Where to watch Central do Brasil (Central Station), possibilities explored

With I'm Still Here taking home Brazil’s first Oscar in 2025, a lot of people are looking back at Central do Brasil (Central Station) and thinking, “Wait, this film didn’t win in 1999? Are you serious?” And yeah, we get it. It lost to Life is Beautiful, and while that’s a great film, there’s something about Central do Brasil—raw, emotional, deeply human—that just feels like it should have been Brazil’s first.

But history didn’t play out that way. What did happen, though, is that now, with all the buzz around Brazil’s Oscar moment, Central do Brasil is getting attention all over again. So if you’re one of the people thinking, “I need to watch this masterpiece, like, yesterday,” we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the US, Europe, or anywhere else, here’s where you can watch it.

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United States: The land of the free (but not free streaming options)

If you’re in the US and hoping to find Central Station sitting in your Netflix queue, well... you’re out of luck. No major streaming services have it as part of their subscription libraries right now.

What can you do? You can buy it on Amazon Prime Video for about $14.99. Yep, buy, not rent. Apparently, watching one of Brazil’s most iconic films in the US requires a long-term commitment. No luck on Apple TV or Google Play, either.

As for theaters, well, the film isn’t exactly on a big re-release tour, but keep your eyes open. With all the Oscar nostalgia, sometimes independent theaters or festivals bring these films back for special screenings. Case in point: TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto is screening it in March 2025. So, who knows? Your local arthouse cinema might surprise you.

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Europe: A mixed bag of availability

[Walter Salles (in perfect French), 3 nominations, 25 years ago, Central do Brasil: a necessary film about individual and collective memory… #Oscars2025]

France: You guys are winning this one

French cinephiles have it easy. Central do Brasil is included in Amazon Prime Video France and is also available through Cine+ via OCS and Molotov TV. If you prefer to rent or buy, you’ve got Orange VOD, LaCinetek, UniversCiné, Amazon Video (store), and Canal VOD. Basically, if you live in France and can’t find it, you’re not trying hard enough.

Spain: Movistar Plus+ to the rescue

In Spain, it’s available on Movistar Plus+, which has it as part of its film package. Another option? Acontra+, a streaming service specializing in curated films (and available as an Amazon Prime channel). You can also rent it via Acontra+ VOD.

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UK: Nowhere to be found (not legally, anyway)

British viewers, we’ve got bad news: Central Station is not on any major UK streaming services, nor is it available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon, or Google Play. Your best bet? A physical copy. If you’re serious about watching it, time to check out your favorite DVD/Blu-ray seller.

Portugal and the Netherlands: Netflix for the win

Lucky you, Netflix subscribers in Portugal and the Netherlands—you can stream Central do Brasil right now.

For the rest of Europe, it’s a bit of a scavenger hunt. Some countries have it on Netflix (like Poland, Romania), while others rely on smaller, local platforms. Check your regional Amazon, Apple TV, or film-centric services.

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Brazil and Latin America: Exactly what you’d expect

If you’re in Brazil, Central do Brasil is basically waiting for you on every street corner. It’s available on Netflix Brasil, Globoplay, and Telecine Play. You can also rent or buy it through Apple TV and Google Play Filmes. No excuses—if you’re in Brazil and haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time.

Across Latin America, Netflix has it in some regional catalogs (like Mexico), while other countries might have it through local film services. If it’s not showing up for you, check rental options on Apple TV or Google Play.

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Other regions: Your mileage may vary

If you’re in Asia, you might have some luck—Netflix carries Central do Brasil in Singapore and the Philippines. Elsewhere, options are scarce. MUBI, which sometimes rescues international films, doesn’t have it right now.

If your country isn’t listed here, it’s worth checking your local Amazon, Apple TV, or specialty streaming services. Sometimes, it’s hiding in unexpected places.

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But what about theaters?

Here’s the thing—Oscar nostalgia is a real phenomenon. When films get rediscovered, theaters sometimes bring them back for special screenings. Right now, Central do Brasil isn’t on any major re-release schedule, but that doesn’t mean it won’t pop up.

So, if you’d rather see it on the big screen (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), keep an eye on your local indie theaters, film festivals, and retrospectives. With I'm Still Here making history, there’s a real chance Central Station could get a moment in the spotlight again. And if it does? Grab your ticket.

Final thoughts: This one’s worth the effort

If there’s ever been a time to revisit Central do Brasil, it’s now. Whether you stream it, rent it, or stumble into a rare cinema screening, don’t miss the chance to watch a film that should have won an Oscar back in ‘99—but is still every bit as powerful today.

Wherever you are, there’s probably a way to watch it. You just might have to do a little digging.