If you're a movie fan, you should know! The 2026 Complete Guide to Choosing Subscription Services

A subscription service that allows unlimited movie viewing for a flat fee. There are many services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, and more, but many people may wonder, “Which one should I choose?” Since the prices, number of titles, and genres they excel in vary greatly, choosing a service that fits your needs is important. In this article, we thoroughly compare the top 10 popular movie subscription services and introduce recommended options by type.

Which type are you? Five criteria for choosing a movie subscription

When selecting a movie streaming service, it’s important to evaluate not just “because it’s cheap,” but to consider these five points comprehensively.

① Cost-effectiveness
Prices range from around 500 yen per month to nearly 3,000 yen. However, cheaper services tend to have fewer titles. Sharing with family can also reduce individual costs.

② Content richness
Genres they specialize in and those they are weak in are clearly divided. Decide based on what genres you watch most often, such as Western movies, Japanese films, Korean movies, etc.

③ Speed of new release distribution
Most services do not offer unlimited access to new releases; they are usually available for rent. However, the number of new releases and their distribution timing differ between services.

④ Ease of viewing features
Download options, fast-forward, subtitle/dubbing switching, etc., greatly impact your viewing experience. Whether you can watch comfortably is an important factor.

⑤ Ease of sharing with multiple users
Considering profile numbers, simultaneous viewing, and costs, sharing with family often proves more cost-effective.

Best value for money? Love new releases? Find the perfect subscription for you

The key to choosing a movie streaming service is “being able to watch the movies you want without stress at an affordable price.” Here, we introduce the best services tailored to different usage purposes.

For those who want to enjoy movies cheaply at all costs
DMM TV and Amazon Prime Video, around 550–600 yen per month, are recommended. DMM TV offers a rich selection of Japanese films, while Amazon Prime Video has a well-balanced genre lineup.

For those who want to watch new releases as soon as possible
Amazon Prime Video is the best choice. It has a significantly larger number of new release titles and exclusive streaming rights for popular movies like “Rurouni Kenshin.”

For those who want a balanced mix of Western, Japanese, and Korean movies
U-NEXT is the top pick. It offers an extensive lineup across genres, with a higher monthly fee but points that make rentals more affordable.

For those mainly interested in Korean movies
Hulu is recommended. It has a large number of Korean films, with about 8 out of 10 of the tested titles available for unlimited viewing, and a monthly fee of around 1,000 yen.

For those prioritizing viewing features
Lemino offers all features such as downloads, picture-in-picture, fast-forward, and speed control, making it ideal for a comfortable viewing environment.

For those who want to enjoy original content along with movies
Netflix and Disney+ have a wealth of original dramas and anime, in addition to movies. They are suitable for users who want a broader entertainment experience.

Detailed comparison of 10 major movie subscription services

Amazon Prime Video: The balanced top contender

At just 600 yen per month, Amazon Prime Video offers a wide range of movies across genres. It has one of the largest numbers of new release titles, with 3 out of 10 tested titles available for unlimited viewing and 4 for rent. Out of 20 tested Western movies, 11 are available for free, and 8 Japanese films are also included, maintaining a high balance across genres.

It features basic viewing functions such as downloads, picture-in-picture, and fast-forwarding, but does not support speed adjustment. Account sharing is flexible, with up to six profiles per account and support for three simultaneous streams. Since it also offers popular original content, starting with Amazon Prime Video is a solid choice.

Netflix: For those who prioritize a quality viewing environment

With the standard plan at 890 yen (ad-supported), Netflix offers comprehensive features like downloads, fast-forward, and speed control, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

Its lineup of Western, Japanese, and Korean movies is well-balanced, with no particular genre being a weak point. While the number of new releases available for unlimited viewing is limited, it has exclusive streaming rights for notable titles like “Rurouni Kenshin.” Its original content is extensive, making it suitable for those who also want dramas and anime.

U-NEXT: The best choice for those prioritizing content volume

At 2,189 yen per month, U-NEXT is slightly more expensive but boasts an overwhelming lineup that includes Japanese, Western, and Korean films—literally everything. All 10 tested Korean movies are available for unlimited viewing, satisfying diverse preferences.

It offers 1,200 points monthly, which can be used for rentals or tickets at TOHO Cinemas and AEON Cinema. Up to four profiles can be created, and four simultaneous streams are supported, making it cost-effective for families.

Hulu: A must for Korean movie fans

At 1,026 yen per month, Hulu has a particularly rich Korean film lineup, with 8 out of 10 tested titles available for unlimited viewing. Out of 20 Western movies tested, 9 are available for free, which is quite good.

It supports up to six profiles and four simultaneous streams, with all basic viewing features. For fans of Korean movies who want to watch many titles at a low cost, Hulu is highly recommended.

Lemino: For those who prioritize features

At 990 yen per month, Lemino offers industry-leading features such as downloads, picture-in-picture, fast-forward, and speed control, all built-in. You can watch comfortably at your own pace.

Its lineup is average, with no particular strengths or weaknesses. It supports four simultaneous streams but does not allow multiple profiles, which is a slight drawback. Ideal for users who prioritize functionality and want to enjoy multiple devices alone.

FOD Premium: For fans of Fuji TV

At 1,320 yen per month, FOD offers a rich selection of Fuji TV dramas and variety shows. However, its movie lineup is limited, especially for Western and Korean films. About 7 out of 20 Japanese films are available for free.

It’s suitable for those who want to enjoy a wide range of video content, including TV programs. Supports four profiles and four simultaneous streams, making it family-friendly.

DMM TV: Balancing Japanese films and cost performance

At just 550 yen per month, DMM TV specializes in Japanese films. Of 20 tested titles, 11 are available for free, making it highly rich in Japanese content. Western and Korean movies are mainly rentals, but the low price offers good value.

Supports four profiles and four streams simultaneously. Perfect for Japanese film fans who want to start cheaply.

TELASA: For fans of TV Asahi programs

At 990 yen per month, TELASA offers a strong lineup of TV Asahi dramas. Its movie selection is limited, especially for Western and Korean films. It does not support multiple profiles or simultaneous streams, so sharing with family is not ideal.

Best suited for those who prioritize TV Asahi content over movies.

Video Market: Point-based service

At 1,078 yen per month, Video Market offers generous point returns. Its unlimited content is limited, but with 550 points monthly and up to 50 coupons for up to 100% off, you can watch quite a few titles. It has a relatively rich selection of rentals for Western and Japanese films.

Supports three simultaneous streams. Note that download functions are only available on Android devices.

Disney+: The ultimate choice for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars fans

At 1,140 yen per month, Disney+ offers a wealth of exclusive content including Disney classics, Star Wars series, and Marvel movies. If you love these franchises, this service is a must.

It has almost no Japanese or Korean films, and no support for speed control. It’s tailored for fans of Disney and Marvel content, with a clear focus.

Conclusion: Key points for choosing a movie subscription

When choosing a movie streaming service, it’s essential to clarify your viewing patterns—what you want to watch and how often. Trying out free trials of multiple services can help you assess usability before making a final decision.

If you prioritize cost, Amazon Prime Video and DMM TV are good options. For extensive content, U-NEXT is ideal. If viewing features are most important, Lemino is recommended. Selecting the right service based on your purpose will make your movie experience more enjoyable.