How To Watch Movies on Kodi, Plus the Best Kodi Add-ons of 2026

Kodi is an open-source media player that uses add-ons to let you stream movies, TV shows, music, and much more from different sources directly to your device, turning it into a home theater system.

However, the Kodi add-ons that bring content onto the system are often developed by third parties and can carry security risks. This is why using a VPN with Kodi is essential. A VPN protects your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it impossible to track your activities.

In this article, we'll explore why Kodi is great for movies, why a VPN is necessary, and the best add-ons for streaming. You'll learn how to watch movies on Kodi safely and efficiently.

How to watch movies on Kodi

Streaming movies on Kodi is different from Netflix, for instance, mainly because it’s open source and powered by add-ons. While on Netflix, you get a curated content library, on Kodi, you must install an add-on before you can stream movies.

These add-ons pull links from multiple sources to provide you with movies, offering more options, but at the cost of setup and management.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to watch movies on Kodi:

1. Navigate to the Add-ons menu: Open Kodi and go to the main menu. From there, select the “Add-ons” option.
2. Find the Video Add-ons tab: In the Add-ons menu, locate and click on the “Video Add-ons” tab.
3. Choose and install an add-on: Browse through the available add-ons, select one that suits your needs (such as Crackle or Tubi TV), and click “Install.”
4. Access the add-on: Return to the “Video Add-ons” tab and open the installed add-on.
5. Browse and stream movies: Use the add-on to browse the available movies and start streaming your chosen content.

How to add movies to Kodi

Kodi also provides a feature for adding movies obtained elsewhere, whether downloaded files or ripped DVDs. This allows you to organize and play your personal movie collection directly from a centralized media library in Kodi.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to import video files to Kodi:

1. Navigate to the Videos menu: Open Kodi and go to the main menu. Select the “Videos” option.
2. Choose files: In the Videos menu, click on “Files” to access the file manager.
3. Add videos: Select the “Add videos” option to open a new window where you can browse and add your video files.
4. Browse for media locations: Click “Browse” to locate the folder where your movies are stored on your device.
5. Select and add the folder: Once you’ve found the folder containing your movies, select it and click “OK” to add it to Kodi’s library.
6. Set content type: After adding the folder, you’ll be prompted to set the content type. Choose “Movies” and confirm to let Kodi scan and organize your movies.

What are Kodi add-ons?

Add-ons drive the core of Kodi's functionality, helping users access a wide range of movies and TV shows. These third-party add-ons provide links from websites that host online content.

This flexibility lets you stream movies from numerous sources, expanding your viewing options beyond what is usually available with traditional streaming services.

Best Kodi movie add-ons

Unfortunately, not all Kodi add-ons are safe to use, as some may contain malware or links to pirated content. Stick to the more popular or official add-ons to ensure your streaming experience is both safe and reliable.

Below, we've listed some trusted and official add-ons and what they're good for:

Add-on	What it’s good for
Crackle	Free movies and TV shows
BBC iPlayer	British TV shows and movies
Tubi TV	A wide range of free movies
PBS Kids	Educational content for children
FilmRise	Classic and indie films
YouTube	User-generated content and movies
Classic Cinema	Vintage movies and series
Dailymotion	Various user-uploaded videos

Why you need a VPN for Kodi

Using a virtual private network (VPN) to stream Kodi offers several advantages. When your internet connection is encrypted, you’re protected from the possible security threats that come with using third-party add-ons. Some potential threats include identity thieves, man-in-the-middle attacks, and ads that track your activities.

The encryption ensures that all your data remains private and safe from hackers and other bad actors.

Additionally, it will help you bypass geo-restrictions and stream content blocked in your region. This expands the number of movies and TV shows you can watch without restriction. Moreover, a VPN improves streaming speeds by reducing throttling from an internet service provider, enabling a smoother viewing experience.

Best VPNs for streaming Kodi

Setting up a VPN on Kodi is important for securing your privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, and improving your streaming speeds. For a detailed guide on installing a VPN on Kodi, please visit our guide on installing a Kodi VPN.

Given the many VPNs available on the market, it can be difficult to sift through and pick the right option. These are some of the best VPNs for streaming movies on Kodi for a few reasons. We've considered price, proprietary protocols for fast, secure streaming, optimized servers, advanced VPN security features, and more. The top Kodi VPNs include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. 

Bottom line

Kodi is an exceptional platform for watching movies, offering extensive device compatibility, support for various file formats, and a wide range of customizable add-ons. Its open-source nature allows for continual improvements and new features, making it a versatile choice for any movie enthusiast.

However, to enjoy Kodi safely and to its fullest potential, using a VPN is essential. A VPN ensures your privacy, protects you from security threats, and allows you to access geo-restricted content.

With the right tools and precautions, you can transform your Kodi experience into a safe and enjoyable home theater adventure. To get started, explore the recommended Kodi add-ons and set up one of the best VPNs to stream Kodi movies securely.

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