The Substance: Here's how to watch the Oscar-nominated film for free on streaming

The Substance has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the awards season, securing five Oscar nominations and positioning Demi Moore as a frontrunner for Best Actress after her Golden Globe win.

While Moore lost the BAFTA for Leading Actress to Mikey Madison, she remains a strong contender for the Academy Awards.

Originally released in cinemas in September 2024, the film has gained renewed attention following its critical success.


If the awards buzz has piqued your interest in this gory body horror film, here’s how you can watch The Substance online, including options to stream it for free.

Where to Watch 'The Substance' – Is It Streaming?

For viewers looking to watch The Substance at home, there are multiple options available, including streaming services, digital rentals, and physical copies.

The movie is currently streaming exclusively on MUBI, which can be accessed via:

• A direct MUBI subscription on the platform’s official website.
  
• Adding MUBI as a Prime Video channel through an existing Amazon Prime account.
  

Both options require a £11.99 monthly subscription, but new users can take advantage of a seven-day free trial.

How to Watch 'The Substance' for Free

If you want to watch The Substance without paying, there’s a simple workaround. Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial, and since MUBI can be added as a Prime Video channel, you can sign up for both free trials at the same time, as mentioned in a report by Digital Spy.

Steps to Watch for Free:

1. Sign up for Amazon Prime’s 30-day free trial (if you’re not already a member).
   
2. Add MUBI as a Prime Video channel, which includes a seven-day free trial.
   
3. Watch 'The Substance' at no cost during the trial period.
   
4. Cancel both subscriptions before the trial ends to avoid charges.
   

This method allows new subscribers to watch The Substance entirely for free, provided they cancel before the billing cycle begins.

Other Viewing Options: Digital and Physical Releases

For those who prefer not to subscribe to a streaming service, The Substance is also available for purchase or rental on:

• Amazon Prime Video
  
• iTunes
  
• Other participating digital retailers
  

Additionally, fans can pre-order the film on DVD and Blu-ray, although an official release date has yet to be confirmed by MUBI.

It is expected that the physical release will arrive after the awards season concludes.

FAQs

Is The Substance on Amazon Prime?

The Substance is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten TV, and the Apple TV app in select countries.

Is the movie substance on Netflix?

The Substance is exclusively streaming on Mubi, rather than Netflix or Hulu. Mubi requires a subscription but offers a seven-day free trial.