7 Ways to Stream New Movie Releases at Home

Key Takeaways

• Apple TV offers a wide selection of newly released films to rent and watch on various devices like Roku and Fire TV.
• Amazon Video also offers new movie rentals at prices similar to Apple TV.
• Google Play is Android’s PVOD platform, offering new releases for rent on various devices. Prices are reasonable, similar to movie tickets.

If you want to catch a newly released film, you don’t always need to go to the cinema. Using one of these premium video-on-demand services, you can stream a new release movie from the comfort of your home (and maybe even save some money, too).

Apple TV

If you use a Mac or other Apple device, you may already be familiar with the Apple TV interface. You can use the Apple TV app to rent all sorts of films. This includes a wide selection of new releases. While the app isn’t available on Android phones, you can use it on a ton of other devices (including Roku, Fire TV, and a variety of smart TVs).

Amazon Video

In addition to the Amazon Video library that comes free with your Prime account, this streaming service features newly released movies available to rent or own. Amazon Video is available on any device that supports Amazon Prime Video, including Amazon Fire, Roku, mobile devices, and most smart TVs. Prices are on par with those you’ll encounter on Apple TV and elsewhere.

Google Play

If Apple TV is Apple’s signature PVOD platform, it helps to think of Google Play as Android’s version. Offered on almost all Android devices, Google Play lets you rent or own new movie releases right from the comfort of your home. You can browse by studio using the video-on-demand (VOD) platform’s helpful search interface.

YouTube

Despite owning YouTube, Google Play has yet to absorb the video platform’s PVOD service. For now, you can also rent or own new movie releases on YouTube. While they can’t be watched for free (unlike most of YouTube’s user-generated content), these new releases are offered at prices not much more than a couple of movie tickets would cost you. You can even watch on your Nintendo Switch!

Fandango at Home

Many PVOD platforms have come and gone over the years, yet Fandango at Home remains standing tall. From the loss of Vudu, AMC on Demand, and other once-popular offerings, Fandango at Home continues to be a strong PVOD option. Plus, its reputable name as a ticket-seller makes it a trusted source (and a great place to use those gift cards you have sitting around).

Microsoft Store

Are you sensing a trend by now? Every major tech brand seems to have a PVOD platform of its own, with new releases ready to be rented or purchased. Microsoft Store is Microsoft’s take on Apple TV or Google Play, and it definitely shows: Here, you can find the same selection of newly released films as the other platforms listed above.

On Demand

If you still subscribe to a cable or satellite provider, then you should know that new releases can also be rented through your on-demand interface. From Spectrum to DirecTV to Sling, your cable provider offers new releases that you can rent right out of the theater as soon as they’re made available. (Now, trying to figure out how long a movie waits before becoming available? That’s a different story.)

What’s the Best Platform to Stream New Movie Releases at Home?

Like watching movies on Amazon Video’s app? Then consider renting or buying from them. Prefer Apple TV’s look and feel? You can opt for its PVOD platform instead. Want to stick to your cable or satellite provider’s guide? Then, think about renting your new release directly from them.

Broadly speaking, all the listed platforms are pretty similar. The prices are about the same, the selection might as well be identical, and the option to rent or own exists practically across the board. The main reason to choose one of these platforms over the others is simply a matter of preference.