Does AMC+ include Shudder and Sundance Now?

On the standard AMC+ plan, yes. Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films Unlimited are all included under the same subscription. Each one can also be subscribed to separately if you only want one of them. AMC has updated its plans a few times, so it's worth confirming what the current offer includes on amcplus.com.

Which US city should I connect to?

New York and Los Angeles are the most reliable starting points. If those aren't working, try Chicago, Dallas, or Seattle. Different cities have different server IP addresses, and AMC+ doesn't block all of them at the same time.

Does AMC+ block VPNs specifically?

Not by name. AMC+ blocks IP addresses associated with data centres, which is where most VPN servers are hosted. Switching to a different city usually fixes it because you get a different IP address that hasn't been flagged.

The Simple Fix for AMC+ Location Errors Abroad

You sit down to watch AMC+ from your hotel room or new place abroad, and instead of your shows you get a location error. Your account is perfectly active. The problem is just where you are. AMC+ is currently only available in the US, so when it detects a non-US IP address it blocks playback. Connect your VPN to a US server before opening the app or site and the service reads a US address instead. Your library comes straight back.

What's actually in the AMC+ bundle

AMC+ is more than just the AMC channel. Depending on your plan, a subscription can include Shudder (a dedicated horror and thriller service with its own originals), Sundance Now (indie and international drama), and IFC Films Unlimited (independent cinema). Check amcplus.com for the current plans, as AMC has adjusted its tiers a few times over the years.

For most people, the AMC originals are the main reason to subscribe. The Walking Dead universe, Better Call Saul, Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches, and The Terror are among the most-watched titles. Shudder has a strong following in the horror community, with series like Creepshow and a solid catalogue of films alongside its originals.

AMC+ location error message shown to users outside the US — The AMC+ location error appears when the service detects you're outside the US. Connecting to a US VPN server before loading the site clears it.

Where to start watching

Not sure where to dive in? The bundle breaks down pretty neatly by what you're in the mood for.

For AMC's prestige dramas, Better Call Saul is the obvious starting point if you haven't already seen it. Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches are good picks if you want something more gothic. The Walking Dead universe has multiple entry points depending on how deep you want to go.

For horror, head straight to Shudder. Creepshow is a good sampler of the tone, and the Shudder Originals section has a strong reputation among horror fans. The film library goes deeper than most standalone horror platforms.

For indie and international film, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited are the places to look. A lot of the titles won't appear in your Netflix or Disney+ recommendations, which makes it a genuinely different watch experience.

Getting set up

The VPN needs to be running before you open AMC+. The location check happens as the page loads, so turning it on afterwards won't help. If AMC+ is already open, close it fully first, connect your VPN, then reopen.

If you're on NordVPN, search for United States and pick a city. New York or Los Angeles are good starting points. Once connected, open amcplus.com in a private or incognito window. A private window means there's no cached location data from any previous visits.

On ExpressVPN, select United States and try a couple of cities if the first gives a location error. Chicago and Dallas are good ones to have in reserve. Our guide to switching servers covers the steps in each app.

Still not getting through?

Check your IP actually changed

Open our IP address checker with your VPN running. If it shows your real country rather than the US, the VPN isn't routing traffic correctly. Try a different server, then recheck.

Try a few more US cities

AMC+ blocks data centre IP addresses rather than VPN providers as a whole. Different cities use different IPs, so switching often gets you through. Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle are all worth a try if the coast cities haven't worked. Close the app or tab fully between each attempt.

Clear your cookies and open a fresh private window

If you visited AMC+ recently without the VPN on, your browser may have saved your real location. A fresh private window starts completely clean. Load amcplus.com from scratch and see if that does it.

Check for a DNS leak

A DNS leak is when your device sends its lookup requests through your regular internet provider instead of through the VPN. It can reveal your real location even when your IP address looks correct. In NordVPN, check under Settings > Connection. Our DNS leak guide walks through the fix for each app.

The AMC+ app on mobile and TV

AMC+ has iOS and Android apps. Install your VPN app first, connect to a US server, then open AMC+. You'll need a full system VPN rather than a browser extension. Extensions only cover browser traffic, so the AMC+ app would still see your real location. If the app isn't available in your local app store, amcplus.com in a mobile browser works just as well.

AMC+ is available on Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast. For TVs and streaming sticks that don't support VPN apps directly, setting up the VPN on your router covers every device on your network at once.