Streaming Service Value Calculator
Find Your Best Streaming Match
Answer a few questions to see which service gives you the best value for your viewing habits and budget.
Your Top Recommendations
Netflix
$15.99-$19.99
Best for global reach and original films. 4K HDR on all plans
Disney+
$7.99-$10.99
Family-friendly with 4 simultaneous streams
HBO Max
$9.99-$15.99
Award-winning & same-day releases
Key Takeaways
- Netflix still leads on original films and global reach, but Disney+ offers the strongest family catalog.
- HBO Max provides the highest concentration of award‑winning movies for a mid‑range price.
- Amazon Prime Video is the most cost‑effective if you already have an Amazon Prime membership.
- Apple TV+ excels in premium original movies, though its library is small.
- Choose the service that matches your favorite genres, device ecosystem, and budget for the best bang for your buck.
How We Rank Movie Streaming Services
To keep the verdict fair, we looked at five concrete factors that matter to everyday viewers:
- Catalog size & relevance - total number of movies and how many are recent releases or critically acclaimed.
- Price & value - monthly cost, discount tiers, and whether a bundle (e.g., with music or live TV) adds value.
- Streaming quality - availability of 4K UHD, HDR (Dolby Vision/Atmos), and simultaneous streams.
- Device & ecosystem support - compatibility with smart TVs, consoles, mobile OS, and integration with voice assistants.
- Exclusive & original movies - films you can’t find anywhere else.
Each service received a score out of 10 for every factor, then we averaged the numbers for a final rating.
Top Movie Streaming Services in 2025
Here’s a quick intro to the six platforms that made the cut. The first mention of each gets a Thing micro‑data tag.
Netflix is a subscription‑based streaming platform that offers a vast library of movies, ranging from classic titles to award‑winning originals. Its catalog counts about 5,200 movies as of October2025, and it supports 4K HDR on all premium plans.
Disney+ is a family‑focused service that bundles content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It houses roughly 3,800 movies, with a strong emphasis on recent blockbusters and beloved franchises.
HBO Max is the streaming home for Warner Bros. films, Studio Ghibli classics, and a curated selection of indie and Oscar‑winning titles. Its catalog holds about 4,200 movies, many of which debut on the platform the same day as theatrical releases.
Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership and provides a mix of licensed movies and original productions. The service offers roughly 4,500 movies and allows downloads on up to six devices.
Apple TV+ is Apple’s foray into original content, delivering a boutique catalog of high‑budget movies and limited‑series. While the total count is under 300 movies, its titles often earn major awards and feature top‑tier talent.
Hulu is a hybrid service that blends on‑demand movies with next‑day TV episodes. Its movie library comprises about 3,200 titles, with a decent selection of recent releases and cult classics.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Service | Monthly Price (USD) | Movie Catalog | 4K HDR? | Simultaneous Streams | Notable Exclusives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $15.99 (Standard) / $19.99 (Premium) | ≈5,200 | Yes - Dolby Vision & Atmos | 2 (Standard) / 4 (Premium) | "The Irishman", "Glass Onion", exclusive documentary series |
| Disney+ | $7.99 (Basic) / $10.99 (Premier) | ≈3,800 | Yes - Dolby Vision | 4 (Premier) | All Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars movies; "Nightmare Alley" (2024) |
| HBO Max | $15.99 (Ad‑free) / $9.99 (With Ads) | ≈4,200 | Yes - Dolby Vision | 3 (Ad‑free) / 2 (Ads) | Warner Bros. same‑day releases, Studio Ghibli library, "Oppenheimer" (2023) |
| Amazon Prime Video | $14.99 (Prime) / $8.99 (Prime Video Only) | ≈4,500 | Yes - HDR10+ | 3 (Prime) / 2 (Stand‑alone) | "Manchester by the Sea" (2016) library, exclusive Amazon Originals |
| Apple TV+ | $6.99 | ≈280 | Yes - Dolby Vision & Atmos | 6 | "CODA" (2021), "Finch" (2021), upcoming "Napoleon" (2025) |
| Hulu | $7.99 (Ad‑supported) / $12.99 (No Ads) | ≈3,200 | Partial - Select titles in 4K | 2 (Ad‑supported) / 4 (No Ads) | Recent indie releases, cult classics, exclusive "The Handmaid's Tale" movies |
Best Choice for Different Viewers
Family‑centric households: Disney+ wins thanks to its kids‑friendly library, low price, and four‑screen streaming. If you also want a robust TV show catalog, add Hulu’s ad‑free tier.
Cinephiles & award‑season fans: HBO Max offers the deepest pool of critically acclaimed movies, plus same‑day Warner Bros. releases that Netflix can’t match.
Budget‑conscious binge‑watchers: Amazon Prime Video gives you a huge catalog for the price of a Prime membership (free shipping, music, etc.). If you already shop on Amazon, it’s practically a free upgrade.
Tech‑savvy Apple ecosystem users: Apple TV+ integrates seamlessly with iPhone, AppleTV, and HomePod, delivering the best audio‑visual sync for its limited but high‑quality slate.
Global travelers: Netflix’s worldwide availability and robust offline‑download feature make it the most reliable when you’re hopping between countries.
Tips to Get the Most Value
- Bundle where possible - many providers offer combine‑deals (e.g., Disney++ESPN+Hulu) that shave off a few bucks.
- Use free trials strategically. Most services give a 30‑day window; schedule them back‑to‑back to test UI, library, and streaming quality.
- Set download limits. Download movies on Wi‑Fi only to avoid data overage, and clear watched titles regularly to free space.
- Check for student or military discounts - Netflix and Amazon still honor reduced rates for eligible users.
- Keep an eye on rotating licenses. A title that’s gone today might return in 3‑6 months, so maintain a watchlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which streaming service has the most new releases?
HBO Max typically gets the most new releases because Warner Bros. shares its theatrical window. Since 2023, most big‑budget movies appear on HBO Max the same day they hit cinemas, giving it a clear edge over Netflix and Disney+ for fresh titles.
Is it worth paying extra for a 4K plan?
If you have a 4K TV and watch a lot of visually‑driven movies (action, sci‑fi, animation), the upgrade usually pays off. Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max all support Dolby Vision, which adds richer colors and deeper contrast. For casual viewers on a laptop, the standard HD tier is sufficient.
Can I share my account with family abroad?
Most services limit simultaneous streams rather than geographic location. Netflix’s Premium plan allows four streams, Disney+ Premier allows four, and Amazon Prime permits three. However, some providers (like Disney+) flag VPN usage, so the safest bet is to stick with the allowed number of concurrent devices.
Do any services offer a truly free movie library?
Tubi, Pluto TV, and the free tier of Peacock host ad‑supported movies, but the catalog is limited and often older. If you’re okay with commercials, they’re a decent supplement to a paid subscription.
Which service has the best subtitles for non‑English speakers?
Netflix leads with subtitles in over 30 languages, followed closely by Disney+ (20+ languages). HBO Max’s subtitle support is growing but still lags behind the other two.
