12 Ways to Watch Movies Together Online (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Even though the strictest days of social distancing are behind us, I've gotta admit: I'm going to keep some of our pandemic habits alive. Case in point? Watching movies and shows with my favorite people without leaving my couch.

No, I'm not talking about an adult slumber party. Instead, you can remotely watch movies together online, thanks to services like Teleparty, Rave and Scener. Even better? Most of them include the option to message or video chat with your friends as you watch, which means you'll have access to the best live commentary. So, grab your popcorn and check out some of the best ways to watch movies together online, even if you’re thousands of miles apart.

Key Features

• Available for Apple and Android
• Accommodates most streaming platforms
• Synch unlimited devices

Rave is unique in that it’s the only platform that allows users to sync their streaming services, so they can watch movies together. Not only is it free of charge, but it’s also compatible with the most popular services, like Netflix, Hulu, Max and more. Even better? There’s no limit to the number of people who can join, and you can chat with others while watching in real-time. But keep in mind that all users must have a Rave account and access to the same streaming service.

How to watch movies together online with Rave:

• If you haven't already signed up, start by downloading the Rave app and set up your account.
• Add people by tapping the menu icon and selecting "Friends." Search for the friends you'd like to add, or you can send text invites for people to join Rave.
• Decide what you want to watch. (Sign in to your streaming account if necessary.)
• Pull up the movie and hit play.

Key Features

• Video auto-sync
• Available for YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Vimeo and a variety of other platforms
• Live chat

Introducing another extension that allows you to group stream a variety of services, including Netflix, HBO Now, Vimeo, YouTube and Prime Video. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the premium version allows you to watch Hulu and Disney+ (for an extra fee, of course).

How to watch movies together online with Twoseven:

• Create an account and make sure to download the TwoSeven extension.
• After signing in, click on "Start Watching" and create a new private virtual room.
• Select "Allow participants to use webcam/mic in this room" and invite your friends to join by sending the link.
• Pull up your movie and hit play.

Key Features

• Video, audio and text chat
• Supports most major streaming platforms in the U.S.
• Host up to ten guests

"As someone who loves watching shows and movies with their partner, Scener was a life-saver when I was in a long-distance relationship," says PureWow Audience Development Strategist Nicole Frazzini. "I loved that the video chat and messaging feature was on the same screen, so we could see each other’s reactions without worrying about multiple devices. One thing to note, however, is that you have to stay muted while the show is on, otherwise you’ll get feedback." Note that everyone in the group must be subscribed to the streaming service in order for it to work. Hulu and Funimation require premium subscriptions for access.

How to watch movies together online with Scener:

• Create a Scener account and install the extension.
• To start a watch party room, go to the website and click the "host a watch party" button. You can select one of two options: room (for invite-only for up to ten people) or theater (where an unlimited number of guests can join).
• Adjust your audio and visual settings, then choose your streaming service.
• Invite your friends with the generated link.
• Pick a show or movie and enjoy.

Key Features

• Synchronized video playback
• Host up to eight people
• Compatible with Apple SharePlay

Hulu Watch Party allows subscribers to watch movies together, no matter their location. Up to eight people can join, although all participants must be subscribers and 18 or older. Currently, Hulu Watch Party is an online-only feature.

How to watch movies together online with Hulu Watch Party:

• First, make sure you're logged in to Hulu.com on a supported browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge).
• Find the show or movie you'd like to watch, then look for the Watch Party icon, which is located on the Details page next to “List.”
• Click "Start the Party," then click the chain button to copy the link and share.
• Hit play when everyone has joined.

Key Features

• Screen sharing for up to 20 people
• Maximum 100 people in a watch party
• Stream directly from the app or share your screen

Kast allows you to stream online movies (even games!) with whomever you please. It's important to note that the service is free with Tubi and YouTube. But if you want to watch something else—like Netflix—you’ll be asked to pay a small fee.

How to watch movies together online with Kast:

• Log in to Kast via their website.
• To create a new party, click the button on the bottom left that says "New Party." (Pssst, after you sign up, you'll notice that Kast automatically creates the first party for you, so you can also just click the available link under "My Parties.")
• Find what you want to watch with your friends, then click the "share your screen" button. 
• Invite others to join by clicking the "Invite people" button on the right side. You can also share the provided link.
• Start streaming after your friends join!

Key Features

• Synched playback
• Shared controls
• Those without Apple devices can join via browser without logging in

SharePlay is a great option if everyone has an Apple device—and even for those who don't. If you have friends or family on Android, simply drop them an invite link, and they can access the watch party via their internet browser. SharePlay is compatible with Apple TV+, Pluto TV, Hulu, Max, Disney+, Paramount+, ESPN+ and more. The only downside? It won't work with Netflix or Prime Video.

How to watch movies together online with Apple SharePlay:

• Launch FaceTime on your device.
• Select the "new FaceTime" button to invite your friends to the group video call. (Another option is to select "Create Link" and share it with others.)
• After everyone joins, launch the video streaming app and hit play.

Key Features

• Compile watch list from across streaming platforms
• Rate films and shows
• Add friends

With Plex Watch Together, you and your friends get to watch movies together via the Plex Media Server and Plex's movie library. It's compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS and more. However, it doesn't include a chat feature.

How to watch movies together online with Plex Watch Together:

• Launch Plex and choose the movie you'd like to watch.
• Then, select the "More" button (which looks like three dots) and choose "Watch Together."
• Select the friends you want to invite to the watch party, then hit "Done."
• After everyone has accepted the invite, the movie will automatically start to play.

• Best family movies
• Best romantic movies
• Hindi movies on Prime Video
• Best historical movies
• Best crime movies