Are you ready, kids? The holidays might be wrapping up, but the nautical nonsense is just beginning! If you missed the chance to see The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants in theaters during its big December release, don’t worry. You won’t have to travel to the deepest depths of the ocean to find it.
In this guide, Where to Watch ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Online After the Holidays, we will explore all the ways you can watch SpongeBob and Patrick’s newest adventure from your very own pineapple (or couch). We will look at when it hits streaming apps like Paramount+, where you can rent or buy it on VOD (Video on Demand), and if it will ever pop up on other sites like Netflix.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Bikini Bottom or you’re looking for a fun movie to watch with the whole family, we have all the info you need. Let’s dive in and find out where our favorite square friend is hiding!
1. Streaming Release: When is it Coming to Paramount+?
Since SpongeBob is a superstar for Nickelodeon and Paramount, his home on the internet is always Paramount+.
The Big Premiere
Most big movies from Paramount Pictures take about 45 to 60 days to go from the theater to the streaming app. Since the movie came out in theaters on December 19, 2025, you can expect to see it streaming on Paramount+ around February 2026. This is perfect for a cozy winter movie night!
Watch the Whole Universe
One of the best things about Paramount+ is that it doesn’t just have the new movie. You can also watch the first three SpongeBob movies, the original show, and even the new shows like Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show. It is truly the ultimate place for a SpongeBob marathon 2026.
- LSI Term: Paramount Plus subscription and Nickelodeon content.
2. Digital Rental and Purchase: VOD Options
If you don’t want to wait for the streaming app, you can usually rent or buy the movie much sooner!
Early Access at Home
Movies often become available to “Rent” or “Buy” on sites like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (iTunes), and Vudu just a few weeks after they hit theaters. For Search for SquarePants, look for it to appear on these stores in late January 2026.
Rent vs. Buy
If you rent the movie, you usually have 48 hours to finish it once you start. But if you buy the digital version, you own it forever! This is great for kids who want to watch SpongeBob over and over again. This is the fastest way to watch The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants online after the holidays.
- Long-tail Keyword: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants VOD release date.
3. Will it be on Netflix or Disney Plus?
This is a question many fans ask, and the answer is a little bit of a “Maybe” and a “No.”
The Netflix Connection
You might have noticed that some SpongeBob movies, like Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, are on Netflix. That is because Netflix has a special deal for some “spin-off” movies. However, the big theatrical movies (like this one) usually stay on Paramount+ first. It might take a year or more before it ever shows up on Netflix.
Disney Plus?
Since SpongeBob belongs to Nickelodeon (which is part of Paramount), he is not a Disney character. You likely won’t see him on Disney Plus anytime soon. If you want the yellow sponge, stick with the blue Paramount+ app!
- LSI Term: Streaming rights and Nickelodeon Netflix deal.
4. Why You Should Watch: The Deep Sea Quest
What makes this movie so special that you’ll want to watch it at home?
A Quest for Bravery
In Search for SquarePants, SpongeBob wants to prove he is a “big guy.” He decides to follow the Flying Dutchman (voiced by the legendary Mark Hamill) into the most dangerous parts of the sea. It is a story about being brave, even when you feel small and square.
New Friends and Funny Jokes
The movie features new voices like Ice Spice, George Lopez, and Regina Hall. Critics have said it is the “funniest SpongeBob movie in years,” filled with zany animation and jokes that will make both kids and grown-ups laugh. It’s a family comedy adventure that feels fresh and classic at the same time.
- LSI Term: Animated film cast and crew 2025.
5. Visualizing Your Watch Options
Infographic Concept 1: The “Where to Watch” Flowchart
Imagine a fun map of Bikini Bottom.
- Path A (January): Follow the “VOD Street” to rent or buy it on Amazon/Apple.
- Path B (February): Follow the “Streaming Stream” to Paramount+.
- Path C (Later): The “Physical Pier” for DVD and Blu-ray.
- Alt Text: Where to Watch ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Online After the Holidays options map.
Infographic Concept 2: Release Timeline
A simple timeline bar:
- Dec 19: In Theaters.
- Late Jan: Available to Buy/Rent (Digital).
- Early Feb: Streaming on Paramount+.
- Alt Text: Search for SquarePants online release timeline.
6. Physical Media: DVD and Blu-ray
Some people still love to have a real disc to put in their player!
Collector’s Editions
If you like having a box on your shelf, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants will likely come out on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD in March 2026. These often come with “Special Features,” like behind-the-scenes videos, deleted scenes, and fun sing-alongs.
The Best Quality
Watching a 4K Blu-ray is the best way to see all the bright colors and amazing details of the animation. If you have a big TV, this is the best way to experience the visual effects of the fourth SpongeBob movie.
- Long-tail Keyword: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants DVD release date.
7. Global Watch Guide: Outside the USA
If you live in Canada, the UK, or Australia, the rules might be slightly different.
International Streaming
In most countries, Paramount+ is still the place to go. However, in some places where Paramount+ isn’t available, the movie might show up on local apps or even Sky Cinema (in the UK).
Regional VOD
Stores like the Google Play Store and YouTube Movies usually have the movie for rent globally at the same time it releases in the US. No matter where you are in the world, SpongeBob is never too far away!
- LSI Term: Global film distribution and international streaming platforms.
Quick Takeaways
- Paramount+: The best place to stream it, starting around February 2026.
- Rent/Buy: Available on digital stores (Amazon, Apple) in late January 2026.
- Netflix: Unlikely to arrive for at least a year; some spin-offs are there, but not this one.
- Plot: SpongeBob teams up with the Flying Dutchman to prove his bravery.
- Cast: Features Mark Hamill, Ice Spice, and the original voice cast.
- Physical: DVD and Blu-ray collectors should look for a March 2026 release.
- Rating: It is Rated PG, making it safe and fun for the whole family.
Conclusion: Get Ready for Adventure!
We hope this guide to Where to Watch ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Online After the Holidays helped you plan your next trip to Bikini Bottom! Even though the holiday season is ending, the fun of movies never has to stop.
Whether you choose to rent it early on your TV or wait for it to arrive on Paramount+, SpongeBob and his friends are ready to make you smile. This movie is a great reminder that you can be a “big guy” even if you’re just a small, yellow sponge.
So, get your popcorn ready, put on your favorite pajamas, and get ready to sail into the deep sea with the bravest sponge in history!
Are you going to wait for it on Paramount+, or are you renting it as soon as it comes out? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share this guide with all your fellow Goofy Goobers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ on Netflix? Not yet! While some SpongeBob spin-offs are on Netflix, this big theatrical movie will go to Paramount+ first. It might take a long time to reach Netflix.
2. Can I watch the new SpongeBob movie for free? If you have a Paramount+ subscription, you can watch it as part of your membership when it releases in early 2026. If you don’t have it, keep an eye out for a “Free Trial” on their website!
3. When can I buy the movie on my phone? You can likely buy the digital version on the Apple TV app or Amazon in late January 2026, about a month after it came out in theaters.
4. Is Mark Hamill really in the movie? Yes! The man who played Luke Skywalker is the voice of the Flying Dutchman. He is one of the coolest parts of the new adventure!
5. Is the movie safe for a 5-year-old? Absolutely! It is Rated PG, which means it’s great for kids. It has some “scary” ghost pirates, but it is mostly very funny and silly.
We Want to Hear From You!
Did you see the movie in theaters, or are you waiting for the online release? Please leave a comment below and tell us your favorite SpongeBob character! Don’t forget to share this article so your friends know where to find the movie too!
References
- Wikipedia: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025)
- Fandango: Watch ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Online
- The Numbers: Search for SquarePants Financial and Video Release Info
- Official Website: SpongeBob Movie Online Portal