by As if “Netflix and chill” wasn’t already played out on its own, the phrase simply fails to acknowledge the other streaming services that have bomb movie libraries of their own. While Netflix certainly continues its reign as one of the best, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more deserve major consideration.
The best, period
Netflix
There’s a reason that the iconic buh bum sound just played in your head — Netflix is that widespread because it’s that good.
The question of what movie to watch is a loaded one. The list of movies to watch in your Notes app bends to the will of passwords you’ve acquired for various streaming services whether your own or from a generous friend or family member.
Most of us have our staple service — the one that’s been solidified into our monthly budget like bills and rent. (This is Netflix for most people in the U.S.) But ol’ reliable probably doesn’t have every single film you want to watch, especially when titles are constantly flip-flopping which service they call home.
New year, new streaming service
Counting just the past few years, we’re technically not wrong. Wired marks 2018 as the start of the streaming wars. That’s the year that the internet had a meltdown over Friends potentially leaving Netflix — those panic-stricken stans had no idea that The Office‘s departure was about to wreak havoc in a few short years.
Since then, the streaming service market has been an ever-evolving clusterfuck. Disney+ came out in 2019, followed by HBO Max and Peacock in 2020, and then Discovery+ arriving and CBS All Access turning into Paramount+ in 2021. This isn’t even counting any niche platforms that were also introduced in such a short time.
In a way, the branching out makes sense. More and more networks and media conglomerates are deciding that they want the rights to their own stuff rather than letting Netflix and Hulu rake in the subscription fees. But for the viewer, keeping track of which libraries are worth yet another $7 to $15 a month often leads to shamelessly begging an acquaintance for their password. (A necessary tactic on occasion, but you should still have a plan B if they’ve maxed out their concurrent stream limit.)
there should be a streaming service called “movies” and it has every movie
— the irishman* (@mrgracemugabe) February 25, 2021
Until it gets that ^ easy, we’re here to break down the advantages and disadvantages of each app — both generally and for specific fandoms.
The difference between streaming services and live TV services
The other branch of cord-cutting is a supplement for all the live content you’ll be missing. (Like replacing cable with Dish, but a more modern version that requires no hardware to be installed.) Platforms like Sling TV, fubo TV, and DirecTV offer an assortment of channels for a monthly free. While these are clutch for catching sports, TV shows, or the news as it airs, it’s probably not a necessary investment for movie watching. (Unless you’re trying to catch, say, a Hallmark marathon or AMC’s Fear Fest, but then again, many of those movies can probably be found on a streaming service.)
What to look for in a streaming service
The number of movies (and whether those movies actually pique your interest) is a given piece of criteria, as well as price. But some other factors can help set similar platforms apart:
Concurrent stream allowance: Despite a few streaming platforms threatening to crack down on password sharing over the past few years, pretty much every mainstream streaming service allows at least two simultaneous streams at once. This means that a handful of people in different households can use the same login info and watch at the same time. Large families or friend groups who plan to share an account should probably opt for a service that allows at least three devices streaming at once.
Free trials: It’s always nice to preview a service out before you commit. In that week-long(ish) period, you can browse the full library, test the 4K or HDR upscaling if you care about that, and get an overall idea of how smooth or laggy the interface runs. Every paid streaming service on our list offers at least five days of free play time — Disney+ is the notorious oddball that doesn’t.
4K and HDR support: People who have gotten used to binge-watching in regular HD on the TV they’ve had since college probably don’t care much about higher resolution viewing. Others can’t focus on anything but the indecipherable blobs. The latter group of people will have to be pickier about the apps they pay for — because while 4K TVs are common nowadays, conntent available to stream in 4K isn’t yet. For instance, Netflix only unlocks 4K upscaling if you bump your plan to the most expensive one, and HBO Max only offers 4K for certain movies. This will require a certain internet speed, too.
Compatible devices: No one’s gonna pay for a streaming service that’s impossible to access on their smart TV or device they use to access apps on their TV. Luckily, barring a few temporary caveats, most streaming services listed below play nicely with all that stuff. Unless specifically noted in “The Bad” section, you can assume that each app listed is compatible with the streaming interface of most big brand TVs, the main mobile operating systems (iOS and Android apps), media players (Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV), and gaming consoles (Playstation and Xbox).
Netflix
There’s a reason that the iconic buh bum sound just played in your head — Netflix is that widespread because it’s that good.-
Price:
$8.99/month for Basic, $13.99/month for Standard, or $17.99/month for Premium -
Free trial:
None -
Max simultaneous streams:
1 with Basic, 2 with Standard, or 4 with Premium
Death, taxes, and Netflix. We’re at the point where access to Netflix (whether through your own login or someone else’s) is so ubiquitous, the app barely requires explanation. But to sum up the ins and outs for those who have yet to hop on the bandwagon, it’s the first place to check for that random movie you’ve been itching to watch.
A respectable subscription price gets you access to over 3,000 movie titles. Titles like Django Unchained, The Conjuring (1 and 2), The Help, The Lorax, and Superbad showcase the unmatched variety and relevance, which is amplified by critically-acclaimed Netflix originals.
Disney+
The combination of nostalgia and action between Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and vault classics is unbeatable.-
Price:
$6.99/month -
Free trial:
None -
Max simultaneous streams:
4
It took forever for us to get a streaming service with all things Disney in one damn place. But Disney+ proved that it was a force to be reckoned with when it sucked in 10 million subscribers within 24 hours of launch.
Let’s not kid here: It’s hard to beat the app that’s home to all of the Star Wars movies, all of the Marvel movies, and their spinoffs. Even for people who have never seen a single movie from either franchise, Disney+ is worth the cost for the pure nostalgia. From the princess movies to Pixar favorites to oldies from the vault to live-action remakes, it’s a must to have on hand. The only part that’s not such a fairytale is the absence of a free trial.
HBO Max
A month of HBO Max costs less than a movie ticket and grants access to new Warner Bros. theatrical releases.-
Price:
$14.99/month -
Free trial:
7 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
3
Solving the eternally-confusing HBO Max/HBO Go dilemma, HBO Max essentially meshes the libraries of its predecessors. To compete with the Netflix and friends, popular non-HBO titles like The King of Staten Island and Joker are part of its 1,300 movies. And yes, HBO Max is finally supported on both Fire TV and Roku devices.
Amazon Prime Video
Anyone who already pays for Prime shipping has access to one of the best streaming libraries on the market.-
Price:
$12.99/month or $119/year -
Free trial:
30 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
3
The frequently-Googled question “Is Amazon Prime worth it?” seems like a “duh” moment when you consider that the fast and free shipping also comes with fast and free access to one of the best streaming libraries on the market.
Amazon Prime Video is simply an included perk of a Prime account. While Prime members will still have to pay to rent titles (like ones still in theaters or freshly released), nearly 13,000 films are completely free. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Suspiria (2018), and Selah and the Spades are a few of them. The most annoying part is that free and paid titles are mixed together, and the browsing function can be generally chaotic.
Hulu
Hulu continues to challenge Netflix with an increasing number of originals and recently-released films.- Price: $5.99/month or $11.99/month for no ads
-
Free trial:
7 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
2 (unless you upgrade to Hulu + Live TV)
Hulu is forever the service that gets compared directly to Netflix and, more recently, has had to compete with HBO Max, Peacock, and others as the best Netflix alternative. But it has held its own over the past two years.
Though probably more sought out for its TV selection (including episodes of shows like SNL and The Bachelor becoming available the day after they air), Hulu has still amassed a formidable library of movies. There are blockbusters like Deadpool and Gone Girl, recent releases like Palm Springs and Antebellum, and originals like Run and The United States against Billie Holiday.
Shudder
A must in the pocket of any horror fan, Shudder organizes its scary-good selection of classics and originals with sick curation.-
Free trial:
7 days -
Price:
$5.99/month -
Max simultaneous streams:
1
The horror junkies reading this have likely already plowed through Netflix or Hulu’s hit-or-miss horror section. When that happens, it’s time to pay for Shudder and its macabre medley of classics from the 1970s to now, including a hefty collection of terrifying international films (The Wailing) and other exclusive gems (The Dark and the Wicked) that didn’t make it to the mainstream.
Traditional movie categorization doesn’t exactly apply to a streaming app where one genre is the focus, but Shudder’s curation is on point. Slashics, Zombie Jamboree, Trapped, and Serial Killers are just a few of the ultra-specific subgenres that streamline the search process. Shudder also deserves kudos for its original films: Host and Revenge have quickly become cult favorites.
Peacock
You’ll end up in a paid tier if you care about ‘The Office,’ but a huge majority of Peacock’s movies are available for free.-
Price:
Free for some content, $4.99/month for Premium with ads, $9.99/month for ad-free Premium -
Free trial:
7 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
3
NBC and Universal Studios are both subsidiaries of Comcast, meaning Universal films have claimed stake of much of Peacock’s catalog. Select titles from Dreamworks, Focus Works, and Working Title Films are also available. Some of Peacock’s best current offerings include The Big Lebowski, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and multiple Chucky movies. Unfortunately, Fire TV users will have to find an AirPlay or Chromecast workaround to view this loaded lineup.
Vudu
Walmart’s movie platform is a wicked up-to-date rental service that often touts films that just left theaters.-
Price:
Rentals range from $1.99 to $19.99, plus free movies -
Free trial:
None, but get 30% off first rental or purchase -
Max simultaneous streams:
3
Like your typical rental service, you’ll only pay for movies you care about — but this library isn’t the typical obscure early 2000s spread you’re picturing. In the past, it’s been a place to catch Oscar and Golden Globe noms before they’re streaming elsewhere. (Most super-recent releases go for $19.99.) The sale section is far more relevant than Walmart’s $5 DVD bin — current titles include Spider-Man: Far From Home and This is the End.
One major note: You have 30 days from the time of the rental to watch your movie, but the grace period requires you to watch the movie from start to finish within 24 hours.
Tubi
Between its surprisingly-legit library and non-existent monthly charge, there’s no reason to not download Tubi.-
Price:
Free -
Free trial:
N/A -
Max simultaneous streams:
N/A
The fact that Tubi is totally free is reason enough to keep it in your TV’s arsenal. But it won’t be one of those free apps that you scroll through every few months just to find that the titles haven’t gotten any less D-list. Tubi is home to so many hidden gems, as well as popular titles that may be hard to find elsewhere like Uptown Girls, The Imitation Game, and multiple Rob Zombie films.
Anyone considering a free streaming app probably isn’t expecting luxurious streaming features. But if you care about HD streaming or the ability to download movies to watch offline, Tubi might get frustrating.
Apple TV+
Head to Apple TV+ for fresh original films and music docs featuring some pretty huge stars.-
Price:
$4.99/month -
Free trial:
7 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
6
Apple likes to do things the Apple way. Naturally, it created its own streaming service composed of original programming only. That nips the opportunity to hunt down other films that you had a hankering for, but it’s a fun spot if you’ve exhausted options elsewhere.
Apple’s exclusive films deserve as much attention as its shows. Both a Beastie Boys and Billie Eilish documentary are there, as well as 2020 and 2021 titles with names like Tom Hanks, Anthony Mackie, and Justin Timberlike. The allowance for six simultaneous streams (double what most services allow) and HDR support are rare instances of Apple being more generous than they have to be.
Sundance Now
Your whole friend group can peruse this collection of stellar films that often don’t hit the mainstream.-
Price:
$6.99/month -
Free trial:
7 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
Unlimited
When you see the Sundance stamp of approval in a movie’s intro, your confidence in what you’re about to watch subconsciously skyrockets. The Sundance Now app gathers all of the best award winners in one place, plus new original content from independent and foreign artists.
A max resolution of 720p seems like an odd way to entice the cinephiles that would have been drawn to a Sundance app in the first place. But the unlimited allowance of people who can watch at once means that you can split the fee with a few people, so the app’s occasional clunkiness won’t cost you much.
Paramount+
CBS All Access is rebranding to Paramount+, a more expansive service featuring carry-over content plus favorite Paramount films.-
Price:
$5.99/month with ads or $9.99/month ad-free (expected) -
Free trial:
7 days -
Max simultaneous streams:
2
Content will span from channels like Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and the Smithsonian Channel, as well as Star Trek: Picard and other expected carry-over series. The newest Paranormal Activity installment will debut exclusively on Paramount+, as well as a Pet Semetary reboot.
The internet has yet to find a crumb of a hint about the movie lineup, though it would only make sense that a large chunk Paramount Pictures creations are on the list. (We’re hoping for older classics like Psycho, The Godfather, and Indiana Jones.) All new Paramount movies will pop up on the service within a year of release.
Documentary+
It only takes seconds to get lost in a new nonfiction world on this totally free documentary app.-
Price:
Free -
Free trial:
N/A -
Max simultaneous streams:
Unlimited (no account necessary)
It’ll take a while for even the most devoted doc watchers to tear through this menu. Over 15 categories contain enough titles to make you scroll for a few minutes (some titles overlap, but the selection is still crazy robust.) Absolutely no personal info is required — making an account isn’t even an option. Just head to docplus.com or download the app to start watching immediately.
PBS Video
Catch ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Nova,’ and other PBS-exclusive shows on the broadcast service’s free app.-
Price:
$5/month for Thirteen Passport, some free content -
Free trial:
N/A -
Max simultaneous streams:
1
There is some free content, but most of the classics and new releases that you’ll care about require a very meager wad of money. The price of a Thirteen Passport technically translates into a donation to your local PBS station. A minimum of $5 per month is required to sustain the membership, which opens up on-demand access to the most popular shows and docs like Victoria and Masterpiece. (A Membercard also locks in discounts to over 80 museums and theaters near you.)
How do I stream outside the US?
Signing up for a VPN can open the door to a plethora of international shows and films that aren’t available in America. VPNs essentially allow you to make up your own internet rules by carving out a personal security tunnel in which you browse, stream, or game the way you normally would.
That security tunnel paves the way for location spoofing and getting around location-based roadblocks or censors. All decent VPNs offer a wide selection of servers based in multiple geographic locations. Picking one of those essentially tricks your ISP into thinking your device is based there, maneuvering around geoblocks and opening the door to international content, like another country’s Netflix library.
SEE ALSO: Shopping for the best VPN? Ask Reddit.
The case against pirated movie websites
VPNs and cybersecurity go hand in hand. When framing cybersecurity around movies, the conversation naturally leads to pirated movie sites. We’ve all used them, and admittedly, they’ve saved all of our asses once or twice when we couldn’t find the movie we wanted anywhere else. But they’re not as instantaneous as we give them credit for — not when you have to “X” out of five pop-up ads before the movie starts, plus any time you need to pause or fast forward. Not only does the experience just suck, but a misdirected click on an infected ad could get you sent to a website with malware waiting in the wings.
Malware spreading is much more likely if you actually download the movie or a whole app rather than watching in a browser, but still. Cybercriminals are on their A-game knowing that the pandemic has people looking for stuff to watch to fill up their time.
Antivirus software is the obvious first line of defense here, but that doesn’t help with the clunky interface or volatility of these sites. Stuff freezes, audio stops working, and people’s words don’t line up with their mouths. Most pirated movie sites are shut down eventually, too, and frequently have to change their domain name to stay up and running. It’s just not a reliable setup, especially with apps like Tubi and Documentary+ out there. (Yes, Macs need to be armed with antivirus, too.)
