Epic historical dramas are definitely fan-favorites and one of my personal favorite genres to check out! There’s just something that piques so many people’s interests when a story is based on true events and people. Of course, many times productions will dramatize certain aspects to make the story a bit more interesting. But overall, there’s some real-life happenings that are hard to believe they could be true. But they are! And one story I’m excited to see play out is French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in the new movie, Napoleon. Is the film streaming on Netflix?

Napoleon starring Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role was released Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2023 in theaters exclusively, which means the action-filled epic is not currently streaming on Netflix. While there’s still movies that are made just for streaming, many of the production companies have returned to the cinema exclusive format that we had before the pandemic. And honestly, there’s just some films like Oppenheimer that are meant to be watched on the big screen. It’s just a better viewing experience!

And with Napoleon being so action-packed, I’m sure the battles play out better in theaters as well. While as of November 2023 the movie is exclusively in theaters, it will be coming to streaming eventually. Though once again, not on Netflix – despite Sony Pictures Entertainment handling distribution. Why? Read on below to find out.

Napoleon is being distributed in cinemas by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Usually, that means it’s more than likely those Sony projects will stream on Netflix because of a deal between the production company and streamer made in 2022. It states that new Sony movies will stream on Netflix, at least first, after their run in theaters. However, that’s not going to be the case for the epic and here’s why.

Though Sony is distributing the historical drama, Napoleon is actually an Apple Original Film. That means the company is in charge of it and has the rights of where to stream it. So that means if you want to watch the film, Napoleon will be streaming on Apple TV+ at some point after its theatrical run. The streamer has not announced a streaming release date yet.

The good news is that Apple TV+ is really straightforward when it comes to signing up for it. You don’t have to worry about ad-tier and no ad options. All you have to do is pay $9.99/month for the subscription, and then you’re all set to go to watch what you want without ads!

There are some ads that will play at the beginning of a show or movie, but you can skip it. Plus, the price is pretty affordable compared to some of the other streamers that want you to get the no ads option. Check out the steps of how to sign up below:

Napoleon, directed by Ridley Scott, is centered around the “checkered rise and fall of the iconic” titular character and real-life historical figure – from his love for his wife Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby) to political tactics. It takes an “original and personal look” at his beginnings, his ambition to become emperor, and showcases the strategic mind behind some of Napoleon’s famous battles. Check out the official synopsis and trailer below:

"Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed."

Napoleon is now playing in theaters, and will stream on Apple TV+ in the future.