American Nightmare is now streaming on Netflix, starring Ethan Hawke.

American Nightmare, a suspense thriller written and directed by James DeMonaco, lands on Netflix on October 5, 2026. Released in 2013, the first installment of the franchise brings together Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Max Burkholder, Adelaide Kane and Rhys Wakefield.

In a futuristic America, the government has instituted a twelve-hour annual night during which all crimes, including murder, are permitted. The police no longer intervene, and emergency services suspend operations until dawn.

James Sandin has built a fortune selling security systems to the wealthiest families. When his son opens their home to a man fleeing through the streets, the Sandins find themselves in the crosshairs of a masked faction that demands the fugitive be handed over.

The trailer for American Nightmare

• To be read
• Top cinemas in Paris

Produced notably by Blumhouse Productions, American Nightmare lays out the central premise that will drive the entire series: state-sanctioned violence presented as the way to maintain order for the rest of the year. The first installment mainly unfolds as a single-setting thriller, tightening its focus on the Sandin family home.

The film’s success spawned several sequels, including American Nightmare 2: Anarchy, which widens the story to the streets of a big city. The first three installments are directed by James DeMonaco, who then stays on as the franchise’s screenwriter and producer.

American Nightmare is set to land on Netflix on October 5, 2026.

To discover the rest of this month's new releases, check out our guide to the October Netflix releases, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's streaming pick: What to watch today on streaming.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.