How to watch Matthew McConaughey in ‘The Lost Bus’ for free

Matthew McConaughey’s break from acting is over, as he returns to the big screen in a major role for the first time since 2019 in the survival drama “The Lost Bus.”

“The Lost Bus,” which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, will be available for all Apple TV+ subscribers to watch beginning Friday (Oct. 3).

From director Paul Greengrass (the “Bourne” franchise), “The Lost Bus” is based on “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire” by Lizzie Johnson, a firsthand account of the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California. The Camp Fire is the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.

“The Lost Bus” follows real-life hero Kevin McKay (McConaughey), a bus driver who rescued 22 students from Ponderosa Elementary on Nov. 8, 2018. Mary Ludwig, a real second-grade teacher who assisted in the rescue, is portrayed in the movie by America Ferrera.

The movie is also a family affair for McConaughey; his son Levi plays his on-screen son, and his mother Kay plays his on-screen mother.

‘The Lost Bus’ release date

“The Lost Bus” begins streaming Friday, Oct. 3, on Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ does tend to drop new movies and shows earlier, though, so while Oct. 3 is the official release date, you may be able to watch “The lost Bus” as early as 9 p.m. ET tonight, Oct. 2.

How to watch ‘The Lost Bus’ for free

“The Lost Bus” is being released exclusively on Apple TV+, so you’ll need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch the new movie.

Apple TV+ has just one ad-free plan, which costs $12.99/month, but new subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial. If you choose to subscribe via Prime Video, you can also try the service for free before payment begins.

‘The Lost Bus’ cast guide

• Matthew McConaughey as Kevin McKay, the bus driver
• America Ferrera as Mary Ludwig, the school teacher
• Yul Vazquez as Ray Martinez, Cal Fire battalion chief
• Ashlie Atkinson as Ruby, the bus depot dispatcher
• Levi McConaughey (Matthew’s son) as Shaun McKay, Kevin’s son
• Kay McCabe McConaughey (Matthew’s mother) as Sherry McKay, Kevin’s disabled mother
• Kate Wharton as Jen Kissoon, Cal Fire battalion chief
• Danny McCarthy as McKenzie
• Spencer Watson as Hopkins
• Nathan Gariety
• Gary Kraus as Sheriff Thomas

‘The Lost Bus’ trailer

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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews