May 29th, 2020 | Updated on July 29th, 2023
Movies and TV shows are a great way to take one’s mind off problems and relax. Sometimes we can find ourselves watching movies or TV series on the streaming platforms all day long, even though we promised ourselves to watch just one episode of the favorite show.
Gripping stories and suggestions that match our tastes on each platform keep all of us their huge fans.
Today, everyone who wants to start a streaming service like Netflix can make a fortune, even though they would have to compete with the already existing and powerful platforms.
In this article, we will talk about the seven most popular and successful movie streaming platforms.
10 Greatest Movie & Show Platforms
The era of piracy is vanishing, and people become more willing to pay for quality content.
Movie streaming platforms are convenient and offer various perks for users. One doesn’t need to search a show from site to site because they have everything they need in one place.
In this part, we will talk about seven online platforms where anyone can legally watch their favorite movies and TV series.
Disclaimer: We strongly discourage engaging in pirate streaming activities, and we are not associated with any such services. The following information is provided solely for informational purposes. It is essential to understand that piracy is a cybercrime, and we strongly advocate purchasing and legally watching content.
1. Netflix
Netflix is an undeniable leader among movie streaming services. Despite its leading position, it sticks to the high standards by continually improving the platform features.
Everything started with DVD sales and rental, but as the world was moving towards innovation, the company was slowly transforming into a streaming services leader.
Besides providing a large library of award-winning movies and TV series, Netflix produces its original TV shows, such as House of Cards, Peaky Blinders, Hollywood, Stranger Things, and more.
Some Netflix original series have become iconic because of gripping storytelling and a twisted plot.
2. Hulu
Hulu is one of the most severe Netflix competitors. A part of the company belongs to Disney now, which left an imprint on new content streamed on Hulu.
Still, the platform serves for general entertainment and carries R-rated content: meanwhile, the Disney+ streaming service focuses on family-friendly content. Hulu primarily streams TV series rather than movies.
A viewer can find a lot of drama shows, animation series, comedies, etc. Among the most popular Hulu Original shows are Little Fires Everywhere, Castle Rock, and Veronica Mars.
3. Apple TV+
First appeared in November 2019, Apple TV+ has already won the hearts of millions of people with its all-original content.
The most-watched Apple-produced pictures are The Elephant Queen, Ghostwriter, See, and The Morning Show – a hit TV series of 2020 starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
People all around the world can watch the Apple-produced TV shows in 40 languages. New episodes of some shows come out weekly. There are also full-season TV series available.
4. Amazon Prime Video
The Amazon Prime collection includes thousands of movies and shows from the oldest to the newly shot ones.
Just like its competitors, Amazon also has its original series to offer: from documentaries about the world’s history or celebrities to blockbuster movies, kids shows, and casual TV series.
There are some free movies on the platform; a user should still rent or buy popular ones or subscribe to the Prime offer. One can enjoy all videos in either HD or 4K format.
5. Disney+
Disney+ is the youngest streaming service on the list. It was launched in November 2019 as a service for family entertainment.
It offers all kinds of content produced by Disney Studios and Television, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and other Disney subsidiaries.
The service also creates original TV shows for kids and their parents. A viewer can have about seven profiles on their account simultaneously to get accurate recommendations from the platform based on their past experience on Disney+.
The library includes 500 movies and over 350 TV shows presented in a 4K format for no extra payment.
6. Tubi
Tubi is an excellently designed video streaming service that offers a vast and constantly updated collection of movies and shows, all available for free.
Despite the presence of ads and limitations on resolution, the overall experience it provides is top-notch, making it a preferred choice for viewers who don’t want to pay for their entertainment.
One of Tubi’s standout features is its extensive library of popular movies, surpassing the film catalogs of many paid streaming services.
It’s important to note that Tubi relies on advertisements to sustain its free model, which can interrupt the viewing experience.
Additionally, it doesn’t offer certain premium features like full HD streaming or offline downloads. However, despite these limitations, Tubi remains an attractive option for users and is deserving of our Editors’ Choice award for free video streaming services.
7. Criterion Collection
Film enthusiasts adore the Criterion Collection for its meticulously curated assortment of timeless movies.
With the Criterion Channel, this same dedication to artistry and historical preservation is conveniently brought to the realm of streaming services.
While the Criterion Channel does not encompass the entirety of the Criterion Collection, it still offers a substantial amount of content that caters to the tastes of devoted cinephiles.
Although it cannot fully replace the experience of owning a physical edition, the ability to download films onto mobile devices for offline viewing is a valuable feature.
Furthermore, the Criterion Channel goes above and beyond by providing additional extras such as interviews and commentary, enriching the viewing experience with valuable historical insights.
8. MGM+
In an era where many streaming services prioritize subpar original content, MGM+ stands out by showcasing exceptional films directly from theaters.
Its extensive catalog encompasses both contemporary blockbusters and timeless classics that have proven their enduring appeal.
Additionally, while MGM+ primarily focuses on providing access to a remarkable collection of movies, it also offers a selection of original shows, featuring renowned Hollywood talent such as Forest Whitaker.
9. Mubi
At Mubi, the streaming lineup is thoughtfully curated to ensure that you regularly come across films you’ve never experienced before.
With a wide range of categories like Adaptations, Brief Encounters, Debuts, First Look, The New Auteurs, Undiscovered, and Weimar Germany, you have access to hundreds of films that span diverse genres and styles.
This careful curation ensures that your Mubi viewing experience is always filled with fresh and captivating content.
10. Ovid.tv
Ovid.tv presents a unique streaming service that goes beyond mainstream offerings by bringing together indie movies and documentaries.
With a collection that encompasses films from all corners of the globe, Ovid.tv caters to a wide range of tastes and interests.
It’s worth noting that this service is exclusively available for viewers in the US and Canada, ensuring that they have access to this diverse and captivating selection of content.
Conclusion
All platforms on our list deserve to get the title of the best one. Still, due to more than 20 years in the market and the highest quality of content, Netflix is the most popular now.
The original shows provided by these services sometimes outrun the iconic and even legendary TV series of the past decade.
Movie streaming companies are still full of captivating ideas and all the necessary resources to stay highly competitive in the market. More stories are about to excite all of us in the future.
Team Newszii is composed of individuals with professional backgrounds in content writing. We specialize in writing on a variety of topics including Lifestyle, Entertainment, Humor, Women, Food, Travel, Technology, and Blockchain Technology. Our team is driven by a passion for creating unique, accurate, and engaging content.
Disclaimer:
We strongly discourage engaging in pirate streaming activities, and we are not associated with any such services. The following information is provided solely for informational purposes. It is essential to understand that piracy is a cybercrime, and we strongly advocate purchasing and legally watching content.
