The Good Son is a 1993 psychological thriller directed by Joseph Ruben, written by Ian McEwan, and produced by 20th Century Fox. The 87-minute film stars Macaulay Culkin in a shocking departure from his Home Alone persona as Henry Evans, a charming but deeply disturbed child, opposite Elijah Wood as his cousin Mark. The supporting cast includes Wendy Crewson, David Morse, and Quinn Culkin (Macaulay’s real-life sister) .
The plot follows young Mark Evans (Wood), who is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle in Maine following the death of his mother. Initially befriending his cousin Henry (Culkin), Mark soon discovers that Henry’s idea of “play” involves escalating acts of cruelty, terror, and eventually murder. As Henry’s psychopathic behavior becomes increasingly dangerous, Mark must convince the adults—who see only Henry’s angelic facade—of the terrifying truth before it’s too late.
The film received mixed reviews upon release, holding approximately a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.4 out of 10 on IMDb. Critics praised the atmospheric tension and the against-type performances of Culkin and Wood but found the premise unevenly executed. The MPAA rated the film R for “acts of violence and terror involving a disturbed child,” making it unsuitable for younger viewers despite featuring child stars . The film was a commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $17 million.
Subscription Streaming Options
Streaming availability for The Good Son varies significantly by region, so checking your local platform is essential.
In the United States, the film is available for streaming with a subscription on Disney+ and through the Hulu platform . This makes Disney+ the primary subscription home for the film in the US market.
In Australia and New Zealand, viewers can access The Good Son on Disney+ as well . The film appears to be part of Disney’s catalog in Oceania, likely due to its 20th Century Fox origins.
In the United Kingdom, the film is not available on any subscription streaming service, including Disney+, Netflix, or Prime Video . UK viewers will need to rely on rental or purchase options.
In Canada, the film is not available on major subscription platforms based on current data.
In the Netherlands, the film is not available for streaming, renting, or purchasing through any digital service including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Videoland, Google Play, or Pathé Thuis . Dutch viewers would need to seek physical media (DVD or Blu-ray) as an alternative.
Rent or Buy Digital Options
For viewers outside the subscription coverage areas or those who prefer ownership, digital rental and purchase options are widely available across multiple platforms.
In the United States, you can rent or buy The Good Son on Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, and iTunes . Prime Video listings note that rentals include 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once playback begins .
In the United Kingdom, rental and purchase options are available on Prime Video, Apple TV Store, and Sky Store . Pricing for catalog titles like this typically ranges from £3.49 to £4.99 for rentals in HD, with purchase prices between £7.99 and £13.99.
In Austria and German-speaking regions, the film is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies . The original German title is Das zweite Gesicht.
For viewers in the Netherlands, unfortunately, no digital rental or purchase options are currently available according to Dutch streaming aggregators . The film is not listed for transactional access on any major platform in that market.
Standard rental terms apply across all platforms: you have approximately 30 days to begin watching after your rental purchase, and once you start playback, you have 48 hours to finish viewing before the rental expires. Purchasing the film grants permanent access to your digital library across all devices linked to your account.
Free Streaming Options
Completely free legal streaming options for The Good Son are currently limited. The film does not appear on major ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Plex, or Pluto TV based on current availability data. Occasional promotions or free trials on Disney+ or Prime Video may provide temporary access, but no permanent free options exist at this time.
Regional Availability Summary
| Region | Subscription | Rent/Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Disney+ | Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, iTunes | Available for both streaming and transaction |
| United Kingdom | Not Available | Prime Video, Apple TV, Sky Store | No subscription streaming options |
| Australia | Disney+ | Not Specified | |
| New Zealand | Disney+ | Not Specified | |
| Canada | Not Available | Not Available | No digital options available |
| Netherlands | Not Available | Not Available | Physical media only |
| Austria | Not Available | Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play | Rental/purchase only |
Film Details and Background
The Good Son is notable for casting Macaulay Culkin against his established good-boy image. At the time of release, Culkin was the biggest child star in the world following the massive success of Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992). The role of Henry Evans was deliberately designed to subvert audience expectations, showcasing Culkin’s range as a performer. Elijah Wood, who would later achieve fame as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, plays the terrified cousin Mark.
The film was shot primarily in Maine and New Jersey, with winter settings enhancing the cold, isolated atmosphere. The screenplay was written by acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan (Atonement, Saturday), though McEwan reportedly distanced himself from the final product due to significant rewrites by other writers.
According to financial data from The Numbers, the film was released theatrically on September 24, 1993, debuting at number one at the domestic box office . It spent three weeks in the top ten and ultimately grossed over $60 million worldwide. The film was released on DVD by Fox Home Entertainment on September 11, 2012 .
Viewer Recommendations and Warnings
The Good Son carries an R rating for “acts of violence and terror involving a disturbed child” . Prospective viewers should be aware that the film contains disturbing content including animal cruelty, attempted murder of children, and intense psychological terror—all performed by child actors. This is not a family film despite featuring the star of Home Alone.
Many viewers find the film’s premise and performances effective, with Culkin’s portrayal of Henry frequently cited as genuinely unsettling. The cliffside climax remains one of the most memorable and tense sequences in 1990s thriller cinema. However, some critics note that the film’s logic falters and that supporting adult characters are frustratingly oblivious to the obvious danger.
Final Recommendation
For most viewers in the United States, the easiest way to watch The Good Son is through Disney+ with a subscription, or renting on Prime Video or Apple TV for approximately $3.99.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, rental or purchase through Prime Video or Apple TV is the most reliable path, as subscription options are unavailable.
For viewers in Australia and New Zealand, Disney+ provides straightforward subscription access.
For viewers in Canada and the Netherlands, digital options are severely limited. Canadian viewers may need to check cable on-demand services or physical media. Dutch viewers will require a DVD or Blu-ray copy, available through secondhand retailers like eBay or Marktplaats.
Before making any purchase, it is recommended to use tracking tools like JustWatch or Reelgood to confirm current availability in your specific region, as streaming rights for older catalog titles frequently change.