The basic steps depend on where the movie comes from
Downloading a movie means saving a video file to your device so you can watch it without an internet connection. The steps change depending on whether you own the movie, rent it, or are streaming it from a service that allows downloads.
If you own the movie on a disc or digital file, you copy it to your device using your computer. If you rent or stream from a service like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you use their built-in download button. If you want a movie that isn't on any paid service, you need to search for it on the open internet — which carries real risks that matter before you try it.
The method also depends on what device you're using: a computer, phone, or tablet each have slightly different processes. This guide covers the most common legal routes and explains what can go wrong with each one.
Key Takeaways
- Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have download buttons built into their apps — look for a down arrow next to the title.
- Downloaded movies from paid services expire after a set number of days or when your subscription ends, so they're not permanent.
- Downloading from torrent sites or unauthorized sources puts your device at risk of malware and may violate copyright law in your country.
- Movies you own on disc or as digital files can be copied to your device, but the legal rules around this vary by country and the type of file protection on the movie.
- Downloaded files take up storage space — a typical movie is 1 to 4 gigabytes, so check your device has room before you start.
Downloading from Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and similar services
Most major streaming services let you download titles directly through their app. Open the app on your phone or tablet, find the movie you want, and look for a down arrow or download icon next to the title. Tap it, and the app will save the movie to your device. The download usually takes a few minutes to an hour depending on file size and your internet speed.
Downloaded movies from these services come with an expiration date. Netflix movies typically expire after 30 days, though some titles have different windows. Amazon Prime Video downloads expire when your subscription ends. Disney+ downloads stay on your device as long as you keep your subscription active. Once the expiration date passes, the file becomes unwatchable and you need to download it again if you want to watch it.
Downloaded files take up storage space on your device. A typical movie file is 1 to 4 gigabytes depending on video quality. Before you download, check how much free space your phone or tablet has — go to Settings and look for Storage or Device Storage. If you're running low, delete old photos, videos, or apps to make room.
Downloading movies you own on disc or as digital files
If you own a DVD or Blu-ray, you can copy it to your computer using software designed for that purpose. On Windows, programs like HandBrake (free) or WinX DVD Ripper can read the disc and convert it to a digital file. On Mac, HandBrake also works, or you can use Mac-specific tools like MacX DVD Ripper Pro. The process takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on the disc and your computer's speed.
The legal situation around copying discs you own varies by country. In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) technically restricts copying even discs you own, though enforcement against personal use is rare. In Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, copying discs you own for personal use is generally legal. Check the laws in your country before you start, or contact a lawyer if you're uncertain.
If you own a digital movie file already — for example, one you downloaded from iTunes or Google Play — you can transfer it to your device by connecting your computer to your phone or tablet with a USB cable and moving the file over. The exact steps depend on your device type and operating system, but the basic idea is the same: find the file on your computer, copy it, and paste it into your device's video folder.
Why downloading from torrent sites and unauthorized sources is risky
Torrent sites and unauthorized download sites offer movies for free, but downloading from them puts your device at serious risk. These sites are common sources of malware — software designed to steal your passwords, financial information, or personal data. Malware can also slow your device down, display unwanted ads, or lock your files until you pay a ransom.
Copyright holders actively pursue people who download movies illegally. In the United States, your internet service provider (ISP) can see torrent downloads and may send you a notice demanding payment or threatening legal action. In other countries, the consequences vary — some have fines, others have warnings, and enforcement levels differ widely. Even if you never face legal action, the malware risk alone makes unauthorized downloads not worth the savings.
If you want to watch a movie that isn't on any paid streaming service, your safest options are renting it through iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video (usually $3 to $6), buying a used physical copy, or waiting for it to appear on a service you already subscribe to. These routes cost money but protect your device and your data.
How to download movies on different devices
On a phone or tablet: Open the streaming app, find the movie, and tap the download icon (usually a down arrow). The app saves the file to your device's internal storage. You can watch it in the app even when you're offline. To delete it later, open the app, find the movie in your Downloads section, and tap the delete or trash icon.
On a Windows computer: If you're downloading from a streaming service, the process is the same — open the app or website, find the download button, and click it. The file saves to your Downloads folder or a folder the app chooses. If you're copying a file from another source, right-click the file, select Copy, navigate to your Videos folder, right-click in the empty space, and select Paste.
On a Mac: Streaming service downloads work the same way — click the download button and the file saves automatically. For copying files, use Finder to navigate to your Movies folder, then drag and drop the file into it, or use Command+C to copy and Command+V to paste.
Storage space and file formats you should know about
Downloaded movies take up significant space. A standard-definition movie is usually 700 megabytes to 2 gigabytes. A high-definition movie is 2 to 4 gigabytes. A 4K movie can be 10 to 25 gigabytes. Before you download, check your device's available storage. On phones and tablets, go to Settings and look for Storage. On computers, right-click your drive and select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac).
Movie files come in different formats. MP4 is the most common and works on almost every device. MKV is popular for high-quality downloads but doesn't work on all devices. AVI and MOV are older formats you'll see less often. When you download from a streaming service, the app handles the format automatically — you don't need to choose. If you're copying a file yourself, check that your device supports the format before you transfer it.
If your device is running low on space, you can delete downloaded movies to free it up. In streaming apps, go to your Downloads or My Downloads section, find the movie, and tap delete. The file disappears from your device but you can download it again later. On computers, find the file in your Videos or Downloads folder, right-click it, and select Delete or Move to Trash.
What to do if a download fails or gets stuck
If a download stops or doesn't start, first check your internet connection. Open a web browser and try loading a website to confirm you're connected. If the connection is fine, close the streaming app completely and open it again. This often clears temporary problems that prevent downloads from starting.
If the download still doesn't work, check that you have enough storage space on your device. A download can't complete if your device is full. Delete some files or apps, then try downloading again. If you're downloading on a phone or tablet, make sure you're using Wi-Fi rather than mobile data — some apps restrict downloads to Wi-Fi only to save you data charges.
If a download is taking much longer than expected, it may be paused. In the streaming app, look for your Downloads section and check the status of the movie. If it shows paused, tap it to resume. If the download has been stuck for more than an hour, cancel it, restart your device, and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a movie from YouTube?
YouTube's terms of service prohibit downloading videos unless the creator has made them available for offline viewing. Some third-party tools claim to download YouTube videos, but using them violates YouTube's terms and may expose your device to malware. If you want to watch a video offline, ask the creator if they've enabled offline viewing, or look for the video on a legitimate streaming service.
What happens to my downloaded movies if I cancel my subscription?
Downloaded movies from streaming services become unwatchable when your subscription ends. The app locks the files so they can't be played. If you resubscribe later, you can download them again. Movies you own on disc or bought as digital files stay playable forever because they're not tied to a subscription.
How long does it take to download a movie?
A typical movie takes 5 to 30 minutes to download on a home Wi-Fi connection, depending on file size and your internet speed. Larger files and slower connections take longer. Downloading on mobile data is usually slower and may use a lot of your monthly data allowance, so Wi-Fi is recommended.
Can I download a movie on my phone and watch it on my TV?
It depends on the app and your TV setup. Some streaming apps let you cast or send downloaded movies to a smart TV. Others don't allow this. Check the app's settings or help section to see if casting is supported. If not, you can download the movie on a computer and connect the computer to your TV with an HDMI cable.
Is it legal to download movies from free websites?
Downloading from unauthorized sites violates copyright law in most countries and exposes your device to malware. Even if you never face legal consequences, the security risk is real. Paid streaming services, rentals, and purchases are the legal and safe way to get movies offline.