How to watch 12 Years a Slave on Netflix in 2023| Tested by our team!

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Couldn’t find 12 Years a Slave on Netflix, which leads you to this page. Well, you are at the right place. We have prepared an extensive guide to watch 12 Years a Slave on Netflix and everything related will also be discussed.

How to watch 12 Years a Slave on Netflix in 2023?

12 Years a Slave is an American movie focused on all the hardships and cruelty faced by Africans in the United States. The movie is available on Netflix but in limited regions and countries only.

You can stream 12 Years a Slave on Netflix if you are residing in certain regions like the UK, but if you are outside these regions, then you need to use a VPN service and follow these steps to watch the movie:

1- Sign up for ExpressVPN to unblock Netflix (12+3 months free special deal)

2- Download the VPN application on your preferred device. (Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have dedicated apps for several devices like PC, Mac, and Android devices)

3- Select a British server from the country list

4- Now open Netflix in your browser or in-app

5- Search 12 Years a Slave on Netflix

6- Enjoy the movie

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Watching 12 Years a Slave on Netflix with ExpressVPN| Detailed Explanation

ExpresVPN is rated the best VPN to unblock different Netflix libraries. We put its reputation to test and found it exceeds it. We watched 12 Year a Slave with a British IP address on Netflix from the Untied States.

Here are the detailed steps you need to follow.

1- Sign up for ExpressVPN for Netflix

Select a VPN service provider that can bypass geographical limitations enforced by Netflix. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice and offers various subscription options, including monthly, bi-annual, and yearly plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For as little as $6.67 per month, you can also access other popular streaming services like Peacock TV, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

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2- Download it on your preferred device

After subscribing to the VPN service, download and install the app on the device of your preference. The VPN app can be installed on any device, whether it’s a gaming console, smart TV, iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS device.

3- Connect to a British server

Choose and connect to a server situated in Greece from the available server list on the VPN app. This will assign you a British IP address, giving you access to the Netflix British library.

4- Enjoy

Once you have successfully connected to a British server, open the Netflix app or website and search for 12 Years a Slave. You can now stream the movie with ease.

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Is 12 Years a Slave on Netflix?

The acclaimed movie 12 Years a Slave is currently restricted to only a handful of countries on Netflix, such as the UK. This can be quite frustrating for those living in regions where the film is unavailable due to copyright regulations.

However, a solution exists – the use of a reliable VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. With a VPN, viewers can connect with a virtual location where the movie is accessible, such as the UK, and enjoy it on Netflix from anywhere in the world.

12 Years a Slave – Netflix Countries

12 Years a Slave is streaming on Netflix, but fans from around the world keep asking the same question, “In which country can I Watch 12 Years a Slave on Netflix?”. Our research team has found that this movie is currently streaming on Netflix in only two countries: South Africa and the United Kingdom.

12 Years a Slave – Release Date

12 Years a Slave was released in cinemas on February 7, 2014, and is considered one of the best films ever. It grossed over $187 million and was a commercial success. The film received positive reviews and got impressive ratings on different platforms. However, IMDb gives it an 8.1/10 viewers rating, while Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 95% rating.

12 Years a Slave – Official Trailer

12 Years a Slave – What to Expect from the Movie?

Based on the true story of Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave follows his harrowing experience being kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. In 1841, Northup, a free black man living in New York, is deceived and drugged while on a trip to Washington D.C., only to wake up in chains. He is sold to slave traders and transported to Louisiana, forced to take the name Platt to conceal his identity.

Over the next twelve years, Northup endures brutal cruelty under the ownership of two plantation owners, Edwin Epps and John Tibeats. He faces grueling labor, torture, and isolation, witnessing the full force of slavery’s inhumanity. However, he also finds kindness in other slaves who help him survive. Northup finally gains hope when a sympathetic Canadian carpenter agrees to send letters on his behalf, resulting in Northup’s liberation from slavery.

Powerfully depicting slavery’s atrocities, 12 Years a Slave provides an unflinching look at one of America’s darkest historical eras and an inspiring true story of perseverance.

The Cast of 12 Years of Slave

12 Years a Slave, helmed by director Steve McQueen, is an emotionally profound film that delves into the horrors of slavery in the mid-19th century United States. Drawing from Solomon Northup’s autobiography, the movie portrays his harrowing journey from being a free African-American man to being kidnapped and sold into slavery.

The film features a talented cast. Let’s dive deeper into the characters of the film and the actors who play them.

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup

Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers an unforgettable performance as the film’s protagonist. Ejiofor captures Northup’s unwavering resilience, strength, and relentless pursuit of freedom. Ejiofor has showcased his versatility in films like Children of Men, Inside Man, and The Martian. He has also received acclaim for his work in the television series Dancing on the Edge and the film Dirty Pretty Things.

  • Michael Fassbender as Edwin Epps

Michael Fassbender brings chilling conviction to his role as Edwin Epps, a cruel and sadistic slave owner. Fassbender’s dedication to his craft shines through as he portrays morally complex characters. His filmography boasts notable appearances in X-Men: First Class, Inglourious Basterds, and Steve Jobs.

  • Lupita Nyong’o as Patsey

Lupita Nyong’o’s breakthrough performance as Patsey earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal of a young slave woman tormented by her master and mistress. Nyong’o has since become a prominent figure in the industry, featuring in films such as Black Panther, Us, and Little Monsters.

  • Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford

Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the role of William Ford, a relatively compassionate plantation owner who, despite his kindness, remains complicit in the institution of slavery. Known for his versatile acting skills, Cumberbatch boasts an extensive repertoire, having portrayed iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes in the television series Sherlock, Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

Other notable names in the cast of 12 Years a Slave are:

  • Paul Dano as John Tibeats
  • Garret Dillahunt as Armsby
  • Paul Giamatti as Theophilus Freeman
  • Scoot McNairy as Merrill Brown
  • Adepero Oduye as Eliza
  • Sarah Paulson as Mary Epps
  • Brad Pitt as Samuel Bass
  • Michael Kenneth Williams as Robert
  • Alfre Woodard as Mistress Harriet Shaw
  • Storm Reid as Emily

Why is ExpressVPN the best choice to watch 12 Years a Slave on Netflix?

It can be extremely frustrating when you are unable to access your desired content, such as the critically acclaimed movie 12 Years a Slave, on Netflix, due to regional restrictions and copyright limitations of the platform. Fortunately, ExpressVPN, a top-tier VPN provider, can help you overcome this issue.

ExpressVPN ensures you can stream 12 Years a Slave or any other Netflix content with lightning-fast download and upload speeds, up to 98Mbps and 87Mbps, respectively, on a 100Mbps connection. This guarantees smooth streaming with no buffering or interruptions.

In addition to providing seamless streaming of your favorite content, ExpressVPN offers advanced security features like Split Tunneling, MediaStream DNS, and an Internet Kill Switch to ensure complete protection of your online activity.

The VPN service is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux, and can be used on various devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles.

Take advantage of the limited-time offer and get a 49% discount on a 12-month subscription, which also includes an additional three months for free, giving you a total of 15 months of worry-free streaming at just $6.67/month. ExpressVPN also offers 24-hour customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Is it possible to watch 12 Years a Slave on Netflix using a free VPN?

For a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience of 12 Years a Slave or any other movie or show on Netflix, it is essential to avoid using free VPNs as they often lack reliability and may compromise the quality of your stream.

Additionally, they can trigger the frustrating Netflix Proxy Error, preventing you from accessing your desired content. To ensure hassle-free streaming, choosing a reputable VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is highly recommended.

Is 12 Years A Slave on Hulu?

12 Years A Slave is not available on Hulu.  But you can watch the movie on Netflix from the United States by using ExpressVPN. Change your IP address to Greece and watch 12 Years A Slave on Netflix from the United States.

Is 12 Years A Slave on Prime Videos?

12 Years A Slave is accessible on Prime Video but only in Italy. However, you can watch it on Netflix in the USA using ExpressVPN. Change your IP address to Greece in this VPN app and enjoy 12 Years A Slave on Netflix from the United States.

When is 12 Years A Slave coming on Netflix USA?

There is no official information about when 12 Years A Slave will be added to Netflix in the United States. However, if you are resident of the USA, you can use ExpressVPN to change your IP address to Greece and access 12 Years A Slave on Netflix from the United States.

12 Years A Slave filming locations?

The filming of 12 Years A Slave took place in Louisiana, USA.

12 Years A Slave budget and box office?

12 Years A Slave generated a global box office revenue of $187.7 million, with $56.7 million coming from the United States alone.

Gregory Ellwood from HitFix rated the movie “A−”, saying the film is a compelling drama propelled by Steve McQueen’s daring direction and what could be considered the pinnacle performance of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s career. Ellwood also lauded the roles of Fassbender and Nyong’o, singling out Nyong’o for what he called a “breakout performance” that might even earn her an appearance at the Dolby Theater the following March. Additionally, he commended the film’s stunning cinematography and its emotive musical score, which he described as one of Hans Zimmer’s most touching compositions in recent years.

Paul MacInnes from The Guardian gave the film a perfect five-star rating, stating, “Intense, graphic, and relentless, 12 Years a Slave is more than just an excellent movie; it’s essential viewing.”

12 Years a Slave – FAQs

1- Is 12 Years a Slave based on a true story?

12 Years a Slave is rooted in historical truth. It draws inspiration from Solomon Northup’s firsthand account, published in 1853. Northup’s memoir vividly recounts his harrowing experience of being kidnapped and forced into bondage, and his eventual triumphant escape, serving as a poignant reflection of slavery’s brutal realities in the United States.

2- Why is 12 Years a Slave problematic?

12 Years a Slave is considered problematic by some due to its graphic depiction of slavery and the potential perpetuation of racial stereotypes. According to film critic Armond White, 12 Years a Slave has been criticized for its portrayal of slavery as “torture porn” and accused director Steve McQueen of transforming historical events into a macabre spectacle, blurring the line between historical accuracy and excessive violence, suffering, and anguish.

3- How many Oscars did 12 Years a Slave win?

12 Years a Slave received numerous award nominations and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress.

4- What else can I watch on Netflix after 12 Years a Slave?

When it comes to content, Netflix has thousands of hours of movies, TV shows, and documentaries to offer. Here is a list of movies and TV shows you can watch on Netflix after 12 Years a Slave.

Wrap Up

12 Years a Slave is one of Hollywood’s best Western drama movies. The movie tells a story of a slave who faced difficulties in every phase of his life. 12 Years a Slave is streaming on Netflix but in limited regions, but you can watch it easily from anywhere in the world using a trustable VPN service like ExpressVPN.

Written by Mickel Clark

Mickel is a streaming aficionado who loves nothing more than to pen down his thoughts about the movies, anime and TV shows he has watched and likes sharing hacks on how to stream them online.