UPDATE: Jun. 7, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect the official streaming release of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ on June 7.
Over a decade after Avatar ascended to the top of the box office to become the world’s highest-grossing film of all time, James Cameron has brought us back to the visually extraordinary Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water.
Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko described it as “groundbreaking, ambitious, and even overstuffed with cinematic wonder.” And like its predecessor, it has not only made a splash at the box office, but also secured itself an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. While Avatar 2 had a long run in theaters, you can finally witness the visuals in all their glory via a couple different streaming services(opens in a new tab) from the comfort of your couch.
Need a refresher? Be sure to check out our primer on all things Pandora before you watch Avatar: The Way of Water. Then put on your comfy pants and get ready to be wowed by your TV.
Is Avatar: The Way of Water coming to Disney+?
Yes, Avatar: The Way of Water will join the original Avatar on Disney+ on June 7. Interestingly, though, Disney+ doesn’t have exclusive streaming rights to the film. So, the James Cameron sequel is also set to hit Max (previously HBO Max), a rival streaming service, the same day. This is all thanks to a temporary Disney deal(opens in a new tab) to share the streaming rights for 20th Century’s theatrical releases with Warner. Bros. for films released through the end of 2022 (which concludes with the Avatar 2 release).
Can I watch Avatar 2 on Netflix?
Though Netflix has plenty of excellent science fiction films, Avatar: The Way of Water will not be available to stream on Netflix. When it is released for streaming, it will only be available on Disney+ and Max.
How to watch Avatar: The Way of Water at home
The Way of Water officially hits Disney+ and Max on June 7. If you’re already a subscriber to one of these streaming services, you’re in good shape. You don’t need to do anything but wait for the film to appear on its premiere date. If you don’t already subscribe to Disney+ or Max, we’ve rounded up the best deals for each streamer. Here are the best ways to visit Pandora from home.
Disney+ streaming deals
Best for most people: Disney+ (with ads) single-month subscription(opens in a new tab)
If you don’t mind a few ads here and there, subscribing to a single month of Disney+ for $7.99 (and then cancelling before your subscription auto-renews) is one of the most affordable ways to watch Avatar: The Way of Water, along with some other great films and series. This is also one of the most straightforward options for those who are a bit baffled by all the different streaming services.
Best bundle deal: Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads)(opens in a new tab)
If you’re already a Hulu subscriber or you simply want the most bang for your buck, you can bundle Hulu with Disney+ for just $2 per month than Disney+ alone. You’ll still have to watch a few ads here and there, but overall, the juice is worth the squeeze for all the extra content you have access to for the low cost.
Best way to watch for free: Disney+ Premium (no ads) for eligible Verizon Wireless Unlimited Plans(opens in a new tab) and eligible Verizon Fios Home Internet Plans(opens in a new tab)
Listen up, Verizon customers. If you have a previously-available 5G Do More, 5G Start, Welcome Unlimited, One Unlimited for iPhone, Get More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Verizon Plan Unlimited, Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited, or Above Unlimited Verizon Wireless plan, you’re eligible for the Disney+ Premium (no ads) six-month subscription offer(opens in a new tab). If you have the 5G Get More or 5G Play More plan, you’re eligible to get the Disney Bundle(opens in a new tab) (which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+) included on your account for free. Learn more about eligibility on the Disney+ FAQ page via Verizon(opens in a new tab).
Verizon Fios internet customers can also secure a free six or 12 months of Disney+ Premium (no ads)(opens in a new tab). If you have the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete Package, you can access Disney+ Premium for free for an entire year. If you have the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete Package, you can access Disney+ Premium for free for six months. Either way, you can easily watch Avatar 2 and many other films and series in that time.
Max streaming deals
Best for most people: Max (with ads) single-month subscription(opens in a new tab)
If you want to watch Avatar 2 and maybe poke around and see what the new Max streaming service is all about, you can sign up for a basic subscription for $9.99 per month. Cancel before your month is up to avoid auto-renewal charges. If you want more bang for your buck, you can save about 17% by signing up for an entire year at once. For the Max basic plan with ads, the streamer promises you won’t have to watch more than four minutes of ads per hour of streaming. That’s not too shabby when all is said and done, especially considering an ad-free plan is $15.99 per month.
Best way to watch for free: 7-day trial via Amazon Prime Video(opens in a new tab)
Finally, having an Amazon Prime account pays off. If you’re a Prime member and haven’t already signed up for a Max trial through Prime Video, now’s your chance to take advantage of it and watch Avatar: The Way of Water for free. You’ll get a full week to watch for free(opens in a new tab), then your card will automatically be charged $15.99 per month for Max (ad-free). Just be sure to cancel before your trial week is up if you want to avoid the charge.
Other ways to watch for free: Max (with ads) for AT&T Wireless customers and Cricket customers
The following AT&T Wireless plans give users access to Max for free: AT&T Unlimited Elite, AT&T Unlimited PlusSM, AT&T Unlimited Plus EnhancedSM, AT&T Unlimited ChoiceSM, AT&T Unlimited Choice IISM, AT&T Unlimited Choice EnhancedSM, AT&T Unlimited &MoreSM Premium. Unfortunately, only those who are already signed up for these plans will receive the Max benefit; switching to AT&T or changing your plan won’t get you access. Sign into your myAT&T account(opens in a new tab) and look for your package or plan info to determine if you’re eligible.
For Cricket customers, it’s a bit more straightforward. If you’re on the $60/month plan(opens in a new tab), you get Max (with ads) for free. If you’re already a Cricket customer on a different plan, you can upgrade or change your plan to the $60/month plan to get Max included. When you login to Max, choose to connect with a provider and select Cricket to enter your credentials. That’s it — you’re free to stream Avatar: The Way of Water and whatever else your heart desires.
Other ways to watch Avatar: The Way of Water at home
Can’t fathom signing up for yet another streaming service just to watch Avatar 2? You can purchase the blockbuster sequel from digital retailers like Amazon(opens in a new tab), Vudu(opens in a new tab), and Apple TV(opens in a new tab) for $19.99 in up to 4K quality with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.
The good news is that once you purchase a digital copy of the film, you can stream it whenever you want. You own it. Plus, the digital version comes with a massive set of extra features like “Inside Pandora’s Box” and “More from Pandora’s Box,” which highlight special teams within the production and challenges the cast and crew faced during filming, among other things.
How to watch the original Avatar
If you want to rewatch the first Avatar film before you dive into the sequel, you have a few options. Disney+ users can stream the original blockbuster for free with their subscription. Non Disney+ subscribers can rent or buy the film on digital retailers like Amazon or Apple TV.
