completely free with no payment information required, and support your local library system. There’s no risk of being charged or forgetting to cancel a trial.
Ad-Supported Free Streaming
Some platforms offer movies free with advertisements:
Tubi: This completely free, ad-supported streaming service occasionally rotates popular horror films into their catalog. While The Black Phone may not always be available, it’s worth checking. Tubi requires no subscription or payment information – just ads during the movie.
Pluto TV: Another free, ad-supported service that occasionally features recent theatrical releases. Check their on-demand section.
The Roku Channel: If you have a Roku device, their free channel sometimes includes popular movies with ads.
Freevee (Amazon’s free service): Amazon’s ad-supported free streaming service occasionally adds popular titles.
Important note: Availability on ad-supported platforms changes frequently. The Black Phone may not always be on these services, but they’re worth checking because they’re completely free and legal.
Promotional Offers and Deals
Keep an eye out for special promotions:
Phone carrier deals: T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T sometimes offer free streaming subscriptions to customers. T-Mobile’s “T-Mobile Tuesdays” app regularly features streaming deals.
Student discounts: Students can often get Peacock, Paramount+, or other services at deep discounts or with extended free trials.
Bundle deals: Some services bundle together. For example, Hulu sometimes bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+, offering a trial period that includes all three services.
Credit card perks: Some credit cards offer complimentary streaming subscriptions or statement credits for entertainment services.
Black Friday and holiday deals: Streaming services often offer extended free trials or deep discounts during major shopping holidays.
Subscription Services That Include The Black Phone
If you’re willing to pay for a subscription (or already have one), here’s where The Black Phone is typically available:
Peacock Premium ($5.99/month with ads, $11.99/month ad-free): Frequently includes The Black Phone in their horror catalog.
Amazon Prime Video (included with Prime at $14.99/month or $139/year): Available for rent ($3.99-$5.99) or purchase ($14.99-$19.99), occasionally included free with Prime.
Apple TV: Available for rent ($3.99-$5.99) or purchase ($14.99-$19.99).
Google Play Movies & TV: Rent ($3.99-$5.99) or buy ($14.99-$19.99).
Vudu: Rent or purchase at similar prices.
Microsoft Store: For Xbox users, rent or buy through the Microsoft Store.
YouTube Movies: Rent or purchase directly through YouTube.
Rental prices are typically around $3.99-$5.99 for a 48-hour viewing window, while purchasing the movie permanently costs $14.99-$19.99 in HD.
Why You Should Avoid Illegal Streaming Sites
When searching for free movies, you’ll encounter many illegal streaming sites. Here’s why you should avoid them:
Legal Risks
Copyright infringement: Streaming pirated content is illegal in most countries, including the United States. While enforcement typically focuses on people who upload content rather than viewers, you’re still technically breaking the law.
Fines and legal action: In some cases, internet service providers (ISPs) may send warnings or even take legal action against users who stream pirated content. Repeat offenders can face fines.
Terms of service violations: Using illegal streaming can violate your ISP’s terms of service, potentially leading to service termination.
Security Risks
Malware and viruses: Illegal streaming sites are notorious for hosting malware, viruses, and malicious software that can infect your device. These can steal personal information, damage your computer, or hold your files for ransom.
Phishing scams: Many fake streaming sites are actually designed to steal your personal information, credit card numbers, or login credentials.
Cryptocurrency mining: Some illegal sites secretly use your computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency, slowing down your device and increasing your electricity bill.
Intrusive ads: Illegal streaming sites typically bombard you with pop-ups, many containing inappropriate content or scams.
Quality and Reliability Issues
Poor video quality: Pirated streams are often low-resolution, have audio sync issues, or feature hardcoded subtitles in other languages.
Buffering and crashes: Illegal sites frequently experience buffering, crashes, or suddenly go offline mid-movie.
No support: If something goes wrong, there’s no customer service to help you.
Ethical Considerations
Hurting creators: Illegal streaming denies revenue to filmmakers, actors, crew members, and everyone who worked on the movie. This impacts their ability to make more films.
Supporting criminal enterprises: Many illegal streaming operations are run by organized crime networks that profit from your views.
Better legal options exist: With all the free trials, library services, and affordable rental options available, there’s no need to risk illegal streaming.
How to Find Where The Black Phone Is Streaming
Availability changes constantly as streaming rights move between platforms. Here’s how to find current information:
Use Streaming Search Engines
JustWatch.com: This free website shows exactly where any movie is available to stream, rent, or buy. Search for “The Black Phone” and it shows all current options with prices.
How to use it:
- Visit justwatch.com
- Search for “The Black Phone”
- Filter by “Free” to see only free options
- Filter by country to ensure accuracy for your location
Reelgood.com: Similar to JustWatch, Reelgood aggregates streaming availability across all major platforms.
Can I Stream It: Another useful site that searches across streaming services.
Google search: Simply Googling “where to watch The Black Phone” often shows a knowledge panel with current streaming options.
Check Streaming Service Apps
Most streaming apps have search functions. Simply open Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, or other apps you already subscribe to and search for “The Black Phone” to see if it’s included or how much it costs to rent.
Set Up Alerts
Some services let you create watchlists or alerts:
- Add The Black Phone to your watchlist on JustWatch to receive notifications when it becomes available on free services
- Follow streaming services on social media for announcements about new additions
Tips for Maximizing Free Trials
If you’re using free trials to watch The Black Phone, maximize your value with these strategies:
Use different email addresses: Most services allow one free trial per email address. You can create multiple email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) to access multiple trials over time.
Calendar reminders: Immediately set a phone reminder for 1-2 days before your trial ends to cancel if you don’t want to continue. This is crucial to avoid unwanted charges.
Binge your watchlist: During a 7-day trial, watch multiple movies or shows you’ve been wanting to see, not just The Black Phone.
Read the cancellation policy: Understand whether you need to cancel before the last day or if you can cancel anytime during the trial without being charged.
Take notes: Keep track of which trials you’ve used and when, so you know when you might be eligible again (some services allow new trials every 6-12 months).
Bundle strategies: If you want to watch multiple movies, time your trials strategically. Use Peacock’s trial one week, then Paramount+’s the next week, etc.
No shame in canceling: These trials are designed for you to try the service. If it’s not worth the subscription price to you after the trial, cancel guilt-free.
Watching on Different Devices
Once you find where The Black Phone is streaming, you’ll want to know how to watch on your preferred device:
Smart TVs: Download the streaming app (Peacock, Prime Video, etc.) directly on your Samsung, LG, Sony, or Vizio smart TV. Most modern TVs have app stores.
Streaming devices: Use Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast to stream from the service to any TV. All major services support these devices.
Game consoles: PlayStation and Xbox both support major streaming apps. Download the app from the console’s store.
Computers: Watch directly in your web browser by visiting the streaming service’s website.
Mobile devices: Download the iOS or Android app for the streaming service and watch on your phone or tablet.
Casting: Use Chromecast or AirPlay to send the movie from your phone to your TV.
Offline viewing: Some services (like Amazon Prime Video) allow downloads for offline viewing during your rental period or subscription.
Is The Black Phone Worth Watching?
Before you go through the effort of finding it free, you might wonder if it’s worth it:
Critical reception: The Black Phone received positive reviews, with an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 88% from audiences.
What critics praised:
- Ethan Hawke’s terrifying performance as The Grabber
- Strong performances from young actors Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw
- Effective blend of supernatural horror and grounded thriller elements
- Director Scott Derrickson’s return to horror after Doctor Strange
- Emotional depth and character development unusual for horror films
Potential drawbacks:
- It’s genuinely scary and violent – not for the squeamish
- Some viewers found the supernatural phone element underexplained
- The R rating means it’s not family-friendly
- Slower pacing than some modern horror films (which many consider a strength)
Who will enjoy it: Horror fans, especially those who like supernatural thrillers with good acting and atmosphere rather than just jump scares. Fans of Sinister, It, or Stranger Things will likely appreciate The Black Phone.
Who might not: People who dislike horror, are sensitive to child endangerment themes, or prefer action-heavy films over suspenseful, atmospheric ones.
Alternative Horror Movies to Watch
If you’re interested in The Black Phone, you might also enjoy these films, many of which are easier to find for free:
Sinister (2012): Another Scott Derrickson horror film with Ethan Hawke. Often available on free services like Tubi or Pluto TV.
Doctor Sleep (2019): Supernatural horror with strong performances. Sometimes on HBO Max or available through library services.
The Invisible Man (2020): Modern thriller-horror that’s frequently available on Peacock.
It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019): Similar themes of children facing evil. Often on HBO Max.
Split (2016): James McAvoy’s unsettling performance in another kidnapping thriller.
A Quiet Place (2018): Excellent horror-thriller, frequently available on Paramount+.
Get Out (2017): Jordan Peele’s masterpiece, often available on Peacock.
Many of these are more readily available on free streaming services or through library systems than The Black Phone, since they’re slightly older.
Supporting the Filmmakers
While this article is about watching for free, it’s worth noting the value of supporting filmmakers:
Why it matters: When movies perform well financially, studios greenlight sequels, similar films, and more projects from the same creators. The Black Phone’s success led to discussions of a sequel and more opportunities for director Scott Derrickson.
How to support:
- Rent or purchase the movie if you loved it (even after watching free)
- Buy it on physical media (Blu-ray/DVD) if you want to rewatch
- Recommend it to friends and family
- Leave positive reviews on streaming platforms
- Follow and support the creators on social media
The balance: Using legitimate free options (trials, library services) is perfectly ethical and legal. These are provided by rights holders who’ve been compensated. But if you become a fan, consider supporting the filmmakers when you can.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Watching The Black Phone
- Is The Black Phone available on Netflix?
As of now, The Black Phone is not available on Netflix in the United States. Netflix’s library changes monthly, but this film is typically found on Peacock, Amazon Prime Video (for rent), or other platforms. The best way to check current availability is to search on JustWatch.com or search Netflix directly, as licensing agreements can change. - Can I watch The Black Phone for free on YouTube?
No, The Black Phone is not legally available for free on YouTube. While YouTube offers movies for rent or purchase, free versions on YouTube are pirated uploads that violate copyright law and will eventually be removed. Official YouTube movie rentals typically cost $3.99-$5.99 for 48-hour access. - How can I watch The Black Phone without a credit card?
Use library services like Hoopla or Kanopy, which only require a library card (free from your local library) and no payment information. You can also check out the physical DVD from your library. Ad-supported services like Tubi or Pluto TV also require no payment information if the movie is available there. - Is it illegal to watch The Black Phone on free streaming sites?
Yes, watching on unauthorized streaming sites that don’t have legal rights to the content is illegal copyright infringement in most countries. These sites also pose security risks including malware and viruses. Legal free options include library services, legitimate free trials, and ad-supported platforms that have proper licensing. - When will The Black Phone be free on regular streaming services?
There’s no set schedule for when movies become included with streaming subscriptions versus requiring rental fees. The Black Phone may eventually be included as part of Peacock Premium or other subscriptions without additional cost, but timing varies. Following streaming news sites or setting alerts on JustWatch can notify you when it becomes freely available. - Can I watch The Black Phone for free with Amazon Prime?
It depends. The Black Phone is sometimes available as a free rental for Prime members during promotional periods, but typically it requires an additional rental fee ($3.99-$5.99) even if you have Prime membership. Prime Video availability changes, so check your Prime Video app to see current options. The 30-day Prime free trial might allow you to rent it during promotional periods. - How long is The Black Phone available after I rent it?
Most digital rental services (Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube) give you 30 days to start watching after you rent it, and once you press play, you have 48 hours to finish the movie. You can watch it as many times as you want during that 48-hour window. Check the specific terms when renting, as they can vary slightly by platform. - Is The Black Phone too scary for teenagers?
The Black Phone is rated R for violence, bloody images, language, and some drug use. It’s recommended for ages 17 and up, though mature 15-16 year olds might handle it. The film contains intense scenes of child abduction, violence, and psychological terror. Parents should review content warnings and possibly preview it themselves before allowing younger teens to watch. It’s definitely too intense for children under 13. - Do I need to cancel my free trial before it ends or on the last day?
This varies by service, but to be safe, cancel at least one day before the trial ends. Most services (Peacock, Paramount+, etc.) allow you to continue using the service until the trial period officially ends even after canceling, but they won’t charge you. Waiting until the last day risks forgetting or missing the deadline. Set a calendar reminder for 2 days before the trial ends. - Can I watch The Black Phone at my library’s physical location?
Some libraries host movie screenings or have media rooms where you can watch DVDs on-site. Call your local library to ask about their facilities and policies. Most libraries also allow you to check out DVDs to watch at home for free with your library card. Additionally, Hoopla and Kanopy (library streaming services) let you stream from anywhere, not just the library building.
