Tinder for movies: apps where you swipe to pick what to watch

'Tinder for movies' is an app where you and someone else each swipe right or left on films on your own phones, and when you both swipe right on the same title it is a match. ReelMatch, Matched, Filmatch and Swyf all work this way.

Last updated

The phrase is shorthand for a simple idea: swipe like a dating app, but on movies, and the app shows only what everyone agreed on. It ends the 'what do you want to watch?' loop.

How it works

  1. Each person opens the app on their own phone and swipes right (yes) or left (no) on movies and shows.
  2. You connect, with a code, an invite or a shared session.
  3. When two or more of you swipe right on the same title, it is a match.
  4. You pick from the matches, often with a filter for the streaming services you have.

Apps that work this way

  • ReelMatch: swipe on trailers; couples, friends and families; iPhone, iPad and Android.
  • Matched: made for couples, learns your taste over time.
  • Filmatch: partner matching plus a Party Mode for groups.
  • Swyf: iPhone only, with trailers and no ads.
  • MatchWatch: free, web and mobile, groups of up to six.
  • Match a Movie: runs in a browser with no account.

Why it works better than scrolling

Choosing one title at a time makes every rejection personal. Swiping separately removes that: nobody has to argue for their pick, and nothing on the match list needs defending because everyone already approved it.

Judging by trailer rather than poster adds the one thing a title can't tell you, which is the tone.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Tinder for movies app?

Yes. ReelMatch, Matched, Filmatch, Swyf, MatchWatch and Match a Movie all let you swipe on movies and see only the titles you both said yes to. ReelMatch is free on iPhone and Android.

Is ReelMatch like Tinder for movies?

Yes. You swipe on movie and show trailers, your friend or partner does the same, and any title you both say yes to becomes a match.

Can a group use a swipe-to-match movie app?

Yes. ReelMatch, Filmatch (Party Mode) and MatchWatch support groups. Matched is built for two.

Keep reading