As we move into 2026, the Pokémon franchise continues to expand its massive cinematic and television library. From the nostalgic journeys of Ash Ketchum in the Indigo League to the groundbreaking new era of Pokémon Horizons and its latest season, "Rising Hope," there has never been more content for fans to explore. However, with decades of content spread across various platforms, a persistent challenge remains for both new viewers and veterans: Where can you legally watch the entire Pokémon catalog, especially with the original Japanese audio and English subtitles? While streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime hold the rights to different segments of the franchise, complex localization licensing agreements often mean that viewers in English-speaking countries are restricted to specific eras or dubbed versions.This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the most reliable and legal watching methods for the entire Pokémon series and movie collection across major regions—including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, the Philippines, and Japan.Whether you are in New York, London, Mumbai, or Manila, this article will help you skip the tedious searching and jump straight into your next Pokémon adventure, no matter which era you wish to revisit.
How to Watch Pokémon in Japanese (Original Audio + English Subs)
For many Pokémon fans, the best way to experience the series is with Japanese audio and English subtitles. However, Due to the licensing strategies of The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), Netflix versions in Western countries (US, UK, CA, AU) are typically locked to the English dub and do not offer the original Japanese audio track. In this section, we provide several solutions to help you easily find Pokémon content with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
1. The "Geo-Hopping" Method: Netflix (Most Seamless)
This is the most user-friendly approach if you already have a Netflix account. While the US or EU libraries are often "dub-only," certain Asian regions offer the original Japanese track with built-in English subs.
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Target Regions: Connect your VPN to Singapore or The Philippines.
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The Setup: 1. Switch your VPN to a Singapore/Philippines node. 2. Launch Netflix and search for your preferred Pokémon series. 3. In the audio/subtitle settings, you’ll find "Japanese [Original]" listed alongside "English" subtitles.
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Why it works: You get professional-grade subtitles and a high-bitrate stream without needing to juggle multiple accounts.
2. The "Freemium" Route: Pokémon Asia Official Channels (Best Value)
The Pokémon Company maintains a strong presence on YouTube for the Asian market, and it is a goldmine for fans on a budget.
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Top Picks: Pokémon Asia Official and Pokémon Asia ENG on YouTube.
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What to Expect in 2026: For the latest series like Pokémon Horizons, episodes are often uploaded shortly after their Japanese broadcast with official English sub toggles.
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Bonus Platform: Bilibili Global (specifically for SE Asia) is also a fantastic legitimate source that offers a smooth UI for switching between various subtitle tracks.
3. The Purist’s Choice: Japanese Domestic Platforms (Fastest Release)
If "waiting" isn't in your vocabulary, you’ll want to go straight to the source.
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Primary Services: U-NEXT, Hulu Japan, and Amazon Prime Video (JP).
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The Pro Tip: Since these are domestic Japanese services, they don't natively offer English subs. To fix this, use the Language Reactor browser extension. It uses AI to overlay English translations over the live stream, allowing you to watch the latest episodes as they air in Japan.
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The Perks: You get the original Japanese openings, endings, and the iconic background music (BGM) that is often replaced in Western versions.
4. Digital Ownership: iTunes & Google Play (Best for Collectors)
If you want to own your favorite seasons and watch them offline without ads, digital storefronts are the way to go.
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The Caveat: Be mindful of your store's region. You may need to access the Singaporean or Japanese storefronts to find "Dual Audio" versions that specifically include the original Japanese track.
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The Perks: One-time purchase, permanent access, and the highest possible 4K/HD quality.
Quick Comparison Table
| Goal | Recommended Option | Cost | Difficulty |
| Instant Access (Newest Episodes) | Japanese Domestic Platforms | High (Sub + VPN) | ★★★★☆ |
| Easiest Experience | Netflix Geo-Hopping | Medium (Netflix Sub) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Best Value (Free) | Pokémon Asia YouTube | Free | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Permanent Collection | Digital Purchase | High (Per Volume) | ★★☆☆☆ |
Regional Breakdown for watching Pokémon Horizons: Rising Hope (Season 3)
The new season, Rising Hope, officially launched in January 2026. Here is how to access it based on your location:
1. US / CA / AU (North America & Oceania)
Platform: Netflix (Part 1 released January 6, 2026).
The Reality: These versions are strictly English Dub. To hear the Japanese cast, you must use the VPN strategy mentioned above to "geo-hop" to an Asian Netflix library.
Release Style: Netflix continues to release episodes in "batches," so expect Part 2 later in 2026.
United Kingdom
Platform: BBC iPlayer (Free) & Netflix.
The Catch: BBC iPlayer offers the earliest access to the English dub (premiered Oct 2025), but like the UK Netflix, it does not provide a Japanese audio option.
2. India
Platform: JioHotstar (Following the 2026 merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar).
The Experience: Free (ad-supported) or via Premium subscription. It hosts Pokémon Horizons, but it is strictly dubbed (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu). For the Japanese experience in India, use YouTube (Pokémon Asia ENG) or the Singapore VPN + Netflix method.
3. Philippines / Southeast Asia
Top Choice: Bilibili Global
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Availability: Widely available in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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Audio/Subs: This is a fan-favorite because it provides Japanese Audio with official English, Thai, and Vietnamese subtitles.
Secondary Choice: Pokémon Asia Official (YouTube)
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The Secret: Legal and free. Offers the original Japanese performance with English subtitle toggles.
4. Japan (The Source)
Broadcasters: TV Tokyo (Fridays) & TVer (1-week free replay).
Language: Japanese only (No subtitles).
Power User Tip: Use the Language Reactor browser extension to overlay AI-generated English subtitles during the broadcast.
Where to Watch Pokémon Series & Movies Global Online？
Pokémon’s streaming availability varies significantly by region due to licensing, dubbing priorities, and local broadcast partnerships. While Netflix remains the primary global platform for Pokémon Horizons, free and official alternatives—such as BBC iPlayer, Pokémon TV, regional YouTube channels, and local broadcasters—can offer better value depending on where you live.
Below is a region-by-region breakdown of where to watch Pokémon series and movies in 2026, including paid subscriptions, free legal options, and important language limitations.
1. United States
The Pokémon anime and movies are available across several official streaming services in the US, ranging from free ad‑supported platforms to subscription services. Each platform carries different parts of the Pokémon library — there’s no single place hosting everything. However, Japanese audio with English subtitles is rarely available on domestic platforms.
| Platform | Coverage | Price/ Month | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix US | Pokémon Horizons (Seasons 1–3/“Rising Hope”), select classic & spin‑offs | $7.99 (Fan) / $11.99 (Mega) / $15.99 (Ult) | ❌ | English dub + English subs available; Japanese audio usually not available in US catalog |
| Hulu | Classic series (Sun & Moon era), selective movies | $11.99 (Ads) / $18.99 (No Ads) | ✅ 30‑day trial | Mostly English audio; availability of older seasons may vary by licensing |
| Tubi | Some older Pokémon seasons (e.g., Black & White) | Free (ad‑supported) | ✅ | Ad‑supported access to parts of the anime. English audio. |
| Roku Channel | Rotating Pokémon content, including some older seasons | Free (ad‑supported) | ✅ | Availability varies over time; content rotates. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Movies & a selection of series episodes; sometimes FAST channels | $8.99 / Pay‑per‑view | ✅ (Prime trial) | Amazon hosts various classic series and movies; audio mostly English dub. |
| Apple TV / Google Play | Movies & episodes (digital purchase) | Pay‑per‑title | ❌ | Permanent ownership; language options vary by title. — |
| YouTube (Official Pokémon Channel) | Classics, specials, shorts | Free | ✅ | Official uploads with varying availability; occasional English subs. |
2. United Kingdom
The UK is one of the best regions in Europe to watch Pokémon legally, thanks to a rare combination of subscription platforms and public broadcasters.In particular, BBC iPlayer offers free access to Pokémon Horizons for UK viewers, while Netflix UK remains the main destination for newer seasons.Compared to the US, the UK has more free, legal options, though most platforms still prioritize English‑dubbed versions.
| Platform |
Coverage | Price/ Month | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
| Netflix UK | Pokémon Horizons (S1–S3), select classic & movies | £4.99 (Ads) / £10.99 (Std) / £17.99 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub + English subs; Japanese audio generally unavailable |
| BBC iPlayer |
Pokémon Horizons (S1–S3) | Free | ✅ | UK-only; time‑limited availability; English audio |
| Amazon Prime Video UK | Pokémon movies & classic series | £5.99 / Subscription | ✅ 30-day trial | English audio; subtitles vary by title |
| Disney+ UK | Select classic Pokémon movies & series | £3.99 (Ads) / £6.99 (Std) / £9.99 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub; availability rotates |
| Tubi | Classic Pokémon seasons | Free (ad-supported) | ✅ | Ad-supported access; English audio |
| YouTube (Official Pokémon Channel) | Specials, shorts | Free | ✅ | Limited episodes; sometimes includes English subs |
3. Canada
Canada offers a balanced mix of free and subscription-based platforms for Pokémon fans. Free platforms like Tubi, Pluto TVprovide limited access to episodes, while Netflix Canada, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ host Pokémon Horizons and selected movies. Japanese audio with English subtitles remains rare: most Canadian platforms focus on the English dub, though some YouTube uploads occasionally provide dual audio.
| Platform |
Coverage | Price/ Month | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
| Netflix Canada | Pokémon Horizons (S1–S3), select classic & movies | C$7.99 (Ads) / C$18.99 (Std) / C$23.99 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub + English subs; Japanese audio generally unavailable |
| Amazon Prime Video Canada | Pokémon movies & classic series | C$9.99 / Pay-per-title | ✅ 30-day trial | English audio; subtitles depend on title |
| Disney+ Canada | Select Pokémon movies & specials | C$8.99 (Ads) / C$15.99 (Std) / C$16.99 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub; availability varies |
| Tubi | Classic Pokémon seasons | Free (ad-supported) | ✅ | Limited selection; English audio |
| Pluto TV | Select Pokémon episodes | Free (ad-supported) | ✅ | Streaming rotates; English audio |
| YouTube (Official Pokémon Channel) | Specials, clips, selected episodes | Free | ✅ | Limited episodes; occasional English subs; some Japanese audio occasionally |
4. Australia
Australia offers a variety of streaming platforms for Pokémon fans, both free and paid. Netflix Australia and Prime Video Australia carry Pokémon Horizons and select movies, while free platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV offer access to older episodes and some specials. Like other regions, Japanese audio with English subtitles is not widely available on Australian streaming platforms, with most platforms focusing on the English dub.
| Platform |
Coverage | Price/ Month | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
| Netflix Australia | Pokémon Horizons (S1–S3), select movies & classic series | A$9.99 (Ads) / A$20.99 (Std) / A$28.99 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub + English subs; Japanese audio generally unavailable |
| Amazon Prime Video Australia | Pokémon movies & classic series | A$9.99 / Pay-per-title | ✅ 30-day trial | English audio; subtitles depend on title |
| Disney+ Australia | Select Pokémon movies & specials | A$7.99 (Ads) / A$15.99 (Std) / A$20.99 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub; availability varies |
| Tubi | Classic Pokémon seasons | Free (ad-supported) | ✅ | Limited selection; English audio |
| Pluto TV | Select Pokémon episodes | Free (ad-supported) | ✅ | Streaming rotates; English audio |
| YouTube (Official Pokémon Channel) | Specials, clips, selected episodes | Free | ✅ | Limited episodes; occasional English subs; some Japanese audio occasionally |
5. India
India offers a mix of paid and free platforms for Pokémon fans. Netflix India and Amazon Prime Video India offer Pokémon Horizons and select movies, while YouTube Official Pokémon Channel provides free access to selected episodes. JioHotstar (formerly JioCinema) also hosts some Pokémon content as part of its catalog. However, Japanese audio with English subtitles is not widely available in India, and most services provide the English dub.
| Platform |
Coverage | Price/ Month | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
| Netflix India | Pokémon Horizons (S1–S3), select movies & classic series |
₹149 (Mobile) / ₹199 (Basic) / ₹499 (Std) / ₹649 (Prem) |
❌ | English dub + English subs; Japanese audio generally unavailable |
| Amazon Prime Video India | Pokémon movies & classic series | ₹299 / Pay-per-title | ✅ 30-day trial | English audio; subtitles depend on title |
| JioHotstar (formerly JioCinema) | Some Pokémon movies & specials | ₹79 (Mobile) / ₹149 (Super) / ₹299 (Prem) | ❌ | English dub; availability varies |
| YouTube (Official Pokémon Channel) | Specials, clips, selected episodes | Free | ✅ | Limited episodes; occasional English subs; some Japanese audio occasionally |
6. Philippines
The Philippines has a variety of streaming platforms for Pokémon fans, including Bilibili Global (Bstar), which is the go-to option for watching the latest Pokémon Horizons episodes. Netflix Philippines offers high-quality streaming with multiple language options. YouTube (Pokémon Asia ENG) provides a free option, while Disney+ Philippines serves as a supplementary platform for older series and select movies.
| Platform |
Coverage | Price/ Month | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
| Bilibili Global (Bstar) | Select Pokemon Series 7 movies | ₱79 | ❌ | Japanese audio + English subs; most new content available with Premium subscription after free period; ₱150 - ₱250/month |
| Netflix Philippines | Pokémon Horizons (S1–S3), select movies | ₱149 (Mobile) / ₱249 (Basic) / ₱399 (Std) / ₱549 (Prem) | ❌ | High quality (4K), multiple language options (English, Japanese audio); various plans (₱149 - ₱549/month) |
| YouTube (Pokémon Asia ENG) | Pokémon Horizons, classics | Free | ✅ | Japanese audio + English subs; update delays; content occasionally removed |
| Disney+ Philippines | Older series & select movies | ₱159 (Mobile) / ₱369 (Prem) | ❌ | Limited content; not the main platform for Pokémon Horizons |
7. Japan
Japan offers the most comprehensive selection of Pokémon content, with TV broadcasts, streaming platforms, and digital purchases. Major platforms like TV Tokyo and TVer provide access to the latest episodes of Pokémon Horizons and other series. U-NEXT, Hulu Japan, and Amazon Prime Video Japan are great options for streaming both the latest episodes and classic Pokémon movies. Unlike many other regions, Japan provides the best access to Japanese audio, and English subtitles are often available on select platforms.
| Platform | Coverage | Price | Trial / Free Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Tokyo | Pokémon Horizons (weekly broadcast) | Free (broadcast) | ✅ | Japanese audio; episode aired weekly |
| TVer | Pokémon Horizons (on-demand) | Free (ad-supported) | ✅ | Free, but limited to certain episodes; Japanese audio |
| U-NEXT | Pokémon Horizons, select classic series & movies | Subscription | ✅ 31-day trial | Japanese audio; English subs for certain movies |
| Hulu Japan | Pokémon Horizons, classic series | Subscription | ✅ 2-week trial | Japanese audio; English subs for some content |
| Amazon Prime Video Japan | Pokémon movies & series | Subscription | ✅ 30-day trial | Japanese audio; English subs available for certain titles |
| YouTube (Official Pokémon Channel) | Specials, clips, selected episodes | Free | ✅ | Limited episodes; Japanese audio + English subs occasionally |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why doesn't Pokémon have Japanese audio on Netflix in some regions?
The availability of Japanese audio on Netflix is determined by licensing and regional agreements. In many regions outside of Japan, English dubbing is the default, and Japanese audio may not be available due to localization agreements or technical restrictions. VPN or regional access (e.g., Japan) may sometimes provide a way to access Japanese audio.
2. Which platforms offer Pokémon with Japanese audio and English subtitles?
Bilibili Global (Bstar), Pokémon Asia Official YouTube Channel, and Amazon Prime Video Japan offer Japanese audio with English subtitles. These platforms are ideal for fans who prefer the original Japanese voices. Additionally, Netflix in certain regions (such as Japan or parts of Southeast Asia) also offers Japanese audio with English subtitles for select Pokémon series, though availability varies depending on the title and region.
3. Can I watch Pokémon for free?
Yes, several platforms provide free access to Pokémon content, including YouTube (Pokémon Asia ENG), Tubi, and Pluto TV. However, these services typically offer limited episodes or older content. For the latest episodes, TVer (Japan) and Pokémon Asia Official YouTube are great free options, though the availability of recent episodes may vary by region.
4. Is the release schedule for Pokémon Horizons: Rising Hope the same worldwide?
No. Japan (TV Tokyo) remains the global lead. Among English-speaking regions, the UK’s BBC iPlayer often broadcasts dubbed episodes sooner than Netflix US/CA, which follows a "batch release" model. This means US viewers may have to wait several months between new drops of episodes.
5. Where can I watch Pokémon movies?
Pokémon movies can be found on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Google Play/iTunes (available for purchase). In Japan, movies are also available on U-NEXT and Hulu Japan.
6. Are all Pokémon episodes available in 4K?
4K streaming is available on platforms like Netflix (in regions where they offer 4K streaming, such as the Premium plan). Other platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu Japan provide high-definition options but may not offer 4K.
7. How does the "Language Reactor" tool ork for Japanese broadcasts?
Language Reactor is a browser extension that overlays AI-generated translations on top of live streams. It is the "pro-choice" for fans watching on Japanese platforms like TVer or Hulu Japan, where English subtitles aren't natively provided. It allows you to watch the Japanese premiere in real-time without waiting for official localization.
Conclusion
In 2026, the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve, and so do the ways to watch it. From Pokémon Horizons: Rising Hope to the classic adventures of Ash and Pikachu, fans have more access than ever, but with various regional restrictions and licensing complexities, it can be difficult to find the best way to enjoy the series. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of how to watch Pokémon legally across different regions, highlighting platforms that offer Japanese audio with English subtitles. Whether you are using VPN geo-hopping to access regional Netflix libraries, enjoying free options like Pokémon Asia Official YouTube Channel, or diving into Japanese domestic platforms like U-NEXT and Hulu Japan, there’s a solution for every fan.
With the mix of free and paid options available, you can now enjoy the series as it was originally intended, whether in the US, UK, Japan, or Southeast Asia. Be sure to choose the platform that best fits your needs—whether you're looking for the latest releases or aiming to own your favorite seasons. Regardless of where you are, the world of Pokémon is just a click away, ready for you to explore and experience all over again.