Best movie apps for long-distance couples to sync up what to watch

A long-distance couple needs two tools: a movie matcher such as ReelMatch to agree what to watch, even in different time zones, and a sync tool such as Teleparty to watch at the same moment.

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Watching together from different places has two separate problems: deciding, and watching in sync. Most apps solve only one.

1. Decide: a movie matcher

Because each of you swipes on your own phone whenever you have a spare few minutes, you don't have to be online together. ReelMatch shows the titles you both said yes to, and you pick the night. Matched and Filmatch also work this way.

2. Watch in sync

Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) synchronizes playback in the browser and adds a group chat. It supports several major services, so check that it covers yours and that you both have a subscription.

A simple routine

  1. Swipe separately during the week.
  2. On the day, open your matches and pick one.
  3. Check you both have it on a service you subscribe to.
  4. Start it together with a sync tool or a video call.

Still can't decide? Let the random movie generator pick one for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best movie app for long-distance couples?

ReelMatch for choosing what to watch, because you can swipe separately on your own time. For watching at the same moment, add a sync tool such as Teleparty.

Can we use ReelMatch in different countries?

Yes, you can match from anywhere. Streaming availability differs by country, so check that the title is on a service you both have.

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