Being a movie fanatic, having easy access to watch the movies anytime, anywhere is like a cherry on the top of the cake. Long gone are the days when you needed a different player or set up to play the movies and work your assignments.
With a decent desktop setup or a laptop, you can access all your favorite movies with ease and work with full proficiency. Both the setups come with adequate features with which you can have an incredible watching experience.
The devices are powerful enough to take the workload, play heavy games, and present HD resolution for watching your favorite movies. However, there are other options too where you can watch movies and TV shows. Let us explore them and understand the difference between them. In the end, let’s chose Best Computer for Watching Movies and TV Series.
- Apple MacBook Pro – Best Overall
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Budget Option
- Acer Aspire 5 Slim(A515-43-R19L) – Cheapest
- Dell XPS 15 7590 – Best Resolution option
- – Best 2 in 1 Option
- Apple iMac Pro – Best Overall
- Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 – Budget Option
- HP 22-c0010 – Cheapest Options
- HP Envy 32(32-a1010) – Best resolution option
- Apple iMac – Best All In One option
Check below the Full Review of each selection and the Buying Guide.
Why watch movies on your computer?
Having a decent computer or laptop comes in handy for watching movies and entertaining yourself. You can work, play games and do tons of different stuff on them. Single setup to cater to all your needs. Pretty Awesome!!
Whether you want to spend a relaxing night watching movies or just want a break from the regular boring routine, these devices will be there to amp up the entertainment level.
There are other options to watch movies like TV, phone, tablet, and laptop. Let us compare them one by one and see the advantages and disadvantages.
Computer VS TV
Watching movies on TV is quite relaxing. You get a higher resolution with extremely large screen size variants to choose from. However, there are certain limits when setting up the TV in different locations.
For example, if you are living in a dorm, there are certain limitations on the screen size, and you cannot put them on sharable walls. On top of that, you cannot work on TV.
So, having a computer setup allows you to watch your favorite films and work on your assignments with ease. Moreover, the setup is quite space-saver.
Computer VS Phone
You can watch movies on your phone anywhere, anytime, but you have to compromise with screen size and sound quality. Whereas, with a computer setup, you can attach an additional sound system and a large screen to enjoy the shows.
Computer VS Tablet
No, doubt the tablet removes the screen size issue and is quite travel-friendly, but they don’t have strong computational power. You can complete your work more easily on a computer setup even enjoy better sound quality with an additional sound system.
Desktop VS Laptop
Laptops are quite travel-friendly and put a tough competition against the desktop setup. You can do all the stuff on both devices, but there are certain pros and cons of each setup. Let us dive into them.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a desktop setup
Advantages
- Easy to upgrade the components
- The low upfront cost for getting a high-performance rig
- Sturdy setup with higher threshold against wear and tear
- Higher connectivity options
Disadvantages
- No portability
- Consumes more space than a laptop
- Heavyweight
Advantages and disadvantages of using a laptop
Advantages
- Quite travel-friendly
- Lightweight and portable
- Compact setup
- Good battery backup option
Disadvantages
- Costly option than desktop setup
- Less flexibility for upgrading components
How to watch movies on the computer?
Watching your favorite movies on the computer is quite easy. You either need a good internet connection to search the internet or possess the movie in CD-DVD. There are several options available so, let us explore them all.
Free VS Pay
There are several free websites available on the internet to watch movies that have tons of movie options to offer. However, not all the sites are legal, and you have to use a VPN to access them.
If you don’t want any security threat to your data and privacy, then you can rent or buy them from Google Play, Microsoft Store, iTunes, and watch them anytime.
CD-DVD Disc
You can buy a CD or DVD of your favorite movie from an offline or online store like Amazon. All you need is to follow some easy steps to run the CD/DVD.
- Place the CD/DVD in the tray and close it.
- Open This PC and run the DVD by double-clicking on it. You can also open Windows Media Player and select the CD/DVD option to play the movie.
- Eject the CD/DVD once you are finished with your movie.
Sometimes, you will get a message that the format of the file is not supported. It is the worst prompt to encounter on a planned movie night.
But don’t worry. There are other options to solve the issue. You have to download other players to run the movie. Let us explore the other options.
Other software to watch movies
You can download Vlc player, GOM player, or MX player to watch movies. They support all the formats and have advanced functionality to adjust the audio and video settings. You can easily add a captions file to access subtitles.
All the players can be downloaded from the internet in no time. Just install the setup file, and you are ready to watch your favorite movies.
Movie Apps
There are several apps like Netflix, Crackle, Hulu, Vudu, etc., where you can watch your favorite films and TV shows. You just have to download them, buy the subscription, and you are all set to watch tons of stuff without any unnecessary interruptions.
How to Choose the Best Computer for Watching Movies and TV Series?
When it comes to picking the best pc for watching movies, there are some critical aspects to deem about. Does resolution play any role in improving the watching experience? Which CPU and GPU are best suited for the best desktop for watching movies? How much RAM is recommended for the rig?
Getting answers to all these questions will allow you to possess a decent setup where you can enjoy and work as well. So, without any further delay, let us dive into the answers to these questions.
Does resolution matter for movies?
Yes, the screen will only output the highest level of resolution it can. In simple words, a 720p display cannot display 1080 p even if the video file has a 1080p resolution. Resolution is defined by the number of pixels displayed by the screen horizontally and vertically.
With resolution, PPI(Pixel Per Inch) also changes the picture quality on the screen. This is known as pixel density. A display screen having the same resolution but more pixel density will show sharp and clear images than the one with less pixel density.
What About Storage, Processor, and GPU?
Storage
When it comes to memory, certain apps provide cloud storage, which even can be extended. However, if you still want to save your favorite movies locally on your desktop, then you can go with 500GB or 1TB variants. It will be more than enough.
Processor
Watching a movie is a light task. Any CPU will work fine for watching movies, but you are not buying a pc or laptop just to watch the movies. Here comes the main difference. If you love to play games, you should opt for the one with a higher clock speed and higher cores.
If you just want to have a rig for general work, then don’t opt for high-end CPUs.
GPU
Having a decent graphic card will ensure that your watching experience is smooth, but even the low-cost rigs without a graphic card can run the movies without any interruptions. So the difference lies in the usage of the rig besides watching movies.
For general work, you don’t need a powerful GPU whereas, if you want to enjoy games on your setup then, you definitely need to invest in a top-end GPU.
Speakers/Sound Importance
When it comes to choosing speakers for your rig, you have to deem certain aspects. Having the right speakers will totally change your watching experience. You can have a theatre-like experience at your home by taking care of a few things.
To take care of the lower frequencies, you should invest in a sound system that incorporates a good subwoofer. Other than that, the space and number of speakers depend on your personal choice. You have to make sure that you get a compatible sound card on your desktop.
Generally, the internal ones make some noise, so try to keep the card out of the main setup. When it comes to laptops, the cost rises with high-end sound systems.
If you just want a travel-friendly option, then you can opt for portable ones. They elevate the sound level and are quite travel-friendly.
On the other hand, if you love to watch movies with your headphones, then all you need is a good pair, and you are all set to watch your favorite movies and TV shows.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for High-Quality Watching Experience
Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements to watch movies smoothly.
Minimum System Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i3
- Battery: 5 hours minimum
- Storage: 256 SSD or dual storage system(SSD+HDD)
- RAM: 4GB
- Display: 13 inch screen(1920X1080)
- Graphics: Integrated
Recommended System Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or above
- Battery: 8 hours or above
- Storage: 512 SSD or above
- RAM: 8-16GB or above
- Display: 15 inch screen(1920X1080) or above
- Graphics: 2GB Nvidia GeForce MX250 or above
Best Laptop for Watching Movies
| Image | Name | Fatures | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Apple MacBook Pro |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Microsoft Surface Pro 7 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Acer Aspire 5 Slim(A515-43-R19L) |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Dell XPS 15 7590 |
| Check On Amazon |
| HP 13.3" EliteBook x360 830 |
| ||
1- Apple MacBook Pro – Best Overall
Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB SSD
GPU: 4GB AMD Radeon Pro 5300M
Display: 3072×1920
Here comes the flagship laptop of Apple to top the list with its monstrous specs. With Macbook pro, you get a 16-inch retina display powered with 500 nits of brightness. You will get the best experience with this display.
The laptop is powered by Intel Core i9, having eight cores and 16 threads that provide exceptional multitasking abilities. With the 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB SSD, you will get top speed in booting and performing other functions.
The exclusive touch bar and touch id are just like icing on the cake. The 6 speaker system offers fantastic sound quality, and with four USB-C ports, you get a lot of options to connect additional peripherals.
Pros
- Improved design for better performance
- Improved fan blades for better airflow and heat sinking ability
- Extremely responsive magic keyboard
- Force canceling sound system for clear sound
Cons
- High price tag
- Some battery backup issues
2- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Budget Option
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD
GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Display: 2736 x 1824
With Surface Pro 7, you get a touch screen 2 in 1 setup where you can work and watch movies seamlessly. You can transform the laptop into a tablet with ease.
The laptop is quite travel-friendly as it is exceptionally lightweight. It offers USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting additional screens and other peripherals.
It comes with long battery life so that you can entertain yourself without any unnecessary interruptions. The 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD offers good speed to perform all the tasks smoothly.
Pros
- Fast charging ability(0 to 80% within an hour)
- Long battery backup
- Incredibly slim and lightweight
- Smooth touchscreen for increased usability
- Three usability modes
Cons
- The keyboard and pen comes separately, elevating the price
- Small screen size with thick bezels
3- Acer Aspire 5 Slim(A515-43-R19L) – Cheapest
Processor: Ryzen 3
Ram: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD
GPU: Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
Display: 1920 x 1080
Short on budget? Don’t worry, Aspire 5 Slim is here to cater to all your needs with a low upfront cost. The low cost does not mean that you have to compromise with performance or entertainment value.
You get 4GB DDR4 RAM with 128 GB SSD and AMD Ryzen 3 processor, which provides a solid rig to work and watch your favorite movies and TV shows.
There are a lot of connectivity options available on the laptop. You get a backlit keyboard, which comes in handy at night time. So, no need to have a bright light in the room while watching your favorite movie.
You get a decent battery back up so that you can binge-watch movies for long hours.
Pros
- Decent battery back up
- Several connectivity options
- Widescreen at low cost
- Backlit keyboard
Cons
- Windows 10 S mode reduces functionality
4- Dell XPS 15 7590 – Best Resolution option
Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
GPU: 4 GB(Nvidia) GeForce GTX 1650
Display: 3840 x 2160
When it comes to the best screen resolution in the market, Dell XPS 15 tops the list. It is one of the best laptops for watching movies. You get a 15.6-inch screen size with a 4K display.
The beast comes with an anti-reflective glass that removes the glare issue. The display has 400 nits brightness level.
The laptop incorporates CinemaSound, CinemaColor, and CinemaStream to elevate the watching experience. You get a smoother viewing experience with high volume and bass level.
The Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB RAM and SSD provides exceptional speed where you can multitask without any delay.
Pros
- Smoother viewing experience with top software and hardware capabilities
- Thin and lightweight unit
- Flexibility to upgrade components
- Better battery life and backup
Cons
- Contains lots of bloatware
- Heating issue
5- – Best 2 in 1 Option
Here comes HP with one of the best 2 in 1 laptop for watching movies. The Elitebook has decent specs with which you can watch movies and work seamlessly.
It comes with a lightweight aluminum body and has a good battery backup. The keyboard is quite comfortable to use. The speakers are facing upwards on both sides of the keyboard, which enhances the sound quality.
The screen has thin bezels, and the unit comes with several connectivity options. You even get an in-built SD-card reader. You can revolve the screen to tablet mode for comfortable use.
Pros
- Several connectivity options
- This design and lightweight makes it travel-friendly
- Enhanced sound system
Cons
- Weak body. Creaks on turning
Best Desktop for Watching Movies
| Image | Name | Fatures | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Apple iMac Pro |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | HP 22-c0010 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | HP Envy 32(32-a1010) |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Apple iMac |
| Check On Amazon |
1- Apple iMac Pro – Best Overall
Processor: Intel Xeon W Processor
Ram: 32 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB SSD
GPU: 8 GB AMD Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics
Display: 5120X2880
iMac Pro is one of the best pc for watching movies, editing and rendering videos, playing games, and working seamlessly. You just name the task, the rig is fully equipped with everything to complete any task without any lag or delay.
You get an epic 27 inch 5K retina display that supports one billion colors. Yes, a whopping number of 1 billion. You will experience mesmerizing graphics with just a 5mm thick display. The setup has out of the world specs in aspects of memory, storage, processor, and GPU.
You get an exceptional working speed with the state-of-the-art viewing experience. Get ready to experience a theatre-like sound with the enhanced sound system in your home.
Pros
- Thin display with 500 nits brightness
- Better thermal design for enhanced performance
- 18 core availability to take multitasking to the next level
Cons
- High price tag
2- Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 – Budget Option
Processor: Ryzen 3
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
GPU: Integrated 1 GB AMD Radeon
Display: 1920 x 1080
With IdeaCentre AIO 3, you get a decent rig to watch movies and perform other tasks. You get a 24-inch screen size with a borderless display design. With this, you get a higher screen to body ratio that enhances the viewing experience.
Even when watching the screen from wide angles, you get clear and sharp images due to its narrow bezels.
You can tilt the screen to different angles to get the right posture and remove the glare issue. You get several connectivity options in the rig. The setup is quite sturdy and works seamlessly without any lag.
Pros
- Widescreen at an affordable price range
- In-built front cam shutter
- The high number of cores backup easy multitasking
Cons
- Quite challenging to reach the ports
3- HP 22-c0010 – Cheapest Options
Processor: AMD A4-9125
Ram: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB HDD
GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon
Display: 1920 x 1080
If you are looking to buy a desktop just for general work and entertainment purposes, then HP 22-c0010 is the best setup to opt for. You get decent specifications at a very low price range.
It comes with 21.5 -inch Full HD display with ultraslim bezels, which enhances the viewing experience. You get decent RAM and storage amounts to save your favorite movies and TV shows locally. This way you can enjoy them whenever you want.
The screen can be adjusted to different angles to get the right angle for enjoying the shows. Moreover, you get several options for connectivity too.
Pros
- Cheap
- Decent screen size with 1920X1080 resolution
- In-built DVD writer
Cons
- Issues with working speed of tasks
4- HP Envy 32(32-a1010) – Best resolution option
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB HDD
GPU: 4 GB GeForce GTX 1650
Display: 3840 x 2160
HP comes with a beast rig to provide the best resolution and visuals for entertainment. You get a wide 31.5-inch 4K display with ultra-slim bezels. No matter from which angle you are watching the screen, you will get an ultrafine viewing experience.
Other than state-of-the-art display capabilities, the setup incorporated a strong CPU, GPU backed up with large storage and RAM. Whether you want to play high-end games, edit and render videos, watch movies and TV shows or work on your assignments, the whole system takes care of all your computational needs.
It comes with a wireless charging pad that elevates the usability of the whole setup.
Pros
- 4K widescreen with a slim design
- In-built soundbar
- Wireless charging availability
Cons
- Huge power console
- No touch screen option
5- Apple iMac – Best All In One option
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 TB HDD
GPU: 4 GB Radeon Pro 5300
Display: 5120X2880
When looking for the best all in one option, there is no better option than Apple iMac. You get a 27 -inch 5K retina display with beautiful looks. The elegant setup enhances the aesthetics of the whole room.
The rig is compact, thin and incorporates decent specs in aspects of memory, storage, processor, and GPU. You get several connectivity issues to connect external peripherals.
All you need is to plug in the power cord, and you are all sent to enjoy your movies, play games, and work without any unnecessary interruptions.
Pros
- Stylish and elegant design
- Full HD camera with privacy protection
- Nano texture screen
Cons
- Expensive with no touch screen option
- Thick bezels
FAQs- What people Ask?
Is it bad to watch movies on a laptop?
No, You can watch movies on a laptop without any worry. However, take care that you don’t get too addicted, as it may harm your eyesight.
How do you watch a movie on your laptop?
There are numerous ways to watch a movie on a laptop. You can buy/rent movies from different sites, opt for a subscription plan, or even buy a CD and play it on your laptop.
Which processor is the best for watching movies?
Almost all processors offer a hassle-free movie watching experience. We prefer you to go for any laptop with an i3 processor or more.
Is MacBook pro good for watching movies?
Yes, MacBook Pro is considered the best to watch incredible movies online with high resolution and excellent sound quality.
What is the best laptop to watch Netflix?
We have covered all the top laptops to watch Netflix above. Refer them to choose your viable option as per your budget and convenience. Apple iMac and Apple Macbook Pro tops the list. All other options are well-suited to support Netflix
Are Chromebooks good for watching movies?
Yes, Chromebooks offer a good movie experience for all your movies and TV shows needs in the best way.
Are gaming laptops good for watching movies?
Yes, they have a top-notch resolution that is a must for viewing the best picture quality and performance.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, this was all about the top laptops and desktops that are available in the market to help you with non-stop movies and TV shows. Go through the entire comprehensive guide before you make your mind and spend to get the right product for you!
While MacBook Pro is our ultimate pick owing to its outstanding resolution and video quality in best laptops to watch movies, Apple iMac pro tops the list of the best computer for watching movies. We are sure that all the movie and TV show lovers would be happy with all the details shared here, and we were able to make all our movie buffs know about the exact differences and essential parameters of laptops and desktops.
Happy Movies and TV Shows time!
