Sinister (2012)
Once you see him, nothing can save you.
True-crime writer Ellison Oswalt is in a slump; he hasn't had a best seller in more than 10 years and is becoming increasingly desperate for a hit. So, when he discovers the existence of a snuff film showing the deaths of a family, he vows to solve the mystery. He moves his own family into the victims' home and gets to work. However, when old film footage and other clues hint at the presence of a supernatural force, Ellison learns that living in the house may be fatal.
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| Type | Movie |
|---|---|
| Released | 4 October 2012 |
| Genre | Horror, Thriller, Mystery |
| Director | Scott Derrickson |
| Starring | Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance and Vincent D'Onofrio |
| Runtime | 110 min |
| Rated | R |
| Scores | TMDB users 6.9/10 |
Where to watch Sinister
Sinister is streaming on Hulu ($21.49 a month) in the US. It is also on Peacock ($16.99 a month). If that is the only reason to subscribe, one month of Peacock is $16.99 at list price.
We check availability daily. Page last updated 28 October 2026. Prices are standard monthly plans and change often, so check with the service before you sign up.
Rent or buy
You can rent or buy Sinister on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango at Home.
Where to watch Sinister in 11 other countries
| Country | Streaming on (price a month) |
|---|---|
| Australia | ARD/ZDF |
| Canada | Prime Video $9.99 CAD |
| Denmark | Prime Video 69 kr DKK |
| Finland | Prime Video €6.99 |
| Ireland | Max |
| Italy | Prime Video €4.99 |
| Norway | Prime Video 79 kr NOK |
| San Marino | Prime Video |
| Sweden | Prime Video 69 kr SEK |
| United Kingdom | Max £9.99 GBP |
| Vatican City | Prime Video |
Subscription, free and ad-supported services we track; prices where Binge Boss has a price list for the country. "About" marks a price the service bills in another currency, converted at the day's rate. All countries as data.
What kind of watch this is
Sinister is a 2012 horror thriller directed by Scott Derrickson. It runs 110 minutes. The film centers on a true-crime writer who moves his family into a home to investigate a violent death. He believes solving the mystery will revive his career. Instead, he uncovers a supernatural threat. The house itself becomes the antagonist. Ethan Hawke plays the writer.
How it did with audiences
On TMDB, users rate it 6.9 out of 10. The data here is thin, with no box office figures to weigh against the rating. But a 6.9 tells you enough: it is a competent horror entry that respects your time, even if it does not respect your nerves.
What came next for the cast
Ethan Hawke traded Gattaca for The Purge and Valerian. Vincent D'Onofrio moved from Full Metal Jacket to Jurassic World. James Ransone went from Inside Man to It Chapter Two. The list shows a shift toward blockbuster horror and sci-fi. It does not prove Sinister drove that change. Credits list what followed, not what caused it.
If you liked this
TMDB's recommendations for people who watched Sinister.
Read more: The Ring
Sources
- Sinister on TMDB — synopsis, cast, ratings and recommendations
- Wikidata — review scores, box office and awards (CC0)
- Where to watch and prices: Binge Boss, from TMDB watch-provider data (powered by JustWatch) and our own provider list
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