Seventeen years after its initial release, Megan Fox's cult horror comedy Jennifer's Body has found a new home on streaming platforms. As of now, you can stream the film on Hulu and Pluto TV, just in time for the spooky season. This 2009 gem, which was initially misunderstood, has since been reclaimed as a feminist horror classic.
Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody, who was fresh off her Oscar win for Juno, Jennifer's Body stars Megan Fox as the titular Jennifer, a high school cheerleader who becomes possessed by a demon and must kill to survive. Amanda Seyfried plays Needy, her shy best friend who tries to help her while grappling with the moral complexities of the situation. The cast also includes Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris, Kyle Gallner, Johnny Simmons, and a young Chris Pratt in one of his early film roles.
The film's initial reception was lukewarm at best. It grossed $31 million worldwide, a modest sum for a studio picture, and critics were divided. Many reviews missed the film's satirical edge, with some even comparing it unfavorably to the Twilight saga. Roger Ebert, however, gave it four out of five stars, noting its appeal to a certain audience.
Part of the problem was the marketing. As Diablo Cody later revealed in interviews, the studio targeted male audiences, even though the film's feminist themes and dark humor were clearly aimed at a different demographic. The result was a mismatch that led to a box office disappointment.
But time has been kind to Jennifer's Body. In the years since, especially following the MeToo movement, the film has been reevaluated and embraced as a queer feminist cult classic. Its themes of female friendship, empowerment, and revenge against predatory men resonate more strongly today than they did in 2009. The film's blend of horror and comedy, once seen as jarring, is now celebrated for its sharp wit and social commentary.
For those who haven't seen it, or who want to revisit it, Jennifer's Body is now available on Hulu and Pluto TV. It's a perfect watch for Halloween, offering both scares and laughs. And for fans of horror, it pairs well with other recent streaming additions like Hugh Grant's horror hit Heretic, which also arrives on Hulu this September.
If you're in the mood for more cult horror, you might also check out Jensen Ackles' 2009 horror remake, now free on Tubi. Or, for a more recent take on the genre, Starve Acre has been hailed as the decade's best folk horror.
So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let Jennifer's Body remind you why it's become a beloved staple of modern horror. It's a film that has only gotten better with age, and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves.
