An Android phone is the most flexible screen most people own, which is why the entertainment apps worth keeping tend to be the ones that handle casting, offline playback and odd file formats without complaining. The Play Store makes discovery easy and quality control impossible, so a shortlist still helps.
These picks cover films, series and anime, and they do not all cost money. Some exist purely to organise what you already pay for. All of them install from the official store, run without a pile of unnecessary permissions, and can be removed without leaving anything behind.
Entertainment apps for Android
| App | Category | Cost model | Casting support | Offline playback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Video, trailers, free films | Free with ads | Yes | Paid tier |
| Netflix | Films and series | Paid subscription | Yes | Yes |
| Plex | Personal library, free films | Free with ads, paid upgrade | Yes | Paid tier |
| Crunchyroll | Anime | Free tier with ads, paid | Yes | Paid tier |
| Tubi | Ad-supported films | Free with ads | Yes | No |
| Pluto TV | Live channels | Free with ads | Yes | No |
| Google TV | Aggregator and watchlist | Free to use | Yes | No |
| Viu | Asian drama | Free tier with ads, paid | Yes | Paid tier |
What each one is actually for
YouTube
The most-used app on most phones and the one people underrate as a film source. Rights holders upload full features, film festivals post shorts, and trailers live here before anywhere else. Casting to a television works well, and the paid tier adds background playback and downloads. Watch for clickbait reuploads with misleading titles.
Google TV
Install it and it becomes the front door: recommendations pulled from your connected services, one watchlist across apps, and a remote-friendly interface if you also use a Chromecast. It does not host content, so its usefulness depends on what you already subscribe to. The phone layout is cramped compared with the television version.
Crunchyroll
The most complete anime app on Android, with simulcast seasons, a large back catalogue and both subtitles and dubs on popular shows. The free tier is ad-supported and limited to older titles, so simulcast viewers need the paid plan. Downloads and casting are supported, and the player handles subtitles cleanly.
Tubi
A free, ad-supported library that leans on older Hollywood films, cult titles and reality television. You can start watching without an account, which makes it easy to try. The obvious caveat is geography: Tubi is not available in every country and geo-blocks the rest, so availability depends on your region.
How to install on Android
- Open Google Play Store from your app drawer.
- Search the app name and scroll past the sponsored result at the top.
- Check the developer name and the permission list before installing.
- Tap Install and let it finish on Wi-Fi.
- Open the app and sign in, or continue as a guest where allowed.
- Set downloads to Wi-Fi only from the app’s playback settings.
How to install on iPhone
- Open the App Store and look up the app by name.
- Confirm the developer name is correct.
- Tap Get, then approve with Face ID or Touch ID.
- Open the app and sign in with the same account.
Android safety checklist
- Do not sideload APK files for apps that already exist on the Play Store. There is no benefit and a real malware risk.
- “Mod” builds that promise premium unlocked are unauthorised, often injected with adware, and can log your keystrokes.
- Card details go into the app’s own billing screen or the Play Store, never a page reached from an advert.
- Review installed apps occasionally and remove anything you do not recognise.
FAQ
Which of these works without a subscription?
YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, Google TV and the free tiers of Crunchyroll and Viu. The rest need a paid plan for full access.
Can I cast all of them to a TV?
Most support Chromecast, though a few restrict it to paid tiers. Check the cast icon in the player before relying on it.
Do these apps drain battery?
Streaming does, particularly at high brightness. Downloads and lower playback quality reduce the impact noticeably.
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
- Must-Have Entertainment Apps for iPhone Users in 2026
- 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.