If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably noticed a sudden spike in people talking about a certain 1998 neo-noir thriller. It’s got alligators, massive plot twists, and a cast that basically defines 90s cool. Specifically, everyone is looking for where to watch Denise Richards and her Wild Things performance because, honestly, it’s one of those roles that just doesn't age.
Richards plays Kelly Van Ryan, a wealthy, manipulative high schooler in Blue Bay, Florida. She’s the one who kicks off the whole messy, sweat-soaked plot by accusing her guidance counselor, Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon), of a crime he may—or may not—have committed. It's tawdry. It’s glorious. And in 2026, it’s surprisingly easy to find if you know where to look.
Where to watch Denise Richards and her Wild Things right now
If you’re ready to dive into the Florida Everglades drama, you’re in luck. As of January 2026, Wild Things has officially landed on Netflix. It joined the platform’s thriller lineup at the start of the year, making it the most accessible way to watch for most people.
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But streaming is a fickle beast. Licenses change. If you don't have Netflix, or if you’re reading this from a region where it’s not available, here is the current breakdown:
- Netflix: Your best bet for standard streaming. It usually includes the theatrical cut.
- Rental/Purchase: You can grab it on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu). Most of these stores offer it in 4K now, which, let’s be real, is the way to see those saturated Florida sunsets.
- Physical Media: For the collectors, Arrow Video released a stunning 4K Ultra HD restoration. It’s got both the theatrical version and the "Unrated Edition," plus a 14-minute interview with Denise Richards herself where she talks about the audition process and the margaritas she shared with Neve Campbell to get through the infamous pool scene.
Don't confuse the movie with the new reality show
Here is where it gets a little tricky. If you search for "Wild Things" in 2026, you might stumble upon something completely different. Denise Richards recently launched a brand-new reality docuseries titled Denise Richards and Her Wild Things.
This isn't a movie sequel. It’s a look at her actual life—motherhood, her marriage to Aaron Phypers, and the chaos of being a Hollywood vet. If you’re looking for the show, that’s currently streaming on Hayu and Bravo/Peacock. But if you want the 90s thriller with the plot twists that make your head spin, stick to the 1998 film.
Why this movie is a total 90s time capsule
There’s a reason we’re still talking about this movie nearly 30 years later. It isn't just the "trashy" reputation. It’s actually a very smart, very cynical piece of filmmaking. Director John McNaughton (the guy behind Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer) knew exactly what he was doing. He took a script that felt like a pulp novel and filmed it with the gloss of a high-end fashion magazine.
The cast is stacked. Kevin Bacon is there as a detective who’s a bit too invested. Neve Campbell plays Suzie Toller, the "girl from the wrong side of the tracks" who teams up with Kelly. And then there’s Bill Murray. He shows up as a sleazy, neck-brace-wearing lawyer named Ken Bowden, and he steals every single scene he’s in.
One thing people often forget? You have to watch the credits. Seriously. Wild Things uses the end credits to show you all the "missing" scenes that explain how the scams actually worked. If you turn it off when the names start scrolling, you’ve basically missed the actual ending of the movie.
The Denise Richards factor
Honestly, Denise Richards was the perfect choice for Kelly. She had just come off Starship Troopers and was the "it girl" of the moment. Her performance in Wild Things is nuanced in a way people didn't give her credit for at the time. She plays "rich and spoiled" with a dangerous edge that makes the later twists feel earned.
She's been very open recently about how the film changed her career. In that Arrow Video interview I mentioned, she talks about how her lawyer actually negotiated a very specific contract regarding the nudity in the film. She didn't use a body double, which was a huge deal back then, and it’s a big part of why the movie maintains its cult status today.
Practical steps for your rewatch
If you're planning a movie night, here's how to do it right. Check your Netflix subscription first. If it's there, great. If not, look for the Unrated Edition on digital platforms. It adds about seven minutes of footage that fleshes out the characters (and the "scandalous" bits) a little more.
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Keep an eye on the background details, too. The movie is full of predator imagery—alligators, sharks, even the way the camera stalks the characters. It’s a fun layer to look for while you’re trying to figure out who is double-crossing whom. Just remember: in Blue Bay, nobody is telling the truth.
Grab the 4K version if your TV supports it. The restoration by Sony is genuinely impressive; it looks like it was filmed yesterday, not in the late 90s. Once you finish the movie, you can jump over to Peacock to see how Denise is doing now in her reality series, which provides a pretty wild contrast to her "Kelly Van Ryan" days.
To get started, search your preferred streaming app for the 1998 title specifically to ensure you aren't accidentally starting the reality show unless that’s the "Wild Things" you were actually looking for.