This article has been updated to reflect new streaming information for Prime Video and details about ‘Oppenheimer’s’ success at the Oscars.
The summer of 2023 can be described by one term: Barbenheimer. Even if you avoided the cinema, you likely heard about the massive cultural moment surrounding the simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer.
Both films went beyond box office projections and significantly impacted during award season.
Oppenheimer, in particular, secured 13 Oscar nominations — more than any other movie last year — and won seven awards, including the coveted Best Picture.
If you missed the chance to watch Christopher Nolan’s grand cinematic feat in theaters, you can now experience Oppenheimer from the comfort of your home.
Initially, the film began streaming on Peacock in February, but as of June 18, it has transitioned to Prime Video. Digital retailers also offer it to those looking to rent or purchase the film.
Whether you plan to watch it for the first time or revisit it, here is all the essential information for streaming Oppenheimer at home.
What is Oppenheimer about?
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a striking biopic focused on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb.”
Cillian Murphy leads the film as physicist Oppenheimer, who is tasked by Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. (played by Matt Damon) to oversee the secretive Manhattan Project, a mission to develop the atomic bomb.
The film spans multiple decades through various timelines. It features an impressive ensemble cast portraying historical figures, including Robert Downey Jr., Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Benny Safdie, David Krumholtz, Matthew Modine, David Dastmalchian, Jack Quaid, Dane DeHaan, Jason Clarke, James D’Arcy, Tony Goldwyn, Alex Wolff, and Kenneth Branagh.
Is Oppenheimer worth watching?
With seven Oscar wins and nearly $1 billion in global box office revenue, Oppenheimer is undeniably a film to be noticed.
It currently holds a 93% critic score and a 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie is expansive, unsettling, and impactful, so it is regarded as one of 2023’s standout films.
According to Belen Edwards of Mashable, it represents “Nolan’s most powerful and emotionally charged work to date.”
“As expected from Nolan, Oppenheimer is grand in scale, showcasing stunning visuals of New Mexico’s landscapes, atomic particles, and, of course, the historic Trinity Test.
However, the third act resonates the most, as the consequences of the Manhattan Project ripple through time, stretching beyond Oppenheimer’s life and into our modern era.
With a raw portrayal of Oppenheimer’s personal flaws and an intense performance by Cillian Murphy, the film evolves into a gripping tragedy and a deeply haunting experience,” she wrote in the publication’s review of the year’s best films.
While the film excels in many areas, it does have its shortcomings. Critics like Kristy Puchko from Mashable have noted issues with Nolan’s portrayal of women, the film’s sound design, and a noticeable lack of Japanese perspectives.
Despite these critiques, Oppenheimer stands as a monumental achievement.
Is Oppenheimer available for streaming?
Oppenheimer made its streaming debut on Peacock in February, but it moved to Prime Video on June 21.
You can start watching now if you already have a Prime Video subscription. If not, keep reading to discover how to sign up and enjoy Oppenheimer from home.
How to watch Oppenheimer at home?
You will need an active Amazon Prime or standalone Prime Video subscription to stream Oppenheimer at home.
While Prime Video doesn’t frequently offer significant discounts like other services, there are still a few ways to save.
If you’re new to Prime or haven’t subscribed, Amazon provides a 30-day free trial, which is plenty of time to watch Oppenheimer (despite its considerable runtime).
After the trial ends, membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually, so don’t forget to cancel before the trial period ends if you want to avoid the charge.
Students can use a six-month free trial through Prime Student, which requires a valid student email.
This grants access to all Prime benefits, including Prime Video, allowing you to stream Oppenheimer for free throughout the trial.
After six months, students can continue their subscription at a discounted rate of $69 per year or $7.49 monthly.
If you don’t qualify for these offers, watching Oppenheimer for free will be difficult.
However, you can opt for Prime Video as a standalone service at $8.99 monthly, which is more affordable than a full Prime membership.
That said, Amazon encourages full Prime memberships, making the standalone Prime Video option somewhat hidden.
To subscribe, you’ll need to select “see more plans” or “change plan” to locate the Prime Video-only option. Like Prime, you can cancel at any time without penalties.
Consider an annual subscription rather than paying monthly for those interested in the full Prime experience.
This will save you approximately 22% — $11.58 per month instead of $14.99. You’ll get access to Prime Video to stream Oppenheimer and enjoy additional perks like fast shipping, free Grubhub+, Amazon Music, and exclusive deals throughout the year.
You can switch to an annual plan under your account settings if you’re currently paying monthly.
Other options for watching Oppenheimer at home
If you prefer not to subscribe to a new service just for one movie — especially one as long as Oppenheimer — you can rent or buy it through video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.
Rental prices start at $3.99, while purchasing the film costs $14.99.
When renting, you’ll have 30 days to start the film and 48 hours to complete it once you hit play.
If you think you struggle to finish it within that time frame, purchasing a digital copy for your library is a better option.
