There has never been a better time to be a film and TV fan. You've got world-class content at your fingertips, on any device, wherever you are. The only problem? Knowing which streaming services are worth your time – and your money. 

We've done the legwork, so you don't have to. Explore our helpful guide to the best streaming apps for films and TV right now, covering what each platform does brilliantly, where it falls short and who it's best suited to.

Netflix is still the one that started it all – and with good reason. Its library spans drama, comedy, documentary, anime, reality TV and blockbuster films, and it continues to invest heavily in original content. Critically acclaimed series like Adolescence, Squid Game and The Diplomat have made it the place to be for water-cooler TV moments.

What we love 

• Huge content library spanning all genres 

• Strong original films and TV series 

• Smooth app experience across all devices 

• Downloads for offline viewing on mobile and tablet 

• Wide range of subtitle and audio description options, including customisable subtitle styles 

• AirPlay and Chromecast supported for easy TV casting

Best for: Anyone who wants a one-stop shop for entertainment. From blockbuster films to bingeable box sets and standout documentaries, Netflix earns its place as the default subscription for most households. 

Worth knowing: The cheapest plan includes ads and limits video quality. Step up to Standard (from £10.99 a month) for ad-free HD viewing. 

Disney+ is the home of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic and – of course, Disney's own back catalogue. Great for the whole family, it also includes the Star content hub, which gives access to general entertainment titles like Grey's Anatomy, 24 and a solid range of films.

What we love: 

• Unbeatable for family viewing – nothing comes close for kid-friendly content 

• Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars libraries in full, including exclusive Disney+ series 

• Great 4K HDR and Dolby Vision content on compatible devices 

• IMAX Enhanced titles for a cinema-quality experience at home 

• Excellent parental controls with dedicated kids profiles 

• Supports Group Watch for synced viewing with friends and family

Best for: Families, Marvel and Star Wars fans and anyone who grew up loving Disney and Pixar films. 

Worth knowing: The ad-supported tier limits some features. The Premium plan (£11.99 a month) unlocks 4K streaming and up to four simultaneous streams. 

Apple TV+ has the smallest library of any major streaming service – but arguably the highest hit rate. It focuses on prestige original content, and the results speak for themselves: Severance, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show and Slow Horses are among the most critically praised series of the past few years. 

What we love: 

• Consistently high production quality 

• Fully ad-free 

• Outstanding 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support 

• Seamless integration with Apple devices and AirPlay 

• Spatial Audio support on AirPods for an immersive sound experience 

• Often comes free with new Apple device purchases (check your eligibility)

Best for: Quality-over-quantity viewers, Apple ecosystem users and anyone who wants prestige drama without sifting through filler. 

Worth knowing: There's no third-party content here – everything is an Apple original. If you want a broad library, you'll want this alongside another service. 

The content lineup with Prime Video is packed with heavy hitters. The Boys, Rings of Power, Reacher and Fallout have all landed as major hits, and the film library (mixing originals with licensed titles) is one of the deepest available.

What we love: 

• Excellent originals that rival Netflix and HBO for quality 

• Huge film library with recent cinema releases to rent or buy 

• X-Ray feature shows real-time cast and music info while you watch – great for film fans 

• Channels add-ons let you bolt on BritBox, Paramount+, MUBI and more 

• Offline downloads available on mobile

Best for: Amazon Prime subscribers who want to get full value from their membership, and fans of sci-fi, action and big-budget fantasy. 

Worth knowing: Some content sits behind 'Prime Video Channels' paywalls. The app interface is less clean than Netflix, and ad content is mixed in – though usually very short. 

BBC iPlayer is still the gold standard for free streaming in the UK. With live and on-demand access to BBC One, Two, Three, Four and their associated channels, it's the go-to for unmissable British television – from Strictly to Peaky Blinders repeats, major sporting events to landmark documentaries. 

What we love: 

• Completely free with a TV licence – no subscription needed 

• Live TV streaming alongside on-demand catch-up 

• Some of the best British drama, documentary and comedy available anywhere 

• Clean, well-designed app 

• Excellent subtitle support and audio description

Best for: Everyone in the UK. If you're not using iPlayer, you're missing out on world-class content at no extra cost. 

Worth knowing: Programmes are typically available for 30 days after broadcast. The library is smaller than subscription services, but the quality is consistently high. You need a UK TV licence to use this platform. 

MUBI is a streaming service with a clear point of view: it celebrates world cinema, arthouse films, classic retrospectives and director-led collections. Rather than throwing thousands of titles at you, it curates a rotating selection of around 30 hand-picked films at any given time, refreshed daily.

What we love: 

• Expertly curated – every title is there for a reason 

• Outstanding for international cinema that Netflix and Prime simply don't carry 

• Beautifully designed app with editorial context for every film – perfect for those who love a recommendation 

• Regular exclusive premieres and festival films 

• Offline downloads available on mobile and tablet 

• Great for film students, critics and anyone who wants to broaden their cinematic horizons

Best for: Dedicated film fans, cinephiles and anyone looking for genuine discovery. 

Worth knowing: If you want endless content and familiar titles, this isn't it. MUBI rewards patience and an open mind. 

Before you sign up, there are a few things worth bearing in mind. 

Stack smartly 

Start small, keeping your subscriptions streamlined and intentional. Many people rotate – subscribing to one or two services, working through the content they want to watch, then switching. Netflix and iPlayer cover most bases for casual viewers. Add Disney+ if you've got kids or love Marvel. Add Apple TV+ if you want prestige drama without the bloat. 

Check your data 

Streaming in 4K uses a lot of your data allowance. If you're watching on the go, make sure you've got a data plan that keeps up. Our range of SIM Only plans are worth a look if you regularly stream on your mobile or tablet. 

Use the downloads feature 

Almost every major app lets you download content for offline viewing. It's one of the most underused features out there, and it's a game changer for commutes, travel or anywhere your signal drops. Remember to offload them once you’ve watched to keep your phone storage light. 

Subtitles are worth exploring 

Every app here supports subtitles, but the quality varies. Netflix lets you customise font, size and colour. BBC iPlayer has excellent subtitle support with clear, well-timed captions. Apple TV+ integrates seamlessly with Apple's accessibility features. If subtitles are key, it's worth testing each app before committing. 

The best streaming service for films and TV depends on what you love watching. If we had to pick a starting point: BBC iPlayer for free British TV, Netflix for breadth and originals and Apple TV+ for pure quality. 

You can also add Amazon Prime or Disney+ with any of our plans as part of Extras.