The world of entertainment has gone through a massive transformation over the years. Gone are the days when people would have to visit a video club to rent a VHS tape or DVD of their favorite movie. The rise of the internet has revolutionized the way people consume entertainment, with video on demand (VoD) becoming the norm.
Today, streaming platforms have become the go-to source for people looking to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies. With so many streaming platforms available, choosing the right one can be a hard task. In this article, we will help you choose the best streaming platform for your needs and preferences.
The best video streaming services
1. Netflix
Over the past decade, streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we consume media. Of these platforms, Netflix stands out as the most extensive and varied. Offering a vast and diverse catalog of content that has contributed to its enormous success.
What makes Netflix so special is the vast range of content it offers. From movies to series, anime, shows, documentaries, and more, there is something for everyone. Whether you are in the mood for a blockbuster movie, a crime drama, or a quirky comedy series, Netflix has got you covered.
One of the factors that have contributed to Netflix’s success is its strategy of acquiring exclusive broadcasting rights for certain shows, such as La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). By securing these rights, Netflix ensures that it is the only platform where viewers can access these shows. Giving it a competitive edge over its rivals.
Another key strategy that Netflix uses is producing its own content in large quantities. While the company initially focused on producing high-quality series such as Elite, Stranger Things, Bojack Horseman and Sabrina. it has recently expanded into producing films of varying quality. Some notable examples include Okja, El Camino, Marriage Story and the The Highwaymen.
One of the most remarkable things about Netflix is how quickly its catalog is evolving. In 2019, the platform offered over 30,000 hours of content. However, since then, this figure has likely increased significantly. As Netflix continues to add new content to its catalog at a breakneck pace.
While having such a vast and diverse catalog of content is undoubtedly a significant advantage for Netflix, it can also be overwhelming for viewers. With so many options to choose from, finding something to watch can be a hard task. Nonetheless, Netflix’s constant addition of new and exciting content ensures that viewers always have something to look forward to.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Over the years, Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video, has been relatively overlooked compared to other services in Jeff Bezos’ vast business empire. However, the company has made significant strides in recent months to catch up with its competitors. Prime Video has notably invested in offering a range of high-potential series, including popular shows such as The Office, Downton Abbey, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Vikings, as well as producing original content, such as The Rings of Power, Carnival Raw, The Man in the High Castle, American Gods, The Expanse, and The Boys.
One of the strengths of Prime Video is its diverse selection of films, including old classics that viewers never tire of, such as American History X, Fight Club, and the Rambo series. The streaming service also boasts a vast catalog of old films that may not necessarily be considered masterpieces of the 7th art. But are still enjoyable and perfect for passing the time.
However, Prime Video has even bigger ambitions, as Amazon has acquired MGM studios, which is expected to give the catalog a significant boost. In addition, the company has secured broadcasting rights for sports events, with the aim of attracting sports fans to subscribe to the service. This move will require a separate subscription fee.
Moreover, the giant has recently acquired the HBO catalog, which includes popular series like Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, True Detective, and The Last of Us, to name a few. While The Last of Us is included in the basic subscription, viewers will need to subscribe to the Warner Pass to access the other HBO series. This optional pack will also contain content from other channels like Adult Swim or Cartoon Network and will be available in March 2023.
The addition of these popular series and movies to the Prime Video catalog is a significant step for Amazon in making its streaming service more competitive with Netflix and Disney+. With a vast selection of content that includes both new and old titles, Prime Video is a great choice for those looking to stream their favorite shows and movies, as well as discover new titles to enjoy. As Amazon continues to invest in its streaming service, it will undoubtedly be interesting to see how Prime Video evolves in the future.
3. Disney+
Disney+ is a popular streaming platform that has gained a reputation for having one of the most specialized catalogs in the industry. As a company, Disney has a vast network of subsidiaries and studios that create a wide range of films and television shows. Disney+ primarily offers both vintage and recent content, making it a place for all things Disney.
One of the standout features of the Disney+ catalog is its large size. With thousands of films and series available, users have access to an extensive library of content. This is largely due to Disney’s acquisitions of Marvel, Fox, Pixar, National Geographic, and Star Wars. As a result, fans of popular franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and The Simpsons will have plenty of content to explore.
One of the biggest draws of Disney+ is its appeal to families. With a range of classic Disney films and TV shows available, it’s the perfect platform for parents looking to keep their children entertained. Disney+ also offers a range of new shows, such as The Mandalorian, which has been a massive hit with audiences. These new shows add to the existing universes and provide more opportunities for fans to explore their favorite franchises.
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Disney+ also has something to offer to older audiences. With the addition of the “Star” catalog, the platform now offers a range of films and series targeting an older audience. This includes content rated for those over 12, 16, or 18 years old. This means that adults who grew up with Disney can still enjoy their favorite classics, while also exploring new content that caters to their interests.
َAs a result, Disney+ is a streaming platform that offers a unique and extensive catalog of films and series. With a range of content available from different branches of Disney, there is something for everyone on this platform. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, or The Simpsons, Disney+ has something for you. Furthermore, with the addition of the “Star” catalog, Disney+ has expanded its offerings to include content that caters to an older audience. Overall, Disney+ is a must-have for anyone who loves movies and television shows.
4. Hulu
Streaming services have become an integral part of our daily entertainment. Among them, Hulu is a top option for users who want a diverse set of streaming options, especially live TV. While Hulu offers a strong library of classic shows and a good selection of movies, it is not without some shortcomings.
Hulu offers an extensive collection of more than 70 channels of news, sports, and entertainment shows. This robust live TV option makes it one of the best all-in-one options for users seeking convenience without abandoning traditional live TV. Recently, Hulu added 14 Viacom channels, including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network. Additionally, Hulu has announced that NFL Network and NFL RedZone will be available on the platform before the next NFL season begins, which is great news for sports fans. However, it is still unclear whether these NFL-centric channels will increase the subscription cost.
Hulu’s latest redesign brings the service into the modern age, with consistent interfaces across platforms and elegant navigation menus with a media-first aesthetic. Performance issues are rare, and none of the apps suffered from them. Recently, Hulu added the ability for premium subscribers to download content for offline viewing. Although it initially launched on iOS, this feature is now also rolling out to Android users. Eligible subscribers can download up to 25 titles across five devices. With downloads available for up to 30 days, or two days after you begin playback. Not all Hulu shows support this feature, but Hulu’s originals are among those that do.
To conclude, Hulu is an excellent option for users who want a comprehensive streaming service with live TV options. While it may have some shortcomings such as a limited selection of 4K content and lackluster original content, Hulu’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. With its diverse set of streaming options and reasonable subscription plans, Hulu is a great choice for anyone looking to cut the cord.
5. HBO Max
HBO Max has been making a lot of noise in the streaming industry. Thanks to its impressive lineup of original shows and movies. The streaming platform, which is owned by WarnerMedia, has been able to create a unique niche for itself. By offering a catalog of high-quality content that can’t be found on any other streaming service.
One of the biggest draws of HBO Max is its impressive lineup of original shows. Which have helped to create its reputation as a go-to destination for high-quality. Among the most popular shows available on the platform are Barry, Big Little Lies, Chernobyl, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Beyond its original shows, HBO Max has also been able to acquire the streaming rights to several other popular series. Including Friends, Rick and Morty, and South Park.
HBO Max is also able to offer select content from other sources within the greater WarnerMedia universe. This includes shows and movies from popular brands like CNN, Crunchyroll, DC Comics, and Looney Tunes. This has allowed the platform to offer a diverse range of programming that appeals to a broad range of viewers.
However, it’s worth noting that Warner Bros. has since returned to the standard theatrical release model for its movies. Albeit with a shorter exclusivity window. This means that movies will be released in theaters before they are made available on streaming services like HBO Max. While this is a change from the platform’s earlier approach, it’s important to note that HBO Max still offers an impressive selection of movies that can’t be found anywhere else.
Looking to the future, there are some major changes on the horizon for HBO Max. As part of the recent Warner/Discovery merger, the platform is set to merge with sibling streaming service Discovery+ sometime in 2023. This is sure to bring some significant changes to the platform. And could lead to the addition of even more great shows and movies.
Bonus: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ was launched in November 2019, making it one of the newest streaming video platforms available to consumers. However, it differentiates itself from the competition by only offering original content. Despite its relatively small catalog, it is possible to watch all of Apple TV+’s offerings in just a few days, or a month at most if taking more time.
One advantage of Apple TV+ is the significant budget allocated to its launch, which allowed for a big debut. The platform boasts a star-studded lineup of headliners, including Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, JJ Abrams, and Oprah Winfrey. These high-profile figures provide an added incentive for potential subscribers to consider Apple TV+.
Over time, the platform’s catalog has expanded to include series such as Ted Lasso and Mystic Quest. By broadening its content offerings, Apple TV+ is becoming more appealing to a wider range of viewers. The quality of its shows has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Which bodes well for the platform’s future.
Another advantage of Apple TV+ is its availability on multiple platforms. This versatility allows Apple TV+ to reach a larger audience and compete more effectively with other platforms.
While Apple TV+ is a relative newcomer to the streaming video on demand market, it has quickly established itself as a viable option for consumers. Its original content, high-quality shows, and star-studded lineup of headliners have helped it to stand out from the competition. Furthermore, its expanding catalog and availability on multiple platforms make it an appealing choice for viewers who are looking for a unique and high-quality streaming experience.
Verdict
In conclusion, choosing the right streaming platform largely depends on your budget, preferences, and the quality of content you are looking for. It is worth considering multiple platforms and looking for their pros and cons before making a decision. With this guide, we hope that you can make a good decision to enjoy the best TV shows and movies.
