23 Best Netflix Alternatives to Watch Movies (Paid and Free)

Netflix has long been the go-to streaming platform for binge-watchers. However, there are times when it doesn’t have that interesting show everyone talks about, such as The Last of Us, which is a popular show nowadays. Apart from having exclusive content, Netflix has limited shows and it’s the reason why subscribers are beginning to look for a better alternative.

Due to the sheer number of options available, choosing an alternative to Netflix can be a daunting task. But don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of 23 of the best websites like Netflix, both free and paid, to ensure you never run out of movies, shows, and series to watch.

Best Netflix Alternatives – Quick List

Short on time? Here’s a list of the 23 best alternatives to Netflix that work in 2024:

Best Paid Alternatives to Netflix

Below is a list of top premium sites like Netflix:

1. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime is one of the best premium streaming services online. It has more shows than Netflix and offers a larger movie library with lots of shows to binge and other additional perks like access to Amazon Prime.

You can most likely find any show that is not on Netflix, on Amazon Prime Video. For example, shows like Fleabags, Suits, Bosch, The Boys are not available on Netflix but you can find them on Amazon Prime.

Pricing

A 30-day free trial and subscription of $14.99 per month or $139 per year.

2. Hulu

Hulu is another Netflix alternative but it is only available in the US. It is affordable and has a wide range of current TV shows, classic series, and movies. Its movie catalog is far bigger than that of Netflix, with unique content from different popular movie studios.

Some of the best Hulu Originals are; The Handmaid’s Tale, Castle Rock, Harlots, and so on.

Pricing

A free 30-day trial and a subscription model that starts at $7.99 per month (ad-supported), $17.99 per month (ad-free), and $76.99 per month for Hulu + Live TV, Disney + ESPN (with ads).

3. Disney+

Disney+ is a new platform, but it is gaining ground already. One best feature about the platform is it’s vast library. The site offers content that you don’t easily find on Netflix.

You have exclusive access to Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content, all supporting 4K UHD and HDR streaming. It also has a great number of shows for children, for those who have kids.

In short, Disney+ is a steal because you can get it in a bundled package together with Hulu and ESPN+.

Pricing

They no longer offer a free trial, but their basic plan goes for $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year.

4. Apple TV+

For those with Apple products, Apple TV+ is a platform you should definitely consider. If you’re watching without an Apple device, all you need is a free Apple ID. It’s fairly new, but I promise you, it already has exclusive shows going on, better than what you would find on Netflix.

Examples of some Apple Originals are; The Morning Show, Servant, For All Mankind, and so on.

Apple TV+ may be new but they plan to bring on more and more shows on their streaming service, as their Original shows are already doing well. It’s available on all devices (Smart TV, X box, and PC). Then if you buy a new Apple device you automatically get 3 months of the Apple TV+ for free.

Pricing

7-day free trial and after that their base plan goes for $9.99 a month.

5. Max

Max is one Netflix alternative that gives you every reason to subscribe to their service. It has an interesting catalog hosting HBO series, Warner Bros. movies, and Max Originals.

You find exciting new and frequent releases, and their streaming quality is 4K UHD streaming. For example, popular shows like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and House of the Dragon, are available on the platform.

Pricing

There’s a 7-day free trial, and their base plan is $9.99 per month (ad-supported) and $15.99 per month (ad-free).

6. Peacock TV

Peacock TV has become one of the best alternatives to Netflix because it is an on-demand streaming platform that has gained traction over the years.

With Peacock TV you have a wide range of movies, TV shows, and originals. It also has a dedicated live channel, where users can watch live sports and news, like NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League, and a wide range of NBC universal content.

Some types of notable shows you can watch on Peacock include; The Traitors, Friday Night Lights, Poker Face, Mrs.Davis, and so on.

Pricing

There’s a free tier available with ads, a premium plan for $5.99 per month (ad-supported), and a premium plus plan for $11.99 per month (ad-free).

7. Paramount Plus

Paramount is a great substitute for Netflix with lots of add-ons. Just like Peacock, they have an exclusive library where you can watch sports, live TV, CBS, BET, Comedy Central, local news, and Paramount original movies.

You can watch many TV shows on the platform like Teen Wolf, Paw, Ex-Wife, Rabbit Hole and so on. Paramount Plus supports all devices (smart TV, PC, smartphones, tablets, and XBox). Fans can watch the current show on Paramount called Star Trek, together with other originals.

Pricing

Paramount offers a one-week free trial and then the basic plan starts at $5.99 per month (ad-supported) while the premium plan starts at $11.99 per month (ad-free).

8. Sling TV

Sling TV is more like a cable TV subscription service, where you get access to live TV streaming and popular TV channels, like CNN, BBC, ESPN, TNT, Food Network, Disney, and many more.

With over 31 TV channels, Sling TV is mostly for users who love to watch live TV and keep up with updates from their favorite channels, just like the traditional cable service network.

The downside is that Sling TV is only available in the US. But people can still access it with a strong VPN like ExtremeVPN.

Pricing

The base plan, called the (Orange plan) starts at $40 per month, and the premium plan called the (Orange + Blue plan) goes for $55 per month.

9. Discovery+

Discovery+ is a place for shows, entertainment, and movies. Its library includes content from all Discovery network channels. If you love watching documentaries on nature, science, food networks, crime, adventure, and history, you’ll love Discovery+.

You can also access entertainment in real-time and on traditional channels like BBC.

Pricing

Surprisingly, Discovery+ has a fair price. New users get a 7-day free trial, the basic plan starts at $4.99 per month with limited ads. The premium plan starts at $8.99 per month with no ads.

10. Shudder

This streaming site is made specifically for horror movie lovers as it is focused on horror, thriller, and suspense genres. So, if you’re someone who loves watching thriller movies, then Shudder is a platform for you.

The shows on Shudder have sub-genres ranging from ghosts, haunted houses, monsters, zombies, and so on. With a growing horror fan base worldwide, the platform gives you easy access to exclusive horror content.

Pricing

A 7-day free trial and the base plan starts at $5.99 per month or $56.99 per year.

11. Mubi

Mubi is another great site like Netflix if you love the cinematic experience. With a new film added daily, Mubi has the best catalog of cinema movies in the world. You can find film festivals, art-house movies,  documentaries, and classics on this platform.

Mubi celebrates the art of cinema, showcasing films that do not get a theatrical release. You can call it a hub of Indie movies!

Pricing

A 7-day free trial and a basic plan of $14.99 per month or $119.88 per year.

12. YouTube TV

One might not see YouTube TV as a Netflix alternative because it’s not like others where you can watch exclusive content. But you can watch some cool comedy, sports, news, and entertainment on YouTube Premium.

You also get access to live channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, and ABC, with popular cable networks too. YouTube TV also has a good selection of movies and original series you can enjoy!

Pricing

• $57.99/month for your first 3 months.
• $72.99/month thereafter for the YouTube TV base plan.

Best Free Alternatives to Netflix

Below are other alternatives to Netflix that you can stream on. However, unlike the ones above, they’re completely free:

13. Tubi

Tubi is one of the top free Netflix alternatives. It is completely free to sign up. The platform has a large content library and is in partnership with Warner Bros, Paramount, and Lionsgate, giving you access to a wide range of movies and TV shows to watch.

Tubi is ad-supported, but the ads are fewer than those of a normal cable TV.

14. Vudu

Vudu is another option that could make you take your mind totally off Netflix. Kids can have enjoy recent shows here, and there are cheap rental and purchase options for new releases.

However, the content on Vudu is ad-supported, with just a few ads here and there. The platform offers streaming is high quality and supports 4K & UHD streaming as well.

15. Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee is a spin-off of Amazon Prime, which was previously IMDb TV. From Amazon originals to TV series, movies, and so on, the streaming service has shows and series from Amazon Prime, all for free.

However, the service is not accessible everywhere, only in the US and UK. In case you’re outside these regions, you should try accessing the site with a VPN.

16. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a free and on-demand streaming service, which some consider one of the best free website similar to Netflix, because of its grande features.

The platform offers a wide variety of content, including free live TV with channels covering news, sports, movies, and TV shows. Apart from the live TV feature, you can also find some recent movies here.

17. Hoopla

Hoopla is a free streaming service available through libraries. However, to access it, you need a library membership. 

Users can sign up or login using their library card and can enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and music without spending a dime. The good part about Hoopla is that there are no ads. You can stream as you want without being disturbed by cranky ads.

18. Kanopy

Kanopy and Hoopla are similar in a sense that they are free streaming services available through libraries and universities.

If you’re a student in high school or college, Kanopy has a wide selection of films, documentaries, and educational videos for you for free.

Also, there are no ads. Hence, you can watch old movies, films, and comedy shows on Kanopy without any disturbance.

19. Crackle

Crackle is one of the oldest free Netflix alternatives on the block. The platform dates back to 2006 and it is partly owned by Sony Pictures. There’s a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and some original content for binge-watchers on this site.

20. Crunchyroll

This free Netflix alternative is for anime lovers. With Anime having a fan base of millions worldwide, Crunchyroll offers an extensive library of anime and manga, streaming for free.

Although Netflix has anime series in its catalog, it is limited and doesn’t have newly released shows. Crunchyroll is the place where you can find every anime series you can think of. The site gives you the broadcast of new episodes from Japan shortly after its initial release.

Pricing

Free (with ads), and a premium option of $7.99 per month (ad-free).

21. Vimeo

Vimeo can be another Netflix alternative, depending on how you see it. On Vimeo, you can enjoy high-quality creative content, documentaries, and short films for free.

It gives you an ad-free experience and also supports 4K Ultra HD streaming. However, its focus on independent content and higher subscription plans for creators make it less suitable for viewers seeking a wide range of mainstream movies and TV shows.

Pricing

Free, but there’s a subscription plan starting at $7 per month.

22. Roku

Roku Channel is a place where you can watch popular HBO movies and TV shows, and there’s an option for live TV. It partners with popular studios like Sony and Lionsgate, so there are regular updates of recent shows and movies to stream e.g. TeenWolf, and Starz.

However, you’d have to subscribe to the premium plan to get access to all the channels.

Pricing

Free with ads and a premium subscription for $4.99 a month.

23. Plex

Plex is a free alternative app for Netflix that has over 50,000 titles on its platform and 200 TV channels.

You don’t need to sign up on the platform, all you need to do is to find what you’re looking for and start watching. You can even buy or rent movies from Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play and connect to other streaming services.

Factors to Consider While Selecting the Top Alternative to Netflix

When considering a Netflix alternative, it’s essential to evaluate the following criteria:

• Content library: Does the platform have a variety of genres and a fair collection of movies and TV shows?
• Price: Is it affordable? Are there any free options? Are there additional fees?
• Streaming quality: Does it offer HD or 4K streaming?
• Accessibility: Is it accessible in your region, or do you need a VPN to access it?
• Additional features: Can you watch it offline? Can you stream simultaneously on it?

Why Should You Switch Away from Netflix?

Here are the reasons why you might consider switching from Netflix:

1. Rising Subscription Costs

Looking at the prices over the years, Netflix has consistently increased its subscription costs. In October 2023, Netflix increased its monthly subscription in the U.S. to $22.99, which was a $3 increase from the previous price. The basic plan also saw a $2 increase, now $11.99 per month.

While their content library has grown, it seems unfair to increase costs, especially when there are cheaper alternatives that offer high-quality content.

2. Poor Content Variety

Netflix keeps removing its content. Sometimes, you search for a particular movie and you find that it is no longer available, which isn’t the case for many other platforms.

Other streaming services offer exclusive content that is better than what Netflix is offering.

For example; On Amazon Prime Video you can watch popular TV shows, and movies like “The Boys” which you won’t find on Netflix.

3. Password Sharing Crackdown

Netflix’s recent policy change on account sharing have caused a lot of frustration among its users.

If you’re among those users that are unhappy with these rules against sharing passwords with people outside your household, it’s better to switch to another streaming service that gives you a more flexible experience.

Improve Your Streaming Experience with a VPN

Some of these streaming services have geo-restrictions based on location. For example, Disney has geo-restrictions and is only available in the USA, Canada, Austria, Australia, and Belgium.

If you’re outside these countries and want to access these platforms, you must opt for a VPN. ExtremeVPN helps bypass these geo-restrictions, ensuring you have access to your favorite shows and movies regardless of where you are and enjoy uninterrupted streaming.

FAQs