Honestly, it’s a bit of a tragedy when you just want to watch a polite bear make marmalade and the streaming services decide to play hide-and-seek. Paddington 2 isn't just a "kids' movie." It’s a masterpiece. Even Pedro Pascal and Nicolas Cage wept over it in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. But finding Paddington 2 where to watch in January 2026 has become a bit of a moving target because of how licensing deals work.
One day it’s on Netflix, the next it’s gone.
If you tried to find it on Netflix US on New Year's Day, you probably noticed a bear-shaped hole in your watchlist. The film officially departed the platform on December 31, 2025. It’s annoying. You’ve got the tea brewed, the snacks ready, and then—poof. No bear.
The Current Streaming Situation (January 2026)
Right now, the "free" streaming landscape for our favorite Peruvian bear is a bit fragmented. Since leaving Netflix, the movie has been bouncing around. In the US, the most reliable way to stream it without an extra per-movie fee is through Max (formerly HBO Max) or occasionally Hulu.
However, there’s a catch.
Streaming rights for this franchise are split between different distributors like Warner Bros. and StudioCanal. This means the movie often hops between Max and Peacock. If you’re checking your apps today, start with Max. If you don't see it there, it has likely migrated to Tubi or Peacock for a short stint.
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What about the UK and beyond?
If you're reading this from across the pond, things are a bit steadier. Netflix UK has been much more consistent with keeping the franchise available, especially with the recent buzz around Paddington in Peru. In Australia, Binge and Foxtel Now are usually the go-to spots for a quick marmalade fix.
Why You Can’t Find It on Disney Plus
People always assume Paddington belongs with Mickey. He doesn't. Paddington is a StudioCanal property. While Disney+ has started licensing more outside content, Paddington 2 isn't a permanent resident there. You might find it on Disney+ in specific territories like Austria or Germany, but for the US and UK, it’s rarely on the menu.
The "I Need to Watch It Right Now" Method
If you’re tired of the "now you see it, now you don't" game with subscription services, the digital storefronts are your best friend. They never lose the rights.
- Amazon Prime Video: Usually $3.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy in 4K.
- Apple TV (iTunes): The best bitrates if you’re a stickler for picture quality.
- Google Play / YouTube: Reliable if you’re on an Android device.
Buying the movie is basically a long-term investment in your mental health. It’s the ultimate "comfort watch."
Common Misconceptions About the Sequel
A lot of people think the first movie is the better one. They’re wrong. The sequel is where the magic happens. We get Hugh Grant as Phoenix Buchanan, a washed-up actor who is clearly having the time of his life.
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There’s also the whole "100% on Rotten Tomatoes" thing. For years, it was the best-reviewed movie of all time on the site. Then one critic gave it a negative review in 2021 just to be a contrarian (okay, that’s my opinion, but still). It’s currently sitting at a 99%, which is basically perfect in human terms.
Technical Specs for the Best Experience
If you're renting it, try to find the 4K UHD version. The cinematography by Erik Wilson is gorgeous. The colors in the "pop-up book" sequence are vibrant and deserve more than a grainy 1080p stream. Most platforms like Apple and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) offer the 4K version for the same price as the HD one.
What to Do Next
If you’ve searched every app and still can’t find Paddington 2 where to watch, don't give up.
- Check your library's digital access: Apps like Hoopla or Kanopy often carry family classics for free with a library card.
- Verify your region: If you're traveling, remember that your home library might not be available due to geo-blocking.
- Physical Media: Honestly? Grab the Blu-ray from a bargain bin. No licensing executive can take a physical disc away from you in the middle of the night.
The search is worth it. Whether it's the prison break sequence or the heartbreaking letter to Aunt Lucy, this film remains the gold standard for kindness in cinema. Go find a jar of marmalade and get streaming.