10 Best streaming sites for film and TV in the UK

There’s currently an overwhelming variety of streaming services in the UK. While the likes of HBO Max and Hulu are currently unavailable here, there are still an endless array of US-influenced options.

It can be daunting for those who don’t know what they are looking for. Here are the pros and cons of each, how much they cost and their standout features.

It’s worth noting that the monthly costs are detailed, but platforms often change their yearly discounts.

Credit: Netflix. Netflix is known for its original programming such as 1980s revival thriller, Stranger Things

With 30 days free when you join, Netflix has multiple subscriber options, including a basic lane that supports one device, includes adverts and has more limited film and TV options for £4.99 a month.

The regular basic for £6.99 improves on that with additional programming and no adverts.

Standard and premium have been introduced for £10.99 and £15.99 a month respectively, each of which includes extra device options and an increase in downloads. Premium also allows the user to stream in ultra HD.

With a healthy back catalogue complemented by a string of original films and shows that feature some of the best creative talent today, there are almost too many major franchises on the platform to mention.

While choices may disappear or get cancelled suddenly, Netflix remains an intuitive and well-designed interface. 

Amazon has a range of titles available to purchase individually. However, for those who purchase an Amazon Prime membership for £8.99 a month (£4.49 for students), they’ll have access to the full library.

Mixed in are paywalled films and shows. Amazon is pioneering in its film development, with many original and high-profile titles launching on the platform, from The Marvellous Mrs Maisel to The Rings of Power.

Prime Video also acts as a launch point for other streaming services like Starz Play and Paramount+ at reduced costs.

4K resolution, up to three simultaneous streams, multiple platform options and fast downloads are certain pluses, despite the system being slightly harder to use than Netflix. 

Credit: Disney. Maarva (Fiona Shaw) in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

With a seven-day free trial and a £7.99 a month price tag, fans will have access to National Geographic, Walt Disney Animation and Live-Action, Marvel, PIXAR, 20th Century Studios (including The Simpsons) and Lucasfilm (including Star Wars).

That’s a massive vault to open, which is joined by more original programming. Theatrical releases have appeared on Disney+ more quickly than normal of late, and Disney is heavily investing in exciting new projects, from Percy Jackson to Tiana.

It’s an easy interface to pick up and while download options are more limited than on other platforms, it continues to allow four simultaneous streams and is constantly expanding its catalogue to include deals with studios like Sony. 

Apple have moved into the streaming space at £6.99 per month, with a seven-day free trial. There are options to purchase additional programming, as right now the range of originals on offer are relatively limited.

Six simultaneous streaming options with a wide range of platform accessibility and a very usable interface are all benefits.

While there are standout shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, it’s Apple’s film department that audiences should keep an eye on. For now though, Apple TV+ appeals to an older audience, with fewer family-friendly options. 

While it may be available through Prime Video, Paramount+ can be added on its own to any household at £6.99 a month. The streaming service is in its infancy, with a smaller range of originals and exclusives and a tighter back catalogue.

Halo and Star Trek are some of the biggest franchises to check out on there right now, and there’s a healthy range of kid-friendly content. But Paramount+ does need some time to grow outside those genre pieces. 

Credit: gordonramsaysubmissions via flickr, CC BY 2.0. Notorious British TV shows such as Gordon Ramsay's Cookalong Live have a home on Britbox

BritBox was designed for an international audience, but is available in the UK at £5.99 a month, after a seven-day trial.

It collects together massive hits from broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Many of these programmes are available on those previous platforms and UKTV Play.

There are a few exclusives available, but despite the option for five simultaneous streams, it’s compatible with fewer devices. 

NowTV was created by Sky, but is not to be confused with Sky Go. It starts at £9.99 a month but there are options to add movies, sports, kids and other streaming services like Hayu.

Sky also crafted a HBO Max deal to gain access to Warner Bros. content. It has a back catalogue of exclusives and boasts plenty of the best box sets.

It might utilise a lower image resolution at times and be available for two simultaneous streams, but NowTV is adaptable and incredibly deep. 

Credit: Lionsgate. Outlander fans will find the fantasy period drama on Lionsgate+ (formerly Starz)

Another streaming service which can be purchased via Prime Video, independently Lionsgate+ (formerly Starz Play) is £1.99 a month with four streaming options available at the same time.

It might be one of the cheapest platforms out there but it’s also one of the smallest.

With exclusives like Power, Black Flag and Doom Patrol, there are some worthwhile box sets alongside plenty of unique films. It’s a more adult-centric service, but with no 4K options there is a dip in the visual quality.  

Discovery+ has cornered the market on documentaries and reality TV. At £4.99 a month, users will have access to high resolution programming, including exclusives and originals, alongside some classic docu-series but no download options.

However, just because it has a niche angle, that isn’t to say that fantastic fiction isn’t available on top of The Last Kingdom. Ultimately, this is perfect for non-fiction fans that want a huge vault to dive into. 

At £4.99, Hayu is home to a full range of reality programming from the UK and US, from Top Chef to Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Unlike its competitors, there are no fictional shows on offer, so this is one for hardcore fans of the genre.

With a free seven-day trial, newcomers can get a quick taste of what’s on offer, most of which would not appeal to a family-focused audience. Download options are a plus though, despite a lack of simultaneous streaming. 

Read more: Is it time to ditch your digital subscriptions?

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