Key Takeaways:
- Until Dawn is now streaming exclusively on Netflix U.S. for 18 months before heading to Hulu.
- Based on the PlayStation game, the film tells a separate, standalone horror story.
- Though reviews are mixed, its strong box office numbers prove there’s still interest in horror adaptations.
Netflix has quietly dropped a major horror release, Until Dawn, a new film based on the popular 2015 PlayStation game. Streaming now exclusively on the U.S. version of Netflix, the movie will remain available for 18 months before moving to Hulu. This surprise release adds to Netflix’s growing list of exclusive streaming horror content for 2025.
Until Dawn Offers a New Story in a Familiar Universe
Though inspired by the Until Dawn video game, the film tells a fresh, standalone story. Directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation, Shazam), this adaptation ditches the game’s butterfly-effect storytelling in favor of a more linear narrative. Fans of the original game may be disappointed by the lack of interactivity and decision-driven plot, but the film still offers plenty of intense horror moments.
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Exclusive to Netflix for 18 Months
Currently available only to U.S. Netflix subscribers, Until Dawn is set to stream exclusively on the platform until early 2027. After its 18-month Netflix window, the film will transition to Hulu. For now, fans have ample time to stream this chilling adaptation for free with a Netflix subscription.
Mixed Reception from Critics and Audiences
Despite the hype and strong box office performance — earning $53.6 million on a $15 million budget — Until Dawn received lukewarm reviews. It holds a 53% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of 67%. While the movie may not have lived up to its gaming predecessor, it still managed to draw a sizable crowd during its theatrical run.
Cast, Rating, and Runtime Details
The film stars Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, Belmont Cameli, Maia Mitchell, and Peter Stormare. It has an R rating for bloody horror, strong language, and gore, with a runtime of 103 minutes. This gritty, eerie entry into the horror genre is a solid pick for fans seeking something new and unsettling.
