Where to download movies legally
The main places to download movies are streaming services you already subscribe to, digital storefronts where you buy or rent individual titles, and public libraries. Most streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ — let you download titles to your phone or tablet through their apps, though the selection varies by service and changes monthly. You cannot download to a computer on most services, only mobile devices.
If you want to own a movie permanently, you can buy it through iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, or Vudu. These purchases stay in your account and you can download them repeatedly. Renting through these same services costs less but expires after 24 to 48 hours. Your local library often has DVDs and Blu-rays you can check out, and some libraries now offer digital rentals through services like Hoopla or Kanopy, which you can download to your device using your library card.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ all let you download movies to phones and tablets through their apps, but selection and availability change regularly.
- Buying a movie through iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, or Vudu means you own it permanently and can download it as many times as you want.
- Renting a digital movie costs less than buying but expires 24 to 48 hours after you start watching, whether you finish it or not.
- Your library card may give you free access to movies through Hoopla, Kanopy, or similar services that support offline downloads.
How to download from Netflix, Disney+, and similar services
Open the app on your phone or tablet and find the movie you want. Look for a download icon — usually a downward arrow or a circle with a line through it — next to the title. Tap it and the movie begins downloading. The download uses your device's storage, so check how much space you have free first; most movies take 500 MB to 2 GB depending on quality.
Downloaded movies stay on your device for a set time. Netflix keeps them for 30 days, though you can renew the download before it expires. Disney+ keeps downloads for 30 days as well. Amazon Prime Video is more generous — downloads stay for up to 30 days after you first watch them, or 48 hours if you haven't watched yet. Once the time runs out, you must download again if you want to watch offline.
You can only download to phones and tablets on these services, not computers. The exception is Amazon Prime Video, which lets you download to Windows computers through the Prime Video app, but not Macs. Downloaded content plays only in the app — you cannot transfer it to another device or media player.
Buying versus renting digital movies
When you buy a movie through iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, or Vudu, you own a license to watch it as many times as you want on any device linked to your account. The purchase price is usually $10 to $20 depending on whether you buy the standard or high-definition version. Once bought, you can download it to your phone, tablet, or computer whenever you want, and the download never expires.
Renting costs $3 to $6 and gives you access for 24 to 48 hours from the moment you start watching. You can download the rental to your device, but once the rental period ends, the file becomes unwatchable even if it is still on your device. Rentals make sense if you want to watch something once and do not plan to revisit it. Buying makes sense if you think you will watch it again or want to keep it long-term.
All of these services let you download to phones and tablets. iTunes and Google Play also support downloads to computers. Amazon supports downloads to Windows computers but not Macs. Vudu supports downloads on most devices. Check the service's help section for your specific device before you buy or rent.
Using your library card to download movies
Many public libraries offer free movie downloads through apps like Hoopla, Kanopy, or Libby. You log in with your library card number and PIN, browse the library's collection, and download movies to your phone or tablet. The selection is smaller than commercial services, but there is no subscription fee and no late fees — you simply return the download when the loan period ends, usually 3 to 7 days.
Hoopla works instantly: you can start watching or download immediately after you borrow. Kanopy requires you to watch through the app and does not support downloads on all devices, so check your library's page first. Libby, which is run by the same company as Hoopla, focuses more on books and audiobooks but also has movies. Not every library offers all three services, so visit your library's website to see which ones are available to you.
Library downloads are DRM-protected, meaning they only work in the app and only while the loan is active. You cannot transfer them to another device or keep them after the loan expires. This is a trade-off for getting movies for free.
Storage and device considerations
Downloaded movies take up space on your phone or tablet. A standard-definition movie is usually 500 MB to 1 GB, while high-definition movies range from 1 GB to 3 GB or more. Before you download, check how much free space you have. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. On Android, go to Settings > Storage. If you are running low, delete old downloads, photos, or apps to make room.
Downloaded movies only play in the app they came from. A Netflix download plays only in the Netflix app, an iTunes purchase plays only in the Apple TV app or iTunes, and so on. You cannot move a downloaded movie to another app or device, and you cannot convert it to a different format. This is by design — the files are encrypted to prevent unauthorized copying.
If you delete the app, your downloads go with it. If you sign out of your account, downloads may become inaccessible depending on the service. Before you uninstall an app or switch devices, download anything you want to keep watching, because you may not be able to access it again.
What to do if a movie is not available to download
Streaming services rotate their libraries constantly, so a movie available today may not be available next month. If you cannot find a download option for a title, it may be because the service does not offer downloads for that particular movie, or the movie has been removed from the service entirely. Check the service's app to confirm the movie is still there before assuming it is a download limitation.
If a movie is no longer on the service, you have a few options. Rent or buy it through a digital store like iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon. Check your library to see if they have a physical copy or a digital rental through Hoopla or Kanopy. Wait to see if the movie returns to the streaming service later — many titles cycle on and off regularly. Or watch it online while you have an internet connection instead of downloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a movie from Netflix and watch it on a different app?
No. Netflix downloads are encrypted and only play in the Netflix app. You cannot transfer them to another app, device, or media player. The same applies to downloads from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services — each download is locked to its original app.
How long do downloaded movies stay on my device?
It depends on the service. Netflix and Disney+ keep downloads for 30 days. Amazon Prime Video keeps them for 30 days after you start watching, or 48 hours if you have not watched yet. Library apps like Hoopla typically allow 3 to 7 days. Once the time expires, the file becomes unwatchable and you must download again to watch.
What happens if I buy a movie and then delete it from my device?
You can download it again anytime. When you buy a movie through iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon, you own the license permanently. Deleting it from your device does not remove it from your account. Log back in and download it again whenever you want to watch it.
Can I download movies to my computer?
Some services support it, others do not. Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ do not allow computer downloads. Amazon Prime Video allows downloads to Windows computers but not Macs. iTunes and Google Play support downloads to computers. Check the specific service's help section for your device type before you buy or rent.
Is it legal to download movies from free websites?
Downloading from unauthorized websites violates copyright law in most countries. Legal downloads come from the services mentioned here: streaming subscriptions, digital stores, and libraries. These services pay creators and studios for the right to distribute movies.