When it comes to movie night, the landscape has changed a lot. As a busy parent, you might spend your days watching YouTube unboxing videos or cartoons. By the time the kids finally hit the hay, you’ve got a small window before your partner turns into a pumpkin. Gone are the days of casual Friday night strolls through Blockbuster, which is a real bummer. So when your friend Sarah insists on watching Pride & Prejudice (the one with Matthew Macfadyen, of course), or you want to dive back into The Matrix trilogy, locating those films can be a bit tricky. Not everything is available on Netflix, and with so many new streaming services popping up, it can take forever to find what you’re looking for. That’s where this guide comes in handy, helping you avoid endless scrolling just to end up falling asleep.
With a plethora of streaming services out there, you might wonder which ones are worth your hard-earned cash and which free ones won’t make you feel like a criminal for tuning in. We’ve sifted through the endless options to bring you our top picks.
Best Paid Movie Streaming Sites
- Amazon Prime
If you’re already shelling out for Amazon Prime, you might as well take advantage of Prime Video. Their library is extensive, but remember, not everything is free—look for the “Prime” banner to avoid disappointment.
Cost: $12.99/month (includes Prime Video) or $8.99/month for Prime Video only. - Apple TV Plus
Apple TV Plus offers a seven-day free trial packed with original shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. If you have Apple devices, you might even score three months free.
Cost: $4.99/month. - Discovery+
This is a solid gift idea for your mother-in-law! For about five bucks a month, she gets access to her favorite channels like A&E, Lifetime, and TLC.
Cost: $4.99/month. - Disney+
Just when you think about ditching all streaming services for cable, Disney+ pulls you back in with amazing shows and a treasure trove of classic films. Plus, it’s the place to watch Hamilton.
Cost: $7.99/month or $13.99/month for the ad-supported bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu. - Crunchyroll
If you’re an anime fan, Crunchyroll is your go-to!
Cost: Free with ads or subscriptions starting at $7.99/month. - HBO Max
You might not need it, but you’ll definitely want it. It offers a huge selection of movies, including premium content from HBO.
Cost: $9.99/month with ads; $14.99/month ad-free. - Hulu
Hulu is fantastic for both TV and movies, with categories that change with holidays and events.
Cost: $6.99/month for the ad-supported version, $12.99/month ad-free. - Netflix
While its library has shrunk, Netflix still boasts thousands of films and is reviving teen dramas left and right with new content.
Cost: Plans range from $8.99 to $17.99/month. - Paramount+
Initially met with skepticism, this service has proven to have a stellar selection, from horror to family films.
Cost: Starts at $4.99/month. - Peacock
We got this one just to watch the new Saved By The Bell, but there are tons of movies available too!
Cost: Free basic version; $4.99/month for Premium. - Redbox
Skip the drive to a kiosk and use the Redbox app to rent or buy films on demand.
Cost: Varies based on the movie. - Showtime
If you already love Showtime, subscribing to their app is a smart choice.
Cost: $10.99/month. - Vudu
Vudu is all about rentals but also features a solid collection of free movies with ads.
Cost: Varies by movie.
Best Free Movie Streaming Sites
- Bounce TV
This service offers a mix of quality shows, dramas, and even some blockbuster films. Perfect for a casual watch! - Crackle
Owned by Sony, Crackle is a great free option, though expect some ads during the films. It’s available on most smart devices. - FilmRise
A treasure trove of classic films and popular TV shows, like 21 Jump Street. - GazeboTV
This niche service offers films and shows produced by Sullivan Entertainment, including beloved adaptations like Anne of Green Gables. - IMDB TV
IMDB is not just for ratings; it also has a good selection of films, albeit with some ads. - Kanopy
If you have a library card, you can access Kanopy’s library of ad-free films! - Plex
Plex isn’t perfect, but it has a decent library and is free, so it’s worth checking out. - Popcornflix
With a hefty collection, especially in the sci-fi genre, Popcornflix is definitely worth your time. - Roku Channel
If you have a Roku device, you can access its free library of films without any sign-up hassle. - SolarMovie
This site offers a seamless way to find free films online without the need for an account. - Tubi
Tubi boasts over 20,000 movies and TV shows across all genres. - YouTube
While a lot of content is pirated, you can find many legally released films—you just have to look a bit.
Summary
Finding the right movie streaming service doesn’t have to be a chore! Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or free services, this guide has got you covered. From popular paid platforms like Amazon Prime and Disney+ to free sites like Tubi and Crackle, there’s something for everyone. If you’re also on a fertility journey, check out Make a Mom for at-home insemination options. Want to learn more about how this process works? Visit How It Works for an in-depth look. And don’t forget to join the free sperm donor matching group for some community support along the way!
Leave a Reply