David Bridges
Table of Contents
UPDATE: Apr. 12, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the Prime Video streaming release details, as well as the latest pricing to rent or purchase “Nickel Boys” online.
Ranked among the top three films in our list of the best movies of 2024, Nickel Boys is a profoundly transformative cinematic experience. This remarkable film is an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and masterfully utilizes first-person point-of-view shots to narrate the harrowing tale of a brutal reform school situated in Jim Crow-era Florida. The film’s emotional depth and engaging storytelling have led Mashable’s reviewer to describe it as “exquisite and powerful.” It is no surprise that Nickel Boys has received nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the prestigious Oscars this year.
Having made its streaming debut on February 28 on MGM+, the film is now broadening its availability, providing audiences with an additional opportunity to experience this compelling narrative. Below, find all the essential information you need to watch this important film.
Explore the Themes and Storyline of Nickel Boys
Based on the acclaimed 2019 novel by Colson Whitehead — which won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for fiction — Nickel Boys chronicles the life of 16-year-old Elwood Curtis (played by Ethan Herisse) and his friend Turner (portrayed by Brandon Wilson). Elwood, an exceptionally bright student with a promising future, experiences a series of unfortunate events that lead to false accusations and his subsequent imprisonment at a juvenile reform facility known as the Nickel Academy.
As a devotee of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood’s idealistic worldview clashes sharply with the grim reality of the Nickel Academy, characterized by systemic segregation and brutal corporal punishment. However, amidst the despair, he finds solace and camaraderie in Turner, a fellow inmate from Houston whose optimistic outlook and clever survival strategies serve as a counterbalance to Elwood’s concerns regarding the oppressive environment and the unforgiving staff of the school. This rich narrative is summarized eloquently by Mashable’s reviewer.
For a more immersive experience, be sure to check out the official trailer that offers a glimpse into this highly acclaimed film:
Evaluating the Impact of Nickel Boys: Should You Watch It?
Described as “stunning,” Mashable reviewer Siddhant Adlakha emphasizes that RaMell Ross’ Nickel Boys represents one of those exceptional Hollywood productions that transcends traditional storytelling boundaries. With a powerfully adapted narrative and uniquely crafted first-person perspective shots, RaMell Ross’ film stands out as one of the most remarkable movies of 2024. This sentiment is shared widely, as evidenced by its nomination for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars and its impressive ratings, boasting a 91 percent critic score and a 75 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as certified fresh.
Adlakha notes that few narrative feature debuts resonate so deeply, articulating their themes with a clarity that feels natural and instinctive. The result is a dynamic exploration of resilience and self-actualization that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
For an in-depth perspective, read our comprehensive review of Nickel Boys.
Your Guide to Watching Nickel Boys from Home
Credit: Amazon MGM Studios
Just two months following its theatrical release, Nickel Boys officially launched its video-on-demand availability on platforms such as Prime Video and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You have the option to either purchase the film for your digital library or rent it from any of the retailers listed below. When renting, you will have a generous 30 days to view the film, and once you start watching, you will have 48 hours to complete it.
If you prefer streaming, keep reading for further details on how you can enjoy the film online.
You can rent or buy Nickel Boys at the following retailers:
Current Streaming Options for Nickel Boys
Nickel Boys appears to be adhering to the same streaming schedule as other notable Amazon MGM Studios films such as Challengers and Blink Twice. It made its streaming debut on MGM+ on February 28, 2025, and is anticipated to expand its streaming availability to Prime Video on April 29, 2025. Given that MGM’s streaming service (formerly known as EPIX) is owned by Amazon, it is likely to remain accessible on both platforms. This provides viewers with two distinct streaming options to enjoy the film — and potentially two avenues to watch it for free.
MGM+ subscriptions start at an affordable $6.99 per month, while Prime Video subscriptions are available for $8.99 per month when purchased independently or $14.99 as part of a Prime membership. To help you save, we’ve compiled the best ways to maximize your savings on either subscription below.
How to Access MGM+ for Free Trials
If you are new to MGM+, you can take advantage of a complimentary one-week streaming trial, available directly through MGM+ or as an add-on via Prime Video. The add-on option is particularly beneficial for Prime members looking to streamline their streaming services and payments into one convenient location. If you prefer to maintain separate subscriptions, signing up directly through MGM+ may be the better choice. Regardless of the method, you can enjoy streaming Nickel Boys for free during your trial period. Just remember to cancel your subscription prior to the end of the week to avoid charges.
Discovering the Best Streaming Deals on MGM+
Save 30% with an Annual MGM+ Subscription
Although MGM+ may not boast an extensive array of promotional offers like larger streaming services such as Prime Video or Netflix, there are still opportunities to save. If you wish to cut costs, your optimal choice is to opt for an annual subscription instead of a monthly plan. By paying for an entire year upfront, you can save 30%, which is a substantial reduction compared to the typical annual costs of other streaming platforms. At a rate of $58.99 per year, you will pay less than $5 per month, in contrast to the $6.99 monthly rate.
Save $1.99 per Month by Signing Up for MGM+ via Sling TV
For those who prefer a more flexible month-to-month arrangement, subscribing to MGM+ through Sling TV can yield a savings of $1.99 per month. There is no requirement to purchase a base Sling TV package. Simply visit the MGM landing page on Sling’s website, and you can sign up for just $5 per month. If you choose to subscribe to a base Sling package (either Orange or Blue), you will unlock a complimentary month of MGM+ as an added bonus.
Mashable Deals
Claiming Free Access to Prime Video
If you are not currently subscribed to Prime Video or Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime and enjoy streaming Nickel Boys without any cost. This offer applies to both new subscribers and those returning to Prime after a hiatus.
During your trial period, you will have complete access to all Prime benefits, including Prime Video. Once your trial concludes, you will be charged the standard rate for a Prime membership, which is currently $14.99 per month. To avoid incurring charges, make sure to cancel before the trial period ends.
Top Prime Video Subscription Offers You Shouldn’t Miss
Save $6 Monthly by Subscribing Only to Prime Video
If you do not require the additional perks of a full Prime membership, you can choose to subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service for just $8.99 per month. This pricing is $6 less per month compared to a complete Prime membership.
However, Amazon’s sign-up process can be somewhat convoluted if you wish to subscribe to Prime Video alone. When registering, be sure to select the option to “see more plans” or “change plans” to navigate to the standalone Prime Video option. As with any subscription, you retain the freedom to cancel at any time, just as you would with a full Prime membership.
Save 22% with an Annual Amazon Prime Membership
An additional method to save money is by opting for an annual Amazon Prime membership instead of a monthly subscription. This way, you can enjoy the full benefits of being a Prime member, including access to Prime Video, for an entire year. While the upfront cost is $139, this effectively reduces your monthly expenditure to just $11.59, as opposed to the standard $14.99. This represents a savings of approximately 22%, equating to a total of $40 over the year.
Save 50% with Prime for Young Adults
Attention young adults! If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 or a current college student, you may qualify for a free six-month trial of Prime and a discounted subscription rate. Simply verify your age or student status, and you will gain access to all Prime benefits, including Prime Video. After the six-month trial period, your subscription will be priced at just $7.49 per month, a significant reduction from the standard $14.99. You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.
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