Tove Jansson’s trolls aren't just characters. They’re a whole vibe. But honestly, if you're trying to figure out where to watch Moomin, you’ve probably realized it's a total mess of licensing deals and region-locked content. It's frustrating. One minute you think you’ve found the 90s classic, and the next you’re staring at a "not available in your country" screen or a fan-dub on YouTube with the resolution of a potato.
You’ve got the 1990 Moomin series (the one most people grew up with), the newer Moominvalley with its big-name voice cast, and the weirdly charming stop-motion stuff from the 70s. Finding them all requires a bit of digital gymnastics.
The Moomins represent a specific kind of Nordic melancholy mixed with absolute coziness. It’s why people are still obsessed decades later. Whether you want the hand-drawn nostalgia of the Tanoshii Moomin Ikka or the high-budget CGI of the recent Sky/Yle co-production, you have options. You just have to know where to look.
The Big One: Where to Watch the 1990 Moomin Series
Most people asking about where to watch Moomin are looking for the 1990 anime. This is the definitive version for many. It was produced as a massive collaboration between Dutch, Finnish, and Japanese teams. It's iconic.
The easiest, most legal way to see this right now is actually through the Official Moomin Official YouTube channel. They’ve been surprisingly good about uploading remastered episodes. You can find full seasons there, often organized into playlists. The catch? The "remastered" versions sometimes have different voice acting than the original broadcast versions you might remember from your childhood.
If you're a purist, you'll notice the difference immediately. The voices change the soul of the show.
For those in the UK, the series occasionally pops up on Freeview channels or specific streaming niche sites like Rakuten TV. In the US, it’s a bit more of a desert. You might find it on Amazon Prime Video as a "buy or rent" option, but licensing is notoriously fickle here. It disappears and reappears like a Groke in the night.
Moominvalley: The Modern Reboot
Then there’s Moominvalley. This is the 2019 series. It stars Taron Egerton, Rosamund Pike, and Matt Berry. It’s gorgeous. It’s also much easier to find because the licensing is more recent and standardized.
- In the UK: This is a Sky One and NOW (formerly NOW TV) exclusive. If you have a subscription, all seasons are usually sitting there ready for a binge.
- In Finland: It’s on Yle Areena. It’s free if you’re in the country, but you’ll need a VPN if you’re traveling.
- In the US: This is the tricky part. For a long time, it was on HBO Max (now just Max). However, as streamers have started purging content to save on tax write-offs, Moominvalley has bounced around. Currently, you can often find it on Amazon Prime via the PBS Kids channel or as a standalone purchase.
It’s worth the effort. The animation is top-tier. It captures that specific Jansson blend of philosophical depth and slapstick comedy.
📖 Related: Wrong Address: Why This Nigerian Drama Is Still Sparking Conversations
The Weird and Wonderful Stop-Motion Classics
If you want the real-deal, slightly-creepy-but-beautiful aesthetic, you want the Polish stop-motion series from the late 70s and early 80s. Often called The Moomins, this version used "felt" puppets. It’s arguably the closest to Tove Jansson’s original illustrations in terms of mood.
Believe it or not, this version is often available on Mubi or BFI Player in certain territories. Because it’s considered "artistic" and "cult," it ends up on boutique streaming services rather than the big giants like Netflix.
There is also a film version called Moomins and the Winter Wonderland (2017) which used footage from this classic series but remastered it and added voices like Alicia Vikander and Stellan Skarsgård. You can usually rent this on Apple TV or Google Play.
The Licensing Nightmare: Why is it so hard?
Why is it so difficult to find one single place where to watch Moomin? Basically, the Moomin Characters Ltd (the company owned by the Jansson family) is very protective. They don't just sell the rights to one giant corporation forever. They do regional deals.
This means that while a kid in Japan might have easy access on Netflix, a fan in Canada might be totally blocked. It’s a patchwork quilt of legal agreements.
Also, the 1990 series has a complicated history with its English dubs. There’s the "standard" dub and several others. Some fans prefer the original Japanese audio with subtitles, which is even harder to find legally outside of physical media imports.
The Physical Media Workaround
Sometimes, the internet fails us. If you’re a die-hard fan, honestly, the best move is to buy the DVD box sets.
The Moomin: The Complete Series DVD sets are still floating around on eBay and Amazon. Just be careful with region codes. If you buy a Region 2 DVD (UK/Europe), it won't play on a standard US DVD player unless you have a region-free machine.
👉 See also: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
Where to Watch Moomin by Region (Quick Summary)
Let's break it down simply.
If you are in the United Kingdom, your best bet for the new series is Sky/NOW. For the old series, check YouTube or Amazon.
For those in the United States, you’re looking at Amazon Prime for the new stuff and the Official Moomin YouTube for the old stuff.
In Australia, ABC iView has historically carried Moomin content, but it rotates frequently.
In Japan, U-Next and Netflix often carry various versions, including the 90s series which is basically a national treasure there.
Is Moomin on Netflix?
The short answer: Rarely.
The longer answer: It depends on where you live. Netflix has a habit of picking up international distribution for Moominvalley in specific territories like Japan or parts of Europe, but they haven't made it a global staple.
You should always check your local "New on Netflix" lists, but don't count on it as your primary source for Moomin content. It’s too sporadic.
✨ Don't miss: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
What about the Groke? (And other things to look for)
When you finally find a place where to watch Moomin, keep an eye out for the episodes that were actually banned or edited in different countries.
The episode "The Groke" scared an entire generation of Finnish and British children. Some versions of the show have slightly toned-down music or dialogue to make it less "intense." If you’re watching on YouTube, you’re usually getting the unedited versions, which is great for the "authentic" experience but maybe a bit much for a very sensitive toddler.
Actionable Steps for Moomin Fans
If you're ready to start your marathon, here is how you should handle it.
First, go to YouTube and search for the Moomin Official channel. This is the safest and highest-quality legal starting point for the 90s series. It costs nothing and the quality is surprisingly good.
Second, check your local library's digital apps like Hoopla or Libby. You’d be shocked how many Moomin movies and series episodes are available for free with a library card. This is the most underrated "hack" in streaming.
Third, if you’re desperate for the 2019 Moominvalley series and you aren't in the UK, look into the PBS Kids add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video. They often have a free trial period that will let you get through at least a season or two.
Finally, keep an eye on the Moomin.com official blog. They actually post updates when new streaming deals are signed. Since the 2026 landscape is always shifting, the official source is the only way to stay ahead of the "content disappeared" blues.
Start with the official YouTube channel today. It’s the path of least resistance and gets you straight into the valley without needing a credit card.