From the time of silent films to the latest 3D movies, the motion pictures have changed a lot. But one thing has remained constant for decades, they have always been a major source of entertainment. There was a time when cinema was the only way, you could enjoy a movie. But with time, the technology changed the viewing dynamics as well. Theaters became more high-tech in terms of picture and sound quality. With LED/LCD TVs the home viewing patterns also changed with ‘home-theater’ became a new trend.
With the digital revolution of the 21st century, our lifestyle changed dramatically. Suddenly everything for which we had to wait in ques was at our fingertips. As TV also became ‘Smart’, either on its own or with the help of an external device, the movie business had a new stream of audience.
Movie apps for Android like Showbox had been around for quite some time. However, with increased user demand for better integration of apps across different devices, there has been an avalanche of such apps. Although Showbox is good, it has now been replaced with quite a few alternatives that out-perform the app in many ways. Here’s a list of a few Showbox alternative apps.
- Crackle
Many user forums consider Crackle the best replacement for Showbox. The app is provided by Sony Entertainment and supports virtually every device, ranging from hand-held devices and Smart TVs to streaming players and gaming consoles. The best part is that no sign-ups are required to stream videos on the app. It offers a simple UI and smooth streaming of movies and TV shows. The app is free but supported by ads. Users can download their required content for offline viewing.
Pros
- Large content database from Sony and Partners
- No logins required
- Supports lots of devices and viewing resolutions
Cons
- Ads in every movie
- Less frequent app updates
- Tubi
This is also a free app with no subscription requirements. The content library is huge and caters to all age groups and genres. One of the best things about the app is that it features a few movies and TV shows, which are not that easy to find online. Another good feature is that the mobile app is a replica of the website. The simple UI lets users navigate and search categories with ease. Not only that but the app also allows you to continue your videos from the point where you stopped watching.
Pros
- Supports gaming consoles, Smart TVs and some streaming devices
- Free of malware and viruses
- Free HD quality streaming
- A large collection of movies and shows
Cons
- Some devices only stream movies
- Multiple ads interrupt the movies
- All content is not HD quality
- Vudu
This is another popular Android app for movies. The app is free but requires users to subscribe. It also contains a few ads. If you do not want to watch ads, you can buy movies for uninterrupted viewing. Regardless of this, all content is HD quality with crystal clear Dolby Atmos sound. There are over 1000 free movies along with 20,000+ programs to choose from.
Pros
- Supports 4K videos
- Support for Chromecast
- Fewer and shorter ads
Cons
- Subscription required for viewing
- Free content often gets removed
- All free content features ads
- Snag Films
The app claims to offer a huge content library that contains many genres and even languages. There are over 5,000 movies from Europe, Hollywood, Bollywood, China, Korea, and even Africa. The best feature is the availability of almost all classics. The app runs almost on all media devices, has a simple UI and allows content sharing on social networks.
Pros
- Content includes highly rated documentaries and critically acclaimed classic features
- Fewer ads
- Effective content categorization
Cons
- A large part of the content is older movies
- Doesn’t support filtering or sorting of list entries
- MegaBox HD
The app is the best Showbox replacement. With easy navigation and a smooth UI, it offers free online streaming of movies. It also gives you the option to download movies, choose viewing resolutions, and turn on subtitles.
Pros
- No ads during movies
- HD quality streaming and download
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Not available on Play Store, APK file can be downloaded on a phone or other devices
- Limited device support
- Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a free app that runs on multiple devices and platforms and is owned by Screen Media Films. The app doesn’t require any account logins. The distributor ensures constant inflow of content. Popcornflix is not limited to independent movies but also covers web series, original shows, and film school originals. To top it off, all of this is absolutely free. The only downside is that the app has in-video ads. Another distinguishing app feature allows you to add movies to a queuing list where you can watch them later. There are dedicated sections based on different genres including kids’ entertainment.
Pros
- A constant flow of content
- A dedicated section for Kids
- Original content
- Legal and safe
Cons
- Support for multiple players can be distracting
- Limited device support
- CinemaBox
This is a premium app that streams movies and shows. It was previously named PlayBox HD. The best part of the app is the parental control feature allowing users to restrict viewing. CinemaBox is completely safe from malware and bugs. Other features include HD streaming, subtitles and download options.
Pros
- All movies in 720p HD format
- Parental control feature
- Support for Chromecast and Wi-Fi sharing
Cons
- Not available on Play Store, APK file can be downloaded on a phone
These are some of the best movie apps on Android that can provide an alternate for ShowBox. Almost all these apps offer great viewing experience across multiple devices. So next time you are in a waiting area or riding a subway, just simply start enjoying your favorite movie or TV show on your handheld devices. When you go home, you can just pick up your laptop, grab a bowl of popcorn and start your movie from where you left.
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