iPhone owners tend to accumulate apps and then use three of them. The gap between a good entertainment app and a mediocre one is rarely about catalogue size; it is about whether the app respects the notch, resumes where you stopped, and keeps working on a plane.
This list skips the duplicates and the gimmicks. Each app here does something the others do not, whether that is organising your watchlist, carrying a niche catalogue, or simply playing video without fighting the operating system.
Apps worth keeping on the home screen
| App | Strength | Cost model | Offline viewing | Best screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | Originals, rentals, Up Next | Paid subscription plus rentals | Yes | Television |
| Netflix | Broad original slate | Paid subscription | Yes | Television |
| Disney+ | Family and franchise titles | Paid subscription | Yes | Television |
| Prime Video | Regional cinema, rentals | Paid subscription | Yes | iPad |
| Crunchyroll | Anime simulcasts | Free tier with ads, paid | Paid tier | Phone |
| JustWatch | Finding where a title streams | Free | Not applicable | Phone |
| Plex | Personal files and free films | Free with ads, paid upgrade | Paid tier | iPad |
The ones that justify the space
Apple TV
It earns its spot through integration rather than exclusives: rentals land in your Apple account, the Up Next queue follows you between devices, and AirPlay-adjacent features work without configuration. The Originals are a bonus. If you buy films digitally, this is the app that keeps them tidy in one library.
Netflix
Still the widest single catalogue, and the iOS app is one of the better-behaved ones: downloads are dependable, subtitles scale properly, and playback resumes across devices. The recommendation engine is the real product. The downside is cost, which keeps climbing while the Malaysian library stays smaller than the American one.
Prime Video
Awkward interface, strong library. Regional Indian cinema is the standout, and the rental store fills gaps when a film is not included anywhere else. On an iPad the layout finally makes sense, with enough room for the rows of categories. Downloads work, but check whether a title is included or a paid rental before pressing play.
Crunchyroll
Built for phone viewing, which suits the way most anime gets watched: short episodes, often on a commute. Simulcasts arrive close to Japanese broadcast, subtitles are legible at small sizes, and the download queue handles a full season at once. The free tier is ad-supported and does not include current-season shows.
How to install on Android
- Open the Google Play Store if you also use an Android tablet.
- Search the app name and open the listing from the company, not a lookalike.
- Check the developer name and permissions.
- Tap Install and wait for the download.
- Sign in with the account you already use on iOS.
- Keep “install unknown apps” switched off in settings.
How to install on iPhone
- Launch the App Store and search for the app.
- Check the developer name under the app title.
- Tap Get, then confirm with Face ID or Touch ID.
- Open the app and sign in, or restore purchases if you already subscribed elsewhere.
- Turn on automatic downloads only over Wi-Fi in iOS settings.
Staying safe
- There is no such thing as an iPhone APK. Any site offering one is either confused or hostile, and sideloaded Android builds carry the same risk.
- “Mod” apps that unlock premium features are unauthorised, frequently revoked, and a known route for stolen logins.
- Never enter card details into a page opened from inside an app or from a link in a message.
- Check subscriptions in your Apple ID settings so you know what renews and when.
FAQ
Do I need the Apple TV hardware to use the app?
No. The app runs on iPhone, iPad and other supported devices. The box only matters if you want it on a television.
Can I share subscriptions with family?
Some services support household sharing or multiple profiles. Rules vary and change, so check the current terms before relying on it.
Which app is best for a long flight?
Netflix and Disney+ have the most reliable download libraries. Download in advance and open the app once before boarding, since offline titles need periodic licence checks.
Related guides
- 10 Best Movie Streaming Apps to Explore in Malaysia
- Best Free Movie Apps for Android Worth Checking Out
- 10 Must-Try Streaming Apps for iPhone Users
- Best Apps to Discover Movies and TV Shows in One Place
- Best Asian Movie Streaming Apps for Drama and Film Lovers
- 10 Best TV Series Streaming Apps to Try in Malaysia
- Best Entertainment Apps Every Android User Should Discover
- 10 Best Anime Streaming Apps Every Anime Fan Should Know
- Best Apps to Watch International Movies with English Subtitles
Last updated: November 2026. App availability and pricing can change by region and store.