- How to change your country on Netflix with a VPN
- Netflix library by country: UK vs US comparison
- Netflix price in UK vs US
- VPN not working with Netflix library: solutions
- Our recommended VPNs for Netflix US and UK
- Why are some movies not available on Netflix in my country?
- Netflix US vs UK: which one is better?
- FAQ
Netflix doesn’t provide the same content everywhere. Due to licensing and regional rights, the shows and movies that you see in one country could be either different or completely absent in another. For instance, Friends and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are available on Netflix UK but not on Netflix US. In fact, Netflix UK has around 300 more titles than the US library, underscoring just how big the Netflix library differences are.
Such Netflix library differences are a common frustration for travelers and expats who can’t watch their favorite content from back home. Luckily, you can use a VPN to access Netflix libraries from other countries by connecting to a server in the country whose library you want to view. This hides your real IP address, changes your virtual location, and lets you stream content available in that region.
In this guide, I’ll compare Netflix US vs UK libraries and walk you through how to change your Netflix region to unlock shows that aren’t available in your location.
How to change your country on Netflix with a VPN
Netflix uses your IP address to decide which content library to show. Unfortunately, you can’t change that in Netflix or your device’s settings. However, there’s a workaround: a reliable VPN. It hides your real IP address, assigns you one from another country, and helps you bypass Netflix geo-blocks, all while adding a layer of online privacy. That said, here’s how to change your country on Netflix with a VPN:
- Get a reputable Netflix VPN. I recommend NordVPN, with servers in 137+ countries, now 75% off.
- Install the VPN on your preferred streaming device.
- Connect to a server in a Netflix region that you want to access (like the US or UK).
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies or use incognito mode.
- Head to Netflix and enjoy the new library!
Sometimes, Netflix can block some VPN IP addresses. If that happens, try reconnecting to the same server to get a different IP, switch servers, or contact your VPN provider’s support for additional help.
Netflix library by country: UK vs US comparison
| Netflix library | Netflix UK | Netflix US |
|---|---|---|
| Total number of titles | 7086 | 6753 |
| Movies | 4067 | 3847 |
| Series | 3019 | 2906 |
Netflix UK has 7086 titles in comparison to 6753 in the US. Of these, 4067 movies and 3019 series can be found on the UK catalog, compared to 3847 movies and 2906 series in the US Netflix. However, it’s important to note that these numbers fluctuate almost daily as Netflix adds new and removes old content. Nevertheless, the numbers speak for themselves: the Netflix UK library is larger than the Netflix US catalog.
Since Netflix usually has all the rights to its Originals, shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, and award-winning hits like The Queen’s Gambit are available globally, including the US and UK. But the real difference lies in the licensed content. For instance, you can stream Friends, The Office (US), and Rick and Morty via the UK Netflix, thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal deals abroad. Meanwhile, you can watch Grey’s Anatomy, The Blacklist, and NCIS on the US catalog, but not on Netflix UK.
All in all, this mix of overlap and Netflix exclusive content makes each region’s library distinct and caters to different viewing tastes.
Netflix UK exclusives
The Netflix UK library currently hosts over 7000 titles – more than the Netflix US catalog, which sits just above 6700. While there’s an overlap of the available content, like Netflix Originals, certain movies and shows are UK Netflix exclusives (compared to the US). This paints a great picture of how regional licensing can shape very different catalogs.
Here are some well-known titles available on Netflix UK but not Netflix US:
- The Harry Potter series (UK- and Germany-only on Netflix)
- Friends
- The Office (US)
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Rick and Morty
- The Big Bang Theory
- The Northman
- Five Nights at Freddy’s
- Good Will Hunting
These UK Netflix library exclusives highlight why many users look for ways to switch regions with a VPN for streaming. Compared to the US catalog, Netflix UK unlocks classic sitcoms, blockbuster movies, and cult favorites that American viewers would have to look for elsewhere.
- Pick a reliable Netflix VPN. My top choice is NordVPN, with 440+ servers in the UK.
- Subscribe and install the VPN on your preferred streaming device or router.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Go to Netflix, where you should now see the UK library.
- (Optional) Clear cache or use incognito if the region doesn’t change.
Netflix US exclusives
The Netflix US catalog offers just over 6700 titles with a big overlap with the UK Netflix library, especially Netflix Originals. Since the availability of content changes frequently as licensing deals rotate, some licensed titles are missing from Netflix UK. That said, the list below highlights US Netflix library exclusives (compared to the UK).
Here’s what’s available on Netflix US but not Netflix UK:
- Happy Gilmore 2
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Supernatural
- NCIS
- The Blacklist
- Alone Australia
- The Tourist (2022 series)
- Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie
- Jumping from High Places
- Shrek (all parts)
If you’re after long-running dramas/procedurals and mainstream franchises, then you’ll most likely find your favorite content on the US Netflix library. But if you’re outside the USA, you can switch regions with a VPN for Netflix to unlock Netflix US. It’s an easy, simple, and practical workaround for bypassing Netflix geo-blocks and accessing titles that are unavailable in your region.
- Get a strong VPN for Netflix. My pick is NordVPN with over 2845 US servers.
- Create an account and install the VPN on your streaming device or router.
- Connect to a US server.
- Relaunch Netflix – you should now see the US catalog.
- (Optional) Clear cookies/cache or try incognito if the content doesn’t change.
Netflix price in UK vs US
Netflix offers three plans for UK and US subscribers: Standard with Ads (ads included), Standard without Ads (ad-free HD), and Premium (ad-free with 4K and more simultaneous streams). Here are the current prices for the Netflix plans in both the US and the UK:
| Netflix library | US Netflix | UK Netflix |
|---|---|---|
| Standard With Ads | $7.99/month (~£6/month) | £5.99/month (~$8/month) |
| Standard Without Ads | $17.99/month (~£13/month) | £12.99/month (~$17/month) |
| Premium | $24.99/month (~£19/month) | £18.99/month (~$25/month) |
Price-wise, the two markets are very close. The Netflix UK price for Standard with Ads (£5.99/month or ~$8/month) and the Netflix US subscription cost for the same plan ($7.99/month or ~£6/month) barely differ. Standard without Ads is typically cheaper in the UK (£12.99, ~$17) than in the US ($17.99, ~£13). Lastly, like Standard with Ads, the Premium subscription plan is nearly identical (UK £18.99, ~$25 vs US $24.99, ~£19). Do keep in mind that the exchange rates and taxes can sway the price differences either way. But as the Netflix plans UK vs US table shows, Netflix prices in the UK can be slightly cheaper depending on the plan.
That said, if you’re looking to save, many users turn to VPNs. By changing your virtual location and connecting to lower-priced regions, you can get Netflix cheaper with a VPN.
VPN not working with Netflix library: solutions
It’s not uncommon to encounter a Netflix VPN not working error, even with reputable providers. The thing is, Netflix actively flags VPN IP ranges and can sometimes trace them back to a VPN server. That’s why an IP or server that worked yesterday can suddenly stop working. Other culprits can include cached IP/location data in your browser, outdated VPN apps, or even the VPN protocol being less effective for streaming. The good news is that such problems are pretty easy to fix. Here’s what you can do for a quick Netflix region fix when your VPN server is blocked by Netflix:
- Try a different server/location. It could be that Netflix has flagged the IP/server you’re using and blacklisted it. Switching to another server or another city often resolves the issue.
- Clear cookies/cache or use incognito mode. Browsers usually store data that can reveal your real location. Clearing them or using private browser mode forces Netflix to update your location.
- Change VPN protocol. Options like WireGuard (or NordVPN’s NordLynx) and OpenVPN (UDP) usually work better than the default. Test alternative connection protocols to fix VPN Netflix issues.
- Update the VPN app. Outdated software could struggle to bypass Netflix’s latest blocks – always make sure that your app is up to date.
- Contact VPN support. Quality VPNs, like NordVPN and Surfshark, can provide the latest/working servers. Alternatively, support could check if there are any potential issues from their side or provide more advanced troubleshooting steps.
These steps typically help solve the “VPN not working with Netflix” issue and let you get back to streaming your favorite Netflix shows.
Our recommended VPNs for Netflix US and UK
When choosing the best VPN for Netflix, look for streaming-optimized servers, fast connections in both the US and UK, and reliable apps on all major platforms. After testing over 28 different VPNs, my top Netflix VPN recommendations are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN.
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1.NordVPN: The best VPN for streaming Netflix, with 1970+ US and 440+ UK servers. Lightning-fast speeds and the integrated SmartPlay technology help consistently bypass Netflix geo-blocks across multiple regions. It’s compatible with every major OS, and you can also set it up on your router for whole-home coverage.
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2.Surfshark: It’s one of the most affordable VPNs with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households. It delivers smooth access to Netflix US and UK libraries and rarely triggers Netflix errors.
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3.Proton VPN: Based in Switzerland, it focuses on privacy with strong encryption and robust security features. The free tier is great for everyday browsing (not for streaming), while paid plans offer access to large US and UK server networks for uninterrupted Netflix streaming.
When picking a VPN service, choose one you can test risk-free. For instance, NordVPN and Surfshark both offer 30-day money-back guarantees and limited mobile free trials, so you can see if they fit your needs.
Why are some movies not available on Netflix in my country?
Some movies aren’t available on certain Netflix libraries due to content licensing, geographic restrictions, and streaming rights. Netflix doesn’t own every title, so instead it licenses content region by region, hence the different content libraries across countries.
Licensing. Content rights are usually sold country by country. Let’s take Friends, for example: since Warner (HBO Max) currently holds the rights to the sitcom in the US, it’s unavailable on Netflix US. Meanwhile, Netflix UK bought the rights, so it’s streamable in the UK. Netflix itself explains that “more than one studio or distributor may own the rights for a title,” which means availability can vary widely. Sometimes, no rights get sold at all, or they’re exclusive to another platform.
Regional popularity. Netflix curates each library to reflect what local viewers want. For instance, a show that may be trending in the US might not resonate with UK viewers, so resources are spent differently.
Distribution deals. Local broadcasters and studios often make exclusive deals – think a BBC show that first appears on BBC iPlayer in the UK, before it reaches Netflix in the US. There are also cultural and regulatory factors that shape which shows appear.
This patchwork of streaming rights explains why travelers see different catalogs, and why many use a VPN to keep watching their “home” Netflix abroad.
Other popular Netflix libraries around the world
Netflix libraries differ not only between the US and UK, but also beyond. That’s because of local licensing agreements, regional demand, and platform exclusives. So what’s available in one country could be missing or delayed in another, with frequent lineup changes. Below are handpicked examples from Netflix Australia, Canada, and Germany. To keep things clear, I’ve picked non-overlapping titles across these three lists at the time of writing:
Australia – notable titles currently in the AU library:
- The Brutalist
- The Beekeeper
- Hard to Kill
- The Witches
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Canada – notable titles in the CA library:
- Basic
- Guest of Honour
- Haywire
- A Quiet Place: Day One
- Two Sinners and a Mule
Germany – notable titles in the DE library:
- Welcome to Sudden Death
- 8 Remains
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- Before the Fall
- XXX: State of the Union
If you want to check these catalogs from abroad, with a VPN like NordVPN, you can switch regions and access other countries’ Netflix libraries. It’s a handy tool for travelers who want to access their home library or explore regional exclusives.
Netflix US vs UK: which one is better?
Deciding which Netflix library is “better” really depends on what you want to watch. Both the Netflix UK library and the Netflix US catalog are massive, with the UK slightly ahead in total titles, while the US has certain hits.
Netflix UK stands out for exclusive shows that aren’t on US Netflix, like Friends, The Office (US), and Rick and Morty. Plus, Potterheads can also stream the full Harry Potter collection. On the other hand, Netflix US offers more exclusive dramas and procedurals, including Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, and The Blacklist. It often gets new US episodes first, while some UK content (like BBC shows) may arrive a bit later.
Overall, both have their strengths: if you enjoy sitcoms and iconic series, the UK Netflix would scratch the itch; and if you’re into long-running network hits and timely releases, you’re more likely to enjoy Netflix’s US library. However, with a VPN for Netflix, you don’t have to choose between the two – you can enjoy the best of both from anywhere.
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- How to watch Made in Chelsea outside the UK
- How to watch Hulu from anywhere
- Best VPN for BBC iPlayer
- How to Unblock Websites From Anywhere
- How to bypass US porn ban
- How to watch WWE Survivor Series: WarGames on Netflix from the US
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FAQ
Yes, Netflix is an American company. It was founded in 1997 in California and is still headquartered in Los Gatos, California. While it’s an American service, its catalog is global, with different Netflix libraries available in the US, UK, and dozens of other countries.
Yes, Netflix UK is different from Netflix US. Both libraries share Originals like Stranger Things, but UK Netflix has exclusives such as Friends and The Office (US). Meanwhile, Netflix US includes hits like Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS. Plus, the UK catalog is slightly larger by title count.
Here’s what you can find on Netflix US but not UK: Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, NCIS, The Blacklist, Happy Gilmore 2, and the Shrek films. The Netflix US catalog changes often, but these titles are unavailable on UK Netflix at the time of writing. In addition, on Netflix UK you can find Friends, The Office (US), Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Good Will Hunting, The Northman, and others not on Netflix US.
You can switch Netflix from USA to UK with a VPN for Netflix. Install a provider like NordVPN or Surfshark, connect to a UK server, and restart Netflix. If the library doesn’t change, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or use incognito mode. This way, you will bypass geo-restrictions and stream the Netflix UK library from the US.
No, Netflix won’t ban you for using a VPN. At most, you’ll see a proxy or “VPN error” message if the server is blocked. Switching servers or clearing cookies usually fixes it. In the end, your Netflix account remains safe when using a VPN.
