Life

The Apps All Movie Lovers Should Check Out

by Brandi Neal
20th Century Fox

True film fanatics can never have enough information about coming attractions, how to stream and download movies, and everything in between. Apps movie lovers should check out include those designed to elevate your in-theater experience to apps that deliver your favorite films right to your phone.

Back in old-timey days when everything was in black and white, the only way to see a movie was to go to the theater to see a moving picture. The digital revolution has changed everything from how movies are made and distributed to how they're delivered to fans. While hardcore cinephiles may lament the loss of the authentic film experience, advances in technology, and the advent of apps have made movies more accessible than ever before. I have to out myself here as just a passive movie buff.

I love indie movies, movies from the '80s, and documentaries. However, I don't care about special effects, the size of the screen I'm seeing it on, and I don't like that actually going to the movies costs more than going out to dinner. No matter which camp you reside in, apps have likely enhanced your movie-going, and movie-watching experience. Here are some of the best apps for movie lovers to try.

1Movies By Flixster

Flixster touts itself as the most downloaded movie app of all time. For film fanatics this app is a must have. Flixster arms you with movie trailers, local showtimes, Rotten Tomatoes ratings, the ability to purchase tickets, and more. The best part is you can keep all of this information in one place versus going down a Google rabbit hole.

2Netflix

You probably already have Netflix, or you're connected to a friend's account. Yes, Netflix, and its frenemies Amazon Prime, Showtime, and Hulu offer up countless hours of entertainment. But, what you might now know is that now you can download select content to watch offline from all of these streaming services.

No matter how you feel about viewing quality, everyone needs a way to get through a 12-hour long-haul flight, and this is pretty enjoyable way to pass the time.

3Crackle

The best thing about Crackle is that it's free. Crackle, by Sony, gives you free access to watch movies, TV shows, and original content on any of your devices.

4Movie Quiz

If you're a movie buff and a trivia wizard you're going to want to download Movie Quiz ASAP. Test your movie mettle with quiz questions from every genre.

5IMDb

IMDb is pretty much the go-to movie website to learn absolutely everything about your favorite films. The IMDb app takes it one step further by allowing you to find showtimes, watch trailers, browse photos, track your watchlist and rate your favorite movies right from your phone or tablet.

6RunPee

This is pretty genius. The RunPee app is like having your own personal bathroom monitor so you can pee and miss less of the movie. Almost everyone has to pee at the movies, mostly because you don't want to, and will miss a good chunk of the action if you give in an flea to the bathroom. With RunPee you can monitor the best times to take that pee break.

7FilmStruck

If you long for the days when storytelling trumped special effects you're going to want to download FilmStruck. Created by Turner Classic Movies and The Criterion Collection. FilmStruck gives you streaming access to critically acclaimed films, hard-to-find gems, and cult favorites from the world’s greatest independent film libraries, according to the FilmStruck website.

There is a free trial for FilmStruck, but after that you'll have to subscribe. But, the subscription is super affordable, and totally worth it for hard fans of obscure classics.

8Fandango

For any film buff who just has to see a movie in the theater, Fandango is pretty much your lifeline. On the Fandango app you can check show times, buy tickets, watch trailers, view original programming, and get access to all of your movie news in one place.

Enjoy your movie, and don't forget the popcorn!