The Best Apps for Streaming Your Favorite TV Shows and Movies

30 January 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, we all want instant access to entertainment. Gone are the days of waiting for shows to air on traditional TV. Now, with just a few taps, you can stream your favorite TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere. But with so many streaming apps out there, which ones should you use? Which apps offer the best content, user experience, and value for money? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I’ll break down the best apps for streaming TV shows and movies, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your next binge-watching session.

Why Streaming Apps Matter

Before diving into the apps themselves, let’s take a moment to appreciate the convenience of streaming. These apps have revolutionized the way we consume media. No more rushing home to catch the latest episode. No more cluttered DVD shelves or overpriced rental fees. Streaming apps give you the ability to watch what you want, when you want, without interruptions.

And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about having an entire season of your favorite show at your fingertips. It’s like having a personal cinema in your pocket.

But with so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming. So let’s break it down and find out which streaming apps are worth your time.

1. Netflix: The King of Streaming

Let’s be real, when you think of streaming TV shows and movies, Netflix is probably the first app that comes to mind. It’s practically synonymous with streaming.

Why It’s Great:

- Massive Library: Netflix has a huge collection of movies, TV shows, and original content. Whether you're into crime thrillers, romantic comedies, or documentaries, Netflix has something for everyone.
- Original Content: Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, The Crown, and The Witcher have taken the world by storm. They’ve built a reputation for high-quality, binge-worthy shows.
- User Interface: The app is super easy to use, with personalized recommendations that get better the more you watch.

Downsides:

- Content Rotation: Don’t get too attached to a show or movie, because Netflix regularly rotates its catalog. One day it might be there, the next it’s gone.
- Price: While Netflix offers some of the best content, it’s also one of the pricier options out there, especially if you’re opting for the 4K streaming plan.

2. Amazon Prime Video: The Underdog That’s Gaining Ground

Amazon Prime Video might not have had the same hype as Netflix when it first launched, but don’t sleep on it. It’s become a serious contender in the streaming wars.

Why It’s Great:

- Included with Prime: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you already have access to Prime Video. So, it’s essentially a free add-on to your existing membership.
- Original Series: Prime Video is catching up with Netflix in terms of original content. Shows like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power have gained a massive following.
- Movies for Purchase: Besides its streaming content, you can also buy or rent movies, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking for something specific that isn’t included in the subscription.

Downsides:

- User Interface: The app interface could use some work. It’s not as intuitive or user-friendly as Netflix.
- Content Discovery: Finding something to watch can take a bit longer, as the app doesn’t do as good a job at personalizing recommendations.

3. Disney+: Magic for All Ages

If you’re a fan of anything Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, or National Geographic, Disney+ is the streaming platform for you. It’s like stepping into a world of nostalgia and new releases at the same time.

Why It’s Great:

- Exclusive Content: Disney+ is the only place you can stream Disney’s entire catalog. From Disney classics like The Lion King to new Marvel series like Loki, it’s all here.
- 4K Included: Unlike Netflix, Disney+ offers 4K streaming at no extra cost, which is perfect for watching those visually stunning Pixar movies or intense Marvel action sequences.
- Family-Friendly: Disney+ is great for families. You’ve got content for kids, but also plenty to keep adults entertained, whether that's The Mandalorian or WandaVision.

Downsides:

- Less Variety: While Disney+ excels in its niche (Disney, Marvel, etc.), if you're looking for a broader range of genres, you might feel limited.
- Release Schedule: Some shows, like The Mandalorian, are released weekly, which can be a bummer if you’re used to binge-watching entire seasons at once.

4. Hulu: The Best of Both Worlds

Hulu offers a unique blend of live TV, current TV shows, and an extensive library of movies. It’s like having a cable subscription without the actual cable.

Why It’s Great:

- Current TV Shows: One of Hulu’s main attractions is its access to current TV shows from major networks. You can watch new episodes just a day after they air.
- Affordable Plans: Hulu offers a budget-friendly tier with ads, which is a great deal if you don’t mind the occasional commercial break.
- Original Content: Hulu has some solid original shows as well, like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.

Downsides:

- Ads in Cheaper Plans: If you opt for the cheaper plan, expect frequent ad interruptions. It can be a bit frustrating when you’re deep into an episode.
- Content Limitations: Some shows, especially newer ones, might only have the latest season available, which can be annoying if you're trying to catch up.

5. HBO Max: Premium Content, Premium Price

HBO Max boasts a library of premium shows and movies, including content from HBO, Warner Bros, DC, and Studio Ghibli. It’s a goldmine for high-quality content lovers.

Why It’s Great:

- HBO Classics: HBO Max is home to some of the most critically acclaimed series of all time, including Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and Euphoria.
- Exclusive Movies: Warner Bros. releases many of its theatrical films directly on HBO Max, so you can watch new releases from the comfort of your couch.
- Diverse Content: From superhero movies to indie films, HBO Max covers a wide variety of genres.

Downsides:

- Expensive: HBO Max is one of the pricier streaming services, especially if you want to avoid ads.
- Limited International Availability: Depending on where you live, HBO Max might not be available, which is a bummer if you’re eager to watch its exclusive content.

6. Apple TV+: Quality Over Quantity

Apple TV+ might not have the massive library that Netflix or Amazon Prime Video does, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Apple has been investing heavily in original programming, and it’s starting to pay off.

Why It’s Great:

- Original Programming: Shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance have received critical acclaim.
- Affordable: Compared to other streaming services, Apple TV+ is pretty affordable, especially given the quality of its content.
- Free Trial: Apple often offers extended free trials, especially if you buy one of their devices, so you can give it a test run without committing.

Downsides:

- Limited Library: Apple TV+ is still building its catalog, so if you’re looking for variety, you might find it lacking compared to other services.
- No Back Catalog: Unlike Netflix or Amazon, Apple TV+ doesn’t have a vast library of older shows and movies, which can limit your viewing options.

7. Peacock: A New Contender

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s entry into the streaming world, and it’s making waves with a mix of free and premium content. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly.

Why It’s Great:

- Free Tier: Peacock offers a free, ad-supported tier, which is perfect if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind watching ads.
- Classic Shows: You’ll find classic NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock here, alongside newer content.
- Live TV and Sports: Peacock also offers live sports and events, which is a nice bonus.

Downsides:

- Ads in Free Tier: The free tier comes with a lot of ads, which can get annoying if you’re trying to binge-watch a series.
- Limited Original Content: While Peacock does have some original programming, it’s not as robust as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

Final Thoughts

With so many streaming apps to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. The best app for you will depend on your preferences, budget, and what kind of content you enjoy. If you’re someone who loves original series and doesn’t mind paying a premium, Netflix or HBO Max might be your go-to. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Hulu or Peacock could be a better fit.

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But whichever app you choose, one thing’s for sure — you’ll never run out of things to watch!