Best movie streaming services of 2024

Highlights

• Available in the Disney Bundle with Hulu and/or ESPN Plus. 
• Features the LucasFilm, Marvel and Disney libraries
• Has programming that's great for the youngest audiences

About Disney Plus

Disney Plus is the home of PG-13 and lower-rated content ("Deadpool" is the R-rated exception) from the Walt Disney content, which includes Marvel and LucasFilm projects. The different Disney pillars like Pixar, Marvel, etc. are set up at the top of the service to make it easier for users to go directly to the content that they want. Since everything is made by Disney, the films also include accompanying short films and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage that many other services don't have. 

Why is it the best?

Disney has been making family content for over 100 years. With the acquisition of Marvel, LucasFilm and 20th Century Studios, Disney Plus contains an incredible library of content that the entire family can enjoy together. There are classic and new Disney animation films when you're watching with younger children. There is also plenty of interesting content for older children who want more mature viewing like Disney Channel Original Movies or the superhero and Star Wars fare. 

Since Disney is so experienced in making blockbuster family content, the content isn't just kid-friendly but also entertaining for adults who want something their entire family will enjoy. 

Best for variety: Prime Video

Highlights

• A seemingly endless library of content 
• Critically acclaimed originals 
• New releases available for rent 
• Has many premium add-on options

About Prime Video

The majority of Prime subscribers sign up to get free shipping from the streaming service's parent company, Amazon and don't realize they have access to as much content as they do. Due to the seemingly endless funds of the parent company, there are so many options as well as exciting originals and Oscar-bait films. All ad-supported films on Prime Video's sister-service Freevee are even easier to stream on Prime Video so it's like two libraries for one. A full Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. You can also forgo the free shipping and other Prime account perks and subscribe only to Prime Video for $8.99 per month. Student rates are available at $7.49 per month or $69 per year. 

Why is it the best?

Prime Video has one of the largest libraries of any streaming service, but the drawback is that not all of that is free and you need to know what you're looking for when you go to the service. However, if you're looking for an older or obscure film – and it wasn't made by Disney – then Prime Video is most likely to have your selection. Prices for films not already included in the service range from $0.99 to $19.99, depending on when the movie was originally released, but the majority of films are affordable. You can also add premium services like Max, STARZ and more to your Prime Video account to add those libraries into one place.

Prime Videos are also not to be slept on. The headline-making "Saltburn" is on service along with awards bait films like "Air," "Manchester by the Sea," "The Big Sick," and many more that were produced by Amazon Studios. They also have romcoms like "Red, White and Royal Blue" and "I Want You Back" or original sports documentaries like "Kelce." 

The biggest drawback to the extensive library is that it is very easy to get lost on the Prime Video interface. If you know the specific movie you want to watch, Prime Video is where we recommend you start, but it is not the most friendly to casual browsing because it's impossible to comprehend all of your options with the way the service is laid out. 

Best for originality: Netflix

Highlights

• Easy to use
• Huge library 
• Works on almost every device

About Netflix

Netflix is the most popular global streaming service and is available in over 190 countries. Plans begin at $6.99 per month for the ad-supported basic service and go up to $22.99 per month for the premium plan and $7.99 per month for additional profile slots. The premium plan is pricey compared to many other services, but you know that you'll be able to stream Netflix wherever you go and on any device including mobile, laptops, streaming devices, hotel TVs and more. 

Why is it the best?

Netflix Originals have increased exponentially since the service began making content in 2012. Over a decade later, Netflix has recruited the talent of huge name creators and stars like Martin Scorsese, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Charlize Theron, Guillermo del Toro, Gal Gadot, Shawn Levy, Zack Snyder and so many more. Netflix emphasizes the fact that it is a global streaming service and when it creates movies with these mega stars, those movies are available to stream in every Netflix territory. No other service has that kind of reach. 

Netflix gives you theater-quality films that you can stream at home. Action movies like "Rebel Moon," "Red Notice" and "The Gray Man" give you that blockbuster experience without having to leave your couch. The streamer also deals in prestige, award-winning films like "Rome," "The Year of the Dog" and "Knives Out." Netflix has also made waves in the rom-com space with originals like the "To All the Boys" franchise, "The Kissing Booth" movies and "Set It Up." Netflix spends billions of dollars on original content every year, and yes it ranges in quality, but you can always find something on service that you won't be able to find on any other platform. 

Best for blockbusters: Max

Highlights

• Home of the DC Entertainment Universe
• Houses the entire HBO library, including Emmy-award-winning films
• Collections make it easier to browse

About Max

Max has had a turbulent time since dropping the prestigious HBO from its title, but the Warner Bros.-owned service's library is nothing to be sneezed at it. The major studio backer has invested a lot in its streaming service, including using the service to launch major theatrical films during the COVID-19 pandemic. That may have cost them a relationship with Christopher Nolan, but it has still remained a great place to see major blockbuster films at home. Unfortunately, Max is only available within the United States. Ad-supported plans begin at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year and go up to $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year for the Ultimate Ad-Free service. 

Why is it the best?

Having a major film studio as your parent company does great things for your library and the big names you can bring to your brand. While Disney uses Disney Plus to promote their family-friendly content and Hulu for their mature content, splitting their audience, Warner Bros. sends everything to Max. 

Currently, Max is home to massive films like "Barbie," the "Lord of the Rings" films and "Dune" to name a few. WB also owns DC which means Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the rest of the Justice League also call Max home. Add Warner Bros. legacy content including iconic films like "Casablanca," "Gone with the Wind," "Singing' in the Rain" and "Citizen Kane." Max also has the streaming U.S. streaming rights to Studio Ghibli films, making it the ultimate destination for film buff streamers. 

Max also has curated collections that make it easier to browse. You can find all their superhero fare in one place, their Awards films in another easy-to-find collection, horror films, Black voices, Asian Pacific-Islander voices collections and many more. These collections make it so much easier to browse and make it a lot less likely for you to be overwhelmed while scrolling through titles. 

Best for curation: Apple TV+

Highlights

• Prestige films with huge names attached 
• Critically acclaimed music documentaries 
• One of the more reasonably priced streaming services
• They own the Peanuts holiday collection

About Apple TV+

Apple entered the streaming sphere in 2019 with the launch of Apple TV+. The service is currently available in over 100 countries and has plans starting at $9.99 per month. The service is easiest to use when using an Apple TV streaming device, but the app is available on smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV and more. 

Why is it the best?

The tech company is known for sleek, aesthetically pleasing devices and they take the same approach to the content on the streaming service. They have money to spend, and they spend it on big names and ambitious films that will bring recognition to the streaming service. The Apple TV library isn't large, but everything that is there was picked for a reason, and they have the best ratio of content that's worth spending your time on. 

America's dad and globally beloved Tom Hanks has starred in multiple films for Apple TV Plus including "Greyhound" and "Finch." The service scored a few Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for "CODA" and may repeat with the Martin Scorcese epic, "Killers of the Flower Moon." 

Apple TV+ is also a go-to service if you love a good music documentary. Apple has teamed up with the likes of Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Bruce Springsteen and SZA for behind-the-scenes looks at their careers and trajectories along with exclusive performances and interviews. 

Since Apple TV+ does not have a major studio behind it and has been focusing on curating content, it is also easier to browse the collection for something to watch. And they have a wide range of content. They are the streaming home of the entire Peanuts collection, making them the destination for classic specials like "A Charlie Brown Christmas," but they also have original groundbreaking animations such as "Wolfwalkers" and "The Velveteen Rabbit." 

FAQ

What is the cheapest movie streaming service?

If you don't mind watching ads, there are multiple free streaming services with great movie libraries to check out like Tubi, The Roku Channel, Freevee and Pluto. 

What is the #1 streaming platform?

Netflix is the No. 1 streaming service because it is available in most countries and boasts the most global subscribers. It also balances a large original content library along with licensed originals, making it the best of many worlds and the most accessible platform. 

Is it cheaper to buy or stream movies?

It is cheaper to stream movies because you get access to so many films for your subscription price. Digital movies still cost anywhere from $0.99 to $25.99, depending on the recency and streaming quality of the film, which racks up very quickly. Buying digital movies also does not guarantee that you own them – they can disappear with the cloud.