Bird Box, the popular post-apocalyptic thriller film starring Sandra Bullock, has captured the imaginations of viewers around the world. Since its release on Netflix in December 2018, fans have been clamoring to watch and re-watch the intense, blindness-induced drama. But with Bird Box being a Netflix original film, viewing options are limited beyond the streaming platform. So where else can you watch Bird Box if you don’t have a Netflix subscription?
Why is Bird Box so popular?
Bird Box mania swept the internet after the film’s Netflix debut. Memes and viral Bird Box challenges exploded across social media, propelling the film into record-breaking territory. Netflix reported that over 45 million accounts viewed Bird Box within the first seven days of its release, making it the platform’s most watched film to date. While the controversial Bird Box Challenge that involved blindfolding oneself in imitation of the film’s characters has since subsided, Bird Box remains embedded in pop culture.
So what exactly caused the Bird Box sensation? Several factors contributed to its meteoric rise:
- Established fanbase for post-apocalyptic genres
- Sandras Bullock’s star power
- Creepy plot revolving around mysterious unseen forces
- Striking cinematography and music
- Memorable Bird Box monster meme material
- Debut on hugely popular Netflix platform
The film clearly resonated with audiences enough to achieve record viewership and spawn viral challenges, memes, and Halloween costumes. Fans are still eager to rewatch the eerie thriller nearly two years after its premiere.
Can you stream Bird Box on Netflix?
Since Bird Box is a Netflix original film, Netflix remains the primary place to watch the movie. As long as you have an active Netflix subscription, you can easily stream Bird Box on any internet-connected device set up with your Netflix account.
Netflix has tiered subscription plans to choose from:
- Basic – $9.99/month
- Standard – $15.49/month
- Premium – $19.99/month
All plans allow you to watch Bird Box and other Netflix content. The Premium plan adds features like ultra HD and four concurrent streams.
As long as you login to your Netflix account on a smart TV, streaming stick/box, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other supported device, you can queue up Bird Box for immediate viewing. With downloads enabled, you can also download Bird Box on mobile devices for offline viewing.
What about DVD or Blu-Ray?
Since its Netflix premiere, Bird Box was released on DVD and Blu-ray for purchase. You can buy a physical copy of Bird Box to own permanently instead of relying on a Netflix subscription. Owning the DVD or Blu-ray allows you to watch Bird Box without an internet connection too.
You can purchase Bird Box on:
- DVD – $14.96 on Amazon
- Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital – $17.96 on Amazon
Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers likely also carry Bird Box DVDs and Blu-Rays you can buy in-store or online. Prices may vary between $15-20 for the DVD and Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital combo pack.
Does Bird Box stream on other platforms?
Since Netflix has exclusive rights to Bird Box, the movie is not currently available on other popular streaming platforms like:
- Hulu
- Prime Video (Amazon)
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- Apple TV+
- Peacock (NBCU)
Unless Netflix gives up the exclusive streaming rights to Bird Box in the future, these competitors cannot host the title. This exclusivity is why purchasing the DVD/Blu-Ray or maintaining access via Netflix are the only legal viewing options for Bird Box.
Can you watch Bird Box on cable TV?
Bird Box is not currently available to watch on live cable TV channels. As a Netflix original, the movie has only been available on the streaming service so far. Often Netflix will license rights for its older original films to air on cable networks, but Bird Box has not reached that point yet.
There is a chance TNT, TBS, FX, or other cable movie channels could strike a deal with Netflix to air Bird Box in the future. But cable networks cannot air the movie without Netflix’s approval. Keep an eye out for potential Bird Box cable airings down the road!
Is Bird Box on any airlines’ in-flight entertainment?
Bird Box is not currently part of any commercial airline’s inflight entertainment (IFE) system. IFE systems offer passengers onboard movies, TV shows, music, and more to watch during flights. Content varies between different airlines and aircraft types.
While some Universal Pictures films are featured on airline IFE, Bird Box is a Netflix property. It’s unlikely it would appear on in-flight systems without a distribution deal. Airlines would need permission from Netflix to add Bird Box to their entertainment catalogs. But with its popularity, an airline may try to strike a deal with Netflix to offer it.
Can you watch Bird Box online for free?
There are currently no legitimate free online streaming options to watch Bird Box. Since it is a Netflix exclusive requiring a subscription, free access is restricted. Any websites claiming to offer Bird Box for free are illegal pirate streaming sites. Use of them to watch copyrighted content is unsafe and unethical.
Options to watch Bird Box free legally include:
- Borrowing the DVD from a friend
- Accessing it with a free Netflix trial (limited time)
But ultimately Bird Box is not realistically available for free due to exclusivity. Paid access via Netflix or buying the DVD/Blu-Ray are the only ways to watch it fully.
Does Bird Box stream on Netflix internationally?
Bird Box is available to stream globally on Netflix in most international markets. However, some countries may not have access due to content licensing restrictions. Netflix often adjusts available titles based on geographic media rights issues.
Countries where Bird Box is confirmed accessible on Netflix include:
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Most of mainland Europe
- Latin America
So if you have a Netflix account in these markets, you should be able to find and watch Bird Box. Certain other countries may face restrictions from local governments or licensing agreements that prevent Netflix from streaming Bird Box there.
Summary of Ways to Watch Bird Box
In summary, here are the primary ways to watch Bird Box if you don’t have Netflix:
- Buy the DVD or Blu-ray disc – watch anytime offline
- Use someone else’s Netflix login- stream online
- Sign up for a Netflix free trial – stream during trial period
- Wait for a potential TV airing or airline availability deal in the future
Owning a physical disc copy is your best bet for reliable, unlimited access to Bird Box outside of getting your own Netflix account. And with its enduring popularity still going strong, buying the DVD or Blu-ray is a worthwhile investment for diehard Bird Box fans eager to watch it repeatedly!
Conclusion
Bird Box continues to stand out as a benchmark Netflix original production that penetrated mainstream popular culture. With its compelling thrills and suspense, it’s no surprise viewers have flocked to it and are hungry for repeated viewings. While Netflix remains the gateway for fans to rewatch the phenom film, buying your own DVD or Blu-ray copy gives you unlimited access without requiring a paid streaming subscription. For those insistent on watching Malorie and her makeshift family battle unseen forces again and again, purchasing the film ensures you can return to its chilling world anytime.