17 Best Ways to Watch Movies Together Online in 2024

The pandemic forced us to adjust to new routines in nearly every facet of the human experience. We found novel and safer ways to carry on with our lives. While every facet barely survived, one that genuinely suffered irreparable change is the movie industry. Pre-covid, seeing movies in the cinema was commonplace. However, the pandemic made it unsafe for everyone to watch movies with family or friends in theaters.

And even after three years, the cinema numbers have not yet recovered. But there’s some good news: the increased paid (through platforms) and free movie (primarily via websites) streaming online.

As the pandemic forced more people to stay home, studios made more movies and shows for the streaming public, and movie theater nights became movie streaming nights. However, there was a tiny wrinkle: how did friends and family continue their tradition of seeing movies together in this streaming era, especially when they were not physically together?

As we adapt to the changes, we use movie-sharing software that allows you to watch movies with your loved ones wherever they are. This article outlines the leading movie-sharing software in the market and how you can set them up in simple steps.

Top 10 software to watch movies online together – Quick list

17 best movie software for Watch Parties – The detailed list

1. Apple SharePlay

• Destination URL: support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iphb657eb791/ios

This feature is only available to Apple device owners. With the SharePlay feature, you can watch TV shows and movies with as many others across different apps via FaceTime.

The SharePlay feature is compatible with various streaming platforms such as HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount, and Apple TV. Unfortunately, it does not work with Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.

How to use Apple SharePlay

If you wish to use the SharePlay feature, follow these simple steps:

1. Start a FaceTime call with a group or with one person,
2. Then start playing your desired movie on one of the listed streaming platforms. This should automatically start a group Watch Party.

The steps are slightly different but equally simple if you use the Apple TV. All you need to do is:

1. Start a FaceTime call from another device
2. Click on the “SharePlay” option on the Control Center and enjoy.

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2. Plex Watch Together

• Destination URL: support.plex.tv/articles/watch-together

Plex Watch Together is a way for Plex subscribers to host or connect to a Watch Party and stream media they have curated in their Plex media or available in the Plex Offers.

You can use Plex Watch Together on your smart TV, allowing for a much more extensive and detailed view than the PC or mobile devices.

How to use Plex Watch Together

1. Click on the three-dot icon, which opens the “More” section
2. Select “Watch Together,” and the Watch Party will commence.
3. To add your friends, you need to have added them on Plex first, and the rest is rather elementary.

Plex offers users access to live TV channels and DVR, which is fantastic for folks who want to binge-watch a show or sporting event.

You cannot play content from external streaming platforms but from your local file storage in the Watch Party. And finally, Plex VR offers users a whole new way to connect through virtual reality, further creating an immersive experience.

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3. Rave

• Destination URL: rave.io

Elevate your streaming experience with your friends by using Rave. This streaming software allows users to watch movies together with friends as part of a synchronized experience.

Rave stands out from the others on this list because it allows your friends who have joined your Watch Party to stream content from platforms for which they do not have subscriptions. All they would need is for the host to be an active subscriber, and that’s their ticket to unbound access.

This access includes popular streaming platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

How to stream together with Rave

Below are the simple steps to use Rave with your friends:

1. Sign up for a Rave account; if you already have one, sign in with your credentials.
2. Download the appropriate app onto your mobile device or PC.
3. Once you complete this step, you can add your friends using the “Friends” tab in the menu. If you intend to add friends during a Watch Party, click the “+” icon instead.
4. Get your friends also to download the Rave app for more effortless functionality.

Outside of the shared movie experience, Rave also has a RaveDJ feature that lets users mash together songs and play with a Spotify account at a party.

However, you should note that users should sign in to Rave using either Gmail or Facebook accounts. We mention this if you are weary about giving out too much private information.

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4. Hearo

• Destination URL: hearo.live

Hearo is a great app to watch and share movies with friends and family. In addition, you can have unlimited fun with over 30 streaming services on the app, including Disney+, YouTube, ESPN, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.

With Hearo, users have many options on popular operating systems, such as iOS and Android. And if you have a large friend group, you don’t have to worry about scheduling; Hearo lets you host up to 50 people in your group watch parties.

However, if you are a stickler for seeing just about everyone you see the movies with, then you might not like Hearo, it only allows you to talk and text them, but you can’t see them.

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5. Discord Live Streaming

• Destination URL: support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040816151-Go-Live-and-Screen-Share

Discord Live Streaming (also known as Go Live) is a convenient way for Discord users and their friends to share their streams with others. It allows users to share movies, videos, and TV shows from just about any streaming service they want.

Go Live also has an in-app chat option where users can talk to each other during the live stream. This Go Live room currently holds only ten people at a time but will allow for up to 50 soon.

How to use Discord Live Streaming

To set up Discord Live, follow these simple steps and pay attention, as some of the terminologies might be specific to the app:

1. Select a voice channel and click the screen streaming icon.
2. Now select the screen you want to share.
3. Then click “Go Live.” This will make your stream visible to all who enter the Discord channel.

Unlike the platforms plagued with geo-restrictions, Discord Live only requires one person to have an active subscription, and everyone can see what they see regardless of where they are.

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6. Twitch Watch Party

• Destination URL: help.twitch.tv/s/article/watch-parties?language=en_US

For the Twitch Watch Party, it is pretty straightforward. This platform allows Twitch users to stream movies and give live reactions to the movies. It is created solely for content creators signed up to the Twitch network who need a fresh way to spice up their content and draw in viewers in inventive ways.

How to use Twitch Watch Party

Since this platform is created solely for Twitch creators, the process to get started is more robust. It is as follows:

1. First, add “Watch Parties” to your Quick Action menu through the “Stream Manager” in your Creator Dashboard.
2. Next, give your device permission to sign into your Prime account, from where you can select the video you wish to stream.
3. Connect your webcam and audio devices, name this new stream, and initiate the Watch Party for others to join.

It is necessary to note that since Amazon owns Twitch, you can only find movies and shows from Prime Video.

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7. Amazon Prime Watch Party

• Destination URL: amazon.com/salp/watchparty

This service works similarly to Disney+ in many ways, but the Amazon Prime Watch Party allows its users to sync their viewing experience while having the option to live chat.

How to use Amazon Prime Watch Party

• Select the content you wish to watch.
• Select the “Watch Party” option on the screen.
• Then, share the URL it generates with your friends.

In addition, your friends also have to be Amazon Prime subscribers to enjoy this feature with you.

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8. Hulu Watch Party

• Destination URL: help.hulu.com/s/article/watch-party

This option functions similarly to Teleparty, but where you’d need a browser extension for Teleparty, it is not necessary here. This software allows up to 8 people to sync their viewing experience and chat as they do so.

How to use Hulu Watch Party

• Open Hulu.com on the browser or download the app.
• Search for the movie you’d like to see with your friends.
• Click the “Hulu Watch Party” icon to initiate the watch party.
• To add your group, first ensure they’re subscribed to Hulu before they can join in.

However, you can only access Hulu Watch Party in the United States. So, if your friends are outside the US, they must change their IP through a VPN to unblock Hulu.

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9. Scener

• Destination URL: scener.com

Scener runs similarly to the model Rave employs, but unlike Rave, the invited users must already have active subscriptions to the movie streaming apps and platforms they wish to use for the sync Watch Party.

You would find the popular streaming services and more on Scener, with its catalog including Hulu, Alamo On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+. HBO Max, Hotstar, Shudder, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Funimation.

How to use Scener

• Install the Chrome extension of Scener.
• Select “Host a Watch Party” once done with installing.
• Next, you choose the “Room” option available on the next prompt.

This option will generate a URL to share with your friends to join the Watch Party. The room can take up to 10 people at the same time. The only drawback with Scener is that it cannot bypass any geo-restrictions on the library it displays, depending on the country you are streaming from.

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10. Teleparty

• Destination URL: teleparty.com

Teleparty, as it is so aptly named, is an amazing medium to watch movies together with others as a Watch Party. This isn’t its original name; however, it used to be called “Netflix Party.” In case any past subscribers wonder where it went – it just got a new name.

However, it didn’t change much; you can still use it for free. The only catch here is that your friends also need to have subscribed to whatever streaming platform you wish to use for the Watch Party. And no, this is usually not a problem since Teleparty supports multiple streaming platforms.

The only requirement is that your friends also need to have active subscriptions to the streaming service you choose to use for the Watch Party. Since most people already have multiple streaming subscriptions, finding one you have in common shouldn’t be an issue.

How to use Teleparty

1. Install the Teleparty Chrome Extension.
2. Play a video from your desired streaming platform — Disney+, Hulu, or Netflix.
3. To create a group watch or “Teleparty,” select the TP icon on the top right corner of your screen.
4. This action generates a URL that you can share with your family and friends for them to join your Teleparty.

Teleparty also features an in-app messaging interface, allowing the group to chat about what they’re watching in real-time. Lets group members text in real time about the show or movie.

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11. Keep It Classic

This is the original way people shared their movies with friends who were too far away to watch them in person. It often included Skype and PCs.

How to use The “Classic” Style

1. Start a video call on Skype.
2. Have them countdown with you and press play at the same time.

You can communicate with Skype, and if you time the play button well, you can synchronize the viewing experience. Since this style does not require streaming platform uniformity, each user can view the same movie on their preferred streaming platform, which reduces the hassle of geo-restrictions.

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12. Kast

• Destination URL: kastapp.co

Kast lets users watch movies or TV shows and video chat simultaneously. It has a dedicated list of channels with content and requires a subscription before you can access those dedicated channels. However, you can watch content from YouTube and Tubi at no charge.

In addition, Kast has a nifty screen-sharing feature that makes watching movies together online an immersive experience. However, this screen-sharing is only accessible to people who have paid for Kast’s streaming plan. Those who haven’t paid for this unique feature will only get a one-day free trial.

Watching movies together using Kast

1. You can create a Watch Party as a subscriber; you just need to sign in and click the “+” icon next to the “My Parties” option.
2. After this, invite the other Kast subscribers to join your group watch by clicking the symbol at your screen’s top left corner. This option will send out a URL invite to them.
3. As soon as everyone clicks the URL and joins the party, all you need to do is click the TV icon of the Watch Party interface. This option will allow you to choose Kubi, Kast, or YouTube TV and broadcast the content to the whole group.

With Kast, every member of the group watch can participate fully, whether it’s with the chat interface or enjoying the streaming regardless of their devices. Kast is compatible with your desktop, laptop, and smartphone. And what’s more, you can have a Watch Party with up to 20 members and 100 for Kast-only content group watch parties.

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13. Disney+ GroupWatch

• Destination URL: hdisneyplus.com/welcome/groupwatch

Disney+ GroupWatch feature exists specifically for Disney+ subscribers to stream and enjoy their favorites simultaneously and for no extra charge. All you and your group needs is a Disney+ account, and you can create and join a Watch Party. Aside from the ease of connection it creates in the Watch Party, it also reduces security risks while streaming.

How to use Disney+ GroupWatch

1. Log into your Disney+ account.
2. Select the content you want to see.
3. Click on “GroupWatch” in the “Details” section.
4. Once you set up the GroupWatch, you must select the “+ INVITE” icon, which generates a URL your friends can use to join.

GroupWatch allows you to sync the Watch Party through your TV instead of mobile devices or PC, which sets it apart from the rest on this list.

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14. TwoSeven

• Destination URL: twoseven.xyz/

With TwoSeven, you can synchronize your streaming experience. The platforms include Crunchyroll, Netflix, Apple TV, Vimeo, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. It also lets you communicate in-app with your group as you watch your favorite movies or shows.

The cool thing about TwoSeven is that you can invite users who don’t have accounts with TwoSeven to join the Watch Party, and it would be seamless.

Watching movies together using TwoSeven

1. Open the TwoSeven homepage and select “Get Started.”
2. Log in and click the “Start Watching” icon right at the top of the screen. This creates a room where you and your friends can stream away.
3. A pop-up menu with permissions and settings for the room will appear, and you can proceed to enjoy the Watch Party.

TwoSeven also has more goodies; it lets users synchronize video files on local storage. TwoSeven requires users to donate to the website for continued development, functionality, and maintenance. The donation allows you access to premium platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar.

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15. MyCircle TV

• Destination URL: mycircle.chat

MyCircle TV sets itself apart from the other names on this list with an excellent feature. While the rest let you watch movies together with your friends or family, MyCircle TV lets you upload your content if it’s on their file registry.

How to use MyCircle TV

1. Create a room by uploading your file or by adding a URL.
2. Select the “INVITE” icon on the header and share the URL it generates with your friends.

Your friends are not required to have subscribed to MyCircle TV. But the drawback is that MyCircle TV only hosts content from SoundCloud, Vimeo, and YouTube.

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16. MetaStream

• Destination URL: getmetastream.com

It is a fast, simple, and free medium to stream and share movies and shows with your friend group. It does not require that you open an account before use. This software allows users to queue their selected content’s URL and play them after one another in the order you queued it in.

How to use MetaStream

1. You need Firefox or Chrome to use MetaStream.
2. Go to the homepage and select “Get Started.”
3. On the following page, select “Start Session.”
4. This will generate a URL for you to share with your friends.
5. For adding content to the room, select “Add Media,” which allows you to add a video via a URL.

You might experience site issues, depending on your browser and the platform. For pointers, it is highly compatible with Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Twitch.

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17. Watch2Gether

• Destination URL: w2g.tv/en

Watch2Gether combines the ability to stream and sync movies with your friends with an in-app browser that lets you explore other content sources. The Watch Party interface is quite robust and features an integrated chat room; the room can also be customized to allow for sound effects and background music.

How to use Watch2Gether

1. Make a room and share its URL with the group.
2. Next, you can create a queue using the links to videos you wish to stream.
3. The app will play the videos in the order of the queue now. And that’s all you need.

For this to work, your Watch Party would need all users to have active subscriptions for the selected streaming platforms. But you can get around it if you use the screen share feature.

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Conclusion

The age-old culture of movie night, whether at home with the family or in a movie theater, will forever be in our hearts and minds. However, with the advent of these digital movie platforms, we have had to adjust more to new realities.

As a result, movie software ensures that we can experience simpler viewing pleasures. For those who have a family or friend movie night but certain members are unavailable or unable to be physically present, it is no longer a cause for alarm or rescheduling. Instead, you can create a Watch Party and watch the movie or show together with your kith and kin, no matter where they are.

In this article, we have singled out only the best movie software to ensure you, your friends, and your family can watch movies together online without inconvenience. So the next time you crave a combined movie experience, pick one software from our list and enjoy the best social viewing experience.

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