Movie channels play films around the clock, just like traditional TV film channels: switch on and there’s always something starting. They’re perfect when you’d rather browse a schedule than scroll through a catalogue.
Types of movie channels
- Premiere channels showing recent releases on a rotating schedule.
- Genre channels for action, comedy, drama, thriller, horror and science fiction.
- Classic film channels with older favourites and black-and-white cinema.
- Family movie channels with films suitable for all ages.
- Channels in other languages, often with their own country’s cinema.
Movie channels or on demand?
Live movie channels follow a schedule. If you’d rather pick a specific film and press play, use the on-demand movie library instead. Many people use both: the TV guide for discovery, on demand for the film they already have in mind.
Getting the best picture
Films look their best on a big screen in 4K or Full HD. Check the channel name or quality label, and make sure your TV’s picture mode is set to “Movie” or “Cinema” rather than “Vivid” for natural colours. For sound, connect your device to a soundbar or AV receiver over HDMI.
Planning a film night
Open the TV guide and look ahead across the movie channels to see what starts this evening. On channels with catch-up, you can also start a film that began earlier.
Movie channel questions
Do movie channels have adverts?
That depends on the channel. Many film channels show trailers or short breaks between films, just as they do on regular TV.
Are films available with subtitles?
Some channels and many on-demand titles include subtitles or alternative audio. Look for the subtitle or audio option in your app’s player menu.
Can I record a film?
Recording depends on the app and device you use. Where it isn’t available, catch-up and the on-demand library are the easiest ways to watch on your schedule.