Where to watch Bigger Than Life in the United States?

Bigger Than Life is available with a subscription in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD).

Can I stream Bigger Than Life or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD).

Can I watch Bigger Than Life for free in the United States?

We have not confirmed a free option for Bigger Than Life in the United States.

Movie

Where to Watch Bigger Than Life (1956) in the US

1956
Approved
1h 35m
7.4IMDb
91%Rotten Tomatoes

Drama

Bigger Than Life is available with a subscription in the United States.

Watch options

US CA GB AU

Subscription

The Criterion ChannelHDOpens in a new tab.

Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission. Prices may change. Check the provider for current pricing. Details.

Availability last checked Oct 9, 2026.

Report a wrong listing

Availability

Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD).

What it's about

Schoolteacher and family man Ed Avery, who's been suffering bouts of severe pain and even blackouts, is hospitalized with what's diagnosed as a rare inflammation of the arteries. Told by doctors that he probably has only months to live, Ed agrees to an experimental treatment: doses of the hormone cortisone. Ed makes a remarkable recovery, and returns home to his wife, Lou, and their son, Richie. He must keep taking cortisone tablets regularly to prevent a recurrence of his illness. But the "miracle" cure turns into its own nightmare as Ed starts to abuse the tablets, causing him to experience increasingly wild mood swings.

Cast and crew

Director: Nicholas Ray
Writer: Cyril Hume, Richard Maibaum, Burton Roueche
Starring: James Mason, Barbara Rush, Walter Matthau

Details

Release date: Sep 5, 1956
Language: English, Japanese
Country: United States
Awards: 2 nominations