How to Watch Movies on Kodi: A Comprehensive Guide

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 connection, which makes 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.

Why watch movies on Kodi?

Kodi excels at movie streaming, mainly because of its wide device compatibility and the number of file formats it supports. Being open source, Kodi is continuously updated and improved to ensure the community gets the best experience when streaming movies or other content.

With Kodi, you can transform any smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart TV into a hub for entertainment.

What are Kodi add-ons?

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

This flexibility allows you to stream movies from numerous sources, thereby increasing your view options to a greater extent than what is usually available through traditional streaming services.

Why you need a VPN for Kodi

Using a VPN with 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 all your data will remain private and safe from hackers or other bad actors.

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

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 movies to you, 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 that were obtained elsewhere, be it downloaded files or ripped DVDs. This allows you to then organize and play your personal movie collection right out of a centralized media library through 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, which will open a new window for you to 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.

Best add-ons for watching movies on Kodi

Unfortunately, not all of Kodi’s add-ons are safe to use, as some may contain malware or even links to pirated content. Stick to the more popular or official add-ons in order for your streaming experience to be both safe and reliable.

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

Best VPNs to watch movies on 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 how to install a Kodi VPN guide.

Given there are so many VPNs available on the market, it can be difficult to sift through and pick out the right option. Here are three of our top VPNs we believe are perfect for streaming movies on Kodi:

• ExpressVPN: Offers optimized servers for streaming and a Lightway protocol for fast, secure, and reliable connections. It supports a wide range of devices; you can connect up to eight at once.

  Get ExpressVPN | Read ExpressVPN Review

• NordVPN: Its SmartPlay feature ensures smooth streaming on Kodi, and it boasts superb security features: from split tunneling, kill switch, and private DNS to double VPN, which offers a second layer of protection.

  Get NordVPN | Read NordVPN Review

• CyberGhost: Offers streaming servers optimized for managing high traffic volume, and minimizing throttling and delays, to ensure an optimal Kodi experience. It comes with industry-leading encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

  Get CyberGhost | Read CyberGhost Review

  FAQs

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  Is streaming movies on Kodi safe?

  Streaming movies on Kodi can be safe if you use reputable add-ons and a VPN. Many third-party add-ons can pose security risks, potentially exposing you to malware or data breaches.

  Using a VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your privacy and shielding you from potential threats. Stick to popular or official add-ons to minimize risks and ensure a secure streaming experience.

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  Can I use a free VPN with Kodi?

  While it’s possible to use a free VPN with Kodi, it’s generally not recommended. Free VPNs often come with limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, and fewer server options, which can hinder your streaming experience.

  Additionally, free VPNs may lack robust security features and might even log and sell your data. Investing in a reliable paid VPN ensures better performance, security, and privacy while streaming on Kodi.

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  What is the best add-on for watching movies on Kodi?

  The best add-on for watching movies on Kodi depends on your preferences and location. Popular choices include Crackle for free movies, BBC iPlayer for British content, and Tubi TV for a wide range of films.

  Each add-on offers unique content libraries, so it's worth exploring multiple options to find the best fit for your viewing needs. Always ensure you're using reputable add-ons to maintain a secure streaming experience.

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 a reliable VPN to stream movies securely.

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Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.