Apple TV expands library with 20 classic films in rare content shift
The move marks a departure from Apple’s usual focus on original programming, making previously paid rentals available to subscribers at no extra cost.
Apple TV has added approximately 20 classic films to its streaming library, offering subscribers access to titles such as The Martian, E.T., Zodiac, and Titanic without additional fees. This development represents a notable shift in strategy for the service, which has historically prioritised original series like Ted Lasso, Silo, and Severance over licensed catalogues.
The newly available films are tagged as "Just Added" on the platform. Previously, these titles were primarily accessible through the Apple TV Store for purchase or rental. They are now included in the standard subscription package, which is priced at $12.99 per month or $99 annually. Prospective users may also access the content via a seven-day free trial.
The expanded selection includes Arrival, The Bourne Identity, Looper, The Proposal, I, Robot, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 21 Jump Street, The Sixth Sense, Gone Girl, Zoolander, Charlie's Angels, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, A Beautiful Mind, The Aviator, and The Rookie. The addition covers a diverse range of genres, spanning science fiction, thriller, and drama.
Industry analysis suggests that classic content often drives high viewership, a pattern observed with services like Netflix, which saw significant engagement from titles such as Friends and The Office. While Apple has not officially confirmed the strategic rationale behind this addition, the move is likely intended to boost engagement and retention among its subscriber base.
It remains unclear how long these films will remain available on the streaming service or if this signals a broader change in Apple’s content acquisition strategy. The films are accessible via the Apple TV app on smartphones, tablets, and PCs, as well as on dedicated Apple TV streaming devices.
