Is “Jojo Rabbit” on Disney+? Unpacking the Film’s Streaming Availability

The answer is both yes and no, and it hinges entirely on your geographic location. In some regions, “Jojo Rabbit” is available on Disney+, while in others, it is conspicuously absent. Let’s unpack this complex situation and explore where and why you might (or might not) find this provocative film on the platform.

The Global Streaming Landscape: Why Geography Matters

Streaming rights are a tangled web, and Disney+ is no exception. Distribution agreements are negotiated on a country-by-country basis, which means that a film available in the United Kingdom might not be available in the United States, and vice versa. This is primarily due to pre-existing licensing deals with other streaming services or broadcast networks in specific territories.

For “Jojo Rabbit”, this reality means its availability on Disney+ is inconsistent. While some European countries and Canada have access to the film through the platform, “Jojo Rabbit” is not available on Disney+ in the United States.

Why? Because its distribution rights in the US are held elsewhere. Keep reading to find out where you can watch it in the US.

Where Can You Watch “Jojo Rabbit” in the US?

If you’re in the United States and eager to watch Taika Waititi’s satirical masterpiece, you’ll need to explore alternative streaming options. Fortunately, “Jojo Rabbit” is typically available through the following avenues:

• Rent or Buy: You can rent or purchase “Jojo Rabbit” from various digital retailers such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Apple TV (iTunes), and Vudu. This is usually the most straightforward and reliable way to access the film on demand.
• Streaming Services (Subscription): Keep an eye on platforms like Hulu, HBO Max (now Max), and Netflix. While “Jojo Rabbit” might not be permanently featured on these services, it occasionally appears in their rotating selection of films. Use a site like JustWatch to track the film’s availability across different streaming platforms.
• Physical Media: For the true cinephile, owning the DVD or Blu-ray version of “Jojo Rabbit” ensures permanent access to the film, regardless of streaming rights fluctuations. Plus, you often get bonus features!

Why the Confusion Around Disney+ Availability?

The confusion surrounding “Jojo Rabbit’s” Disney+ availability stems from Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios), the studio that produced the film. While Disney now owns the rights, pre-existing distribution agreements still dictate where and how the film can be shown. Eventually, the rights will revert to Disney more completely, but for now, availability remains scattered.

It’s also worth noting that Disney+ strategy varies globally. In some international markets, Disney+ includes more mature content through its Star hub (available in regions like Europe, Canada, and Australia), which is where “Jojo Rabbit” often resides when it is on the platform. This Star hub is not available in the US.

“Jojo Rabbit”: A Brief Overview

For those unfamiliar, “Jojo Rabbit” is a 2019 comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi. It follows a young boy named Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a fervent member of the Hitler Youth in Nazi Germany. Jojo’s world is turned upside down when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. The film uses satire and humor to explore themes of prejudice, indoctrination, and the importance of empathy. While controversial upon release, it garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Waititi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will “Jojo Rabbit” ever be available on Disney+ in the US?

It’s difficult to say definitively. Once current distribution agreements expire, it’s possible that Disney will add “Jojo Rabbit” to its US Disney+ library. However, Disney may also choose to license the film to other streaming services or prioritize other content. Keep checking for updates and announcements.

2. Is “Jojo Rabbit” suitable for children?

“Jojo Rabbit” carries a PG-13 rating for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, and language. While it tells the story through the eyes of a child, the film deals with mature themes of war, prejudice, and violence. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

3. What other films are similar to “Jojo Rabbit”?

If you enjoyed “Jojo Rabbit,” you might also like “Life is Beautiful” (a similarly themed Italian film), “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (another Taika Waititi film with similar sensibilities), “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (for its quirky humor and visual style), and “War Horse” (for its depiction of war through a child’s eyes).

4. Is Taika Waititi in “Jojo Rabbit”?

Yes, Taika Waititi wrote, directed, and stars in “Jojo Rabbit.” He plays an imaginary friend version of Adolf Hitler, who is Jojo’s naive and childish interpretation of the Nazi leader.

5. What awards did “Jojo Rabbit” win?

“Jojo Rabbit” won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, a BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

6. How can I check if “Jojo Rabbit” is available on a specific streaming service?

The website JustWatch is an excellent resource for checking the availability of movies and TV shows across various streaming platforms in your region. Simply search for “Jojo Rabbit” on JustWatch to see where it’s currently streaming, available for rent, or available for purchase.

7. What is the Star hub on Disney+?

The Star hub is a section within Disney+ available in select international markets (like Europe, Canada, and Australia) that includes more mature content from Disney-owned studios like 20th Century Studios, FX, and Hulu. It’s designed to offer a wider range of programming to appeal to a broader audience.

8. Why doesn’t the US have the Star hub on Disney+?

In the US, Disney has chosen to keep Disney+ more family-friendly, with more mature content primarily residing on Hulu and other platforms. This strategic decision allows Disney to cater to different audience segments with distinct streaming offerings.

9. Can I use a VPN to watch “Jojo Rabbit” on Disney+ in a different country?

While using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) might allow you to access Disney+ content from another country, it’s important to note that this violates Disney+’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended or terminated. It’s also worth remembering that not all VPNs are reliable, and some may compromise your privacy and security.

10. Are there any deleted scenes or extended versions of “Jojo Rabbit” available?

Deleted scenes and bonus features are typically found on the DVD or Blu-ray release of “Jojo Rabbit.” These may include behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and additional content that didn’t make it into the final film.

11. What are the main themes explored in “Jojo Rabbit”?

“Jojo Rabbit” explores several important themes, including: the dangers of indoctrination, the power of empathy and human connection, the absurdity of war and prejudice, and the importance of questioning authority. It also touches on themes of loss, grief, and the journey of self-discovery.

12. Is “Jojo Rabbit” based on a true story?

“Jojo Rabbit” is not based on a true story. However, it is based on the novel “Caging Skies” by Christine Leunens. While the film takes liberties with the source material, it draws inspiration from historical events and the experiences of children growing up in Nazi Germany. The film’s satirical approach allows it to explore serious themes in a thought-provoking and engaging way.