The 10 Best iPhone Apps For Streaming Movies In 2020
The movie industry is one of the most affected industries of 2020 thanks to the pandemic. The warning signs came early in 2020 when studios suddenly started postponing their tentpole features until later in the year when theaters (hopefully) would be open.
But as the pandemic shows no sign of slowing, theaters are continuing to stay shut and there’s no telling when things will “get back to normal” for them, if ever. But as theaters continue to take a hit, streaming services are seeing more usage than ever. Matter of fact, some say theaters may not survive and movies will simply launch on streaming service from here on out.
Who knows if that will play out. But if it does, your iPhone (and its apps) will be the only device you need to catch the latest flicks. And while there is no shortage of streaming services, some are better than others from both a content and functional standpoint. Here are our 10 best iPhone apps for streaming movies in 2020.
Netflix
- The app’s official description: Looking for the most talked about TV shows and movies from the around the world? They’re all on Netflix. We’ve got award-winning series, movies, documentaries, and stand-up specials. And with the mobile app, you get Netflix while you travel, commute, or just take a break.
- What it does: Without a doubt, Netflix is the #1 name in streaming. They pretty much invented the video streaming platform. Netflix also spends a ton of cash on original content, so there’s always something to watch.
- How to get it: iOS
Disney+
- The app’s official description: Disney+ is the streaming home of your favorite stories. With unlimited entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, you’ll never be bored. Watch the latest releases, Original series and movies, classic films, throwback TV shows, and so much more. Stream and download Original Series like The Mandalorian, and fan favorites like The Simpsons, Marvel’s The Avengers, and Frozen. There’s always something new to discover.
- What it does: Another must-have streaming app is Disney+, which has a real shot at dethroning Netflix as the best streamer in the world. Disney+ isn’t available in as many territories as Netflix is, however. Though it arguably has bigger-name content, including the Marvel and Star Wars franchises.
- How to get it: iOS
Amazon Prime Video
- The app’s official description: Watch movies and TV shows recommended for you, including Amazon Originals like Hunters, The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and the kids series Tumble Leaf.
- What it does: Amazon Prime Video is another great video streamer. And the best thing about it is if you’re already a Prime subscriber, you have access to all the content Prime Video offers. A cool feature about the app is its X-Ray capabilities, which show you info from IMDB.
- How to get it: iOS
AsianCrush
- The app’s official description: Watch your favorite Asian movies and shows instantly. Free. Enjoy the best entertainment offered by Asia. From Chinese martial arts to Korean dramas, Japanese cult films to Thai horror movies – get it all in one place!
- What it does: If you’re into Asian cinema, there’s no better streamer than AsianCrush. It’s absolutely packed with movies and TV shows from Japan, China, Thailand, and more.
- How to get it: iOS
Popcornflix
- The app’s official description: Stream free movies and TV shows on your iPhone and iPad! Popcornflix is 100% legal, no subscription required. Experience feature-length, on-demand movies and TV shows with way fewer ads than regular television. These movies and TV shows showcase some of the biggest stars in the world, including Brie Larson, Ben Affleck, and Robert Downey, Jr.
- What it does: If you’re not into paying for a streaming service, give Popcornflix a try. It offers a ton of content. However, you will have to put up with watching ads, as its how the service monetizes its content.
- How to get it: iOS
Apple TV
- The app’s official description: Get all your favorite TV, all in one app. Watch critically acclaimed Apple Original series and films from Apple TV+. Buy or rent new and popular movies. Access everything from popular streaming apps. Subscribe to premium channels. Follow all your favorite sports teams. All curated and personalized for you.
- What it does: Apple’s streaming service. When the service started, it didn’t have many movies, but now it features major explosives starring everyone from Tom Hanks to Bill Murray.
- How to get it: iOS
Economist Films
- The app’s official description: What do the jobs of tomorrow look like? Can you make meat without animals? Will startups take us to the stars? What’s the best way to regulate drugs? What if malaria drugs stop working? What does the future hold? Economist Films makes short, mind-stretching documentaries that examine big global themes. Each one combines analysis, on-the-ground reporting and a dash of humour to capture the essence of The Economist, the leading current-affairs newspaper, in video form.
- What it does: The Economist is one of the most respected magazines in the world. But besides the long-form journalism, they’ve also been producing amazing documentaries for years. This app gives you access to all of those.
- How to get it: iOS
Crunchyroll
- The app’s official description: Stream the world’s largest anime library. Watch over 1,000 titles – from past seasons to new episodes fresh from Japan, including critically acclaimed Crunchyroll Originals. Get full access to new shows like Dr. STONE, Tower of God, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Black Clover, Food Wars!, Fire Force, plus favorites like One Piece, Naruto Shippuden, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and more! Whether you’re new to anime, or have been a fan for decades, Crunchyroll has something you’ll love.
- What it does: One of the premiere anime streaming services on the planet. If you like anime, this app is a must.
- How to get it: iOS
Hulu
- The app’s official description: With Hulu you can watch thousands of TV shows and movies, exclusive Originals, past seasons, current episodes, and more. If you’re an existing Hulu subscriber, you have the option to watch Live TV for sports, news, and can’t-miss events on the device of your choice. That means you can enjoy all your TV in one place with a personalized plan that works for you—Hulu, Hulu (No Ads), or Hulu +Live TV*.
- What it does: Hulu is one of the most popular streaming services in America. It also boasts of of the largest TV streaming libraries.
- How to get it: iOS
HBO GO
- The app’s official description: Watch all the best HBO original shows, critically acclaimed European HBO original series, carefully curated TV series from all around the world, kids content and blockbusters that are all bundled together in one HBO GO app. Brace yourself, because there is over 6,400 hours of content waiting for you.
- What it does: Home of Game of Thrones, Westworld, The Sex and the City and more. One of the best streaming services for original content.
- How to get it: iOS
