It's no secret that we mostly spend our free time watching movies, even if it's by ourselves before we go to bed, during a night with girlfriends, or cuddled up on a sofa with your family. With the rapid growth of the internet, along with the global pandemic that hits the world in 2020 that restricts cinema access, subscription-based movie streaming services skyrocketed. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Viu, Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos, you name it! There's a shift in the public lifestyle, as they consume ongoing TV Shows that don't come from the cable but on the aforementioned streaming platforms.
Many have decided to get a subscription movie streaming services, but the overwhelming amount of options sometimes makes you wonder whether you subscribed to the right platforms. These services compete for your eyes and dollars, with everything from original series to reboots to new movies. Surely, we don't have to subscribe to all of them as they offer a different catalog of movies, too. Let's get you acquainted more with Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and Viu.
As you already know, Netflix provides unlimited streaming of movies, TV Shows, and its original productions such as Squid Game, Stranger Things, You, The Queen's Gambit, and more! Its binge-worthy original content successfully appeals to a wide audience. With Rp 169.000/month, you can enjoy Netflix for up to 5 people in one account. Indeed, its wide catalog of movies has received both popular and critical acclaim. But nothing lasts forever-even though Netflix is constantly adding new movies, it's also taking away some of them. The reason is that Netflix does not own all the videos available on its platform. So, don't get startled if you notice how movies you had in your My List suddenly disappear.
On the other hand, HBO GO is full of popular TV shows and movies that are suitable for both adults and kids. Along with the HBO catalog, it also offers the WarnerMedia library which is stacked with Warner Bros productions like Harry Potter, Friends, The Lord of The Rings, and DC universe movies like Batman, Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, Justice League, and more. Its biggest feature though is that users can watch blockbuster movies the same day they are released in theaters!
If you are a Disney enthusiast like me, I recommend getting a subscription Disney+ Hotstar as it offers all of Disney titles, even the 1940s onwards productions like Pinocchio, Dumbo, Peterpan, classic Disney princesses, and more. Disney+ is also home to Marvel movies, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises. However, it also offers movies that aren't produced by Disney, too! After the seven-day trial, Disney+ will cost you Rp. 39.000 a month, with an extra option to bundle Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN.
If you want to keep updated with the latest TV shows but don't feel like investing in a cable subscription or HD antenna, Hulu would be a suitable option for you! Hulu provides access to most major network shows such as CBS programs, ABC, FX, and more. The shows will be available to watch the day after they air, but if you want to watch shows in real-time, you can upgrade your package to Hulu+ Live TV. However, you have to sit through commercials even though it's not as much as if you're watching on cable. While its catalog is pretty extensive, it still doesn't include everything and sometimes might offer you to buy an add-on to watch several channels such as HBO and Cinemax.
Now, if you are a K-lover you might wanna subscribe to Viu! It offers a wide variety of K-dramas that might not be available on Netflix. Viu is also the perfect platform for you who enjoys ongoing Korean variety shows like Running Men, Knowing Brothers, 2 Days 1 Night, and more! If you sign up for the first time, Viu will give you 12 days of trials. When the trial ends, you can still access episodes, watch shows offline, and download the videos to your devices. However, you will only have access to several shows. If you want to enjoy unlimited features, you need to become a Viu premium member by paying Rp 30.000/month.
Those are our top picks for movies streaming service platforms out of countless streaming services out there. It's down to adjusting the number of services that are suitable for your pocket. Be mindful that you can subscribe to just more than one platform, tailoring to your taste of movies! Plus, if you think movies are overlapping on two different platforms, you can always unsubscribe whenever you want. The choice lies within your hands.
(HAI/DIR)