How to Watch Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Netflix in the US with a VPN (2026)

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) is listed on Netflix Japan, where viewers can find the second installment in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Directed by David Yates, the fantasy adventure stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, and Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald. The official Netflix Japan movie page lists English and Japanese audio, along with English and Japanese subtitles. The movie’s Japanese title is ファンタスティック・ビーストと黒い魔法使いの誕生.

Unfortunately, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is not currently available on Netflix US. American viewers can find Japanese VPN connections through Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN. Each provider offers Japanese server locations, but their streaming features, connection options, and usage restrictions differ.

Connecting to a Japanese VPN server does not guarantee that Netflix will display or play the movie. Although Netflix’s English-language Japan page displays the film, its Japanese-language page has also returned an unavailability warning. Netflix can restrict VPN connections to globally licensed titles, as explained in its official VPN support documentation. You must also follow your VPN provider’s terms and the content provider’s restrictions.

How to watch Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Netflix with a VPN

Netflix Japan has a listing for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, but access through a VPN depends on Netflix’s licensing rules and your provider’s terms. If your intended use is permitted, follow these steps to check the listing through a Japanese VPN connection.

1. Choose a VPN provider. Private Internet Access is our first recommendation for its Japanese server features, followed by ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN application from your chosen provider’s official website.
3. Connect to a Japanese server. PIA offers JP Tokyo and JP Streaming Optimized, while ExpressVPN and NordVPN provide additional Japanese locations.
4. Fully close Netflix, including any browser tabs or applications running in the background.
5. Reopen Netflix after establishing the VPN connection.
6. Sign in using your existing Netflix account credentials.
7. Search for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald or its Japanese title.
8. Select the movie and start playback if Netflix displays it and your subscription, licensing rights, and applicable terms permit access.

The important step is checking the country selected in your VPN application. Automatic connection features sometimes choose a nearby server instead of Japan, depending on the provider and its settings.

You can also visit the official Japanese Netflix listing for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The page identifies the movie as a 2018 fantasy film and includes English and Japanese language options.

Another useful detail is the film’s localized Japanese title, ファンタスティック・ビーストと黒い魔法使いの誕生. Searching under this name may help if Netflix displays Japanese-language results.

Keep in mind that a title appearing on Netflix Japan does not establish that American subscribers can watch it through a VPN. Netflix may recognize the connection and display a more limited catalog.

Best VPNs for watching Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Netflix

Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN all provide Japanese VPN connections. The main differences involve server selection, connection protocols, and streaming-related features.

VPN	Server locations in Japan	Option to try first
Private Internet Access (Editor’s Choice)	JP Tokyo, JP Streaming Optimized	JP Streaming Optimized for permitted local streaming
ExpressVPN	Tokyo, Osaka, Shibuya, Yokohama	Japan automatic selection or Tokyo
NordVPN	Tokyo and Osaka, with 130+ Japanese servers advertised	Japan automatic connection

These server locations come from the VPN providers’ official documentation. They do not represent independently confirmed Netflix playback results.

Although Japanese VPN connections can provide Japanese IP addresses, Netflix may detect VPN traffic and restrict access to regionally licensed titles.

1. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is our Editor’s Choice because it offers two clearly documented Japanese connection options, streaming-focused servers, and flexible VPN protocols. Its application also makes it relatively easy to choose specific server locations.

According to PIA’s official server location directory, users can select JP Tokyo or JP Streaming Optimized.

Japanese server locations and streaming features

PIA offers two Japanese connection options. JP Tokyo is a standard location for encrypted browsing and online privacy. JP Streaming Optimized is a specialized location intended to support more stable streaming connections.

For permitted streaming activity in Japan, JP Streaming Optimized is the logical first choice because the provider specifically designs it for streaming performance.

However, PIA’s streaming optimization does not guarantee access to Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Netflix. The provider explicitly prohibits using its service to circumvent geographic restrictions imposed by content providers.

Physical and virtual server information

PIA distinguishes between physical and virtual server locations. A physical server location generally has infrastructure in the same country as its registered IP address. A virtual location can provide an IP address associated with one country while routing traffic through hardware elsewhere.

Japan does not appear in PIA’s current published virtual server location list. Therefore, the provider does not currently identify its Japanese locations as virtual locations in that documentation.

PIA does not provide an individual physical hardware address for each Japanese endpoint in this directory. Users should avoid assuming a more precise hardware location than the provider actually documents.

How to select a Japanese PIA server

The PIA application includes a searchable server list. Open the application, sign in, and select the VPN SERVER section.

Enter Japan or Streaming in the search field, then choose JP Tokyo or JP Streaming Optimized. Once the application establishes a connection, its main window displays the active VPN status.

PIA also lets users favorite their preferred servers for quicker access later.

If JP Streaming Optimized experiences ordinary network issues, JP Tokyo provides an alternative Japanese endpoint. Switching connections may improve stability, but it cannot override Netflix’s content restrictions.

WireGuard and OpenVPN performance

PIA supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN across its desktop applications. These protocols provide different approaches to encrypted networking.

WireGuard uses a lightweight design that can reduce processing overhead and improve performance under suitable network conditions. OpenVPN provides a mature alternative with additional configuration options.

On Windows and macOS, users can open the application’s Settings menu and select Protocols to change between WireGuard and OpenVPN.

PIA’s WireGuard configuration guide recommends reconnecting after changing protocols.

For a stable connection, WireGuard is worth testing first. If the network blocks or disrupts WireGuard traffic, OpenVPN offers another option.

Streaming performance also depends on your internet speed, device, network congestion, and the distance between your physical location and the Japanese server.

Netflix troubleshooting and PIA restrictions

PIA’s official streaming support guide recommends clearing browsing data, reconnecting the VPN, and updating the application when users experience connection problems.

The provider also instructs users to connect to a streaming server in the country where they are physically located, consistent with its service restrictions.

Its policy explicitly prohibits using PIA to circumvent geographic restrictions imposed by streaming platforms. Consequently, American users should not treat PIA’s Japanese server availability as permission to bypass Netflix’s licensing rules.

For legitimate privacy protection and permitted streaming activities, PIA combines straightforward server selection with streaming-optimized infrastructure and two established connection protocols.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN ranks second in our comparison because it offers four officially documented Japanese server locations. This gives users more city-level flexibility when selecting a Japanese VPN connection.

According to the ExpressVPN server directory, its Japanese locations include Tokyo, Osaka, Shibuya, and Yokohama.

Japanese server locations

ExpressVPN offers standard Japanese connections in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Shibuya. Shibuya provides an additional Tokyo-area option.

The provider recommends selecting Japan without specifying a city if you want ExpressVPN to choose a suitable Japanese endpoint automatically.

Users who prefer manual selection can start with Tokyo and consider Osaka, Yokohama, or Shibuya if network conditions make an alternative preferable.

ExpressVPN’s official Japan VPN page identifies all four locations and describes the provider’s Japanese network infrastructure.

Physical and virtual server locations

ExpressVPN maintains both physical and virtual server locations across its global network. A virtual location assigns an IP address associated with the selected country while hosting the underlying hardware elsewhere.

Its current server directory lists Japan’s four locations without labeling them as virtual. This distinguishes them from other country entries that ExpressVPN explicitly marks as virtual locations.

The provider’s virtual server documentation explains how these configurations work.

Although the Japanese entries do not carry virtual-location labels, the public directory does not disclose each server’s exact physical address. Users should consult the current directory for infrastructure changes.

How to connect through ExpressVPN

Open the ExpressVPN application and sign in. Select the location picker, search for Japan, and choose the Japanese location you prefer.

You can select Japan automatically or manually choose Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, or Shibuya.

After connecting, the application displays an active connection status. You can then confirm your visible IP location for legitimate connection testing.

ExpressVPN’s automatic selection is convenient for users who do not want to evaluate individual cities. Manual selection provides more control when troubleshooting connection quality.

Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN

ExpressVPN supports Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, with protocol availability depending on the application and platform.

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s own connection protocol, designed to provide efficient encrypted connections. WireGuard offers another lightweight protocol, while OpenVPN remains a widely used alternative.

The provider’s server directory documents supported protocols for Japanese locations. However, not every protocol necessarily appears on every device.

For general use, automatic protocol selection is a sensible starting point. If a connection becomes unstable, testing another protocol supported by your application may improve reliability.

Streaming performance and Netflix limitations

ExpressVPN advertises high-capacity Japanese servers, but the actual performance of a connection depends on several factors.

A user connecting from the United States to Japan may experience higher latency than someone connecting to a nearby American server. Server load, internet speed, and network routing can also affect playback quality.

If you encounter ordinary connection problems, update the ExpressVPN application, select another available Japanese endpoint, or test another supported protocol.

However, Netflix’s VPN detection works independently of ExpressVPN’s connection performance. A fast Japanese server does not guarantee access to Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

ExpressVPN also states that its VPN service should not serve as a means of copyright circumvention. Users must comply with its terms and the content provider’s requirements.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN takes third place in this comparison, although it provides an extensive Japanese network and practical tools for encrypted streaming connections.

Its official Japan VPN server page advertises more than 130 Japanese servers, with Tokyo and Osaka among its documented locations.

Japanese server coverage

NordVPN allows users to choose Japan directly from its interactive map or country list.

Selecting the Japanese country pin automatically connects to an available server. Users who want more control can manually select a Japanese city when the application provides that option.

Tokyo and Osaka represent NordVPN’s documented Japanese locations. The provider does not publish a complete per-server physical hosting breakdown on its general Japanese server page.

For ordinary connection testing, automatic selection is the easiest starting point. Tokyo or Osaka can serve as alternatives when manual selection is available.

The advertised server count indicates the scale of NordVPN’s Japanese network, not the number of servers that can necessarily access Netflix’s Japanese catalog.

NordLynx and connection performance

NordVPN uses NordLynx, a connection protocol based on WireGuard. Its lightweight architecture aims to provide fast, secure connections without unnecessary processing overhead.

NordLynx can be useful for streaming because sustained download speeds and a stable connection are important for video playback.

However, the distance between the United States and Japan can introduce latency. Network congestion, routing, and your internet service provider also affect performance.

If your connection becomes unstable, switch to another Japanese endpoint or check the protocol settings in the NordVPN application.

How SmartPlay works

NordVPN includes SmartPlay, a feature that combines VPN encryption with DNS-related functionality for secure streaming.

According to NordVPN’s official SmartPlay documentation, the feature activates automatically when users connect through the NordVPN application.

You do not need to install SmartPlay separately, change DNS settings manually, or enable an additional feature.

SmartPlay works alongside the VPN connection to protect network traffic and support access to legitimate streaming content.

NordVPN also explains that SmartPlay should not be used to violate copyright laws or other applicable restrictions.

Most importantly, SmartPlay does not guarantee that Netflix will show Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald to American users connecting through Japan.

Troubleshooting NordVPN

If NordVPN cannot establish a reliable Japanese connection, disconnect and reconnect before changing additional settings.

You can also select another available Japanese endpoint, update the application, or check whether another VPN service is interfering with your connection.

If ordinary connectivity problems continue, review your protocol settings or contact NordVPN support.

When Netflix recognizes an active VPN, changing servers may not restore access to regionally licensed movies. Netflix determines what subscribers can watch, regardless of the number of Japanese servers a VPN provider operates.

What to do if Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald does not appear

Even when a movie has an international Netflix listing, it may not appear during a VPN connection. Netflix’s regional licensing, VPN detection, profile settings, and ordinary network issues can all influence the results.

For legitimate connection troubleshooting, follow these steps:

1. Close Netflix completely, including any open browser tabs or background applications.
2. Disconnect from your current VPN connection.
3. Reconnect to Japan if your intended VPN use complies with the applicable terms.
4. Try another server or location in Japan if the VPN connection itself is unstable.
5. Clear Netflix cookies and your browser cache to remove outdated session information.
6. Open an incognito or private browser window to test a fresh session.
7. Reopen Netflix and sign in using your existing account.
8. Search for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald again.

Private Internet Access users can compare JP Tokyo with JP Streaming Optimized for permitted connection testing. ExpressVPN offers Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Shibuya. NordVPN users can select another available Japanese server or choose between Tokyo and Osaka.

These alternatives may help resolve unstable VPN connections, but they cannot guarantee regional Netflix access or override your provider’s usage restrictions.

You can also search for the localized Japanese title, ファンタスティック・ビーストと黒い魔法使いの誕生.

Another possibility involves Netflix profile restrictions. The movie may not appear if the profile’s maturity settings or language preferences prevent it from showing in search results.

Netflix explains these possibilities in its official missing movie troubleshooting guide.

Netflix may also hide country-specific titles when it detects an active VPN. If that happens, disconnect the VPN and check the streaming catalog normally available in your physical location.

Remember that PIA prohibits circumventing content providers’ geographic restrictions, while other VPN providers also require users to follow applicable laws and streaming service terms.

Netflix may detect the VPN

A VPN changes the public IP address websites see when you connect to the internet. Your traffic appears to originate from the selected VPN endpoint rather than your ordinary internet connection.

For example, a Japanese VPN connection can provide a public IP address associated with Japan. However, Netflix does not necessarily grant access to its Japanese movie catalog solely because a connection uses a Japanese IP address.

Netflix licenses movies and television programs separately across different countries. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald has a listing on Netflix Japan, but that does not mean Netflix licenses the movie for viewing in the United States.

When Netflix detects a VPN, it may restrict the visible catalog to movies and television shows with worldwide licensing rights.

This can result in missing titles, playback errors, or a selection of movies that differs from the expected Japanese catalog.

According to Netflix’s official VPN guidance, users may need to disconnect the VPN to access content available in their region.

Netflix also documents VPN-related playback errors, including messages that ask users to turn off VPN or proxy services.

No VPN provider can guarantee that Netflix will allow Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald to play through a Japanese connection from the United States.

Can you use a Netflix ad-supported plan with a VPN?

No. Netflix explicitly states that its ad-supported experience does not support VPN connections.

Subscribers using an ad-supported plan may encounter playback errors when Netflix recognizes an active VPN or proxy connection.

Netflix recommends disconnecting the VPN to restore normal viewing.

An ad-free Netflix subscription avoids this specific restriction, but it does not eliminate regional licensing rules or Netflix’s VPN detection.

Even with an ad-free subscription, a VPN connection may display only globally licensed titles rather than the full catalog for the selected country.

You can review these limitations in Netflix’s VPN and proxy error troubleshooting guide.

Does changing the VPN location change your Netflix account?

No. Connecting to a VPN server in Japan does not automatically change your Netflix account country or billing information.

Your Netflix email address, password, profiles, subscription, and payment details remain associated with your existing account.

A VPN changes the public IP address that websites see. It does not directly alter your registered account information.

Netflix catalogs can vary by country because streaming rights differ across geographical markets. However, changing your visible IP address does not guarantee that Netflix will provide access to every title licensed in the selected country.

Netflix may also recognize the VPN and limit the available content.

For information about changing the country of your account when moving, consult Netflix’s account country documentation.

If you cannot find Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Netflix US, consider officially licensed streaming alternatives.

At the time of research, JustWatch’s US streaming availability page listed HBO Max and Peacock subscription options, alongside digital rental and purchase services.

These alternatives may provide a more convenient way to watch the movie without dealing with Netflix’s regional restrictions.

Which VPN should you use?

Private Internet Access is our first recommendation for Japanese VPN features because it offers JP Tokyo and JP Streaming Optimized, along with WireGuard and OpenVPN support. Its application makes server selection straightforward, and its streaming-focused infrastructure is useful for permitted activities. However, PIA expressly prohibits circumventing content providers’ geographic restrictions, so US viewers should not use its Japanese servers to bypass Netflix’s regional licensing rules.

ExpressVPN ranks second thanks to four documented Japanese locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Shibuya, together with Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN options where supported. NordVPN follows with more than 130 advertised Japanese servers, Tokyo and Osaka connection choices, NordLynx, and automatically activated SmartPlay. Both providers offer practical encrypted connections, but neither guarantees access to this particular Netflix movie.

As of October 13, 2026, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald remains unavailable on Netflix US, while Netflix’s English-language Japan page and JustWatch Japan list the film. The Japanese-language Netflix page has also returned an unavailability warning, so availability should be checked directly before relying on that listing. Regional licensing, Netflix’s VPN detection, and VPN provider restrictions mean that playback from the United States is not guaranteed. American viewers can also use officially licensed US streaming alternatives.