How to Stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and More

With so many video streaming platforms available, it’s no surprise that there are tons of places to find new movies to stream, too. It used to be that you had to go to the movie theatre for every new release, and it took months of waiting for the chance to rent it at home.

Now, you can often rent it from the convenience of your home while it is still in the theatre. Many platforms also produce new content exclusively for their members, with big name actors and huge budgets to boot.

Most people love the convenience and fun of watching new films in the comfort of their living room, which is why this guide will cover how to find the best movies , including ones that may be geo-blocked for your region. We’ll talk about platforms, tips, and how to use a VPN. Let’s get started. 

How to Stream Movies

Here is a general guide on how to stream movies, with basic steps that should work for pretty much any platform.  

1. Choose a streaming platform, preferably one that gets new content often (such as new releases). Examples would be Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
2. Purchase a subscription to that service, choosing a plan that fits your needs.
3. From there, you should be able to stream content on various devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, etc. Internet speed is an important factor here. If you want to stream HD content, you’ll need at least 5 Mbps. For 4K, you’ll need about 25 Mbps. 
4. Once you’re all set up, browse your new platform to see what movies you can stream. Usually, they have a section for recently added or new releases.

Now, here is something important to remember when choosing your platform. Are you looking to stream recently released movies that are no longer exclusive just to theaters? Or do you want to stream films that are still playing in theaters? Most streaming platforms will only receive new releases once they are available for sale by the general public.

Then they buy the streaming rights, and you have newer movies to watch without having to pay the high prices of buying them yourself or paying rent. Also, there are tons of movies that are only available to stream on the platform that made them. Netflix, for example, is huge for original content. 

If you want to watch a film still exclusive to theaters, there is a way. Look for a service that allows you to rent current, still-in-theaters movies. Examples include AMC On Demand and Amazon Prime. Both let you rent and stream brand-new movies from your home.

However, be aware that it’s usually a bit pricey, often the cost of actually paying for a new movie to keep. If you’re having a watch party with friends, it’s well worth the cost of renting at home versus shelling out top dollar at a movie theater.

What to Do If a Movie Isn’t Available in Your Region

Some streaming services have geo-blocked content. This means certain regions can stream certain things, but other regions cannot access that content. This is because content producers frequently sell the streaming rights to particular locations. Your streaming service may legally not be allowed to play something in your area if these restrictions are in place. 

Fortunately, there is a way around this. Virtual private networks (VPNs) digitally connect your computer to another server via a point-to-point tunnel. This hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and lets you have a much more private browsing experience. Because these servers (owned by your VPN provider) are usually located around the world, it makes it seem like you’re virtually connecting from that server’s region.

This unlocks geo-blocked content, and you’re suddenly able to access whatever movies are available in that area. Your streaming service believes that’s where you’re signing in from. This is also helpful if you’re traveling abroad and want to access content you would have access to at home.

Here’s how to stream new movies through a VPN: 

1. Select a reputable VPN service like NordVPN that has fast speeds and plenty of server locations.

2. Create an account and sign in.
3. Find a server location you want to connect to. For instance, if you’re overseas but want to access U.S.-based content, choose a server located in the U.S. 
4. Now that you’re using that server log into your movie streaming platform (Like Netflix or Disney+).
5. Look for what movies are available and press play.

Where to Stream  

Now you know how to stream, but let’s dive into where to find new movies. There are so many streaming platforms out there, each with its original content and some with more selection than others. We’ve narrowed down our top contenders, focusing on the ones with the broadest library of new films. 

Netflix

Perhaps the most well-known of the streaming giants, Netflix not only has a strong flow of new movies, but it also has some of the most to offer for original content. Think Bird Box, Red Notice, Don’t Look Up, etc. Big name actors, high budgets for quality special effects…they really are their own mini Hollywood.

While Netflix discontinued the Basic Ad-free plan, and some can be a bit more spendy, but there is a reason that Netflix is the king of streaming services. Not to mention, if you want a massive number of TV shows to complement your movie watching, it’s safe to say, you’ll never run out of choices. 

Pros:

• Has some of the best-rated original content
• Frequently streams newer releases
• High-quality visuals, reliable uptimes
• Massive library of options (including TV series, documentaries, etc.)

Cons: 

• More expensive than many platforms, especially for ad-free tiers
• No bundling or free trials

Hulu

Many users have two streaming subscriptions. Netflix and Hulu. If you use no other platforms, those two together will have you covered. What Netflix doesn’t have, often Hulu does, and vice versa. One edge that Hulu has over Netflix is that they have a more current library.

Netflix does get new releases, but Hulu often gets new movies faster. If you value timeliness and more recent releases, go with Hulu. If you value original content more, go with Netflix. Some people can afford both, and both services really complement each other well, especially since Hulu continues to expand its exclusive films.

Pros: 

• Gets more current content than Netflix
• Starting to get more original movies exclusive to Hulu
• Plenty of bundles and plans available, such as pairing with Disney+

Cons: 

• Can be more buggy than other platforms (only a little, fortunately)
• Original content is far less than Netflix
• Can be expensive

Disney+

Disney+ is practically in a category of its own. The entertainment juggernaut has exclusive rights to some of the most popular franchises out there, such as Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. There is definitely enough content for adults to enjoy this platform, but parents, especially, find the mostly family-friendly options to be a must-have.

As for what new movies to stream on Disney+? It’s a bit hit-and-miss. They do get new Disney movies available quite frequently, though they usually wait until the theatrical release is waning. They are also diving into exclusive releases more and more, but they have a lot of catching up to do compared to Netflix.

That said, the greatest strength of Disney+ is its bundling options. We’ll get more details on that, but pairing with Hulu blows open a huge library for viewers to find new films. 

Pros: 

• Lots of franchise-specific content, such as Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, etc.
• Starting to get more original content exclusive to Disney+
• Because they own so many copyrights, they have a decent catalog of blockbuster films
• Good bundling options with Hulu

Cons: 

• Still behind compared to Netflix for original movies (though they have a lot of tv series)
• Content is often niche-specific (like Marvel, Pixar, etc.)

Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ Comparison Table

How to Find the Best Movies to Watch

Once you’ve narrowed down which platform you want to use, how do you find out what movies are out to stream? Here are some general tips that should help, regardless of which streaming service you’re using: 

• Look for New Releases tabs or Recently Added on your streaming platform.
• Read about upcoming theatrical movie releases, so you can keep an eye out for them when they pop up on streaming services.
• See if your streaming platform has personalized recommendations or genre filters.
• Go to IMDb.com and look up the movie title you’re interested in seeing. Below the trailer/title image should be a small section that says something like In Theaters and Rent/Buy, with a list of services you can rent or buy the title from. If it’s available to stream somewhere, this is usually also displayed.

Why Stream Online?

Whether you prefer to stream online or watch them in the theater is a personal choice. However, there are several reasons why people choose to stay home for entertainment. Here are some pros: 

• The bathroom breaks with the touch of the pause button. You won’t miss anything.
• There are no ticket lines or theater seating drama (gotta love it when someone kicks the back of your seat the entire movie…).
• You choose when to watch instead of trying to make your schedule align with the theater’s.
• Even if you have to pay to rent a film, you usually get 24 hours to finish it, which means if you fall asleep/get interrupted, you can pick up again the next day.
• You can watch with a group and really get your money’s worth.

Still, with all the pros, there are a few cons to watching movies online: 

• You often have to wait for movies to be released for sale to stream them.
• Streaming services have a limited library and may not have all the movies you want. Adding more platforms for variety means adding costs.
• There is no movie theater popcorn. The microwave stuff just isn’t the same (we’re both joking and also kind of serious about this…).

Tips for Streaming on a Budget

We know having multiple streaming services can get expensive, quite quickly, so here are some helpful ways to stream movies and save money at the same time.

Free Trials

Some streaming platforms offer free trials for potential new members. If you go this route but don’t think you’ll want to actually purchase a subscription, go for the trial, but keep an eye out for gotchas like auto-enrollment or hidden commitments. This is especially true if they require your payment information before you get to try their service.

Bundled Plans

Disney+ and Hulu are the most relevant streaming services with available bundles. Honestly, you really do get a lot for your money. The duo basic comes with ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu and is $10.99 per month.

You can get the premium duo tier for $19.99 monthly and both services without ads. They also have options to add ESPN if you just want to go nuts and get sports while you’re at it. 

Introductory Deals

It’s not uncommon for streaming services to have lower starting fees for new customers and then raise those prices when it’s time to renew. Do some digging and see if there’s a service that has a great starting price.

Most services let you cancel at any time, so you can cancel your subscription before the renewal prices set in. If you do this, however, cancel well in advance of your renewal date; otherwise you may just be stuck paying for it after all. 

Conclusion

Now you have some ideas of how to find new movies to stream and the most popular platforms for new releases. Be sure to do your homework before you make your final choice. You want to be sure the service has multiple features you’ll use, not just a movie here or there that you want to watch. Fortunately, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ all have stellar TV series on top of their movie options, so you really do get a lot for your money.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I download movies to watch offline?

Yes, most streaming services allow you to download and watch content offline. Just be sure you have a newer operating system, a compatible device, and the latest versions of the streaming app installed. There may also be limitations on how much content you can download per month, so look into the details before you decide what movies to prioritize. 

How do I stream if I don’t have a smart TV?

Most streaming services (including all the ones we covered) are compatible with multiple devices. If you have a PC or laptop, a gaming console, or even a tablet or smartphone, you should be good to go. TV streaming devices, like Roku, also work.

Are there any parental controls for streaming services?

Yes, there are parental controls for these platforms. You can make a profile just for kids so it only shows family-friendly content. You can also create a PIN required to exit out of kid profiles, keeping anyone without the pin from accessing other content.