The Best Movie Streaming Services for 2023

Total times read this article : 6

The Best Movie Streaming Deals This Week*

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Cord cutters have numerous options for watching their favorite on-demand shows and live TV without the burden of a cable bill. Movie fans don’t have to miss out on the fun, either. Many video streaming services offer extensive libraries of popular theatrical titles, and support high-end streaming standards. You might need to wait for movies to land on your streaming service of choice after their theatrical runs, but the service’s film variety (including original flicks) can tide you over. You may even discover a new favorite movie that you would never see in theaters or purchase outright.

With that in mind, these are the best movie streaming services we’ve tested, whether you’re looking for big-name blockbusters or obscure indies. Read on for our top picks, followed by what to look for and consider when choosing the right service or services for your tastes and budget.

Netflix

Best for Original Movies

Why We Picked It

Netflix is the standard-bearer for streaming video services. It hosts an impressive selection of content, with new titles exchanged for older ones on a monthly basis. Then there’s Netflix’s constantly growing library of premier, original programming that outclasses every other streaming service’s offerings. Apart from its original movies, such as El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie and The Irishman, Netflix has the most high-quality movies of any streaming service.

Who It’s For

Netflix is a premium service for people willing to pay premium prices. Netflix recently raised the price of its subscription plans, and not for the first time. However, a cheaper, ad-supported version is also in the works.

PROS

  • High-quality original programming
  • Excellent apps and features
  • Offline downloads on mobile
  • Physical media rental option
  • Free mobile games

CONS

  • Compromised ad-based tier
  • Little to no information about changes to availability of content

Hulu

Best for Movie Variety

Why We Picked It

Hulu is one of the best, all-in-one options for cord cutters, given its diverse set of streaming options. Movies are a key part of its content library, alongside on-demand streaming and live TV. 

Who It’s For

Hulu’s film library especially shines as part of the Disney bundle. This discounted collection also includes subscriptions for Disney+ and ESPN+. Disney movies and sports are great, but Hulu provides the thoughtful entertainment for adult audiences that’s desperately missing from those other services. 

PROS

  • Excellent selection of TV series
  • Extensive live TV channel lineup
  • Robust cloud DVR option
  • Available on nearly every media streaming device

CONS

  • Base on-demand plan includes ads
  • Offline downloads feature requires premium account
  • Fewer high-quality originals than competitors
  • Missing most SportsNet and all Bally Sports RSNs

Peacock

Best for Free TV and Movie Streaming

Why We Picked It

NBC’s Peacock offers three tiers: an ad-supported Free plan with about 13,000 hours of content; a Premium tier with 20,000 hours of content; and a Premium Plus option that builds upon the Premium tier by removing ads when you stream on-demand titles. Peacock’s streaming library includes hundreds of movies, and some Hollywood blockbusters are available just a few weeks after their theatrical runs.

Who It’s For

Who doesn’t appreciate quality, no-cost films? Peacock is an Editors’ Choice pick because of its generous free tier, but you can upgrade to a premium plan if you want an even better experience.

PROS

  • Free tier has no major limitations
  • Popular movies and network shows
  • Flexible pricing tiers
  • Live sports for paid users
  • Supports multiple account profiles

CONS

  • Premium tier still has ads and does not support offline downloads
  • Few high-quality originals series and lineup is missing Friends and Seinfeld
  • Constantly changing movie library

Disney+

Best for Family-Friendly Movies

Why We Picked It

Star Wars. Marvel. Pixar. Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home for family-friendly blockbusters that continue to leave everlasting impressions on generation after generation. Forget films, Disney makes entire cinematic universes. Although these movies may be best enjoyed on the big screen, Disney+ is where you can watch them again and again. 

Who It’s For

If you have even a passing interest in just one of the many beloved properties under the Disney corporate umbrella, Disney+ is for you. Select Disney+ films are even available in “IMAX Enhanced” quality, bringing the fidelity of the large-format film theater resolution to displays that support it.

PROS

  • Lots of Disney-owned content all in one place
  • Offline downloads in premium tier
  • 4K streaming
  • Good performance

CONS

  • Mostly relies on existing franchises
  • Premier Access is expensive
  • Some content from Fox acquisition is split with Hulu

KweliTV

Best for International Films

Why We Picked It

KweliTV is your destination for films from Africa and beyond. The service features more than 400 total curated entries, including Africa United and Black Enuf, along with other documentaries and titles you might find at an indie film festival. There’s a free, live streaming component, and you can rent individual films.

Who It’s For

KweliTV is for anyone who celebrates the fact that incredible cinematic art exists outside their own borders. Apart from access to KweliTV’s streaming library, a subscription grants you discounts with more than 35 Black-owned brands, plus invites to members-only events.

PROS

  • Well-curated, independent, international library
  • Flexible pricing options
  • Offline downloads on mobile platforms
  • Merchandise shop and discounts for Black-owned businesses

CONS

  • Inconsistent subtitles
  • Community still growing

Read Our KweliTV Review

Tubi

Best for Free Movies

Why We Picked It

Tubi is a free video streaming service that claims a collection of 20,000 movies and TV shows. Its film catalog includes popular hits such as A.I. Artificial Intelligence; Black Hawk Down; Donnie Darko; Legally Blonde; Memento; Minority Report; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; Rain Man; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; and We Need to Talk About Kevin. Note that Tubi’s library regularly changes.

Who It’s For

Tubi is for people who want a free service that doesn’t feel cheap. Tubi’s web interface and mobile apps have clean designs that neatly organize everything into descriptive categories. Unfortunately, the streaming resolution has a 720p cap, and you can’t download movies for offline viewing. On the upside, the service keeps track of the content you’ve watched, and lets you manage a watchlist.

PROS

  • Free
  • Extensive library of movies and shows
  • Modern apps and interfaces
  • Supports watchlists and parental control features

CONS

  • Streaming resolution capped at 720p
  • No ad-free option

The Criterion Channel

Best for Classic Films

Why We Picked It

True cinephiles love the Criterion Collection for its lovingly curated collection of classic films. The Criterion Channel offers that same artistry and historical preservation as a convenient streaming service.

Who It’s For

The Criterion Channel doesn’t feature the entire Criterion Collection, but it has more than enough content to appeal to serious film fans. It may not replace a physical edition, but you can download movies to mobile devices for offline viewing. The Criterion Channel even includes extras, such as interviews and commentary, to provide even more insightful historical context.

PROS

  • On-demand streaming of curated Criterion Collection films.
  • Offline downloads on mobile devices.
  • No ads.
  • Tons of video extras, including interviews, features, and other commentary.

CONS

  • Not all Criterion Collection movies are available for streaming.
  • No parental controls or user profiles.
  • Some aggressive DRM and HDCP restrictions.

IFC Films Unlimited

Best for Independent Films

Why We Picked It

IFC Films Unlimited lets you stream a strong selection of independent movies, without ads, for a very reasonable price of $6 per month. Note that you must use it as an add-on channel to another service, such as Apple TV or Roku. However, you can download videos for offline mobile viewing. 

Who It’s For

Movie fans tired of Hollywood pablum always want a chance to catch the latest, unknown indie flicks. Even if you don’t have the most adventurous film palette, IFC Films may be a gateway to broader movie horizons.

PROS

  • Strong selection of indie movies
  • No ads
  • Supports offline downloads on mobile devices
  • Inexpensive

CONS

  • Only available through Prime Video or on Apple TV and Roku devices
  • Doesn’t include a lot of older, classic independent films

Mubi

Best for Cinephiles and Movie Discovery

Why We Picked It

Mubi curates its streaming lineup so that you’ll frequently encounter films you’ve never seen. Hundreds of films span diverse categories, such as Adaptations, Brief Encounters, Debuts, First Look, The New Auteurs, Undiscovered, and Weimar Germany.

Who It’s For

Along with its streaming catalog, Mubi lets you join an enthusiastic, online film community powered by Mubi’s database. You can view critics’ accolades alongside user reviews, plus create watch lists (the lists can include movies that Mubi doesn’t offer). Building on the community angle, Mubi lets you follow other fans and compare your tastes.

PROS

  • New film added every day to curated lineup
  • Extensive catalog of films
  • Community features
  • 1080p streaming
  • Offline downloads on mobile

CONS

  • No support for multiple viewing profiles
  • Limited closed captioning options

Paramount+

Best for Network Shows and Sports

Why We Picked It

Paramount+ is betting its powerful corporate backing can make it become a new major streaming service. Its brands include Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and Star Trek. The service has hundreds of movies that include original streaming flicks and content pulled from Paramount’s prestigious back catalog.

Who It’s For

The transition from CBS All Access to Paramount+ left this service with a bit of an identity crisis. But now that everything’s aligned, fans of the studio’s various brands have much to enjoy. Starting in 2024, all Paramount movies will be exclusive to this service.

PROS

  • Broad library of on-demand content across many genres
  • Live sports coverage
  • Supports offline downloads and 4K streaming
  • Allows three simultaneous streams and six profiles per account
  • Excellent closed captions options and parental control tools

CONS

  • Fewer high-quality originals than competiing services
  • Offline downloads and 4K streaming are restricted to premium tier
  • Only premium subscribers get local CBS broadcast channels

Philo

Best for Movie Channels

Why We Picked It

Philo’s relatively pricey streaming plan offers dozens of live channels. The service focuses on lifestyle and entertainment, so you’ll find popular movies from AMC, IFC, and other recognizable channels. 

Who It’s For

Live streaming still has its place in an on-demand streaming world. After all, sometimes you just want to watch whatever is on instead of making a choice. Plus, Philo’s impressive entertainment channels help ensure you catch a movie that’s actually worth watching.

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • 63-channel lineup
  • Reliable streaming performance
  • Good mobile apps
  • Easy-to-use DVR

CONS

  • No local or sports coverage, few news channels
  • Lacks parental control options
  • Some saved and on-demand content includes ads

Ovid.tv

Best for Indie Films and Documentaries

Why We Picked It

Ovid.tv brings together indie movies and documentaries to create a streaming service with appeal beyond more mainstream offerings. Its collection includes films from all over the world. Note, however, that you can only watch it in the US and Canada.

Who It’s For

Indie streaming services sometimes ask you to put up with a mediocre interface to reach the compelling content. Ovid.tv does not. Besides a great collection of indie movies and documentaries, Ovid.tv has excellent apps for browsers and mobile devices. 

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Extensive streaming collection
  • Excellent web interface and mobile apps
  • Offline downloads on mobile devices

CONS

  • Limited to the US and Canada
  • Subtitles are not customizable

Shudder

Best for Horror Fans

Why We Picked It

Shudder lets you stream a huge collection of scary movies, from old-school schlock to top-tier terror. The streaming service even produces original documentaries highlighting overlooked parts of horror film history.  

Who It’s For

When it comes to film lovers, horror fans are a different breed. They’ll take in everything the genre offers, from the extremely gory to the extremely cheesy. Shudder helps horror fans—and anyone looking to become one—stay on top of the many fright-filled films.

PROS

  • Large collection of horror films and shows
  • Charming interface and style
  • Inexpensive
  • No ads

CONS

  • Missing some classic suspense and horror films
  • Not all content is available in 1080p
  • No offline downloads on mobile platforms
  • Closed captions are not customizable

Buying Guide: The Best Movie Streaming Services for 2023

Which Movies Can You Stream Online?

The movies available for streaming on a service depends on the distribution rights. It’s similar to the way that live TV streaming services must negotiate with cable channel owners to get streaming rights. The services that already own the rights to huge catalogs of content (or have the money to get streaming rights) have an advantage. Take, for example, four of the biggest names in the media business: Comcast (Peacock), Disney (Disney+), ViacomCBS (Paramount+), and WarnerMedia (HBO Max).

Comcast owns several movie studios, including DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Universal Pictures. Disney+ has classic Disney films, Marvel movies (but not all Marvel movies), Pixar animations, and Star Wars films. ViacomCBS owns Paramount Pictures. WarnerMedia’s HBO Max includes movies from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, plus has exclusive streaming rights to Studio Ghibli films in the US. Warner Bros. announced that it will release 10 movies on HBO Max the same day as they hit theaters in 2022.

PCMag Logo Video Streaming Services: What You Should Know

Netflix and Prime Video aren’t backed by traditional media behemoths, but they still boast large (albeit constantly changing) libraries of movies. Netflix also offers a physical-disc rental service, called DVD by Netflix, that considerably expands its library. Prime Video has lots of classic films. Check out our features on what’s arriving on Netflix and Prime Video to stay up to date with the streaming offerings.

Both Netflix and Prime Video also produce original movies, some of which have earned critical acclaim. Some of the top Netflix original movies are El Camino: A Breaking Bad Story, I Care A Lot, The Irishman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Roma, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Prime Video’s best original movies to date include Honey Boy, I Am Not Your Negro, Manchester by The Sea, One Night in Miami, Sound of Metal, and The Big Sick. Part of the reason that Amazon and Netflix need to produce their own titles is that some of the traditional media powerhouses are making movies exclusive to their own services. Both still have about the same number of quality films, though. Hulu doesn’t produce many original movies, but it is owned by Disney, which likely has some financial upside.

Apple TV+ doesn’t license content from traditional media giants, and thus is in the unenviable position of creating most of its content in-house, though it has acquired some films and documentaries. This means that its movie library is extremely limited compared to that of other streaming services. On top of that, Apple TV+’s focus appears to be on creating original series more so that original movies. In any case, the most notable Apple TV+ films available for streaming are The Banker, The Elephant Queen, Greyhound, Hala, and Wolf Walkers.

Other services have a more specific focus. The Criterion Channel focuses on classic and foreign films. Filmatique, Mubi, and Ovid.tv curate a rotating library of indie movies and documentaries. Angelika Anywhere lets you rent or purchase streaming films curated by the arthouse theater chain. Check out our roundup of the best documentary streaming services, if that is your primary interest.

KweliTV is one of the best video streaming services for celebrating Black art. Tubi and Crackle, which are completely free services, offer a selection of popular movies from years past, though you probably won’t recognize a good portion of the titles in their libraries.

Note that you won’t be able to watch the absolute latest movies from traditional film giants on these services; often there is a theatrical release period for a film, thus letting iy qualify for awards.

Do Movie Streaming Services Support 4K, HDR, and Surround Sound?

Some video streaming services support high-end audio and video standards. Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video all support 4K streaming, for example. Other streaming film services top out at 1080p streaming, among them The Criterion Channel, Filmatique, KweliTV, Mubi, Ovid.tv, Peacock, and Shudder. Crackle and Tubi have maximum streaming resolutions that top out at 720p.

Some services, such as Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Prime Video, support HDR streaming (either HDR10 or Dolby Vision). Support for higher-end audio standards (5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos, or Dolby Digital Plus) is more common. Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, and Tubi all support at least one of these standards.

Note that not every movie on these services is available to stream at the absolute highest quality. The best way to find content that supports these high-end video and audio standards is to search for them in a service’s interface.

You also need a playback device that supports these standards. Check out our roundups of the best media streaming devices, projectors, smart TVs, and soundbars to find all the top audiovisual gear, keeping in mind that some services restrict the highest playback standards to certain devices. For instance, Netflix subscribers on macOS only recently gained the ability to stream in 4K. Prime Video restricts 4K streaming to select media streaming devices and smart TVs. No streaming service we’ve reviewed offers 8K content, however, so don’t feel like you have to go out and buy an 8K TV to enjoy movie streaming services. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create the perfect backyard movie night either, but higher-end components will help you get the most out of the movie streaming service you choose.

Movie Streaming Accessibility Options

Most of the video streaming services in this roundup include closed captions for the vast majority of their content, but only a few let you fully customize them. Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, IFC Films Unlimited, IMDb TV, Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, and Tubi support subtitle customizations.

Only a few services support audio descriptions(Opens in a new window), which are audible narrations of on-screen events that would not be discernible through dialogue alone. Currently, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, IMDb TV, Netflix, and Prime Video have this accessibility feature.

Streaming vs. Blu-ray Quality

One major reason to consider a video streaming service over physical media for watching movies is the potential savings. If you buy one or more 4K UHD Blu-rays every month (typically $15 to $30 depending on how recently they were released), it’s likely cheaper to subscribe to a video streaming service—at least as far as watching movies goes. However, if you only buy 4K UHD Blu-rays occasionally or only feel the need to buy standard DVDs or Blu-Rays, you might end up paying less over the same period compared to if you had subscribed to a video streaming service.

HBO Max’s Ad-Free and Netflix’s Premium plan (the only tiers that supports 4K streaming) cost the most of any of the on-demand services we’ve reviewed at $14.99 and $17.99 per month respectively. The Criterion Channel and Mubi are both $10.99 per month. At the lower end of the price range, Paramount+ Premium is $9.99 per month, Prime Video is $8.99 per month, Disney+ charges $7.99 per month, and Ovid.tv is $6.99 per month. Hulu’s ad-supported plan, KweliTV, and Shudder are all $5.99 per month.

Recommended by Our Editors

For about $5 per month, you can get Apple TV+ or Filmatique. Crackle, Peacock, and Tubi are free, though you need to pay $4.99 per month to get all of Peacock’s content. Philo, a live TV service, is $25 per month, but that’s inexpensive for the category. No matter what you want to pay each month, our guide to the best video streaming services for every budget has a specific category for movie lovers.

On one hand, the constantly changing library of video streaming services may not appeal to people who like to rewatch movies from time to time. Presumably, when you buy a physical disk, it’s because that movie is one you specifically want to watch many times or otherwise keep for collection purposes. The fact that a service might not have all of the movies you want to watch is problematic, too. Other people may just like the prospect of having physical disks offline for eternity (unless you lose them). If you buy a digital movie from iTunes or Amazon, a recent lawsuit reminds us that digital content ownership may still be subject to factors outside your control.

On the other hand, the opportunity to discover new films is a definite benefit of a changing library of movies. Mubi, for instance, updates its Now Streaming section of 30 curated films every day, so you always have something new to watch. There are ways to use video streaming services offline, too. Many services support offline downloads on mobile devices, for example. It may not be ideal to watch a movie on a mobile device’s small screen, but it’s still more convenient than carrying around a portable Blu-ray player or laptop with a compatible disc drive.

There are other options for people who don’t like the prospect of streaming services, but still want to go digital. For example, you could purchase digital copies of movies online and organize them in one place with Movies Anywhere. Alternatively, you can upload any films you already own to a Plex server and enjoy them anywhere.

Which Movie Streaming Service Is Best?

When you pay for an on-demand video streaming service, you generally aren’t limited to just watching movies. Some of the best, new shows are exclusive to on-demand services. For instance, Netflix is the only place to watch Squid Game, Disney+ is Hawkeye‘s streaming home, and Prime Video is the place to catch The Wheel of Time. These all-you-can-watch subscriptions make it easier to justify the services’ costs.

Video streaming services may not be perfect for watching movies, but those with the best features, large movie libraries, and support for high-end standards are viable alternatives to purchasing physical discs or paying an exorbitant amount of money for movie tickets.

Ben Moore contributed to this roundup.

Facebook Comments Box

Hits: 0

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR