8 Best Movie Download Apps for Android & iPhone That Actually Work

Fond of watching movies on the go?

Discover the best movie download apps for Android and iPhone to watch offline.

I have compared 8 legal apps for movies, rentals, subscriptions, travel and more.

You can download movies to your phone or tablet on legitimate apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Google TV, Apple TV, Max, Crunchyroll, Viki).

Download options vary. Netflix and Prime Video are strongest for subscribers. Google TV and Apple TV are for individual rentals. Disney+ for families. Crunchyroll for anime.

Most apps let you watch offline for days or months (subscription-dependent).

Movie download apps work great for travel, commutes, and flights. Select films you’ll actually watch before downloading; storage is limited.

Most legitimate apps don’t give you a raw MP4 file. They download encrypted copies tied to your account and app. That’s normal DRM behaviour, and it’s how licensed streaming works.

I tested 10 commercial movie apps, analysed real offline download functionality, and verified current offline viewing policies. Here’s what actually works for offline phone viewing.

Mobile Movie Downloads: What to Expect

The Important Catch

When Netflix, Prime Video, or another streaming service says you can “download” a movie, understand what that means:

It doesn’t mean:

• “Save as movie.mp4 to my phone’s file storage”
• “Move the file to another device”
• “Use the file outside the app”
• “Keep it forever”

It means:

• The app stores an encrypted, DRM-protected copy
• Playback happens inside the app only
• Downloaded file expires (varies by app/subscription)
• Some downloads need periodic online verification
• Ending a subscription can remove access
• License changes can disable downloads

That’s normal for commercial movie services. You’re licensing content, not buying permanent copies.

Why This Matters for Travel

You want to download movies before a flight, road trip, or vacation where internet is unreliable. Legitimate apps let you do that, but within DRM restrictions.

Free public-domain movie sites (Internet Archive, Library of Congress) give you downloadable files you can use anywhere.

Commercial apps give you licensed movies but with platform restrictions. Different models. Different purposes.

How I Evaluated Movie Download Apps

Criteria:

• Offline Download Capability – Does the app actually let you download for offline viewing?
• Device Support – Works on Android, iPhone, or both?
• Movie Selection – Do the movies you want actually have download options?
• Download Quality – What video resolution is available?
• Offline Duration – How long until downloads expire?
• Business Model – Do you need to subscribe, rent, or buy?
• Value – Is it worth the cost for your needs?
• Ease of Use – How simple is the download process?

Excluded:

• Streaming-only services (YouTube, Tubi -no offline download)
• Library apps without download functionality (some Hoopla versions)
• Websites pretending to be apps
• Services without legitimate licensing

8 Best Movie Download Apps for Android & iPhone

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Here is the list of movie download apps for iPhone and Android devices.

Netflix: Best Overall Subscription App for Downloads

Best for: People already subscribed to Netflix who travel frequently.

How offline downloads work:

• Open the Netflix app on your phone/tablet
• Find an eligible movie
• Tap the download icon (down arrow)
• Choose video quality (Standard or High, depending on plan)
• Wait for download
• Open the “Downloads” tab to watch offline

Download availability:

• Not every movie is downloadable (licensing varies)
• Most Netflix originals are downloadable
• Licensed content availability varies by region
• Check for download icon before committing

Offline viewing duration:

• Downloads typically available for 30 days (varies by content)
• Can renew download before expiration
• Delete and re-download as needed

Android vs iPhone:

• Both platforms fully supported
• Similar functionality
• Quality options might vary slightly

Storage requirements:

• Standard quality: ~500MB per 90-min film
• High quality: ~1.5-2GB per 90-min film
• Older phones may limit storage

Cost:

• Requires Netflix subscription ($6.99-22.99/month depending on plan)
• Netflix Standard allows downloads on multiple devices
• Premium plan required for 4K (if available)

Pros:

• Simple download process
• Huge movie/TV catalogue
• Multiple quality options
• Works perfectly offline
• Reliable service
• Device storage not lost if service ends (can re-download)

Cons:

• Subscription required (not truly free)
• Not every title downloadable
• Expiration dates on downloads
• Downloads tied to your Netflix account
• Download limits vary by subscription tier
• Files stay inside Netflix app

Real-world use case:

• Download 3-4 movies before flight
• Watch completely offline during flight
• Delete after viewing to free storage

Cost: Part of your Netflix subscription

Link: netflix.com

Prime Video: Best for Subscription + Rentals + Purchases

Best for: People wanting flexibility (subscription + rental + purchase options).

How offline downloads work:

For subscription content:

• Open Prime Video app
• Find a movie included with Prime
• Tap the download icon
• Choose quality
• Watch offline

For rentals/purchases:

• Find the movie you want to rent/buy
• Rent ($3.99-6.99 typical) or buy ($9.99-19.99)
• Download immediately
• Watch offline within the rental window (typically 30 days for rentals; keep purchases indefinitely)

Key advantage: Prime Video isn’t limited to subscription content. You can rent individual movies without another subscription.

Offline availability:

• Eligible subscription content: Downloadable
• Eligible rentals: Downloadable
• Eligible purchases: Downloadable
• Not all titles support downloads (check first)

Offline duration:

• Rentals: Available throughout the rental period (usually 30 days)
• Purchases: Indefinitely (within your account)
• Subscription: Varies by content

Storage per film:

• Standard: 400-800MB
• High definition: 1-2GB
• Depends on film length and source

Cost:

• Optional Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year)
• Additional rentals: $3.99-6.99 per film
• Purchases: $9.99-19.99 per film

Pros:

• Subscription + rental + purchase flexibility
• Don’t subscribe if you only want one movie
• Largest movie selection of any platform
• Works across devices (sign in on multiple phones)
• High video quality available
• Good for cost-conscious viewers

Cons:

• Interface mixes subscription and paid content (confusing)
• Not all titles have offline option
• Rental expiry rules apply
• Downloads tied to account
• Quality options depend on content

Real-world cost comparison:

• Want to watch one specific movie? Rent for $4.99 instead of subscribing to another service
• Want ongoing access? Subscribe to Prime
• Want to own? Purchase for $14.99

Link: primevideo.com

Hotstar: Best for Families

Best for: Families travelling with children, Disney/Marvel/Pixar fans.

How offline downloads work:

• Open Disney+ app
• Navigate to the movie
• Tap “Download” (shown as a down arrow)
• Choose quality (Standard, High, Auto-optimise)
• Wait for download completion
• Access via the Downloads tab

Download availability:

• Most Disney originals downloadable
• Most licensed content downloadable (varies by region)
• Check for download icon on film

Offline duration:

• Downloads available as long as subscription active
• Lose access if subscription ends
• Can re-download once subscription reinstated

Storage:

• Standard: 400-600MB per film
• High: 1-1.5 GB per film

Device support:

• Both Android and iPhone fully supported
• Can download on multiple devices simultaneously

Cost:

• Subscription only: $7.99-13.99/month depending on ads
• Annual: $79.99 (with ads) or $159.99 (no ads)
• Bundle with Hulu/ESPN+ available

Pros:

• Best family entertainment catalogue (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic)
• Easy for kids to use
• Multiple profile support
• Good video quality
• Reliable service

Cons:

• Subscription required
• Downloads expire if you cancel
• Limited to Disney-owned content
• Not useful if you don’t watch Disney franchises
• Ad-supported tier limits offline downloads

Real use case:

• Download Moana, Encanto, Elemental for kids before a road trip
• All three films: ~2GB total storage
• Kids watch throughout the entire trip without internet
• Delete after the trip to free space

Link: Hotstar.com

Google TV: Best for Android: Rentals & Purchases

Best for: Android users who want individual movies without another subscription.

How it works:

• Open the Google TV app (on an Android device)
• Search for a movie
• See pricing: “Rent $4.99” or “Buy $14.99”
• Click rent/buy
• Download immediately
• Watch offline

Important: Google TV is Google’s movie rental/purchase platform. It’s the Android equivalent to Apple TV (see below).

Offline viewing:

• Rentals: Available during the rental period (usually 30 days)
• Purchases: Available indefinitely
• You can watch completely offline after download
• No internet verification needed

File quality:

• Standard definition
• High definition (depends on content)
• Typically 500MB-2GB per film

Cost:

• No subscription
• Rentals: $3.99-6.99 per film
• Purchases: $9.99-24.99 per film
• Prices vary by studio and film

Device support:

• Android phones & tablets: Full support
• iPhone: Not available (Apple TV is iPhone equivalent)
• Chromecasts: Can cast to TV
• Wear OS watches: Some support

Pros:

• No subscription needed
• Pay only for movies you watch
• Huge movie selection
• Good video quality
• Works on all Android devices
• Purchases are permanent

Cons:

• Only works on Android
• No “watch everything” option (you buy/rent individually)
• Not truly free (you pay per movie)
• DRM restrictions on downloads
• Rental expiration applies

Real cost example:

• One specific movie: Rent $4.99 (save vs. monthly subscription)
• Three movies: $14.97 (still cheaper than a streaming subscription month)
• Occasional viewer: Better than subscription

Link: tv.google.com

Apple TV: Best for iPhone: Rentals & Purchases

Best for: iPhone/iPad users who want individual movies without subscriptions.

How it works:

• Open the Apple TV app (built into iOS)
• Search for a movie
• Tap “Rent” ($3.99-6.99) or “Buy” ($9.99-24.99)
• Authenticate with Face ID/Apple ID
• Download starts immediately
• Watch offline in app

Offline viewing:

• Rentals: 30-day window (watch unlimited times within that window)
• Purchases: Keep indefinitely
• DRM-encrypted (stays in Apple TV app)
• No internet connection needed after download

Quality options:

• Typically SD and HD available
• 4K on some titles
• File size: 500MB-3GB depending on quality

Cost:

• No subscription required
• Rentals: $3.99-6.99 per film (average $4.99)
• Purchases: $9.99-19.99 per film (average $14.99)

Device support:

• iPhone: Primary platform
• iPad: Full support
• Mac: Access via TV app
• Apple TV device: Full support
• Watch: Limited support (queuing only)

Pros:

• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
• No need for separate subscription
• Rent a specific movie without subscribing
• Purchases permanent within Apple ecosystem
• Easy download process
• High-quality video

Cons:

• Only for Apple devices
• Individual rentals/purchases add up
• DRM-locked to Apple ecosystem
• Rentals expire
• Purchases tied to Apple account

Real-world scenario:

• Specific movie you want: Rent $4.99
• Want to own it? Buy $14.99
• Monthly subscriber? Cost could reach $50+
• Occasional viewer? Rentals are cheaper

Link: apple.com/apple-tv-app

HBOMax: Best for HBO & Warner Content

Best for: HBO, Warner Bros., and DC fans; people who watch a lot of prestige TV.

How offline downloads work:

• Open Max app (formerly HBO Max)
• Find eligible movie/show
• Tap download icon
• Choose quality
• Download happens in the background
• Access via “My Downloads” section

Download availability:

• Most Max originals are downloadable
• HBO content: Varies by licensing
• Warner Bros. films: Varies (many downloadable)
• Check for download icon to confirm

Offline duration:

• Downloads available as long as subscription is active
• Expire if subscription ends
• Can re-download if you resubscribe

Video quality:

• Standard
• High (on eligible plans)
• 4K on Premium tier (if available)

Storage:

Typical: 800MB-2.5GB per film

Subscription tiers:

• Standard with ads: $7.99/month (limited downloads)
• Standard: $15.99/month
• Premium: $19.99/month (4K, most downloads)

Device support:

• Both Android and iPhone fully supported
• Consistent experience across platforms

Pros:

• Excellent prestige content (HBO, Succession, etc.)
• Strong Warner Bros. movie catalogue
• DC Universe content
• Quality video
• Multiple quality options

Cons:

• Subscription required
• Not all content downloadable
• Downloads expire if subscription ends
• Limited if you don’t like HBO content
• Higher-tier subscription needed for best features

Real use case:

• Download 2-3 HBO films or series for weekend getaway
• Storage needed: ~3-5GB
• Subscription cost: Split across all content you watch

Link: HBOmax.com (app available for download)

Crunchyroll: Best for Anime

Best for: Anime fans wanting massive anime selection with offline viewing.

How offline downloads work:

• Open the Crunchyroll app
• Find an anime series or film
• Tap the download icon
• Choose quality
• Episodes/films download for offline viewing

Download availability:

• Premium members: Most content downloadable
• Free members: Limited download access
• Check for the download icon on content

Offline duration:

• Premium: Varies by content (typically weeks)
• Free: More limited

Subscription cost:

• Free (ad-supported, limited downloads)
• Premium: $14.99/month
• Premium+ (ad-free): $16.99/month

Device support:

• Android: Full support
• iPhone: Full support
• Good app performance on both

Video quality:

• Depends on subscription tier
• Premium: HD available
• Premium+: Up to 4K on some content

Pros:

• Massive anime catalogue (100,000+ episodes)
• Manga reading included
• Simulcast access to new anime
• Best anime streaming service

Cons:

• Subscription required for full download
• Quality depends on tier
• Anime-focused (not general movies)
• Interface can be confusing for non-anime fans

Typical use:

• Download 2-3 anime episodes for commute/travel
• Perfect for binge-watching series during flights

Link: crunchyroll.com

Rakuten Viki: Best for Asian Entertainment

Best for: Fans of Korean dramas, Chinese movies, Japanese anime, and Asian cinema.

How offline downloads work:

• Open Viki app
• Find a film or drama
• Tap download (if available)
• Choose quality
• Watch offline

Download availability:

• Premium content: Mostly downloadable
• Free content: Limited download access
• Varies by title and region

Subscription:

• Free (ad-supported, limited downloads)
• Viki Pass: $4.99/month
• Viki Pass+: $9.99/month (ad-free)

Device support:

• Android: Full support
• iPhone: Full support
• Strong performance on both

Pros:

• Only major platform focusing on Asian entertainment
• Great for K-drama, C-movies, J-anime
• Community subtitle feature (fan-translated)
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Niche audience (not general movies)
• Download availability limited on free tier
• Content region-restricted sometimes
• Smaller library than Netflix

Link: viki.com

Comparison: Download Capabilities by App

Download vs. Streaming: When to Download

Download for offline viewing when:

• Flying (no in-flight WiFi)
• Road trip through remote areas
• Train journey
• Vacation in a location with poor internet
• Limited mobile data plan
• Want to save battery (offline viewing uses less power)

Stream instead when:

• Strong WiFi available
• Large movie catalogue needed (storage limits downloads)
• Want ability to switch between films
• Not traveling
• Phone storage is limited

Storage & Device Considerations

How much storage do movies need?

Rule of thumb:

• Standard quality: ~500MB per 90-min film
• High quality: ~1.5-2GB per 90-min film
• 4K: ~3-5GB per 90-min film

For travel:

• Download 2-3 films in standard quality = ~1.5-2GB (fits on most phones)
• Download 2-3 in high quality = ~4-6GB
• Budget storage accordingly

Tips for managing storage:

• Download in standard quality if storage is limited
• Delete films after watching
• Download during WiFi (uses less battery than mobile data)
• Check free space before downloading
• Use auto-delete features (if app offers)

Android vs. iPhone: Differences

Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Viki:

• Equal functionality on Android and iPhone
• Same download features
• Same video quality options
• Consistent experience

Google TV (Android only):

• Android devices only
• No iPhone equivalent
• iPhone users should use Apple TV instead

Apple TV (iPhone/iPad only):

• iPhone/iPad/Mac only
• No Android equivalent
• Android users should use Google TV instead

Choosing the Right App

For subscription convenience:

Netflix (easiest) or Prime Video (most flexible)

For families:

Disney+ (best catalogue for kids)

For individual rentals (no subscription):

• Android: Google TV
• iPhone: Apple TV
• Both: Fandango at Home

For specific niches:

• Anime: Crunchyroll
• Asian entertainment: Rakuten Viki
• HBO/prestige content: Max
• TV + movies: Hulu

Final Words

That’s all about the best movie download apps for iPhone and Android.

Movie download apps on phones and tablets are legitimate and work well for travel, commutes, and offline viewing. Select the service based on what you watch and how often you travel.

Don’t expect: Raw MP4 files, permanent ownership, sharing capability, or cost-free unlimited movies.

Do expect: Legitimate commercial licensing, DRM protection, expiring rentals, and subscription restrictions. That’s how licensed streaming works.

Looking for free downloadable movie files (public domain, Creative Commons)? See our separate guide to free movie download websites. That’s a different model and a different set of platforms, for photographers, researchers, and people wanting unrestricted access to older films.

For travellers and phone users: These apps cover every need for subscription, rental, purchase, and speciality genres.

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