Watching movies has become even more accessible on mobile devices thanks to significant technology upgrades. Manufacturers have cottoned on to the fact that end users want to be able to watch on the move and have responded fantastically.

Processors and chipsets have been made more powerful, screens have been overhauled, batteries improved and sound quality enhanced. Some of the flagship phones can compete with big screen devices when it comes to movie playback. Gone are the days of lag and spinning wheels while waiting for your movie to buffer, now you can watch your content in pure, uninterrupted OLED or super AMOLED quality with some great aspect ratios too.

As with all apps, you need to consider your data usage, and this is something you should take into account when bagging a mobile deal. Obviously, if you are streaming movies at home and have access to wifi, then you are good to go, but streaming videos on the move using 4G will eat into your data allowance so worth getting that sorted before you begin. All you need now are the best in movie apps to get you going.

Netflix Streaming App

While this is a subscription-based service, it remains one of the best movie and box set entertainment apps on the market. Netflix spends a considerable amount of money on creating their own proprietary entertainment series, and they are generally impressive offerings and spread across all genres, so there really is something for everyone.

They also have access to some pretty big blockbuster movies and a myriad of catchup and box sets from other networks such as the BBC. This remains our favourite app as there is just so much content on offer from television shows to box sets and movies. Netflix has pumped a lot of money into creating their content making their shows often better than those on offer from Sky and other major contributors.

The subscription rates are really reasonable considering how much content there is available to users and you can step up to add more screens so that family members can watch different shows at the same time. The app is free to download on Google Play, but you will need a subscription to access the content.

Amazon Prime Streaming App

This is a genuine bonus for those who need Amazon Prime for shopping needs. Your subscription also gives you access to a range of free television and movie choices.

The site is bigger than just the free content, and you can make in-app purchases to rent movies or other paid programmes meaning you can see some of the newer movies without leaving your sofa. Perfect if you are part of the growing movement that has denounced the cinema experience in favour of the ability to pause and rewind, access to your slippers and a good cup of tea. Amazon Prime is available across a range of devices and is free to download.

YouTube Subscription Streaming App

Still, a great help when to comes to downloading content or streaming movies on your Android phone. This app is often part of a standard handset setup so you might not even need to download it. YouTube has movies and a simply massive collection of videos on every subject.

It is certainly a great app to stave off the boredom if you are on a long train journey or waiting around for someone at an appointment. Being free it also has a great appeal, just remember to consider your data allowance otherwise you could be paying through the nose for your movies. Piggyback onto free wifi points if possible and save your data for another day.

Snag Films

Snag Films gives you the opportunity to watch loads of full-length movies, documentaries and other television from your handset. Download the app, and you will find a great range of films from independent companies across a huge variety of genres.

There is adult content widely available so a word of caution if you are downloading this onto children’s devices. As a free app, this is well worth downloading as there is plenty of choices and you can move the content from one device to another if that makes it easier.

Crackle Streaming App

Another fantastic little app that adds new content every month for users to enjoy. This is a free app, and there are no hidden charges, you will not be charged to sign up or watch content. A good selection of Hollywood movies, television shows and more are on offer, so this is a really worthwhile app to have.

BBC iPlayer

This is a free to use app, but you do have to have a television licence in order to use it legally. The app has a lot of great content and the ability to watch shows live if you cannot get to a television when they air. Some of their content is only available for seven days after broadcast so you will need to play catch up promptly, but other material is on there for a lot longer.

The many apps on offer have almost replaced the need to have the television set, and for many, the big screen is not a loss they worry about. With mobiles and other tablet devices, it is possible to use these apps to generate a television and movie experience better than what is offered by major television and streaming providers.

Now TV Movie Streaming App

Another paid subscription app, Now TV has a different set of movies and television on offer from the likes of Netflix. Now TV is another great app for accessing a range of films.

They may not be box office new, but they are still great for whiling away the hours and catching up on anything that you may have missed. Which service you subscribe to is generally a matter of personal choice, but you can browse the libraries of most of the big apps online before you decide.

Typically, they offer month by month subscriptions so you can always cancel if you find it is not the app for you.