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Best Watching Apps

239+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated August 2026

Every iPhone needs a few good watching apps. We benchmark 239+ of them on App Store rating, freshness, and pricing, then surface the standouts so you don't have to scroll the App Store yourself.

Compare top Watching Apps (August 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1NetflixNetflixFree4.7★ (7.1M)YesYesAug 2026
2Tubi: Movies & Live TVTubi: Movies & Live TVFree4.8★ (1.2M)YesNoAug 2026
3YouTubeYouTubeFree4.7★ (49M)YesYesAug 2026
4Watchly: Track Movie & SeriesWatchly: Track Movie & SeriesFree—NoNoAug 2026
5Disney+Disney+Free4.6★ (2M)YesYesAug 2026
6PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TVPlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TVFree4.8★ (1.6M)YesNoAug 2026
7Cartoon Network AppCartoon Network AppFree3.9★ (23K)YesNoAug 2026
8Hulu: Stream TV shows & moviesHulu: Stream TV shows & moviesFree4.6★ (1.4M)YesYesAug 2026

Top Picks for Watching

Netflix#1

Netflix by Netflix, Inc.

Start Watching
Editor's Choice
🎬 Entertainment
4.7😐(7.1M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#11in Entertainment
Netflix screenshot 1
Netflix screenshot 2
Netflix screenshot 3
Netflix screenshot 4
Netflix screenshot 5

Stream award-winning series, movies, documentaries, and stand-up specials from around the world. Get personalized recommendations and enjoy a safe kids' experience. Watch on your device while traveling or taking a break.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Great selection of movies and TV shows
  • 👍 Convenient offline viewing
  • 💡 Customizable profiles for different users
  • 🚀 Smooth streaming experience

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Glitches and bugs in the app
  • 🔋 High data usage and battery drain
  • 🤔 Inconsistent rating system and content availability
Tubi: Movies & Live TV#2

Tubi: Movies & Live TV by Tubi, Inc

Watch sports, news, TV & more
Strong Contender
🎬 Entertainment
4.8😊(1.2M ratings)
FreeAds
#17in Entertainment
Tubi: Movies & Live TV screenshot 1
Tubi: Movies & Live TV screenshot 2

Stream a vast library of movies, TV series, and live channels without any subscription fees. Discover new content added weekly, including originals and international entertainment. Enjoy personalized recommendations and a seamless viewing experience across multiple devices.

What We Love

  • 🎥 Great selection of movies and TV shows
  • 👍 Easy to use and navigate
  • 🆓 Completely free to use
  • 🔍 Helpful recommendations and personalization

Room to Improve

  • 🔍 Limited selection of recent/popular titles
  • 📺 Frequent commercial breaks
  • 🐛 Technical issues like freezing, buffering, and syncing problems
YouTube#3

YouTube by Google LLC

Videos, Music and Live Streams
Worth Considering
📷 Photo & Video
4.7😐(49M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#1in Photo & Video
YouTube screenshot 1
YouTube screenshot 2
YouTube screenshot 3
YouTube screenshot 4
YouTube screenshot 5

Watch and subscribe to a vast array of videos, from music and gaming to news and learning. Discover trending content, connect with creators, and even upload your own videos. Offers options for ad-free viewing and exclusive perks.

What We Love

  • ⭐ Great app
  • 🎨 Diverse content
  • 🎓 Educational videos
  • 🎶 Excellent music selection

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Too many ads
  • 🤖 Biased algorithm recommendations
  • 🔇 Inability to listen with screen off

More Watching apps to explore

4
Watchly: Track Movie & Series
Watchly: Track Movie & Series
Watchly: Track Movie & Series
Track movie & series, ad-free
Free
🎬 Entertainment
(0)
5
Disney+
Disney+
Disney+
Unlimited entertainment
Free

Stream a vast library of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Enjoy exclusive Originals, new releases, and timeless classics with features like 4K UHD, IMAX Enhanced, and multi-screen viewing. Parental controls ensure a safe experience for all.

Exclusive OriginalsNew releases and classics4K UHD and HDR streaming
🎬 Entertainment
(2M)
subscription
6
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV
PlutoTV: Stream Free Movies/TV
Watch films & Live Channels
Free

Stream thousands of free movies and TV shows on demand, plus live channels for news, sports, and entertainment. Enjoy a vast library of content across various genres, all accessible on any device without any cost.

Free live TV streaming channelsThousands of free movies and TV showsLocal and national news updates
🎬 Entertainment
(1.6M)
free with in-app purchases
7
Cartoon Network App
Cartoon Network App
Cartoon Network App
Full Episodes
Free

Stream full episodes and minisodes of popular Cartoon Network and Cartoonito shows. Watch unlocked content without a login, or log in with your TV provider to access even more episodes. New content is added weekly.

Watch full episodesStream minisodesAccess unlocked episodes
🎬 Entertainment
(23K)
free with in-app purchases
8
Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies
Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies
Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies
Watch films & download series
Free

Stream thousands of TV episodes and movies, including award-winning classics, blockbuster hits, and exclusive Originals. Choose from ad-supported or ad-free plans, or opt for Live TV with 95+ channels for sports and news. Download select titles for offline viewing.

Thousands of TV episodes and moviesAward-winning classics and exclusive OriginalsAd-supported and ad-free plans
🎬 Entertainment
(1.4M)
free with in-app purchases
9
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
Originals, movies, TV, sports
Free

Stream a vast library of movies, TV shows, live events, and sports. Discover original series and films, rent or buy new releases, and enjoy personalized recommendations. Download content to watch offline and create individual profiles for a tailored viewing experience.

Watch original series and moviesDownload videos for offline viewingRent or buy new releases
🎬 Entertainment
(3M)
free with in-app purchases
10
WATCH IT: Drama,Movies
WATCH IT: Drama,Movies
WATCH IT: Drama,Movies
Anywhere, Anytime, Watch more
Free

Access a vast library of Arabic movies and TV shows, including exclusive original productions. Create personalized profiles for family members and enjoy a safe, family-friendly viewing experience on multiple devices simultaneously. Preview content before logging in.

Exclusive WATCH IT OriginalsLargest Arabic and Egyptian content libraryMultiple customizable profiles
🎬 Entertainment
(21K)
free with in-app purchases
11
Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV
Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV
Philo: Shows, Movies & Live TV
70+ Channels. Unlimited DVR.
Free

Stream live TV channels, on-demand movies, and popular shows without contracts. Offers multiple plans with extensive channel lineups, unlimited DVR, and personalized profiles. Access free content or premium bundles for a comprehensive entertainment experience.

70+ Live TV Channels75,000+ On-Demand Movies & ShowsUnlimited DVR Storage
🎬 Entertainment
(69K)
free with in-app purchases
12
WatchBase: Discover Films & TV
WatchBase: Discover Films & TV
WatchBase: Discover Films & TV
by Joshua Gallant
Free
🎬 Entertainment
(0)
13
Navira: Discover what to watch
Navira: Discover what to watch
Navira: Discover what to watch
Find your next story
Free

Discover movies and TV shows through short video reviews from real users. Get honest opinions and share your own with a community of viewers. Find your next favorite story with personalized recommendations.

Personalized video review feedDiscover movies and TV showsHonest user reviews
🎬 Entertainment
(2)
free
14
HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV
HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV
HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV
Watch Original Series & Films
Free

Stream thousands of popular TV shows and movies from HBO, DC, and more. Enjoy exclusive award-winning series, family-friendly entertainment, and live sports. Download content for offline viewing and create personalized profiles for the whole household.

Thousands of TV shows and moviesExclusive award-winning seriesLive sports streaming
🎬 Entertainment
(5.6M)
free with in-app purchases
15
Worth Watching FYI
Worth Watching FYI
Worth Watching FYI
Sports, films, arts feed.
Free

Discover trending sports, films, and live events with a personalized feed. Get AI-powered briefs, box office updates, and shareable links to stay informed and make plans.

Personalized feedSports, films, and live eventsAI-generated briefs
🎬 Entertainment
(2)
free
16
WatchParty.us
WatchParty.us
WatchParty.us
by Ronald Saylor
Free
🎬 Entertainment
(0)
17
Apple TV
Apple TV
Apple TV
Originals, Sports & More
Free

This app is a central hub for exclusive original series, movies, and live sports like Formula 1 and MLB. It also aggregates content from your favorite streaming services, allowing you to buy or rent titles and discover new shows.

Exclusive Apple OriginalsLive Formula 1 & MLBBuy or rent movies
🎬 Entertainment
(1.7M)
free with in-app purchases
18
Movie Watch Story
Movie Watch Story
Movie Watch Story
by PRAVEEN SINGH
Free
🎬 Entertainment
(0)
19
Watch Match: Swipe to Watch
Watch Match: Swipe to Watch
Watch Match: Swipe to Watch
Movie Night, Sorted
Free
🎬 Entertainment
(0)
20
Queue: Watch Together, Apart
Queue: Watch Together, Apart
Queue: Watch Together, Apart
by Saousan Ramadan
Free

Organize your movie and TV show watchlists, discover where to stream titles, and get personalized recommendations from friends. Chat about what you're watching and track your progress with built-in messaging and episode tracking.

Personalized watchlistsStreaming service availabilityFriend recommendations
🎬 Entertainment
(1)
free

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FAQ about Watching

What are the best watching apps for iPhone?
Netflix tops our watching apps ranking as of August 2026, with a 4.7-star average from 7.1M App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top watching apps we rank are free to download, including Netflix and Tubi: Movies & Live TV.
Netflix shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of August 2026.
We track 239+ watching apps on the iOS App Store as of August 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
This app is a global streaming service that offers a vast library of award-winning TV shows, movies, documentaries, and stand-up specials. You can stream content directly on your device, making it perfect for entertainment on the go or during downtime.
Key features include a constantly updated selection of new titles, personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits, a dedicated safe watching experience for children, and the ability to preview videos and receive notifications for new episodes and releases.

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