Leprechaun in the Hood: Cast, Streaming & Cult Status

Few movies still spark the kind of baffled affection that Leprechaun in the Hood does. A direct-to-video horror comedy from 2000, it plops the murderous Irish sprite into a Los Angeles hip‑hop setting and dares viewers not to laugh. This guide covers the two films, the cast trivia, the streaming options, and why this critically skewered entry has become a cult favorite.

Release Year: 2000 ·
Franchise Position: 5th installment ·
Genre: Horror Comedy ·
Starring: Warwick Davis

Six key facts about Leprechaun in the Hood — one pattern: the film’s modest production specs hide a surprisingly deep cult footprint.

How many Leprechaun in the Hood movies were there?

There are exactly two movies that carry the “in the Hood” subtitle. The first, Leprechaun in the Hood, arrived in 2000; the sequel, Leprechaun Back 2 tha Hood, followed in 2003 (IMDb). Both feature Warwick Davis as the Leprechaun and shift the franchise’s setting from rural Ireland to urban Los Angeles.

Bottom line: Two films, same killer leprechaun – but only the first one earned a genuine cult following.

The implication: Warwick Davis’s performance as the leprechaun anchors both hood entries, making the first film the one that cult audiences revisit.

Is Leprechaun in the Hood a comedy?

Yes – but it is officially classified as a horror comedy. The film blends gore and supernatural threats with deliberately over‑the‑top humor. Rotten Tomatoes lists the genres as “horror, comedy” (Rotten Tomatoes (critical‑consensus aggregator)).

What’s the scariest Leprechaun movie?

Fans and critics generally point to the original 1993 Leprechaun as the scariest entry, due to its darker tone and memorable tension (Wikipedia (community‑edited encyclopedia)). By the time the franchise reached the hood, the tone had swung to self‑aware camp.

The implication: Leprechaun in the Hood is best enjoyed when you expect laughs, not scares.

Which Leprechaun was in the hood?

Warwick Davis played the Leprechaun in every franchise film, including the two hood entries (IMDb (the world’s leading movie database)). He was 30 years old when he first played the role in 1993. For context, Jennifer Aniston was 24 when she starred in the original Leprechaun – she did not return for the sequel because the filmmakers opted for a new cast and she moved on to other projects (Wikipedia (community‑edited encyclopedia)). Why did Davis stop playing the character? The series ended after the 2003 sequel, and no official announcement was made. Davis and Val Kilmer, who worked together on Wilow (1988), reportedly got along well during that production (Wikipedia (biographical resource))

“A fun, campy entry in the franchise.”

— Rotten Tomatoes critic (critical‑consensus aggregator)

Where can you watch Leprechaun in the Hood?

Streaming availability varies by region. In the United States, the film is available on MovieSphere+ (Amazon channel), The CW (with ads), Plex Player, and Tubi TV. It can be rented from Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home (JustWatch (streaming‑availability aggregator)).

In the United Kingdom it streams on Prime Video (Apple TV UK (digital media store)). In Australia it’s on Prime Video and 10 Play (Flicks (Australian streaming guide)).

Is the Leprechaun on Netflix?

As of 2025, Leprechaun in the Hood is not part of Netflix’s catalog in most regions. Netflix lists the title as “Leprechaun 5: In the Hood” but does not offer it for streaming in the U.S. (Netflix (global streaming giant)).

Bottom line: For fans in the U.S., the easiest option is Tubi (free with ads) or renting on Apple TV. International viewers should check Prime Video — Warwick Davis’s leprechaun performance makes the hunt worth it.

Which leprechaun movie is considered the best?

Debate among fans is split between the original 1993 film and Leprechaun in the Hood. The original is often regarded as the scarier, more cohesive horror, while in the Hood is celebrated for its audacious camp (Wikipedia (community‑edited encyclopedia)). On IMDb, the original has a 4.5/10 rating; in the Hood scores 3.7/10 (IMDb (the world’s leading movie database)).

Why this matters: the “best” title depends on what you want – genuine scares or intentional laughs. Neither option will disappoint a cult‑film fan. Warwick Davis’s performance as the leprechaun is the through‑line across both camps.

“Three would‑be rappers find a magical flute that once belonged to Mack Daddy and are pursued by both the Leprechaun and Mack Daddy.”

— Prime Video synopsis (Amazon’s streaming platform)

For cult‑film collectors, the choice is clear: if you want a midnight‑movie crowd‑pleaser, Leprechaun in the Hood delivers the absurdity; if you prefer classic horror, stick with the original 1993 entry. The trade‑off is a matter of tone, not quality – and that’s exactly why Warwick Davis’s 20‑year‑old oddball still gets streamed today.

Related reading: Let the Right One In: Eli Castration & Gender Ambiguity · Watch The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: Streaming Guide

Frequently asked questions