Maleficent films are licensed to other streaming services, not Disney Plus

Disney owns the Maleficent films, but that does not mean they stream on Disney Plus everywhere. Disney licensed the movies to other platforms — usually Netflix or Amazon Prime Video — in many countries and regions. Those licenses run for set periods, often several years, and Disney cannot put the film on Disney Plus until the license expires or Disney buys it back early.

The specific platform that has Maleficent depends on where you live. In the United States, the films have moved between Netflix and other services over time. In other countries, they may be on different platforms entirely, or available through rental and purchase only. Your Disney Plus subscription gives you access to Disney's own library in your region, but not to every film Disney owns.

This is why you might see Maleficent advertised as a Disney movie but cannot find it on Disney Plus. The company that made the film is not the same as the company that controls where you can stream it right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney licensed Maleficent to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other platforms in your region, which is why it does not appear on Disney Plus.
  • Streaming licenses expire and change hands, so a film unavailable today may arrive on Disney Plus months or years later.
  • Checking your region's Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu can tell you where Maleficent is currently streaming.
  • Rental and purchase options through iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon are usually available even when the film is not on a subscription service.

How to find where Maleficent is streaming right now

The fastest way to locate the film is to search for it on JustWatch.com or Reelgood.com. Both sites show you which streaming services carry a film in your country, whether it is included with a subscription or available for rent or purchase. Type "Maleficent" into the search box, select your country, and the results will list every legal way to watch it.

You can also check Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu directly by searching their apps or websites. If Maleficent appears in the search results, it will show whether you can watch it with your current subscription or if you need to rent or buy it. If it does not appear at all, it is not currently on that service in your region.

Why Disney Plus does not have all Disney movies

Before Disney Plus launched in 2019, Disney had already sold streaming rights to many of its films to other companies. Netflix, in particular, held the rights to stream a large portion of Disney's back catalog. When Disney Plus started, the company could not straightforward move those films over — the existing licenses were still active and legally binding.

Disney has been buying back some of these licenses over time, which is why more films appear on Disney Plus each year. However, this process is slow and expensive. Some films remain on other platforms because Disney has not yet renegotiated the rights, or because the cost to buy them back is higher than the value Disney sees in moving them.

Additionally, some films are licensed to platforms in specific regions only. Maleficent might be on Netflix in one country and on Prime Video in another. Disney's licensing agreements are negotiated separately for each region, so availability varies widely depending on where you are.

When Maleficent might come to Disney Plus

There is no set date for when Maleficent will arrive on Disney Plus, because the timing depends on when the current license expires. If the film is on Netflix, for example, Disney and Netflix would have agreed on an end date years ago. Disney Plus will only get the film after that date passes and Disney chooses not to renew the Netflix license.

You can sometimes find information about license expiration dates on fan sites or streaming databases, but these are not always accurate. The most reliable way to stay informed is to check JustWatch or Reelgood every few months, or to set a reminder to search for the film on Disney Plus periodically.

Renting or buying Maleficent if it is not on a subscription service

If Maleficent is not currently on any subscription service you have, you can rent or buy it through digital retailers. Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu all offer the film for rent (usually $3.99 to $5.99) or purchase (usually $9.99 to $14.99). Rental lets you watch for a set period, typically 24 to 48 hours. Purchase lets you keep the film permanently in your digital library.

Prices vary by retailer and by whether you want the standard or high-definition version. Some retailers occasionally discount older films, so checking multiple platforms may save you money. The rental option is useful if you want to watch the film once without committing to ownership.

The difference between Disney Plus and Disney's other streaming services

Disney owns multiple streaming platforms: Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Plus, and others. A film might be on Hulu but not Disney Plus, or vice versa. Hulu sometimes carries films that Disney Plus does not, because Hulu is marketed toward adult audiences and carries more mature content alongside family programming.

If you have a Disney Bundle subscription (Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together), check Hulu as well. Maleficent may be available there even if it is not on Disney Plus. You can search Hulu the same way you would search Disney Plus — by opening the app and typing the title into the search bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maleficent on Disney Plus anywhere in the world?

Maleficent's availability on Disney Plus varies by country. In some regions it may be available, while in others it is licensed to different platforms. Check JustWatch.com and select your country to see the current status where you live.

Will Maleficent ever come back to Disney Plus?

It may, depending on Disney's licensing decisions. As existing licenses expire, Disney can choose to bring films to Disney Plus or renew licenses with other platforms. There is no may provide either way, and no public timeline for when this might happen.

Can I watch Maleficent 2 on Disney Plus if the first one is not there?

Not necessarily. Both films are usually licensed together, so if Maleficent is on Netflix, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil likely is too. However, licensing can differ by film, so check your streaming service to confirm.

Why does Disney own Maleficent but not stream it on Disney Plus?

Disney owns the film but sold the streaming rights to other companies before Disney Plus existed. Those licenses are still active and legally binding, so Disney cannot move the film to Disney Plus until those agreements end.

If I buy Maleficent digitally, can I watch it on Disney Plus?

No. A digital purchase through iTunes or Amazon gives you access through that retailer's app or service, not through Disney Plus. The two are separate platforms with separate libraries.