Best Monitor For Watching Movies

Updated: Feb 22, 2024 6:02 AM
best monitor watching movies featured image that shows the top three best computer monitor models

To find the best monitor for watching movies, it is important to determine what criteria are most important to you. We recommend monitors for watching movies with a minimum of 3840 X 2160 Resolution (UHD) and 10-bit color depth, along with AMD Freesync and/or Nvidia GSync support to optimize refresh rates by eliminating tearing and stuttering. If you wonder why we recommend 4K resolution monitors, we have a guide on comparing 4K to other resolutions like 2K vs 4K monitors. Don’t forget ergonomics with generous height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments along with a 178° viewing angle for an excellent view regardless of seating position.

After analyzing hundreds of reviews, we’ve determined that the LG 27UK650-W 4K Monitor is the best monitor for watching movies you can buy. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the computer monitor best for your home or office.

Top 10 Monitors For Watching Movies

 #1  LG 27UK650-W Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor for watching movies comes with a vivid 4K UHD 2160p resolution screen and 99% sRGB color coverage, an excellent choice for photo and video editing.

Pros
  • Crisp 3840 x 2160 resolution
  • Intuitive on-screen controls
  • Sleek ArcLine display with curved base for great support
Cons
  • Average 350-nit peak brightness rating
  • DisplayPort or HDMI connectivity needed to enable FreeSync

In addition to watching movies, this HDR 10-supported monitor works well with video and photo editing, offering 99% sRGB coverage for accurate color reproduction in transferring on-screen output to print. HDR10’s high dynamic range support and 99%sRGB spectrum coverage spectrum really work well to bring forth deep contrasts and vivid colors – a must for photo and video editors.

Related: If you are a videographer, check the best monitor for video editing.

Like the ROG Swift PG35VQ, this LG 27UK650-W monitor is perfect for watching movies and fares very well with gaming. It’s supported by AMD’s FreeSync tech to minimize tearing and stutter rates and a Black Stabilizer which creates enhanced detail for darker scenes with a richer, darker color palette. This best 27 inch monitor is a great gift for anyone looking for the best 4K monitor for their home.

 #2  BenQ EW3270U Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This best monitor to watch Netflix comes with a captivating 10-bit display for a 1+ billion color palette and EyeCare Technology, an excellent choice for people who want to protect their hours during marathon spreadsheet sessions.

Pros
  • Auto-brightness optimization
  • 1+ billion color palette for rich picture
  • AMD FreeSync technology for smooth refresh rates
Cons
  • Stand could be more durable
  • TN panel not as sharp as IPS panel
  • Does not support G Sync

This best monitor for watching movies is very impressive in almost all aspects. A 10-bit display for 1. 07 billion colors provides a lifelike and vivid picture, and AMD FreeSync support with a good 5ms GTG response time boasts refresh rates for no blur high motion gaming and movie watching, making them perform seamlessly on your monitor, like the best monitor for CSGO.

Arguably this gaming monitor’s biggest strength is its suite of eye care technology, starting with Brightness Intelligence Adaptive technology to adjust screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, as well as a low blue light filter and flicker-free technology to help minimize eye strain. BenQ’s exclusive Opt-Clarity also works with brightness and color temperature for a comfortable view, making it high up on the best monitor for eyes list.

 #3  Dell Ultrasharp U2415 Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: BEST ERGONOMICS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This 24″ monitor for watching movies comes with an FHD 1080p screen, full 90° pivot for Portrait mode, and 178° x 178° viewing angle, an all-around solid performer that would work well as a No. 1 monitor for a home or office.

Pros
  • Generous 178° viewing angle
  • PowerNap for power management when not in use
  • Healthy pivot, swivel, and height adjustment (115mm)
Cons
  • So-so 1000:1 contrast ratio for color depth
  • Odd USB port placement at the back of the panel

This best monitor for watching movies is well diversified. An FHD 1080p screen delivers a respectable 1000:1 contrast ratio and 16.78 million colors of depth. An ultra-thin (6.9 mm) bezel also helps preserve screen space to maximize every pixel possible. Plus, an ultra-wide 178° x 178° viewing angle. makes it easy to view from the opposite seating position.

Of the best 4K monitors for movies we’ve researched, this one is in top position concerning ergonomics with a full 90° pivot and an anti-reflective screen that works well in bright rooms. Plus, its Power Nap feature automatically adjusts brightness levels or activates Sleep Mode when a user is not by the computer. For more 1080p monitor models with a high refresh rate, consider the best 1080p 144hz monitor. This model is also an excellent option for anyone looking for the best business monitor for their office.

 #4  Acer Predator Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: BEST FOR MULTIPLAYER

WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor for watching movies comes with a sharp UHD (3840×2160) panel and NVIDIA G-SYNC for stutter and tear-free screen, an excellent choice for gamers who want no blur high-speed motion.for their next multiplayer tournament.

Pros
  • Sleek uniquely designed bezels
  • Nvidia’s FreeSync for faster high motion scenes
  • Overclock to 144Hz for outstanding refresh rate
Cons
  • Not the finest HDR support
  • Black plastic panel, not the most durable

This monitor for watching movies is well-diversified, starting with a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution screen, which is good for a 1+_ billion color palette with outstanding depth and contrast. This is why it’s good to understand the color gamut, so you know which monitor works best for you. A 400 nit brightness rating also helps it perform well in bright rooms. Kudos for a variety of connectivity options, including a whopping 5 USB ports, an HDMI, and a DisplayPort.

The Eizo ColorEdge CG319 4K is great for photo editing. But, in terms of gaming, the Acer Predator Monitor is one of the best computer monitors for movie watching that performs exceptionally well. A native 120Hz refresh rate is boosted by Nvidia’s technology for a 144Hz overclocking rate for a true, blurless picture. All in all, this monitor is pretty well-rounded with little to no faults – an excellent choice as a No. 1 option. For monitors with better HDR support, our best HDR monitor buying guide can help you find the right one.

 #5  LG 32UL950-W Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: Best for Bright Rooms

WHY WE LIKE IT: This 32-inch monitor for watching movies comes with a refreshing UHD 4K IPS Display (3840 x 2160) and an outstanding peak brightness of 600 nits, the best choice on our list for bright rooms.

Pros
  • Pivots fully to Portrait Mode
  • 98% DCI-03 coverage for accurate color reproduction
Cons
  • Analog stick could be more intuitive
  • Only 60Hz at this higha  price point
  • Odd power and input port placement next to VESA mount

This monitor is solid across the board. An in-plane switching (IPS) panel delivers outstanding color depth at four times the pixel density of Full HD, along with HDR 10 and 98% DCI-03 coverage to support a wider range of color and brightness levels. Its peak brightness of 600 nits is tops on our list, working well in sun-washed rooms for a neat moving watching experience.

One of our favorite features with this best monitor for watching movies is its super-thin bezel, which is only 1.3mm across, helping to maximize screen space. Intuitive on-screen control settings *(e.g. Screen Split 2.0 and Dual Controller) for toggling different color presets and viewing more than one app/doc at a time also works intuitively well. For Mac users, you might also want to look at the best monitor for mac mini for additional options.

 #6  Viewsonic 1080P Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: BEST FOR EYE CARE

WHY WE LIKE IT: This best monitor for watching TV comes with crisp full HD (1920x1080p) and supports flicker-free and blue light filter technology, a great choice for people who want to minimize eye strain and fatigue.

Pros
  • Flicker-free for eye protection
  • ViewModes with different image presets
  • Healthy number of connectivity options ( DVI-D, VGA, DisplayPort)
Cons
  • On the heavier side
  • Healthy number of connectivity options ( DVI-D, VGA, DisplayPort)

This 24″ best multimedia monitor delivers SuperClear MVA panel technology, which offers excellent color depth at almost all viewing angles. Combined with a 3000:1 static contrast ratio, it produces deeper blacks and purer whites with excellent grayscale performance for a more vivid picture, which you can also experience on a 1080p gaming monitor if you’re a serious gamer. We also appreciate the sheer number of ViewModes available (e.g. Game, Movie, and Web), all with its own preset calibration settings for contrast, brightness, and other parameters.

On the ergonomics side, this best monitor for watching movies is very comfortable to look at. Eye strain is reduced with flicker-free and low blue light filtering technology. Kudos for a good number of connectivity options, which include a DVI, VGA, and DisplayPort for higher video data applications. For a more immersive, easy-on-the-eyes experience, our best curved monitor pick is a great option as well.

 #7  Lepow Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: Best on a Budget

WHY WE LIKE IT: This gaming monitor comes with a sharp 15.6 inch Full HD IPS screen and works in landscape and portrait modes, an excellent choice for an all-around portable monitor that could be used for reading or watching movies. Portable displays give you the advantage of portable entertainment if you’re constantly on the go.

Pros
  • Pairs excellent with Nintendo Switch
  • Measures 0.3 by 14.4 by 8.7 inches; extremely portable
  • Intuitive screen-based menu
Cons
  • No height adjustment
  • Stand orientation defaults to landscape mode

This monitor for watching movies is very well rounded, starting with a Full HD IPS screen for 1920 x 1080 resolution. Six picture modes (Standard, Game, Movie, RTS, FPS, and Text) optimizes color based on the type of image viewed. XBOX, PS3/4, Wii, and Switch players will enjoy HDMI and Type C connectivity, easily connecting to your desktop for those marathon gaming sessions.

Related: Have a look at the best monitors for Xbox One X

On the sizing side, it is super compact (super slim profile at 0.3 inches and 1.76 pounds.) One of our favorite features with this monitor is auto rotation in portrait or landscape modes, making it equally useful for reading online newspapers or watching your favorite streaming TV show. For budding photographers, the best photo editing monitor is another great choice.

 #8  Asus MZ27AQL Designo Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: Best Design

WHY WE LIKE IT: This 27-inch monitor for watching movies catches the eye with an ultra-slim, near bezel-less design and a metallic finish with a rounded base, an excellent choice for people who want an eye-catching monitor to receive compliments on.

Pros
  • Thin bezels for immersion
  • SplendidPlus Video Intelligence Technology for auto-optimization
  • Generous 178° viewing angle for immersive viewing
Cons
  • Odd rear joystick control placement
  • Not VESA mount compatible

This good second monitor for watching movies is well crafted, starting with a WQHD (2560 x 1440 resolution and a generous 178° wide-view angle for great image quality in multiple seating positions. Kudos for built-in Harmon Kardon 6W speakers and a 5W subwoofer, which makes this the best sounding monitor we’ve researched.

ASUS Eye Care technology is also impressive in reducing eye strain by minimizing flicker backlighting and low blue light filtering, known to damage the retina over time with prolonged viewing. Our favorite feature, however, is this gaming SplendidPlus Video Intelligence Technology, which provides a list of preset image modes (e.g. Theater and sRGB) to maximize what you are watching. It’s definitely a contender for the best monitor with speakers on this list.

 #9  SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: BEST FOR DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT

WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor for watching movies comes with stunning Quantum Dot technology for a 1+ billion color palette with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Radeon FreeSync 2 support for excellent refresh rates, a solid value choice for digital entertainment buffs.

Pros
  • Sharp QHD Wide 1440p resolution
  • Brightness Intelligence Plus screen optimization
  • Back panel lighting feature for extra flair
Cons
  • Needs adapter to connect to 100mm x 100mm VESA wall mount
  • Plastic panel not the most durable

The combination of Quantum Dot technology and High Dynamic Range (HDR) gives this best monitor for watching movies plenty of punch, combining a billion color shades with no blur motion to the tune of 1ms MPRT. A 1,000R curvature also pits gamers in the heart of the action.

One of our favorite features with this best monitor for watching movies is its design. In addition to a back panel arena lighting feature that creates a light show effect, there are plenty of connectivity options (one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports) to connect and charge all kinds of peripherals such as soundbars and other monitors. All in all, this monitor is pretty well-rounded in most respects. If you’re looking for a vertical option with high-quality features, our best vertical monitors buying guide might be right for you.

 #10  BenQ EX3501R Monitor for Watching Movies

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor for watching movies comes with an ultrawide curved display with eye-popping QHD (3440×1440 resolution), a neat choice for image sticklers who want a crisp image.

Pros
  • Brightness Intelligence Plus screen optimization
  • Flicker-free and low blue light filter for visual aid
Cons
  • Immersive 1800 curvature
  • Some noticeable backlight bleed at times
  • So-so peak 300 nits of brightness

This gaming monitor really pops with a QHD UltraWide 1440p resolution screen and HDR10 support, which delivers a refreshing color palette and increased depth and contrast for darker blacks and purer whites. Even its ultra-slim bezel delivers a nice immersive effect. On the gaming side, it’s also a solid performance with a blistering 100Hz rapid refresh rate and AMD Freesync support for stutter and tear-free images.

On the ergonomics side, users are well protected with Brightness Intelligence Plus, a technology for auto-brightness optimization based on ambient lighting conditions and healthy pivot/tilt/swivel and height adjustment angles. Connectivity options are also plentiful, equipped with USB, DisplayPort, HDMI ports to accommodate a wide range of external devices and peripherals such as soundbars and mouse devices. It’s also a great gift for people looking for the best monitor for graphic design.

How We Decided

In determining the best monitor for watching movies to buy, we explored performance/display, refresh rate, ergonomics, and the number of ports.

Our recommended screen quality, regardless of screen size, is to aim for a minimum of 4K or higher screen on dedicated gaming monitors or monitors for watching movies. The combination of 10-bit displays and QDot technology also introduces users to a wider and richer color palette with sharp contrasts between the black blacks and the purest whites. If you’re concerned about blacks tending to look like they’re blue, check out a monitor that has full array local dimming. For bright rooms, we also recommend a peak brightness rating of 400 nits or higher, along with an anti-reflective screen. Even the best budget monitors are capable of this. If you’re a big fan of 3D movies, there are also 3D monitors to consider, if you know what a 3D monitor is.

In terms of refresh rates, we cheer heavily on gaming monitors with a 120Hz native refresh rate. If a lower refresh rate, look for Nvidia GSync and AMD Freesync compatibility to help reduce excessive stutter and tear rates, which can cause annoyance over time.

Lastly, we look for the best monitors for watching movies with healthy swivel, tilt, pivot, and height adjustment angles to maintain a healthy viewing position, regardless of screen size. Big points for any 178 wide viewing angle screen which makes image quality equally impressive no matter where you are sitting for a movie-watching experience.

Best Monitor for Watching Movies Buying Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  • Performance/Display
    • Our preference is for the best monitors for watching movies to have a minimum of 4K UHD 3840 X 2160 resolution (think best OLED monitor) for vivid color accuracy and depth/contrast. Though the price range tends to go up when you opt for a higher resolution, the immersive experience with detailed images is worth it. Look for 10-bit displays as well, which are capable of displaying more than billions of shades of color for deeper blacks and whites.
    • Be sure to test out the audio quality of the built-in speakers. If they’re not up to your standards, you can also add external speakers to your setup to improve the sound quality. If you prefer watching movies with subtitles, keep in mind picture quality as well, which is superb on the best monitor for reading text.
    • We also look heavily at the refresh rate. The refresh rate pertains to the number of times an image is refreshed per minute. The standard refresh rate is 60Hz, but the higher the number (120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, etc.), the less likely you will notice blur during high-speed motion scenes. Size can play a part of the immersive experience, so consider opting for larger displays like ultrawide monitors, especially if you plan on watching movies with another person.
144Hz-vs-60Hz-Monitor-Refresh-Rate-table
  • Ergonomics
    • The best monitors for movie watching should carry healthy tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment angles for easy and comfortable viewing position. We are also big on proprietary technologies such as ASUS Eye Care for flicker-free and low blue lighting filtering technology working to reduce eye strain. Kudos to any TVs with VESA compatibility, which ensures the appropriate mounting holes for third party, aftermarket support arms, or walls.
  • Number of Ports
    • Look for the best monitors for movie watching with built-in USB hubs (at least three), two HDMI ports, and a DisplayPort for more intensive video applications.

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