The main places to buy movies are digital storefronts, streaming services, physical retailers, and rental platforms

You can purchase movies through digital storefronts like iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu, which let you read or stream a movie after you buy it. You can also buy physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray from retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon. Some streaming services—including Apple TV+ and Disney+—sell movies directly through their apps, though most of their catalog is included with a subscription rather than sold individually. Rental services like Redbox and traditional video rental stores offer another option if you want to watch a movie once without owning it.

The choice between buying and renting, and between digital and physical, depends on how often you plan to watch the movie and what devices you own. A digital purchase takes minutes to access but ties you to one platform's ecosystem. Physical media costs more upfront but gives you a disc you can lend or resell. Rentals are cheapest if you watch only once. Understanding what each option offers helps you spend less and get what you actually want to watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital purchases through iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu let you own a movie permanently and watch it on multiple devices, typically costing $10 to $20.
  • Physical media from Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon costs $15 to $30 upfront but gives you a disc you can lend, resell, or keep indefinitely.
  • Streaming services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ sell individual movies through their apps, though most content requires a paid subscription.
  • Rental services like Redbox and digital rental platforms charge $2 to $6 per movie for a limited viewing window, usually 24 to 48 hours.
  • Prices vary widely across platforms, so checking iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon before you buy can save $5 or more on the same movie.

Digital purchases through iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video

Digital storefronts are the fastest way to buy a movie because you can start watching within minutes of purchase. iTunes (through Apple devices and the Apple TV app) lets you buy movies that sync across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Google Play works similarly for Android devices and computers. Amazon Prime Video sells movies separately from its subscription service—you can buy without having a Prime membership, though members sometimes see discounts.

When you buy digitally, you own the license to watch that movie, but the terms vary by platform. Most digital purchases let you read the file to watch offline, or stream it whenever you log in. Prices typically range from $10 to $20 for newer releases and $5 to $15 for older films. Keep in mind that digital purchases are tied to your account—you cannot transfer ownership to someone else or resell the file the way you can with a physical disc. Your access depends on the platform staying in business and your account remaining active.

Vudu and other independent digital platforms

Vudu is a digital movie store owned by Walmart that competes directly with iTunes and Google Play. It works on most devices including Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and web browsers. Vudu often has competitive pricing and sometimes offers movies at lower prices than iTunes or Google Play, especially for older releases. You can rent or buy through Vudu, and purchases stay in your account indefinitely.

Other smaller platforms like Microsoft Store (for Windows devices) and the Playstation Store also sell movies, though they have smaller catalogs. These platforms are useful if you already use their ecosystem—for example, if you own a Windows PC or Playstation console. Prices are generally comparable to iTunes and Google Play, ranging from $10 to $20 for purchases. Before buying on a smaller platform, confirm that the movie will play on the devices you actually use.

Physical media from retail stores

Buying DVDs or Blu-rays from Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or Amazon gives you a physical object you own outright. You can lend it to friends, resell it, or keep it on a shelf for decades. Physical media typically costs $15 to $30 per movie, depending on the format and how new the release is. Blu-ray discs cost more than DVDs but offer higher picture and sound quality.

The downside is that physical media requires a player—a DVD player, Blu-ray player, or gaming console. You also cannot watch it on the go unless you rip the file to a portable device, which may violate the terms of service depending on your country. Availability is shrinking as stores phase out media sections, so selection varies by location. Online ordering through Amazon or Walmart's website guarantees availability but adds shipping time. For movies you plan to watch repeatedly or want to own permanently, physical media often becomes the better value over years of ownership.

Streaming services that sell individual movies

Apple TV+ and Disney+ both let you buy individual movies through their apps, separate from your subscription. This is useful if you want to own a specific film but do not want to subscribe to the entire service. Prices are the same as iTunes—typically $10 to $20 for purchases. The movie appears in your library and you can watch it anytime you log in.

Netflix does not sell movies; it only offers them as part of your subscription. However, some streaming services like Amazon Prime Video blur the line—your subscription includes a rotating catalog of free movies, but you can also buy or rent movies that are not included. This hybrid model means you should check whether a movie is free with your subscription before you buy it. If you already subscribe to a service, look there first before purchasing elsewhere.

Rental options if you do not want to own

Renting a movie costs less than buying but limits how long you can watch. Redbox kiosks (found at grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart locations) rent DVDs and Blu-rays for $2 to $3 per night. You pick up the disc, watch it within 24 hours, and return it to any Redbox kiosk. Redbox also offers digital rentals through its app for $3 to $6, with a 24-hour or 48-hour window depending on the movie.

Digital rentals through iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu typically cost $3 to $6 and last 24 to 48 hours from the moment you start watching. Local video rental stores still exist in some areas and often have deeper catalogs of older or niche films. Rental makes sense if you want to watch a movie once without committing to ownership or a subscription. For families watching together, renting multiple movies for one night often costs less than a month of streaming.

Comparing prices and finding the best deal

Movie prices vary significantly across platforms, so checking multiple stores before you buy saves money. A new release might cost $19.99 on iTunes but $14.99 on Vudu or $16.99 on Amazon Prime Video. Older films and catalog titles often drop to $5 to $10 across all platforms. Physical media at Walmart or Target sometimes undercuts digital prices, especially during sales.

Subscription services can offer better value if you plan to watch multiple movies. A month of Disney+ or Apple TV+ costs $10 to $12 and includes hundreds of titles, whereas buying three movies digitally costs $30 to $60. However, if you only want one specific movie, buying or renting is cheaper than subscribing for a month. Check your current subscriptions first—you may already own access to the movie you want through a service you already pay for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch a movie I buy on different devices?

Yes, but it depends on the platform. iTunes purchases work on Apple devices and the Apple TV app. Google Play purchases work on Android devices and computers. Amazon Prime Video purchases work on Fire devices, web browsers, and some smart TVs. Vudu works on the widest range of devices including Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and web browsers. Always check the platform's device compatibility before you buy.

What is the difference between renting and buying a digital movie?

When you rent, you can watch the movie for 24 to 48 hours (depending on the platform) and then it disappears from your account. When you buy, you own the license permanently and can watch it anytime you log in. Rentals cost $3 to $6, while purchases cost $10 to $20. Buying makes sense if you plan to rewatch the movie or want to keep it long-term.

Is it cheaper to buy physical media or digital?

Physical media usually costs more upfront ($15 to $30) but you own a permanent object. Digital purchases cost $10 to $20 and take up no shelf space, but you cannot resell or lend them. If you plan to watch a movie multiple times or want to own it indefinitely, physical media is often the better value. If you watch once or want when ready access, digital is faster and cheaper.

Can I buy movies through YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is a live TV subscription service and does not sell individual movies. However, you can buy movies through YouTube's parent company Google using Google Play, which works on most devices. YouTube TV subscribers can watch movies included in their subscription, but purchasing movies requires a separate transaction through Google Play or another digital storefront.

What happens if a digital movie is removed from a platform?

This is rare but possible. If a movie is removed from a platform's catalog, you typically retain access to your purchase, but the platform's terms of service vary. Physical media has no such risk—once you own a disc, it is yours regardless of what happens to the retailer or streaming service. This is one reason some people prefer physical copies for movies they care about.