The First Wave poster
Where to stream

The First Wave

6.720211h 34mRMovieDocumentaryHistory

When Covid-19 hit New York City in 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman gained unique access to one of New York’s hardest-hit hospital systems. The resulting film focuses on the doctors, nurses, and patients on the frontlines during the “first…

DirectorMatthew Heineman
ProducersAlex Gibney·Maiken Baird

Where to watch

Disney PlusDisney Plus
Availability shown for Australia · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Matthew Heineman

ND
Nathalie Dougé
Self
AE
Alexis Ellis
Self - Ahmed's Wife
KW
Kellie Wunsch
Self
BJ
Brussels Jabon
Self
NJ
Naph Jabon
Self - Brussels' Husband
AG
Athens Garrote
Self - Brussels' Sister
ACAndrew Cuomo
Andrew Cuomo
Self (archive footage)
MD
Michael Dowling
Self
ASAl Sharpton
Al Sharpton
Self (archive footage)
KA
Karl Arabian
Self

More from Matthew Heineman · Director

The Trade
The Trade
2018 · 6.7
The Savant
The Savant
A Private War
A Private War
2018 · 6.8
Tiger
Tiger
2021 · 6.5
American Symphony
American Symphony
2023 · 6.5
Cartel Land
Cartel Land
2015 · 7.2
Retrograde
Retrograde
2022 · 7.0
City of Ghosts
City of Ghosts
2017 · 7.2
The Boy from Medellín
The Boy from Medellín
2020 · 5.8
Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare
Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare
2012 · 6.5
See all fromMatthew Heineman

More like this

In the Same Breath
In the Same Breath
2021 · 7.2
Come See Me in the Good Light
Come See Me in the Good Light
2025 · 7.1
A Toxic Love Story
A Toxic Love Story
2026 · 6.4
The Age of Stupid
The Age of Stupid
2009 · 6.6
Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me
Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me
2023 · 6.1
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch
2019 · 7.0
The Curse of the Dragon
The Curse of the Dragon
1993 · 7.2
McQueen
McQueen
2018 · 7.4
Room 237
Room 237
2012 · 6.1
Trainwreck: The Real Project X
Trainwreck: The Real Project X
2025 · 5.8
The Walking Dead: The Return
The Walking Dead: The Return
2024 · 7.4
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5
2026 · 7.2

The First Wave — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The First Wave?

The First Wave is streaming on Disney Plus in Australia. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The First Wave on Netflix?

No, The First Wave is not on Netflix in Australia as of November 2026. It's currently on Disney Plus.

Is The First Wave on Amazon Prime Video?

No, The First Wave isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Australia right now. It's on Disney Plus instead.

Where can I watch The First Wave for free?

The First Wave is available on Disney Plus in Australia, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.