Any good options for streaming movies?

I had thought I would finally switch over to a streaming service soon, but it seems they offer very few decent movies. I assumed streaming was cheaper because they didn't have any S&H costs or to buy more discs, but it may be because the selection is so pathetic (mostly comparing Netflix where we've been since nearly the start). I looked at a lot of the ones we've watched in the past 6 months and only a handful show up anywhere. Even big series like Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Hobbit, etc. aren't available. Looks like I need to stick to the DVD service.

The answer is complicated and largely depends on what you want to watch.

For the examples you provided, you'll want to keep your eye on the upcoming HBO Max service.
For Disney/Fox (including Marvel), you'll want Disney+.
For general stuff, there's the usual Amazon Prime Video (included free with Amazon), Hulu and Netflix.
Another one to keep an eye on is NBC's planned Peacock service, which will include an ad-supported free option.

I believe Crackle is free and they have a ton of shows and movies but it's like watching regular TV because they show commercials.

Also look for the Pluto App. TONS of tv stations and movies plus on demand but they also show commercials. It even has a guide channel like the cable companies. It has news, sports, music, classic shows, movies and even some Nickelodeon channels. Some of my favorites are the Unsolved Mysteries channel, Addams Family Chabbel, Impact Wrestling channel and the Nickelodeon channels. It's completely free but they show commercials in the middle of a scene. Luckily after the commercials it picks back up right where it left off.

We decided to stick with normal Netflix, but dropped to 2 at a time instead of 3 and switched to the blu-ray option so it's $1.07 less per month overall.

topshot rhit wrote:

We decided to stick with normal Netflix, but dropped to 2 at a time instead of 3 and switched to the blu-ray option so it's $1.07 less per month overall.

Wow!  You have an old plan!  They don't even offer newer patrons the ability to receive discs anymore.

alldatndensum wrote:

Wow!  You have an old plan!  They don't even offer newer patrons the ability to receive discs anymore.

Are you sure about that? They certainly don't seem to advertise it on their main domain, which mentions only streaming, but you should be able to sign up via the DVD one. But yes, we've been with Netflix since nearly their beginning (we were considered "founding" members for some time - got a free movie holder and t-shirt).

topshot rhit wrote:

alldatndensum wrote:

Wow!  You have an old plan!  They don't even offer newer patrons the ability to receive discs anymore.

Are you sure about that? They certainly don't seem to advertise it on their main domain, which mentions only streaming, but you should be able to sign up via the DVD one. But yes, we've been with Netflix since nearly their beginning (we were considered "founding" members for some time - got a free movie holder and t-shirt).

I was with them way back when, but when we signed up about three years ago, they had stopped allowing new users to get the discs anymore.  I was fine with that.

So trying to sign up at that link I gave doesn't actually work?

I signed up to Netflix about 3 years ago myself and didn't remember seeing a DVD option at the time.

They don't show it unless you go to that subdomain. Their Help section says the same and even suggests you can add it if you're already a member.

Quote :

How do I sign up for a DVD-only plan?

If you are not yet a Netflix member and would like to sign up for a Netflix DVD-only plan, go to dvd.netflix.com to get started.
If you are currently a Netflix member and would like to add DVDs or remove streaming, refer to How do I change my plan?

On whatever smart device you have (smart TV, Roku, Amazon Firestick, etc.), you can look for the IMDB channel.  They have quite a few free movies.  You can watch them for free, but you will have occasional commercials added in.  We watched a movie on there last night and it was weird after only having streaming services for TV now for a few years.

One other option ,that I use from time to time , is Vudu. Not only can you redeem digital codes and watch movies that you buy at the store on Blu-ray,  but also there is a section where you can watch movies for free/with commercials.

topshot rhit wrote:

We decided to stick with normal Netflix, but dropped to 2 at a time instead of 3 and switched to the blu-ray option so it's $1.07 less per month overall.

Netflix will be shutting down the disc service end of Sep.

On the plus side, I'll spend even less time watching media. Family Video shut down during Covid so can't rent locally either.

topshot rhit wrote:

topshot rhit wrote:

We decided to stick with normal Netflix, but dropped to 2 at a time instead of 3 and switched to the blu-ray option so it's $1.07 less per month overall.

Netflix will be shutting down the disc service end of Sep.

On the plus side, I'll spend even less time watching media. Family Video shut down during Covid so can't rent locally either.

As far as DVD rentals go, all we have locally anymore is Redbox.  I don't see a lot of people using it like I once did, either.

There are a few newish free streaming sites that have movies now.  Unfortunately a lot of it is garabage (poor quality films).  But you can find the rare gem in there occasionally. 

Try "Freevee" and "Tubi".  Pretty sure you can watch for free on your smart TV or computer.
You don't even need to sign up for an account (unless you want to keep your place in a movie or series).  They do both have ads, but are relatively short compared with cable television.

topshot rhit wrote:

Netflix will be shutting down the disc service end of Sep.

Thankfully there are a couple disc rental options that pivoted into the space vacated by Netflix. They obviously won't have the selection Netflix did but still way better than multiple streaming services combined and are adding all the time. Transit times will also be longer since they only have single locations at present.

We decided to try https://www.dvdinbox.com/ Hopefully they survive for a while.