Can you Download Netflix Movies on Mac?

If you subscribe to one of the Netflix ad-free plans, you can watch Netflix offline on compatible mobile devices. However, macOS is currently not among the supported systems for you to download shows and movies from Netflix

In the past decade, Netflix has never announced support for downloading Netflix episodes on Mac systems, and, based on current circumstances, Netflix does not appear to have plans to support downloading movies and shows on Mac. I am aware of how troublesome this flaw can be, but fret not, for after my investigation, I have unearthed some solutions.

how to download movies on netflix on macbook

[5 Verified Methods] How to Download Netflix Movies & Shows on Mac

I've tried several methods and shifted out 5 common and feasible solutions, follow my step-by-step guides and chosen options below to download Netflix to MP4 or MKV files on your Macbook. 

Here is a simplified compare sheet among these solutions, you can click to jump to the related passages directly. 

 

Effectiveness

Ratings

1. StreamFab Netflix Downloader 🏅 High - Download any Netflix shows and movies in 1080P HDR effect on your Mac permanently. Easy to operate for all users. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. PlayOn Cloud Medium - Get Netflix 720P recorded movies and shows on Mac, but time-consuming and will face black screen problems. ⭐⭐⭐
3. Github OTT Downloader Bot Medium - Download parts of Netflix videos on Mac, but lack of update.  ⭐⭐⭐
4. Bluestacks Medium - Download parts of Netflix shows and movies in 1080P, but will expire. ⭐⭐
5. Mac & Win Dual System Low - Download 1080P HDR Netflix shows and movies on Mac, but will expire and very complicate to operate. *Not work since 2024. ⭐
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I think these methods are great supplements to Netflix download limits on Mac, suitable for all Netflix plans. 

1. Use StreamFab to Download Netflix Videos on Mac [Recommend👍]

The built-in download feature is disabled on Mac, but by utilizing the StreamFab Netflix Video Downloader—you can effortlessly download Netflix videos onto your MacBook and fully indulge in your favorite Netflix films.

Download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: streamfab

With this Netflix video downloader, you can effortlessly download Netflix movies and shows on Mac/Windows with original lossless HDR 1080p quality and Atmos/EAC3 5.1 audio.

Key Features
  • Get ad-free Netflix downloads on your Mac from any country for an unlimited period.
  • Unlimited Netflix downloads on Mac with lossless 1080p & EAC3 5.1 or AAC 2.0 audio track.
  • Downloading option with H.264 or H.265 codecs to save your Mac storage space.
  • MP4/MKV saving for flexible access to downloads on Mac or share with other devices
  • Get Netflix video downloads with your best-suited subtitles & metadata.
  • Scheduled mode to download newly released videos from Netflix on Mac automatically.

The Netflix videos saved on Macbook via StreamFab are free from limitations on the available content, time expiration, regional inaccessibility, etc.

Steps are simple as follows:

Step 1

Download the StreamFab video downloader

Install this Netflix video downloader on your device and open the interface. Tap the VIP Services to find the Netflix icon, and log into your Netflix account.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: streamfab

Step 2

Choose the streaming service

Search for the movies you want. You can also copy and paste your video URL directly into the address bar on the Homepage.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: streamfab

Step 3

Customize the Netflix shows

Then a pop-up window will ask for your video options. You can choose the audio and subtitle language, as well as save Netflix to MP4 or save Netflix to MKV.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: streamfab

*If you are currently binge-watching a series, you may select the "Download new episodes automatically" option in the lower left corner to set a specific time for downloading the latest video to your Mac on a daily or weekly basis.

Step 4

Start to download Netflix episodes on Mac

After customization, you can download it right now or add it to the queue for later downloading. 

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This method can safely download Netflix movies on Mac and save them permanently, without any quality loss. This is why we recommend it in the #1 position. 

2. Use PlayOn Cloud to Record Netflix on Mac

PlayOn Cloud is a streaming recorder that offers a Mac version, supporting various streaming services, including the capability to save videos from Netflix.

However, screen recording Netflix can be quite time-consuming, requiring a stable internet connection and often encountering bugs and not working errors because it cannot bypass Netflix DRM. Therefore, it is advisable to disable hardware acceleration and check the network connectivity status before recording to ensure a stable screen recording process.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: playon

Pros

Save Netflix videos on your mac in mp4 format.

Cons

Time consuming, and frequent errors due to Netflix DRM update

More info

PlayOn not recording Netflix

Step1
Install PlayOn Cloud from Apple Store on your Mac or Macbook, and launch it. 
Step2
Choose Netflix service, and log into your Netflix streaming account.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: Playon Cloud 

Step3
Find the Netflix video you want, and click 'record' button. Wait for the video to be played, and then the recorded files will be saved on your local folder. 

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: playon

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Additionally, it is recommended to conduct a test beforehand to check the synchronization of audio and video in Netflix movies before recording.
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When comparing downloading vs screen recording, the recording method is rather subpar and quite time-consuming. However, if your intention is merely to preserve a few minutes of Netflix clips, this approach is advisable. Consequently, we have placed it in the #2 position.

3. Use GitHub OTT Downloader Bot to Save Netflix Videos on Mac

On GitHub, some technical experts have publicly shared the code for their self-developed programs, enabling the download of Netflix videos on MacBooks. One such program is the OTT Downloader Bot, which not only supports Netflix but also services like Zee5 and Disney+.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: Github

Pros

 Free to use, download Netflix videos on mac in high quality.

Cons

Lack of update, and cannot new episodes from Netflix

More info

OTT Downloader Bot - GitHub

The procedure for this method is quite complicated, and I would recommend it only to those with a foundational knowledge of programming.

For detailed instructions, please refer to the official GitHub page mentioned in the section titled "More info," and follow their guidelines for installation and deployment. Alternatively, you may join their Telegram group.

4. Use BlueStacks to Download Netflix on Mac

The aforementioned three methods are relatively conventional approaches; in addition to these, I have discovered some rather obscure techniques. Uncommon and peculiar, yet feasible.

Netflix does not offer a dedicated software version for Mac; however, by installing a mobile emulator, for example, Bluestacks, on a Mac, one can also indirectly achieve access to and download Netflix videos on a Mac.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook: bluestack

Step1
Download BlueStacks stimulator on your Mac first. Install it and configure the mobile device environment. 
Step2
Launch the Google Play Store within the emulator and download the Netflix application.
Step3
Sign in to Netflix and download your chosen movies or shows. On Mac devices, you can also enjoy the downloading experience of Netflix's mobile app.
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The principle of this method lies in simulating a mobile operating environment on a macOS system. However, if you employ this approach to download Netflix videos, you will still be unable to evade download limits imposed by Netflix. I find it to be an intriguing technique, yet it cannot be regarded as the preferred option.

5. Use Dual System to Download Netflix Movies on Mac (for Intel CPU)

Method 5 is a bit of similar to Method 4. If you are utilizing a MacBook/iMac equipped with an Intel CPU, you may consider installing a virtual Windows system on your Mac. Subsequently, you will be able to utilize Netflix for Mac (Windows system) to download videos on your MacBook/iMac to watch Netflix offline. 

*Boot Camp involves repartitioning the Mac drive to accommodate Windows installation, allowing it to run like Windows itself without any performance loss. Therefore, if you wish to download Netflix videos on Mac through a dual-system setup, Boot Camp is a recommended option.

!
Note: Since May 2024, Netflix removes downloads function on Windows. Consequently, this method has now become obsolete. Please choose the previous 4 methods.

The steps are as follows:

Step1
Open Boot Camp and create your installation media first. 

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook 

Step2
Once the partition tool is finished, choose 'Windows 10' for installation. Don't forget to nominate the 'BootCamp' partition you prepared earlier.

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook 

Step3
Wait for the process, and select the language, keyboard layout, wifi, etc. And then install BootCamp on your windows system, too. 

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook 

Step4
Then, you can use BootCamp to enter the Windows system on Mac, browse Netflix as if you are a windows user, and download Netflix movies on your Mac devices, too

how to download Movies on Netflix on Macbook

FAQs

1. Why Can't I Download Movies from Netflix on My MacBook and Macbook Air?

Netflix does not allow downloading movies or shows on Mac devices because the company uses a technology called "Microsoft PlayReady" to protect its content from piracy and unauthorized distribution. 

Mac devices (including Macbook and Macbook air) use a different DRM system called "FairPlay" which is incompatible with Microsoft PlayReady. This means that Netflix cannot use the same DRM protection for downloaded content on Mac devices as it does on Windows devices, making it difficult to ensure that downloaded content is protected from piracy and unauthorized distribution. Therefore, Netflix closed the download function access on Mac.

2. Can I Screen Shoot Netflix Videos on Mac?

On a MacBook, you can stream Netflix videos through a browser; however, taking screenshots often results in a black screen. By using StreamFab to download Netflix videos to your Mac, you can capture screenshots seamlessly.

Conclusion

Netflix's prolonged unwillingness to support offline viewing on Mac has been quite frustrating. The methods discussed herein are based on my own tests, which confirm that downloading Netflix videos on a Mac is indeed feasible. I personally recommend StreamFab Netflix Downloader, as it is the most user-friendly option available and consistently receives updates, ensuring optimal stability.

StreamFab Netflix Downloader offers the opportunity to effortlessly download three Netflix videos to your Mac. Experience it for yourself! I hope my insights prove helpful to you.