You want to watch Mulan. Simple enough, right? Except it isn’t. Between the 1998 animated classic that defined childhoods and the 2020 live-action remake that basically reinvented how Disney releases movies, finding where to stream which version can be a headache. Honestly, you'd think in 2026 we'd have one big button for everything, but licensing is still a mess.
Let's cut to the chase.
Where to Watch Mulan Right Now
If you are looking for the absolute easiest way to watch either version of Mulan, you’re looking at Disney Plus. That’s the home base. It’s the only place where both the original 1998 film and the 2020 remake live under one roof as part of a standard subscription.
Back in the day, the 2020 version had that "Premier Access" thing where you had to pay an extra $30. Thankfully, that's long gone. If you have a Disney Plus sub, you just hit play.
But what if you hate subscriptions? Or what if you're one of the five people left who doesn't have Disney Plus?
You’ve got options. Basically, you can "digital rent" or buy the movies on a few different platforms.
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- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or buy both versions here. It’s usually around $3.99 to rent the old one in HD, though 4K might cost you an extra buck.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Great if you're in the ecosystem. They often bundle the two movies together for a discount, which is a solid move if you want the "legacy" collection.
- Google Play & YouTube: Same deal as Amazon. Pay a few bucks, watch it for 48 hours, or pay about $20 to own it forever.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): They often have "Mix & Match" deals where you can grab Mulan and another Disney flick for a flat rate.
Is Mulan on Netflix or Hulu?
The short answer? No.
The longer answer is that Disney is very protective of its "Vault" content. While some Disney-owned properties (like some Marvel or Nat Geo stuff) occasionally drift over to Hulu, the core Princess line—which Mulan is part of—stays firmly on Disney Plus. Don't expect to see it on Netflix anytime soon. They’re rivals. It’s like asking for a Big Mac at a Taco Bell.
The "Free" Question
Can you watch Mulan for free? Legally? Kinda.
If you have a library card, check out Hoopla or Kanopy. Sometimes they have Disney titles available for "borrowing" digitally. It depends on your local library's specific deal, but it’s worth a five-minute check. Also, if you’re a Verizon or Amex customer, check your "Benefits" tab. They’ve been known to give out six-month Disney Plus trials like candy.
Please, for the love of your computer's health, stay away from those "free movie" sites with 19 pop-ups and a high chance of malware. It's not worth the $3.99 you're trying to save.
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What Really Happened With the 2020 Remake
Let’s talk about the 2020 version for a second because that release was a wild ride. It was supposed to be this massive theatrical event. Then the world shut down. Disney panicked (rightfully so) and launched it via "Premier Access."
People were livid. Paying $30 on top of a monthly fee? In that economy?
But here’s the thing: it worked. It paved the way for how movies like Black Widow and Raya and the Last Dragon were released. Now, in 2026, we take "day-and-date" streaming for granted, but Mulan was the guinea pig.
If you haven't seen the 2020 version, just know it’s not a musical. No Mushu. No "I'll Make a Man Out of You." It’s more of a Wuxia (Chinese martial arts) inspired war film. It’s beautiful to look at, but if you’re looking for the talking dragon, stick to the 1998 version.
Which Version is Better?
This is where the internet gets spicy.
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The 1998 version is arguably one of the best "Disney Renaissance" films. It’s got Eddie Murphy at his peak and a soundtrack that still slaps. The 2020 version, directed by Niki Caro, tries to be more "historical" and serious.
Most people I talk to still prefer the animation. There's a soul in the hand-drawn lines that the CGI-heavy remake struggles to match. Plus, the 1998 version is only 88 minutes long. The remake drags a bit at nearly two hours.
Technical Stuff: 4K and Sound
If you’re a cinephile, you want the 4K. Both versions are available in 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) on Disney Plus.
The 2020 version specifically looks incredible in 4K. The colors of the Imperial City and the landscape shots of the mountains are reference-quality. If you have a high-end OLED TV, that’s the one to use for showing off your screen. The 1998 version has been "upscaled," and while it looks clean, you can definitely tell it's a product of the late 90s.
Audio-wise, both support Dolby Atmos on compatible systems. The thundering hooves of the Huns in the 1998 version sounds surprisingly beefy on a good soundbar.
Quick Checklist for Watching
If you’re ready to watch right now, follow this logic:
- Have Disney Plus? Search "Mulan." Pick your era. Done.
- No Disney Plus? Go to Amazon or Apple TV. Rent the 1998 version for about $4.
- On a Budget? Use your library card on Hoopla or wait for a Disney Plus "$1.99 for a month" promo that usually happens around Disney Plus Day.
- Want Physical? Believe it or not, 4K Blu-rays of Mulan are still a thing and they usually come with a digital code you can "keep" forever without a sub.
Check your current streaming apps first. Sometimes "The Disney Bundle" is included in your phone plan or credit card perks without you even realizing it. Log into your provider's portal—like Verizon, T-Mobile, or even American Express—to see if you're already paying for access. Once you've confirmed your access, start with the 1998 original for the nostalgia, then follow up with the 2020 version if you're in the mood for a more serious action epic.