A lot of people are shifting into online services to stream films and TV shows.
While there are a ton of options from which users can access motion pictures, the majority of Kenyans have settled on Netflix and Showmax.
The two services are popular and for various reasons. Netflix, for instance, is straightforward, meaning it just works even on connections as low as 5 Mbps.
It also has a rich catalog of shows and films, but sadly, the majority of leading programs are still missing for Kenyan viewers, primarily due to licensing limitations.
Showmax, on the other hand, has an equally rich catalog especially for groups that love HBO-made shows – the section is just vast, and good luck exhausting it.
Showmax also has a Pro version that airs football from leading leagues including the EPL and Serie A, and we would understand why some people would pick it over the aforementioned Netflix (Netflix’s top plan costs KES 1450, Showmax Pro costs KES 2100).
It would be a mistake not to mention that Netflix’s quality is superior – you can get up to 4K streams. Showmax caps content to 720p.
Perhaps my biggest issue with the MultiChoice-owned video-on-demand service is that it limits active streams to just two, whereas Netflix can do up to four.
With all that in mind, we are glad to learn that Showmax has supplemented its catalog with 10 of the IMDb’s 30 top-rated movies. While some of you might disagree with IMDb’s ratings – because they are sourced from public perceptions – the numbers are not so bad considering most of the top-tier movies have been reviewed excellently by reputable film critics.
Here are some of the films, in case you want to check them out:
- The Dark Knight. While at it. Consider watching them in their order because it is a franchise. Start with Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and then The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Remember, they are long films, so prepare accordingly. And be ready to be wowed by Nolan’s grasp on cinematography.
- Schindler’s List. Liam Neeson so you can it is good.
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Start with Fellowship of Ring (2001), then The Two Towers (2002) and finish them off with Return of the King (2003).
- Inception. Leonardo DiCarprio is here so you know it rocks.
- The Matrix, which is also a trilogy amongst The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.
- Seven (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in the same film? Dang!)
- The Silence of the Lambs
- Interstellar
In my opinion, these are very good films that have been lauded by many. And while Netflix has an awesome collection, there are some exclusives that you can only watch on Showmax. I mean, don’t get me started on shows such as Six Feet Under, Dexter, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, name them.
Enjoy.
