When Netflix officially ended its DVD rental service in 2023, many movie lovers were left asking the same question: where to rent DVDs now? Though streaming dominates, there’s still a dedicated audience that values physical media—especially for access to rare titles, better quality, and bonus features. Whether you’re into classic films, indie releases, or 3D Blu-rays, there are still solid options out there. In this article, we’ll explore the top Netflix DVD alternatives, along with helpful tips for collectors and cinephiles looking to build their own media libraries.
Considerations When Renting Blu-ray/DVDs Online
Before selecting a Netflix DVD alternative, consider a few key factors to make sure the service fits your needs:
- DVD/Blu-ray Availability: Does the service offer a wide range of titles, including new releases, classics, and niche genres?
- Disc Format Compatibility: Ensure they support both DVD rental and Blu-ray rental formats, especially if you have specific preferences like 3D Blu-ray.
- Pricing and Subscription Options: Flat-fee monthly subscriptions vs. pay-per-rental pricing may affect your budget and viewing habits.
- Delivery Speed: How quickly do they ship discs? Turnaround time can significantly impact the value of your subscription.
- Rental Duration and Policies: Some services allow unlimited time with a disc, while others have deadlines and late fees.
Top 3 Netflix Alternatives for Blu-ray/DVD Rental Service Now
Here are three excellent services for physical media rentals that are keeping the spirit of Netflix DVD alive.
1. 3D Blu-ray Rental
Overview: This niche service is perfect for home theater enthusiasts looking for high-quality 3D and 4K content.
- Price Range: $9.99 to $49.99/month depending on number of discs and plans
- Pros:
- Extensive 3D and 4K Blu-ray library
- High disc quality and excellent playback condition
- Flexible subscription options - Cons:
- Limited DVD selection
- Smaller overall library than Netflix DVD had
Verdict: If you’re a 3D or 4K movie lover, this service is unmatched. Just note it’s more specialized than mainstream.
2. Cafe DVD
Overview: A lesser-known gem, Cafe DVD focuses on film lovers who enjoy rare, classic, and independent cinema.
- Price Range: Pay-per-rental model starting at $4.99 per disc
- Pros:
- Great selection of indie, foreign, and hard-to-find titles
- No monthly subscription required
- Option to keep discs longer than typical rentals - Cons:
- No Blu-ray format
- Limited customer service hours
- Slower delivery in rural areas
Verdict: Ideal for cinephiles looking to watch films that aren’t available on streaming or mainstream rental services.
3. GameFly
Overview: While primarily known for game rentals, GameFly also offers a strong catalog of DVD and Blu-ray rental options.
- Price Range: $15.95/month for 1 disc at a time; $22.95/month for 2 discs
- Pros:
- Includes both movies and games
- Wide variety of new releases
- Offers both DVD and Blu-ray formats - Cons:
- Movie selection isn’t as deep as a dedicated DVD rental service
- Priority still leans toward game renters
Verdict: Great value if you’re a gamer who also enjoys renting movies. As a Netflix DVD alternative, it’s solid for casual viewers.
Other Netflix Alternatives for Streaming
If physical discs aren’t a must, streaming is obviously the most convenient option. Here are some go-to platforms:
- Hulu: Offers current TV shows and an expanding movie catalog
- Amazon Prime Video: Huge range of rentals and included content
- YouTube: Rent or buy movies on demand, including many older titles
- Vudu: High-definition streaming with a strong selection of new releases
While these services don’t let you rent DVDs, they do provide quick access to films digitally—often in 4K quality.
Two Tips to Build Your Own Media Library
If you’re tired of the rental cycle or worried about access to your favorite titles in the future, consider building your own media library. Here’s how:
1. Use a Media Management Tool
Organizing your physical and digital media collection is easier with tools like Plex or Kodi. These apps catalog your movies, display cover art, and even stream them within your home network.
2. Acquire Media
You can build your collection by buying used DVDs/Blu-rays or creating your own. A great way to do this is by using Leawo Blu-ray Creator. This tool allows you to burn movies to Blu-ray discs, add custom menus, and preserve content in high quality.
Also, if you prefer saving online streaming content for offline playback, consider CleverGet Netflix Downloader. It allows users to download Netflix movies and shows to their hard drive for long-term viewing—ideal for those who want permanent access to content that might be removed.
Conclusion
Though Netflix has shut down its beloved DVD-by-mail service, physical media is far from dead. Whether you’re a collector, a cinephile, or someone seeking the highest quality video experience, there are still great options out there to rent DVDs and Blu-rays. Services like 3D Blu-ray Rental, Cafe DVD, and GameFly offer flexible and specialized alternatives for movie lovers. Meanwhile, streaming platforms and digital tools like Leawo Blu-ray Creator and CleverGet Netflix Downloader ensure you’re never out of content.
