Finding out Hellboy: The Crooked Man where to watch is currently a bit of a puzzle depending on where you live. It's frustrating. You want to see the Big Red guy, but the rollout for this specific film hasn't followed the massive, global blockbuster path of the Guillermo del Toro era.
Honestly, this isn't your older brother's Hellboy. It’s smaller. Dirtier.
If you are in the United Kingdom or select international territories, the movie hit theaters in late 2024. In the United States, the strategy shifted. Instead of a massive theatrical run, Ketchup Entertainment opted for a digital-first approach. You can find it right now on major Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms. Think Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), and Google Play. It usually goes for a premium rental price of $19.99, or you can buy it outright if you're a die-hard Mike Mignola fan.
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The Streaming Situation for The Crooked Man
People keep asking when it's hitting Netflix or Max. There isn't a solid date yet. Because Ketchup Entertainment is a smaller distributor, they don't have a "home" streaming service like Disney+ or Paramount+.
Usually, these indie-distributed films float around VOD for a few months before landing a licensing deal. We might see it pop up on Hulu or even a service like Shudder, given the heavy horror vibes, but nothing is set in stone. If you want to see it today, you're looking at a digital purchase. Period.
It's weirdly quiet for a franchise with this much name recognition. But that’s actually by design.
Why This Isn't Another Hollywood Reboot
Forget the 2019 David Harbour version. Just wipe it from your brain. That movie tried to be a loud, CGI-heavy action flick and it just... didn't work for most people.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man is a folk horror movie. It's directed by Brian Taylor—one half of the duo behind Crank—but he’s restrained himself here. This movie is based on what many consider the best Hellboy comic mini-series ever written. It’s set in the 1950s. It’s set in the Appalachian mountains.
It feels like a ghost story.
Jack Kesy takes over the lead role. He isn't playing the "superhero" Hellboy. He’s playing a weary, paranormal investigator who happens to have horns and a stone hand. He’s younger here, but he feels older, if that makes sense? He's more grounded. Less quips, more investigative grit.
The budget was clearly lower than previous films. You can see it in some of the sets. But strangely, the lower budget makes the "Crooked Man" himself look more terrifying. Practical effects and creepy makeup go a long way when you’re trying to scare people in the woods.
What the Critics and Fans Are Saying
The divide is real.
On one hand, you have the "Mignola Purists." They love it. They love that Mike Mignola actually co-wrote the screenplay this time. It stays incredibly close to the source material. Some shots look like they were ripped directly from the comic panels drawn by the legendary Richard Corben.
On the other hand, casual fans who liked the Golden Army and the big fantasy battles might find it boring. It’s slow. It’s atmospheric. It’s about witches, cursed shovels, and a soul-collecting entity with a bent neck.
Technical Details You Should Know
If you're looking for Hellboy: The Crooked Man where to watch in 4K, most of the digital storefronts offer it in UHD. However, be warned that the film has a very specific, almost "dirty" color grade. It's meant to look like a 1950s period piece filtered through a nightmare.
- Director: Brian Taylor
- Starring: Jack Kesy, Jefferson White, Adeline Rudolph
- Runtime: 99 minutes (it’s lean!)
- Rating: R (for violence and some language)
Jefferson White, who you probably know as Jimmy from Yellowstone, plays Tom Ferrell. He’s the emotional core of the movie. His performance as a man returning home to face the literal devil he made a deal with is surprisingly poignant.
The Future of Hellboy on Screen
Is there going to be a sequel? Probably not.
This felt like a "boutique" project. It was made for the fans who felt betrayed by the 2019 version. If it does well on VOD—which is where these mid-budget horror movies usually make their money back—we might see more "one-off" Hellboy stories. Imagine a series of $20 million horror movies based on different comic arcs. That would be the dream for comic readers.
How to Get the Best Experience
Don't watch this on your phone. Seriously.
The movie relies heavily on shadows and sound design. If you're going to shell out the twenty bucks to rent it, wait until dark. Turn off the lights. Crank the sound. It’s a "vibe" movie. If you treat it like a Marvel movie, you'll be disappointed. Treat it like a supernatural thriller from the A24 camp, and you’ll have a much better time.
Actionable Steps for Viewing
Check your regional availability first.
- US/Canada: Head to Amazon or Apple TV. It is available for digital rental/purchase right now.
- UK: Check your local cinema listings first; it had a wider theatrical release there, but it is also hitting digital platforms now.
- Physical Media: If you're a collector, keep an eye out for the Blu-ray release, which usually follows the digital drop by about 8 to 12 weeks. The physical version will likely have some behind-the-scenes stuff on the makeup effects, which is worth the price alone.
- Avoid Spoilers: Since the movie is based on a specific comic, the ending is out there. Don't look it up. The "twist" regarding the Crooked Man's identity and his collection of souls is much better experienced visually.
Once you've watched it, go back and read the 2008 comic book. You will be shocked at how many lines of dialogue were kept verbatim. It’s a rare instance of a director actually respecting the written word of the creator.
Whether this becomes a cult classic or just a footnote in Hellboy's cinematic history is up to the audience now. But for those who wanted a "true" Hellboy, it’s finally here, even if you have to dig through a few streaming menus to find it.