You’re looking for where to watch The Woman King. I get it. Sometimes you just want to see Viola Davis lead a literal army of elite female warriors without having to bounce between five different apps only to find out it’s "available for rent" for six bucks.
Honestly, the streaming landscape is a mess right now. Since the film’s release in late 2022, it has hopped around a bit, but there are a few definitive places where you can catch the Agojie in action. This isn't just about finding a link; it’s about knowing which subscription you’re already paying for that actually carries the movie.
The Best Way to Stream The Woman King Right Now
Netflix is your best friend here. If you’re in the United States, The Woman King is currently part of the Netflix library. This is thanks to a long-standing "pay-one window" deal between Sony Pictures (the studio behind the film) and Netflix. Basically, Sony movies land on Netflix after their theatrical and VOD runs.
It’s been there for a while.
If you aren't in the US, things get a bit more "it depends." For example, in the UK, the movie has frequently cycled through Sky Cinema and NOW. In Canada, it’s often found on Crave. Streaming rights are basically a game of musical chairs played by billionaires, so what’s true in New York might not be true in London or Sydney.
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What if I don't have Netflix?
You aren't out of luck. If you've ditched the big N, you can go the digital retail route. This is actually my preferred way to watch movies I know I’ll want to see again. You can buy or rent it on:
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu (now Fandango at Home)
Renting usually sets you back about $3.99, while buying it hovers around $12.99 to $14.99 depending on if there's a sale. If you have a high-end 4K TV, pay the extra dollar for the UHD version. The cinematography by Polly Morgan is stunning—the way she captures the West African landscape and the skin tones of the actors under natural light is masterclass level. You’ll lose all that texture in a standard definition stream.
Why You Should Stop Sleeping on This Movie
Look, some people skipped this in theaters because of "historical accuracy" debates on Twitter. Forget that for a second. While Gina Prince-Bythewood’s film takes liberties—as literally every historical epic from Braveheart to Gladiator does—it’s an incredible piece of filmmaking.
The performances are intense.
Viola Davis as Nanisca is a force of nature, but the real breakout for many was Thuso Mbedu. She plays Nawi, the recruit who serves as our eyes and ears in the kingdom of Dahomey. The physical training these women went through was legitimate. They weren't using stunt doubles for the bulk of those fight sequences. You can see the sweat. You can see the muscle strain. It feels heavy and real in a way that CGI-heavy superhero movies just don't anymore.
The "Historical Accuracy" Elephant in the Room
It's worth talking about. People argued about the Kingdom of Dahomey's involvement in the slave trade. The movie doesn't actually ignore this. It internalizes it. The plot centers on the internal conflict within the kingdom about moving away from the slave trade and toward palm oil production.
Is it a 1:1 documentary? No.
Is it a gripping drama about power, trauma, and sisterhood? Absolutely.
Historians like Leonard Wantchekon, who is a professor at Princeton and actually from Benin (where Dahomey was located), served as a consultant to ensure the cultural vibes—the architecture, the clothing, the social structures—felt authentic even when the narrative took "Hollywood" turns.
Technical Specs for the Best Viewing Experience
If you’re watching The Woman King at home, you want the right setup. The sound design is as important as the visuals. Lebo M., the legendary composer who worked on The Lion King, contributed to the soundtrack. The drums. The chanting. It’s meant to be felt in your chest.
- Audio: If you have a soundbar with Dolby Atmos, use it. The jungle battle scenes use directional audio effectively.
- Visuals: The movie was shot on Arri Alexa LF cameras. It’s "Open Gate," meaning there is a lot of vertical information in the frame. On a big screen, the scale of the palace is breathtaking.
Where to Find The Woman King Internationally
Since I know people read these from all over, here’s a quick rundown of the international landscape as of early 2026:
- United Kingdom: Usually on Sky/NOW, but occasionally pops up on Channel 4's streaming service for free (with ads).
- Australia: Check Binge or Foxtel Now. It’s rarely on Netflix there.
- France: Due to strict media chronology laws, it takes longer to hit streaming services, but Canal+ is usually the first stop.
- Brazil: HBO Max (now just Max) has carried it in certain Latin American territories.
Buying the Physical Disc (The "Secret" Best Option)
I’m going to be a bit of a nerd here: buy the 4K Blu-ray.
Streaming services compress video. Even with "high speed" internet, you aren't seeing the full bitrate of what was filmed. The physical disc of The Woman King includes some pretty great behind-the-scenes features on how they built the sets in South Africa and the weapon training the cast underwent. Plus, when the "streaming wars" result in movies being pulled from platforms for tax write-offs (it happens more than you think), you’ll still own your copy.
Is it on Disney+ or Hulu?
Simple answer: No.
This is a Sony movie. Disney doesn't own it. Unless Sony makes a specific deal to license it to Disney (like they did with some Spider-Man titles), you won't find it there. Stick to Netflix or the VOD stores.
Actionable Next Steps to Watch Today
If you want to watch the movie right this second, follow this sequence:
- Check Netflix first. Search "The Woman King." If it pops up, you're golden.
- Check your library app. If you have a library card, check Libby or Kanopy. Sometimes major titles end up there for free, legally.
- Go to JustWatch. If you're reading this months from now and rights have shifted, go to the JustWatch website, set your country, and type in the title. It’s the most accurate live database for streaming changes.
- Optimize your settings. Before you hit play, turn off "Motion Smoothing" or "Soap Opera Effect" on your TV. This movie has a gritty, cinematic texture that looks terrible when your TV tries to make it look like a 120fps YouTube vlog.
The movie is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Clear your schedule, grab a decent pair of headphones or crank the speakers, and get ready for one of the best ensembles put on screen in the last decade.