So, you’re looking for Lucky. The problem is, "Lucky" is a popular name.
If you’re searching for the 2022 Apple TV+ animated feature about a black cat and the unluckiest girl in the world, you’ve got one very specific destination. But if you’re actually hunting for the 2017 indie masterpiece starring the late, great Harry Dean Stanton—his final cinematic bow—you’re looking at a completely different digital landscape. It's frustrating. You sit down with your popcorn, open Netflix, type it in, and... nothing. Maybe a documentary about a dog appears. Or a random B-movie from 2004.
Let's fix that.
Where to Watch Lucky (2022) on Streaming
This is the big one most families are hunting for right now. Lucky (the one with the leprechauns and the Land of Luck) is a flagship production from Skydance Animation. Because of a massive distribution deal, this movie lives exclusively on Apple TV+.
You won't find this on Disney+. You won't find it on Max. It’s locked behind the Apple ecosystem. Honestly, it's one of the few animated films recently that actually captures that old-school Pixar magic, mostly because John Lasseter moved over to Skydance to oversee it. If you have an iPhone, Mac, or an Apple TV box, you probably already have access to a trial. If not, the platform usually runs around $9.99 a month.
Is it worth a one-month sub? Probably. The world-building in the Land of Bad Luck is visually stunning. The contrast between the sterile, high-tech Land of Luck and the messy, cozy subterranean world of Bad Luck is a genuine feat of art direction.
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Can you buy it on VOD?
Here is the kicker: Apple is stingy. Unlike some movies that hit theaters and then go to "Rent or Buy" on Amazon or Vudu, Lucky stays on the subscription service. You can't currently "own" a digital copy of the 2022 Lucky on other platforms. It’s a closed loop.
The Harry Dean Stanton "Lucky" (2017)
Maybe you aren't looking for a talking cat. Maybe you’re looking for a 90-year-old atheist living in a desert town, smoking cigarettes and contemplating the "void."
The 2017 film Lucky is a different beast entirely. It’s soulful. It’s slow. It’s essentially a love letter to Harry Dean Stanton’s career. If this is the Lucky you want, your options are much wider, but they change constantly based on licensing.
- Hulu: It has cycled on and off here. Check your search bar first.
- Kanopy: If you have a library card, this is your best friend. Most public libraries in the U.S. give you free access to Kanopy, and Lucky is a staple of their "Indie/Arthouse" section.
- Rent or Buy: This one is available everywhere. You can grab it for $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (iTunes), Google Play, or Vudu.
Honestly, if you haven't seen this version, do it. It features David Lynch playing a man devastated by the disappearance of his pet tortoise, President Roosevelt. It’s weird. It’s beautiful. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The 2020 Horror-Thriller Version
Wait, there’s more.
If you’re a horror fan, you might be looking for the 2020 film Lucky, directed by Natasha Kermani. This is a surrealist slasher about a woman who is stalked by a mysterious man every single night, while the people around her act like it’s just a normal, boring part of life.
It’s a heavy metaphor for the exhaustion of being a woman in the world.
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Where to watch this Lucky? Shudder.
Since Shudder is owned by AMC, you can also find it if you have the AMC+ add-on through Amazon or Roku. It isn't a "mainstream" hit, so don't expect to see it on the front page of Netflix. You have to go to the genre specialists for this one.
Why Finding the Right "Lucky" is So Hard
Title overlap is a nightmare for SEO and for users. When studios pick common adjectives for titles, they’re betting on simplicity. But for the viewer, it creates a "Which one?" problem.
Lucky (2022) had a massive marketing budget.
Lucky (2017) had critical acclaim and a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lucky (2020) is a cult feminist horror favorite.
If you are using a voice remote like Alexa or Siri, be specific. Say "Watch Lucky 2022" or "Watch Lucky Harry Dean Stanton." If you just say "Play Lucky," you’re letting an algorithm flip a coin with your evening.
Common Misconceptions About Streaming Rights
People often think that if a movie is "old," it should be free or on a major platform. That isn't how it works. Streaming rights are basically a giant game of musical chairs. A movie might be on Netflix in the UK but only available for rent in the US.
For the Skydance/Apple Lucky, don't expect it to move. Apple is trying to build a library like Disney's. They want "evergreen" content that stays on their platform forever to prevent people from canceling their subscriptions. This is the new reality of the "Streaming Wars." Ownership is becoming a thing of the past, replaced by permanent digital residency on specific apps.
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International Viewing: A Quick Note
If you're outside the United States, the 2022 animated film is still globally tied to Apple TV+ because they hold the worldwide rights. However, the 2017 and 2020 films vary wildly. In the UK, you might find the 2017 Lucky on BFI Player or Curzon Home Cinema. In Canada, Crave often picks up these indie titles.
If you're traveling, a VPN can help, but Apple TV+ is notoriously good at blocking them. It's usually better to just check your local regional provider like Stan in Australia or MUBI in various European territories.
Actionable Steps to Start Watching
Don't waste another twenty minutes scrolling. Follow this logic:
- For the animated kids' movie: Open the Apple TV app. Search "Lucky." If you don't have a sub, check if you're eligible for a 3-month trial (usually comes with any new Best Buy or Apple purchase).
- For the 2017 Indie drama: Check your local library's Kanopy or Hoopla access first. It’s free. If not, spend the $4 on Amazon to rent it in HD. It’s worth the price of a coffee.
- For the 2020 Horror film: Sign up for a 7-day trial of Shudder. Watch the movie, then check out Host or Re-Animator before the trial ends.
- Double-check the year: Before hitting "Pay," look at the thumbnail. If you see a green leprechaun and you wanted a gritty desert drama, back out.
The digital world is cluttered. Finding where to watch Lucky depends entirely on which "luck" you're looking for, but once you identify the year, the path is actually pretty clear. Grab your remote, pick your version, and enjoy the show.