How to Watch Movies on Xbox One

Updated July 01, 2019

The Xbox One is more than merely a gaming machine; it is a multimedia powerhouse. With Xbox One you can watch and enjoy your favorite movies via a variety of media including Blu-rays and DVDs. Alternatively, you can step into the world of streaming, watching your favorite movies from sources such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO, and more. If you want to relax with your favorite film, follow this guide and we'll get you up and running with your Xbox One — all you need to bring is the popcorn.

Watching Blu-rays and DVDs on Xbox One

Some say that physical media such as Blu-rays and DVDs are headed the way of the dodo bird, that is to say extinct; however, if you still have a DVD collection on hand or if you know the power and quality of a Blu-ray disc then you might scoff at the idea. Either way, here is how you go about playing Blu-ray discs and DVDs with your Xbox One.

The Xbox One is not compatible with the HD-DVD format.

Begin by downloading the Blu-ray Player app from the Xbox One store — it is a free app from Microsoft that will allow you to play physical discs.

The Store can be accessed to the right of the Xbox Home screen, simply search for the term Blu-ray, then, in the results, select and download Blu-ray Player.
Once the Blu-ray Player app is installed, insert your Blu-ray disc or DVD into the front of the Xbox One.

The Xbox One can only hold one disc at a time, if the Xbox refuses to accept the disc, it may already have another disc inserted — eject it with the eject button on the front of the Xbox One console.
Select, and launch the previously installed Blu-ray Player app.
Your disc will start and you can now begin watching your movie.

Xbox One Controls For the Blu-ray Player App

Listed below are the basic controls that can be used when watching a Blu-ray disc or DVD with the Blu-ray app on Xbox One. Learning these button correlations will help in ensuring you have an enjoyable movie watching experience.

Close-up of hand holding video game controller — Westend61 / Getty Images

Play/Pause: X Button
Skip Back One Chapter: Left Bumper
Skip Forward One Chapter: Right Bumper
Fast Forward: Right Trigger
Rewind: Left Trigger
Display On-Screen Controls: B Button

Watching Streaming Media on Xbox One

In addition to watching your favorite physical media, you can also enjoy some of the most popular streaming platforms available. Content providers such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, HBO, and more have their apps available in the Xbox Store for free download.

Looking for free movies on Xbox One? Try apps such as Crackle and Tubi which offer free movies with commercials.

Open the Store to the right of the Xbox Home Screen.
Use the Search option to find the streaming service you wish to download, such as Netflix or Hulu.
Select and download the app from the given list.
Launch the app on Xbox One and sign in with your credentials if you have them. Otherwise, select the option to signup for the service.
Begin using the streaming app to search for and watch your favorite movies.

Grab some popcorn and watch your favorite movies with Xbox One. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Purchase or Rent Movies From Xbox Video

Another alternative for watching movies on your Xbox One, if you don't have a physical disc or don't wish to signup for a streaming service, is to rent or purchase movies from the official Xbox Video store. Purchasing a movie will store it in your digital library for later access while renting will only make it available for a limited time.

Open the Xbox Store to the right of the Xbox Home Screen.
Use the Search option to find the movie you wish to purchase or rent.
Select the movie from the given list.
Choose to either Purchase or Rent the movie.

Remember that a rented movie will only be viewable for a limited amount of time.
Wait for your film to download, then begin watching your movie.