As the buzz around HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series continues to build—with its first season set to premiere on December 25, 2026—fans are eagerly revisiting the work of its cast members. One standout is Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow, who will portray Albus Dumbledore. Before he steps into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, Lithgow has a chilling detour that's about to become available to stream for free.
Starting September 25, 2026, the 2019 supernatural horror film Pet Sematary will be available on Kanopy, the ad-free streaming service offered through public libraries and universities. This marks the second big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's 1983 novel, and it's a project that Lithgow himself has acknowledged didn't quite land with critics or audiences. Yet, for fans of King's work or Lithgow's versatile career, it's a fascinating watch.
A Tale of Resurrection and Regret
Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, with a screenplay by Jeff Buhler, Pet Sematary follows the Creed family—Louis (Jason Clarke), Rachel (Amy Seimetz), and their children—as they relocate from bustling Boston to the quiet countryside of rural Maine. Their new home comes with a hidden danger: an ancient burial ground deep in the woods that has the unsettling power to bring the dead back to life. What begins as a desperate act of love spirals into a nightmare of grief and terror.
The film's premise is undeniably compelling, but many critics felt the execution fell short of King's source material. The slow-burn psychological dread of the novel was replaced with more conventional jump scares, and key plot points were altered, leaving some fans disappointed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 58% approval rating, with critics noting that while the adaptation "takes its source material in a few different directions," it often feels more like "an exhuming almost as often as it does a revival."
Why Give It a Second Look?
Despite its mixed reception, Pet Sematary offers plenty for horror enthusiasts. Lithgow delivers a memorable performance as Jud Crandall, the neighbor who warns the Creeds about the cemetery's dark secrets. His portrayal adds a layer of gravitas to the film, even when the script falters. For those who enjoy exploring Stephen King's adaptations, this one is a curious entry—one that tries to carve its own path but ultimately gets lost in the woods.
If you're in the mood for more King-inspired scares, you might also want to check out Stephen King's TV adaptations that are absolutely perfect—a list that proves the master of horror shines just as brightly on the small screen.
More Streaming Gems on Kanopy
Pet Sematary isn't the only title joining Kanopy's lineup that day. The platform is also adding HBO's drama The Great Lillian Hall, the British classic Where Angels Fear to Tread, the 2025 war thriller Battle of Oslo, Doctor Who: Series 4, the miniseries Kafka, and two documentaries—I Am Martin Parr and The Bones. It's a diverse slate that underscores Kanopy's commitment to offering quality cinema and television, all free with a library card.
For those who appreciate a good time-loop narrative, River: The Two-Minute Time Loop Sci-Fi Masterpiece is another hidden gem worth seeking out on the platform.
As September 25 approaches, mark your calendars. Whether you're a die-hard King fan, a Lithgow admirer, or just curious about a film that dared to remake a classic, Pet Sematary on Kanopy is a free and easy way to spend 101 minutes. And if you're already counting down to the Harry Potter series, this might just be the perfect eerie appetizer.
