Harold and the Purple Crayon Heads to Netflix: Release Dates & Global Availability
Harold and the Purple Crayon, Sony’s family comedy, debuts on Netflix US October 31, with worldwide releases following.
Harold and the Purple Crayon Coming to Netflix Sooner Than Expected
Sony Pictures’ latest family film, Harold and the Purple Crayon, featuring stars like Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, and Benjamin Bottani, is heading to Netflix in the US much earlier than anticipated. The adaptation, directed by Carlos Saldanha, brings to life Crocket Johnson’s beloved book about a young boy whose drawings transform into reality. Although the movie didn’t fare as expected in theaters, audiences may give it another chance on streaming.
The film has faced mixed responses since its release, with a 26% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes but a high 91% from verified audiences. Despite its modest box office performance, netting $29.2 million on a $40 million budget, Harold and the Purple Crayon is poised for a fresh debut on Netflix.
When Will Harold and the Purple Crayon Be on Netflix in the United States?
Under Sony’s first-window streaming deal with Netflix, in place since 2022, Harold and the Purple Crayon will appear on the platform following its theatrical run. Usually, a Sony release arrives on Netflix about 120 days after its cinema debut, which initially projected the movie’s Netflix release for November 30, 2024. However, a recent Netflix Kids & Family newsletter confirmed an early US release date of October 31, 2024. The movie will remain on Netflix for 18 months, potentially moving to Hulu or Disney+ in April 2026.
Global Release Plans for Harold and the Purple Crayon
The film’s global rollout on Netflix will closely follow its US premiere. In late November, Netflix India will stream the movie, followed by regions including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Africa. European regions, such as Germany and the Netherlands, are slated for releases in 2025. For audiences in the UK and Canada, other providers hold initial streaming rights, but Netflix is expected to stream the movie in these regions around mid-2026.
A Potential New Audience for Harold and the Purple Crayon
With its arrival on Netflix, Harold and the Purple Crayon has the chance to capture new viewers who may have missed its theatrical release. Thanks to its imaginative premise and positive viewer ratings, the movie is poised to enjoy a second wind on streaming, bringing Sony’s unique adaptation of a cherished children’s tale to a worldwide audience.
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