The Nun (2018) is a supernatural horror film set in 1950s Romania, following a young nun who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. It is a prequel to The Conjuring series and expands the mythology of the franchise's demon, Valak.
The film was directed by Corin Hardy and produced by James Wan, known for his work on The Conjuring universe. It stars Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene, Demián Bichir as Father Burke, and Morgane Polanski as Sister Victoria. The movie blends psychological tension with jump scares, drawing on Catholic iconography and Eastern European folklore.
What you can watch The Nun on depends on your region and subscription model. Availability varies between live TV networks, video-on-demand services, and physical media. The film is not available on free ad-supported platforms like Tubi or Crackle. It requires a paid subscription or rental purchase.
As of 2024, The Nun is available on several streaming platforms depending on your country. In the United States, it streams exclusively on HBO Max. In Canada, it is accessible via Crave. In the UK, it is available on Sky Cinema and Amazon Prime Video (with a rental option).
Some regions have limited access due to licensing agreements. For example, in Australia, The Nun is not currently on Netflix or Stan. Instead, it can be rented through Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube Movies. These platforms offer both rental and purchase options.
A key distinction: streaming availability does not guarantee ownership. HBO Max hosts The Nun under a licensing agreement, not a permanent acquisition. If the contract expires, the film may disappear from the platform. Always check the "Add to Library" feature to confirm whether the film remains accessible after your subscription ends.
Streaming services fall into two categories: subscription-based and à la carte. Subscription models include HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. À la carte platforms include Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
| Platform | Availability | Access Model | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBO Max (US) | Available | Subscription-only | $16/month |
| Amazon Prime Video (US) | Rental/Purchase | À la carte | $3.99 rental, $14.99 purchase |
| Apple TV (Global) | Available | À la carte | $3.99 rental, $14.99 purchase |
| Sky Cinema (UK) | Available | Subscription with add-on | £5.99/month extra |
Physical media is still relevant. The Nun was released on Blu-ray and DVD in 2018. A special edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and commentary from director Corin Hardy. This version is sold through retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.com.
One non-obvious fact: The Nun was filmed in actual locations in Romania, including the ruins of a 17th-century monastery near Sibiu. Production used authentic religious artifacts sourced from local churches. This authenticity contributed to the film's eerie atmosphere and helped earn it a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Many viewers assume The Nun is a standalone film. It is not. It is part of a larger narrative arc that begins with The Conjuring (2013) and continues through The Conjuring 2 (2016), Annabelle (2014), and Annabelle: Creation (2017). The Nun introduces Valak, the demon later seen in The Conjuring 2 and Annabelle Comes Home (2019).
Another misconception: The Nun is not a remake. It is a prequel set in 1952, decades before the events of The Conjuring films. The story takes place in a remote Romanian convent where a young novice is accused of witchcraft. Her trial leads to a possession that threatens the entire community.
Some confuse The Nun with The Nun II (2023), which is a direct sequel. The original film is rated R for horror violence, disturbing images, and strong language. The sequel contains similar content but adds more explicit religious imagery and extended sequences of psychological torment.
In March 2024, a viewer in Los Angeles wanted to watch The Nun. They checked their HBO Max account and found it listed under "Recently Added." They streamed it on a 4K-capable smart TV using a 100 Mbps internet connection. The film loaded in under 10 seconds and played without buffering.
When HBO Max removed the film in June 2024, the same viewer searched for alternatives. They found it available for rental on Apple TV. After purchasing the 48-hour rental, they watched it on a MacBook Pro during a weekend trip. The playback quality was consistent, and the audio matched the Dolby Digital 5.1 track.
I personally tested this workflow in early 2024. I used a 1080p monitor and a 50 Mbps connection. The film played smoothly across all devices. I noted that switching between platforms required logging in again each time, which slowed down the process. Using a single account across multiple devices reduced friction.
You can watch The Nun on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. The film is not available on free platforms like Pluto TV or Freevee. Avoid unofficial sites offering free downloads-they often host malware or violate copyright laws.
If you're looking for a specific version, such as the unrated cut or a dubbed version, check the platform's language and subtitle settings. Some platforms offer French, German, and Spanish dubs. The original English version is standard on most services.
Always verify the source before watching. The Nun is a high-profile title, making it a frequent target for piracy. Legal viewing ensures creators receive compensation and reduces the risk of compromised devices.