Finding a movie that hits you like a freight train of emotions while also being made of clay is pretty rare. Mary and Max is that movie. Released back in 2009, this Adam Elliot masterpiece features a pen-pal relationship between a lonely 8-year-old girl in Melbourne and a 44-year-old man with Asperger’s in New York City. It is gritty, it is hilarious, and it is profoundly sad. If you’re looking for where to watch Mary and Max, you’ve probably noticed it’s not always the easiest title to track down on the major streamers.
Streaming licenses are a nightmare. One day a movie is there, the next it’s gone into the digital ether. Honestly, it’s frustrating when you just want to sit down with some chocolate-covered hot dogs (a weird reference from the film, don't ask) and watch a masterpiece.
Where to watch Mary and Max in 2026
As of early 2026, the streaming landscape for this film has settled into a few specific corners of the internet. If you are in the United States, your best bet for "free" streaming with a subscription is AMC+ or Sundance Now. These platforms have been the steady home for the film for a while now.
You can also find it on Hulu or Disney+ if you have the right bundle or if you’re accessing it through certain third-party integrations like Philo. It’s a bit of a maze. If you’re looking for the absolute easiest path without signing up for a new monthly bill, renting is usually the way to go.
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Digital Rental and Purchase Options
Sometimes you just don't want to subscribe to another service. I get it. For a few bucks, you can just own the digital copy or rent it for 48 hours. Most people go this route because Mary and Max is the kind of movie you want to show people later anyway.
- Amazon Prime Video: Usually lists it for rental at around $2.99 or $3.99.
- Apple TV / iTunes: High-quality stream, usually the same price point.
- Google Play & YouTube: Solid options if you’re already in the Android ecosystem.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): Often has it available for those who prefer their library there.
Is Mary and Max on Netflix?
This is the big question. Years ago, Mary and Max was a staple of the Netflix "Indie" section. It’s actually how a lot of people first discovered it. But today? No, Mary and Max is not currently on Netflix in the US. Streaming rights for independent films like this tend to bounce around. It might show up in a specific region—like Netflix Australia or Canada—depending on who holds the distribution rights there this month. If you’re determined to see it on Netflix, you’d likely need a VPN to check other countries, but for most US viewers, it’s a no-go for now.
Regional Availability: UK, Canada, and Australia
If you aren't in the States, things look a bit different. In Australia, the film’s home country, you can often find it streaming for free (with ads) on SBS On Demand. It’s a national treasure there, so they tend to keep it accessible.
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In the UK and Canada, availability fluctuates between Prime Video channels and smaller arthouse streamers like MUBI or BFI Player. It’s worth a quick search on a local aggregator, but the digital rental stores (Apple/Amazon) remain the most consistent "always-on" option globally.
Why this movie is worth the hunt
Look, it’s a film about a girl with a birthmark the color of "poo" and an obese man who struggles to understand the world. It sounds bleak. In many ways, it is. But the voice acting by Toni Collette and the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman brings a level of humanity to these clay figures that live-action actors rarely achieve.
Max’s explanation of his world—how he sees people as puzzles he can't quite solve—is one of the most honest depictions of neurodivergence ever put on screen. It’s why the movie has such a massive cult following. People don't just watch it; they feel it.
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A Note on the "New" Mary Max
You might see a title pop up in search results for 2026 called Mary Chris Max. Just a heads up—that is a completely different suspense movie and has nothing to do with our claymation friends. Don't get Bamboozled.
Physical Media: The "Safe" Bet
If you’re tired of checking where to watch Mary and Max every six months, buying a physical copy is actually a smart move. You can find used DVDs on eBay for under $15, and the Blu-ray occasionally pops up on Amazon or through IFC Films’ distributors.
Plus, the DVD usually comes with "The Making of" featurettes. Seeing how they sculpted every tiny prop by hand makes you appreciate the movie on a whole different level. The sheer amount of work that went into Max’s cluttered New York apartment is insane.
Your Next Steps
- Check your current subscriptions: Specifically AMC+, Sundance Now, or any Hulu bundles you might have.
- Verify via Search: Since rights change monthly, do a quick check on your TV's "Search" function to see if it has landed on a free-with-ads service like Tubi or Pluto TV recently.
- Rent it: If you want to watch it tonight without the hassle, just drop the $3 on Amazon or Apple. It’s cheaper than a cup of coffee and much more memorable.
- Watch "Memoir of a Snail": If you finish Mary and Max and need more, check out Adam Elliot’s newer work. It carries the same DNA and emotional weight.