What Else Can You Watch on Apple TV+? Movies, Documentaries, Sports, Family Shows & More
Apple TV+ is well known for its hit shows, award-winning actors and high-quality original content. With popular series such as Severance, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses and The Morning Show, it has established itself as a strong competitor in the streaming market.
However, there’s much more to Apple TV than its most popular television shows.
The platform also offers original films, nature documentaries, children’s programmes, sports, comedy, music and lesser-known series.
Unlike some other streaming services, Apple focuses heavily on original productions rather than offering thousands of licensed movies and television shows.
Whether Apple TV is worth subscribing to will ultimately depend on how much you enjoy its original content, the variety of entertainment available and the additional features offered by the service.
Let’s explore what else you can watch on Apple TV+, including some content you may have overlooked.
Note: Apple has changed the branding of its streaming service from Apple TV+ to Apple TV. However, many people still search for Apple TV+, so both terms are used throughout this guide.
1. Original Films
Apple has invested heavily in original films, offering movies across several different genres.
Rather than focusing on a large library of older studio films, the platform concentrates on original productions that provide something different from traditional blockbuster franchises.
Some films worth considering include:
- The Gorge – A science-fiction action thriller featuring suspense, adventure and an unusual storyline.
- Fly Me to the Moon – A romantic comedy-drama inspired by the space race.
- The Family Plan – An action comedy featuring an ordinary family man with a secret past.
- CODA – An award-winning coming-of-age drama about a hearing child in a deaf family.
- The Tragedy of Macbeth – A distinctive film adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
There’s plenty of variety, so you can choose between a light-hearted comedy, an emotional drama or an action-packed thriller.
Why should you watch?
If you enjoy films more than long television series, Apple TV’s original movie collection can provide plenty of entertainment.
Potential downside:
You won’t find every popular Hollywood film on the platform. Because Apple focuses heavily on original productions, you may need to rent, purchase or subscribe to another service to watch certain third-party movies.
2. Documentaries: Nature, Science and Education
One of the most interesting aspects of Apple TV is its documentary collection.
If you enjoy nature, science, travel and real-life stories, there are some excellent options worth exploring.
These programmes can be a refreshing alternative to traditional dramas and comedies, often featuring impressive cinematography and engaging storytelling.
Prehistoric Planet
Prehistoric Planet explores the prehistoric world using impressive visual effects and cinematic nature-documentary techniques.
It showcases different creatures, their environments and how they survived millions of years ago.
The Ice Age episodes are particularly interesting for anyone who enjoys learning about prehistoric animals and changing environments.
Best for: Families, nature lovers and people interested in natural history.
Earthsounds
Earthsounds takes a different approach to nature documentaries by focusing on the sounds produced by animals and their environments.
Rather than simply showcasing beautiful landscapes, it explores how animals communicate and interact with their surroundings.
Best for: Viewers who enjoy immersive wildlife documentaries and nature sounds.
Tiny World
Tiny World explores the lives of small animals and how they survive in their environments.
The cinematography reveals details that you might otherwise overlook, making it an interesting and educational viewing experience.
Its narration and storytelling also make it accessible to younger viewers.
Best for: Families and anyone interested in wildlife.
The Elephant Queen
The Elephant Queen follows an elephant matriarch and her family as they navigate their natural environment.
It combines beautiful wildlife footage with an emotional storyline.
Best for: People who enjoy nature documentaries with a more personal and emotional narrative.
Why should you watch Apple TV documentaries?
Documentaries add another dimension to the streaming service.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in science-fiction or dramatic television series, you may find something enjoyable in its nature and educational collections.
3. Family and Children’s Content
Apple TV family children’s shows Stillwater Snoopy Show Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock
If different members of your household enjoy different types of entertainment, Apple TV’s family and children’s content can be a useful addition.
The platform includes animated programmes, family-friendly series and educational entertainment.
Some options worth considering include:
Stillwater
Apple TV Stillwater animated panda children’s series
An animated series featuring a wise panda who helps children understand emotions, patience and everyday challenges.
The Snoopy Show
Apple TV The Snoopy Show Peanuts animated characters
A light-hearted animated series featuring Snoopy and other familiar Peanuts characters.
Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock
Apple TV Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock characters
A colourful family-friendly series featuring music, comedy and imaginative adventures.
The Elephant Queen
A nature documentary that can also be a great viewing choice for families who enjoy wildlife and educational content.
Remember that not every Apple Original is suitable for all ages. Always check the age rating and programme description before choosing something for younger viewers.
Is Apple TV Good for Families?
Another useful benefit is Apple’s Family Sharing feature.
An eligible Apple TV subscription can be shared with up to five additional family members, allowing six people in total to use the subscription through their own Apple Accounts.
This can be useful if several people in your household enjoy different programmes.
4. Live Sports
Apple TV Formula 1 MLS Friday Night Baseball sports streaming collage
Apple has also been investing in sports broadcasting.
Although Apple TV is widely recognised for its original movies and television series, sports provide another reason to explore the platform.
For viewers in the United States, some notable sports offerings include the following.
Formula 1
Formula 1 racing cars circuit motorsport 2026
Apple TV became the home of Formula 1 broadcasting in the United States in 2026.
Its coverage includes practice sessions, qualifying, Sprint sessions and races.
This can be particularly appealing if you enjoy following the entire race weekend rather than just watching the main Grand Prix.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
Major League Soccer MLS football match stadium action
Apple TV also offers access to Major League Soccer.
This is useful for football fans who want to follow teams and competitions beyond their local television coverage.
However, access to individual matches can depend on the competition, broadcasting arrangements and current schedule.
Friday Night Baseball
Apple Friday Night Baseball MLB stadium night baseball game
Baseball fans can also enjoy Friday Night Baseball, featuring two selected MLB games during the season.
Apple and MLB have confirmed its return for the 2026 regular season, starting March 27.
Important: Sports availability depends on your region, broadcasting rights, schedules and applicable blackout restrictions. US sports offerings should not be assumed to be available worldwide, and access to every event is not guaranteed.
5. Comedy, Music and Unique Entertainment
Apple TV Shrinking Carpool Karaoke Reluctant Traveler Eugene Levy shows collage
Not everyone wants to watch a serious thriller or complicated science-fiction series every evening.
Apple TV also offers comedy, celebrity entertainment, music and travel programmes.
Some interesting choices include:
Carpool Karaoke: The Series
A celebrity entertainment series featuring music, conversations and humorous car journeys.
It’s a good option if you enjoy celebrity interviews and light-hearted entertainment.
Shrinking
A comedy-drama following a therapist who struggles with his own personal life while trying to help his patients.
It combines humour, relationships and emotional storytelling.
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy
A travel series following Eugene Levy as he explores different destinations and experiences activities outside his comfort zone.
It’s a good choice if you enjoy travel, exploration and personality-driven entertainment.
These programmes demonstrate that Apple TV isn’t limited to high-budget dramas and action-packed productions.
There are also plenty of options if you prefer comedy, music and travel content.
6. Niche Content: What Makes Apple TV Different?
One of the biggest differences between Apple TV and other major streaming services is its relatively selective content library.
Some platforms aim to offer thousands of licensed movies and television programmes from different studios.
Apple takes a different approach, focusing heavily on exclusive original productions.
Advantages of Apple TV
- Original content: A strong focus on exclusive Apple Originals.
- Ad-free originals: Apple Original movies and shows are available without traditional commercial breaks.
- Regular releases: New movies and programmes are promoted throughout the year.
- Multiple devices: The Apple TV app is available on supported smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones and computers.
- Offline viewing: Eligible Apple Originals can be downloaded for offline viewing.
These features make the service useful if you enjoy watching original entertainment at your own pace.
Disadvantages of Apple TV
- Smaller licensed library: You won’t find the same variety of older licensed movies and television shows offered by some competitors.
- Third-party content costs: Movies and channels shown in the Apple TV app may require separate subscriptions, rentals or purchases.
- Limited variety for some viewers: If you prefer reality television, older sitcoms or a large selection of traditional movies, another service may be more suitable.
It’s important to understand that the Apple TV app also acts as a place to discover content from other providers. Having access to the app doesn’t automatically include every third-party streaming service.
7. You Don’t Need an Apple TV Device to Watch Apple TV+
Apple TV app interface on Samsung smart TV and iPhone devices
One of the most useful things to understand is that you don’t need to purchase an Apple TV streaming device to enjoy Apple TV+.
The Apple TV app is available on many supported devices, including:
- Samsung, LG and other compatible smart TVs.
- Roku streaming devices.
- Amazon Fire TV devices.
- iPhone and iPad.
- Mac computers.
- Windows computers.
- Supported Android devices.
- Selected gaming and streaming platforms.
This is particularly useful if your household uses a mixture of Android phones, Windows computers and televisions from different manufacturers.
However, available features can vary depending on your device and region.
When Should You Buy an Apple TV 4K?
Apple TV 4K streaming box Siri remote product photography
An Apple TV 4K streaming device is optional, but it can improve your living-room entertainment experience.
If you already own a compatible smart TV or streaming stick with the Apple TV app, you can enjoy Apple TV without purchasing additional hardware.
If you want a dedicated streaming device, Apple TV 4K is worth considering.
Who Should Consider It?
- People who already use Apple devices.
- Those who want a dedicated streaming interface.
- Users who want additional Apple ecosystem integration.
- People with compatible televisions and home entertainment equipment.
You don’t need an Apple TV 4K device just to watch Apple TV Originals.
8. Family Sharing, Downloads and Convenient Viewing
Some of Apple TV’s less obvious benefits can make the service more practical for everyday use.
Family Sharing
An eligible subscription can be shared with up to five additional family members.
Each person can use their own Apple Account and enjoy a more personalised experience.
Personalised Recommendations
Different household members can have their own viewing preferences and recommendations.
This can make it easier to discover programmes without having to share the same viewing history.
Offline Downloads
If you’re travelling or expect to have an unreliable internet connection, you can download eligible Apple Originals for offline viewing on supported devices.
Multiple Devices
You can start watching an episode on your television and continue watching on another supported device.
These features may not be as exciting as a new movie release, but they can make the service more convenient.
9. How Good Is the Value of Apple TV?
The value of Apple TV depends on how much you enjoy its content and how frequently you use the service.
As of November 3, 2026, the standard monthly subscription price in the United States is $14.99 after a seven-day free trial. Other access options may be available through eligible Apple One bundles and promotions.
Here’s how the service may appeal to different viewers.
| Viewer | Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Original Series Lovers | High | Exclusive dramas, comedies and science-fiction |
| Movie Lovers | Good | Original films across different genres |
| Documentary Lovers | Good | Nature, travel, science and sports documentaries |
| Families | Good | Children’s programmes and Family Sharing |
| Sports Lovers | High, if relevant | F1, MLS and Friday Night Baseball |
| General Viewers | Depends | The content library is more selective |
Should You Keep Apple TV All Year?
Not necessarily.
If you only want to watch a few particular series, subscribing for a couple of months and cancelling once you’ve finished may be more economical.
However, if you regularly enjoy new releases, original films, documentaries and available sports coverage, there may be enough content to justify keeping the subscription.
The best approach is to explore the available catalogue and decide whether there’s enough content that genuinely interests you.
10. How to Discover More Than Just the Popular Shows
If you’ve already watched the biggest Apple TV hits, there are plenty of other programmes worth exploring.
Rather than browsing randomly, try searching by genre.
| What You Enjoy | Suggested Show |
|---|---|
| Nature and Prehistoric History | Prehistoric Planet |
| Wildlife Documentaries | Tiny World |
| Emotional Nature Stories | The Elephant Queen |
| Family-Friendly Animation | Stillwater |
| Music and Celebrity Entertainment | Carpool Karaoke: The Series |
| Travel and Exploration | The Reluctant Traveler |
| Character-Driven Comedy | Shrinking |
| Science-Fiction and Suspense | Silo |
This is a useful way to discover programmes you may have overlooked.
You can also explore the official Apple TV catalogue to see which movies and shows are currently available in your region.
Limitations: Is Apple TV Right for Everyone?
Although Apple TV has plenty of benefits, it may not be the best streaming service for every household.
Consider these limitations before subscribing:
1. Smaller Content Library
Apple focuses heavily on original content rather than maintaining thousands of licensed movies and television programmes.
2. Limited Third-Party Content
Some movies and channels displayed within the Apple TV app require separate purchases, rentals or subscriptions.
3. Subscription Cost
At $14.99 per month in the US, it may feel expensive if you only watch one or two programmes.
4. Regional Sports Availability
Sports coverage depends on broadcasting rights, schedules and regional restrictions.
5. Not Suitable for Every Viewing Preference
If you mainly enjoy older television shows, reality programmes or a large collection of licensed movies, another streaming service may provide better value.
This doesn’t make Apple TV a poor choice. It simply means you should consider what you actually enjoy watching before paying for another subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Apple TV+ the Same as Apple TV?
Yes. Apple has changed the branding of its original streaming service from Apple TV+ to Apple TV.
The Apple TV app is the application you use to access the service and discover other available content.
2. Does Apple TV Have Movies and Documentaries?
Yes. Apple TV offers original movies and documentaries covering nature, science, travel, sports and real-life stories.
3. Can I Watch Apple TV on Non-Apple Devices?
Yes. Apple TV is available on supported smart TVs, streaming devices, Android devices, Windows computers and through the official Apple TV website.
4. Does Apple TV Have Live Sports?
Yes. In the United States, sports offerings include Formula 1, Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball.
Availability, schedules and broadcasting restrictions depend on the sport and region.
5. Can I Share Apple TV With My Family?
Yes. Through Family Sharing, an eligible subscription can be shared with up to six people in total, including the family organiser.
6. Does Apple TV Have Advertisements?
Apple Originals are available without traditional commercial breaks.
However, this doesn’t mean that everything displayed within the Apple TV app is ad-free. Third-party content and services may have their own advertising arrangements.
7. Can I Download Apple TV Shows?
Yes. Eligible Apple Originals can be downloaded to supported devices for offline viewing.
8. Is Apple TV Worth It If I’ve Already Watched the Popular Shows?
It can be.
The documentary collection, original films, children’s programmes, comedy and available live sports provide additional reasons to explore the service.
However, whether it’s worth keeping depends on how regularly you watch and how much value you get from the subscription.
9. Do I Need an Apple TV 4K to Watch Apple TV+?
No. Apple TV 4K is an optional streaming device.
You can access Apple TV through the app on supported smart TVs, streaming devices, computers and mobile devices.
Final Thoughts: There’s More to Apple TV Than Just the Most Popular Shows
Apple TV has developed into much more than a streaming service known for a handful of popular television shows.
With original films, nature documentaries, children’s programmes, comedy, music and live sports, it offers a variety of entertainment that casual viewers may overlook.
Although its content library isn’t as broad as services offering thousands of older licensed movies and shows, Apple TV can be an excellent choice if you enjoy original productions, well-made documentaries and exclusive sports coverage.
Take some time to explore the documentaries, try a few original films, discover family-friendly programmes and see whether the available sports coverage interests you.
You may find that the best part of Apple TV isn’t necessarily its most popular series, but a documentary, comedy or film you wouldn’t normally have searched for.
