Yes, Apple TV has movies, but the selection depends on your subscription
Apple TV includes movies through two different paths. If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, you get access to a smaller library of original films that Apple produces — these are included with your subscription at no extra cost. If you have a regular Apple TV account (the app where you buy or rent content), you can purchase or rent individual movies from a catalog of thousands, but each purchase or rental costs extra.
The confusion usually comes from mixing these two things up. Apple TV+ is the subscription service. The Apple TV app is where you can also buy movies separately. They are the same app, but different payment models.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ subscribers get access to original Apple movies included with their subscription, though the selection is smaller than Netflix or Disney+.
- You can buy or rent thousands of other movies through the Apple TV app without a subscription, but you pay per movie.
- Apple TV+ original movies are available to watch when ready after release, with no rental window or expiration date.
- The Apple TV app works on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TV devices, and many smart TVs and streaming devices.
What movies come with Apple TV+
Apple TV+ releases original movies throughout the year. These are films that Apple has funded or produced, and they are only available on Apple TV+. Recent examples include Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, and Argylle. The exact titles change as Apple adds new releases and rotates older ones.
The Apple TV+ movie library is much smaller than Netflix or Disney+. If you are looking for a specific older film or a wide selection of classic movies, you will likely not find it on Apple TV+. The service focuses on newer releases and original content rather than building a deep back catalog.
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month on its own, though the price varies by region. You can also get it bundled with other Apple services through Apple One, which may cost less if you use multiple Apple services.
How to buy or rent movies without a subscription
The Apple TV app lets you purchase or rent movies individually, even if you do not have Apple TV+. When you buy a movie, you own it permanently and can watch it as many times as you want. When you rent a movie, you typically have 30 days to start watching it, and 48 hours to finish it once you press play.
Prices vary by movie and by whether you choose standard or high-definition quality. New releases usually cost more to rent or buy than older films. You can see the price before you commit to the purchase or rental.
Movies you buy or rent appear in your library within the Apple TV app. If you buy a movie on an iPhone, you can watch it on your Mac, iPad, or Apple TV device using the same Apple account — you do not have to buy it separately for each device.
Where to watch Apple TV movies
You can watch Apple TV movies on any device that has the Apple TV app installed. This includes iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.3 or later, Mac computers running macOS 10.14.6 or later, Apple TV devices (4th generation and newer), and most modern smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers. The app is also available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV devices.
If you own an Apple TV device, the Apple TV app is built in. On other devices, you read the app for free from the App Store or your device's app store, then sign in with your Apple ID. Once you are signed in, any movies you have purchased or any Apple TV+ subscription you own will be available to watch when ready.
How to search for specific movies
Open the Apple TV app and use the search function to look for a movie by title. The app will show you whether that movie is included with Apple TV+, available to rent, available to buy, or not available at all. If it is available to rent or buy, the price will appear next to the title.
You can also browse by category — the app has sections for Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, and others. Apple TV+ originals are usually labeled as such, so you can tell which movies come with your subscription and which ones you would need to pay for separately.
Common reasons you might not find a movie
If you search for a movie and it does not appear, it may be licensed to another streaming service exclusively, or the license may have expired. Streaming rights change frequently — a movie available today might not be available next month, and vice versa. There is no way to know in advance when a movie will be added or removed.
Some movies are available to buy or rent but not included with Apple TV+. This is normal. Apple TV+ is a curated subscription service, not a catalog of every movie ever made. If you want to watch a specific movie that is not on Apple TV+, you can usually rent or buy it through the same app.
Comparing Apple TV+ movies to other services
Apple TV+ has fewer movies than Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, but it focuses on quality over quantity. The service tends to release fewer movies per year but invests heavily in each one. If you are looking for a massive library to browse, Apple TV+ may feel limited. If you want a smaller, curated selection of newer films, it may be a better fit.
Many people use Apple TV+ alongside other streaming services rather than as their only subscription. You can watch Apple TV+ originals on Apple TV+, rent or buy other movies through the Apple TV app, and subscribe to other services for their exclusive content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Apple TV movies offline?
Yes, on iPhones and iPads you can read movies to watch without an internet connection. Open the movie in the Apple TV app, tap the read button, and it will save to your device. You can keep the read as long as your subscription is active (for Apple TV+ movies) or indefinitely (for movies you have purchased).
What happens if my Apple TV+ subscription ends?
You lose access to all Apple TV+ original movies. Movies you have purchased or rented separately remain in your library and you can still watch them. If you resubscribe to Apple TV+ later, your access to originals returns when ready.
Can I share movies I buy with family members?
Yes, through Family Sharing. Set up Family Sharing on your Apple account, add family members, and they can access any movies you have purchased using their own devices and Apple IDs. Apple TV+ subscriptions can also be shared with family members through Family Sharing.
Are there free movies on Apple TV?
Apple occasionally offers free movies through the Apple TV app, usually for a limited time or as promotions. These appear in the app with a "Free" label. However, the regular library requires either an Apple TV+ subscription or a per-movie purchase or rental.
Do I need an Apple device to use Apple TV?
No. While the service is made by Apple, the app works on Android phones, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and most smart TVs. You only need an Apple ID to sign in, not an Apple device.