How to Watch Pom Poko on Netflix in the US with a VPN (2026)

Pom Poko (1994) is listed on Netflix UK. Directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, this animated fantasy follows a community of Japanese tanuki, or raccoon dogs, fighting to protect their forest as urban development spreads through the Tama Hills. The original Japanese voice cast includes Makoto Nonomura and Yuriko Ishida. The official Netflix UK title page identifies the film, including Japanese original audio, English dubbing, and English subtitles.

Unfortunately, Pom Poko is not currently available on Netflix US. American viewers interested in its British listing can find UK VPN connections through Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN. PIA provides a streaming-optimized British connection, ExpressVPN offers seven UK server entries, and NordVPN advertises more than 440 servers in the United Kingdom.

However, a UK VPN connection does not guarantee access to Pom Poko. JustWatch UK lists the movie on Netflix, but Netflix’s public title page can display a location-based unavailability warning when accessed from outside the relevant viewing region. Netflix may also detect VPN traffic and restrict subscribers to globally licensed titles. Its official VPN support policy explains these limitations. Users must comply with Netflix’s requirements and their VPN provider’s terms.

How to watch Pom Poko on Netflix with a VPN

If Netflix and your VPN provider permit the intended connection, follow these eight steps to check the film’s UK listing.

1. Choose a VPN provider. Private Internet Access is our first recommendation, followed by ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
2. Download and install the official VPN application on your device.
3. Connect to the United Kingdom through a documented British server.
4. Fully close Netflix, including open browser tabs and background sessions.
5. Reopen Netflix after establishing the VPN connection.
6. Sign in using your existing Netflix account credentials.
7. Search for Pom Poko (1994) or its Japanese title, Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko.
8. Start playback if the movie appears and your subscription, licensing rights, and applicable terms permit access.

Select the United Kingdom manually rather than allowing the VPN to choose the nearest server. Automatic selection may prioritize a location in the United States when the user is physically located there.

You can also inspect the Netflix UK listing for Pom Poko. The movie’s Netflix title ID is 70035036.

Although the movie features raccoon dogs, they are not the same animals as North American raccoons. The film draws heavily on Japanese folklore, in which tanuki can transform into different shapes and imitate humans.

The story balances playful humor with an environmental message about habitat loss and the consequences of rapid urban development.

Pom Poko runs approximately 119 minutes. Its British Netflix page lists Japanese original audio and an English dubbed option. English subtitles are also identified, providing a choice between the original-language presentation and dubbing.

These audio options can vary by device, account, and regional licensing. Connecting successfully to Britain does not guarantee that Netflix will permit playback through a VPN.

Best VPNs for watching Pom Poko on Netflix

The three recommended VPN providers offer UK connections, but their server options, protocols, and streaming features differ.

VPN	British server locations	Option to try first
Private Internet Access (Editor’s Choice)	London, Manchester, Southampton, Tottenham, UK Streaming Optimized	UK Streaming Optimized for permitted local streaming
ExpressVPN	Docklands, East London, London, Manchester, Midlands, Tottenham, Wembley	UK London
NordVPN	Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester; 440+ UK servers advertised	United Kingdom automatic connection

These locations are documented by the VPN providers. They are not independently tested Netflix playback results.

1. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is our Editor’s Choice because it provides four British city connections, a streaming-optimized endpoint, and flexible VPN protocols.

The PIA server directory identifies UK London, Manchester, Southampton, Tottenham, and UK Streaming Optimized.

UK locations and streaming optimization

UK Streaming Optimized is designed for permitted streaming activities. The four city-level locations provide alternatives for general encrypted browsing and connection troubleshooting.

For authorized local streaming in Britain, UK Streaming Optimized is a reasonable first option. London and Manchester can be useful when an ordinary connection becomes unstable.

Streaming optimization does not override Netflix’s geographic licensing rules. No PIA endpoint guarantees access to Pom Poko.

How to select a PIA connection

Open PIA and sign in. Select VPN SERVER, search for United Kingdom, and choose a documented location.

Connect and confirm that the VPN application reports an active session. PIA also allows users to save frequently selected locations as favorites.

If the connection becomes unstable during permitted online activity, reconnect or compare available UK endpoints rather than assuming Netflix restrictions are caused by server speed.

Protocols and virtual locations

PIA supports WireGuard and OpenVPN. WireGuard provides a lightweight encrypted connection, while OpenVPN offers a widely supported alternative.

PIA’s published virtual server list does not classify its British locations as virtual destinations. However, it does not publish the hardware address of every individual server.

Changing protocols can help diagnose ordinary network instability, but it does not change Netflix’s licensing permissions.

Performance and policy restrictions

Connection quality depends on internet speed, server congestion, international routing, and device performance. Americans connecting across the Atlantic may experience higher latency than with domestic servers.

PIA’s streaming support guide recommends updating the application, reconnecting, and clearing browser data when ordinary streaming problems occur.

Importantly, PIA prohibits using its service to circumvent geographic restrictions imposed by content providers. Its streaming guidance recommends choosing a server in the country where the user is physically located.

Review the PIA Terms of Service before using its British servers.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN ranks second because it provides seven documented British server locations and supports several VPN protocols.

Its official server directory lists Docklands, East London, London, Manchester, Midlands, Tottenham, and Wembley.

Choosing a British server

UK London is a sensible starting point for general encrypted internet use. ExpressVPN also provides several other London-area entries, plus Manchester and the Midlands.

Open the application, sign in, select the location picker, and search for United Kingdom. Choose a documented endpoint and connect.

Smart Location may select a server based on latency and distance, so it does not necessarily choose Britain for a user in the United States.

Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN

ExpressVPN supports Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN on compatible applications.

Lightway is the company’s proprietary VPN protocol. WireGuard offers a lightweight alternative, while OpenVPN supports established UDP and TCP configurations.

When diagnosing network instability, users can switch between supported protocols. The available options may vary according to device and operating system.

Server infrastructure and streaming

ExpressVPN maintains both physical and virtual server locations internationally. Its published virtual server list does not identify its British endpoints as virtual.

The company’s seven UK locations provide choices for ordinary routing and connectivity testing.

However, Netflix may detect VPN traffic regardless of physical infrastructure or connection speed. ExpressVPN cannot guarantee access to Pom Poko through Netflix UK.

ExpressVPN usage limitations

ExpressVPN expects users to comply with copyright requirements and streaming providers’ terms.

If a permitted session experiences buffering, check the underlying internet connection, update ExpressVPN, or test another documented British endpoint.

These measures address connection stability. They do not establish permission to access geographically restricted content.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN ranks third, although it advertises more than 440 British servers and provides convenient automatic connection features.

The official UK server page documents Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester.

Choosing a NordVPN location

Open NordVPN and select the United Kingdom from the map or country list. The application chooses an available server automatically.

Users wanting manual control can select Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, or Manchester.

The number of advertised servers describes the network’s size rather than Netflix compatibility.

NordLynx and performance

NordVPN uses NordLynx, a protocol based on WireGuard. Its lightweight design aims to support efficient encrypted networking.

Actual video performance depends on bandwidth, device capabilities, server congestion, and international routing.

If an authorized connection becomes unstable, reconnect or choose another documented British city.

SmartPlay and restrictions

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

Its official documentation says SmartPlay activates automatically when users connect through the NordVPN application.

However, SmartPlay cannot override Netflix’s geographic licensing or guarantee Pom Poko playback. NordVPN also requires compliance with copyright laws and service restrictions.

What to do if Pom Poko does not appear

Regional licensing, VPN detection, profile settings, and ordinary network problems can affect Netflix search results. For permitted troubleshooting, follow these eight steps.

1. Close Netflix completely, including open browser tabs and background sessions.
2. Disconnect from your current VPN connection.
3. Reconnect to the United Kingdom if your intended use complies with applicable terms.
4. Try another documented UK endpoint if the VPN connection itself is unstable.
5. Clear Netflix cookies and your browser cache.
6. Open an incognito or private browser window.
7. Reopen Netflix and sign in using your regular account credentials.
8. Search for Pom Poko (1994) or Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko.

PIA offers five British options, ExpressVPN seven documented entries, and NordVPN four named cities. Switching among these may help diagnose normal connection problems but does not guarantee regional Netflix playback.

The Japanese title is 平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ. Searching for the English title Pom Poko is usually simpler, but the original title can help identify the correct film.

Netflix’s missing-title troubleshooting documentation explains that regional rights, VPN recognition, language settings, and maturity restrictions can affect what appears in search.

Netflix may detect the VPN

A VPN changes the public IP address seen by streaming platforms, but it does not automatically grant access to every title licensed for that country.

When Netflix detects VPN traffic, it may limit the available catalog to movies with worldwide distribution rights.

This can make Pom Poko disappear from search results even when a British streaming database lists the movie on Netflix.

Netflix’s VPN support policy explains the restrictions. No VPN provider can guarantee access to Pom Poko from the United States.

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

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

Subscribers who use a VPN on an ad-supported subscription may encounter playback errors. Netflix recommends disconnecting the VPN.

An ad-free plan avoids this particular limitation, but it does not eliminate regional licensing restrictions or VPN detection. It cannot guarantee access to Pom Poko through Netflix UK.

Does changing the VPN location change your Netflix account?

No. Connecting to a British server does not automatically modify your account’s country, credentials, subscription, billing details, or profiles.

A VPN changes the visible IP address, while Netflix stores account information separately and applies its own regional licensing policies.

For further details, consult Netflix’s account country guidance.

American viewers can also check JustWatch’s US options for Pom Poko. At the time of research, HBO Max and the HBO Max Amazon Channel offered subscription streaming, with separate digital rental and purchase options.

Which VPN should you use?

Private Internet Access is our first recommendation for British VPN features because it offers UK Streaming Optimized and four city connections, alongside WireGuard and OpenVPN. However, PIA prohibits geographic restriction circumvention, so American users should not treat the availability of UK servers as permission to bypass Netflix’s licensing rules.

ExpressVPN ranks second with seven documented British locations and support for Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN on compatible devices. NordVPN follows with more than 440 advertised UK servers, four named cities, NordLynx, and SmartPlay. Neither provider guarantees Netflix access to Pom Poko.

As of October 15, 2026, JustWatch UK lists Pom Poko on Netflix, while JustWatch US lists HBO Max instead. The Netflix UK page identifies the film but can display a location-based warning when accessed externally. Regional availability is supported, but US-to-UK VPN playback has not been independently verified.