After testing over 50 add-ons (both official and third-party) to save you time, I’ve shortlisted the 25 best Kodi add-ons in 2023 for streaming movies and TV shows. Every add-on is fast, reliable, and compatible with the latest Kodi version — Matrix 19.4. To make sure your data and devices are secure while streaming with Kodi, I recommend using a top-tier VPN. The top choice is ExpressVPN for its fast speeds and premium security and privacy features. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN with Kodi completely risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund within 30 days. Stream safely on Kodi with ExpressVPN
Haven’t Got Time? Here’s a Quick Guide to Top Kodi Add-Ons
Best Kodi Add-Ons for Films and TV Series
Netflix
You can watch Netflix on Kodi with the CastagnaIT add-on (Netflix is yet to launch an official Kodi add-on). This third-party Kodi add-on works with Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Australia, and Japan. During my tests of this add-on, I could watch TV shows and movies in HD quality with minimal buffering. Amidst the multitude of unofficial Kodi add-ons for Netflix, the CastagnaIT add-on stands out to me due to the developer’s strong reputation and established trust within the Kodi community. This particular add-on prioritizes security, safeguarding your personal Netflix login information by encrypting it and ensuring connection to the official Netflix website through the secure HTTPS internet protocol. Once you log out, your credentials are promptly and permanently erased, enhancing the overall protection of your account.
Disney+
You can download an unofficial Disney+ add-on from the Slyguy repository, which is another highly trusted and regularly maintained Kodi repository. I tested the Slyguy Disney+ add-on, and it works perfectly and streams in HD. I particularly liked the “Search” feature, which made navigating between TV shows and movies much easier. This Kodi add-on only works in countries where Disney+ is available, which includes the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. I could securely stream Disney+ on Kodi with ExpressVPN without any lags or buffering, and connecting to my local account was easy.
Magic Dragon
Magic Dragon is a well-liked Kodi extension that offers a wide range of content, including documentaries, TV shows, movies, radio, and sports. However, it is important to exercise caution when choosing which links to follow, as some of them contain ad trackers. This can compromise your privacy and anonymity while streaming, which is not ideal. For that reason, I always make sure to protect myself with a VPN. It’s often difficult to pick out the safest links to follow, but services like CyberGhost will encrypt your internet connection and block malicious ads and trackers.
iPlayer WWW (BBC iPlayer)
The best Kodi add-on for watching the BBC iPlayer is iPlayer WWW. This add-on allows you to stream “Live,” “Catchup TV,” and even “Radio” content directly from the BBC iPlayer website. However, iPlayer WWW is a UK-only streaming service, and you also need a UK TV license to use it legally. As this is a UK-based streaming service, a VPN like ExpressVPN can help you access BBC iPlayer content like Killing Eve and Doctor Who if you’re a UK resident but traveling abroad for work or holidays.
Crackle
You can watch Hollywood movies and TV shows for free with the Crackle add-on, which is an ad-supported streaming service from Sony. You don’t need to create an account either — just download the Crackle add-on from the Official Kodi Add-on repository, and you can start streaming immediately. Crackle is only available in the US, but you can get a Kodi VPN to access the complete library. If you’re temporarily overseas and want to keep up with your favorite shows — PIA has thousands of fast US servers that make it ideal for streaming.
Popcornflix
The Popcornflix Kodi add-on offers a massive selection of popular movies and TV shows, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. This is an official Kodi add-on, so you can download it directly and securely from the Kodi repository. The only downside is that this add-on only works in the US and Canada. If you’re usually a resident there and are traveling abroad, you can use a top-tier service like ExpressVPN and connect to a server in your home country to start streaming.
Paramount+
Another secure add-on from the Slyguy repository, Paramount+ provides access to your favorite Paramount TV shows like Star Trek: Discovery and Mayor of Kingstown, plus shows from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and more. You will need a Paramount+ subscription to watch the content; otherwise, you won’t be able to log in to your account when prompted. Paramount+ is also only available to US residents, so if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll need a VPN service to start streaming. CyberGhost has an optimized server for Paramount+ you can use for a smooth connection.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV has hundreds of channels for TV, movies, news, sports, music, and more. It’s one of the most popular Kodi add-ons — especially for live TV — and securely downloadable from the official Kodi repository. Better still, it’s completely free to use, so you won’t need to create an account to start streaming.
HBO Max
With the HBO Max add-on, you can access exclusive HBO content like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and Wonder Woman 1984. However, you will need a subscription to the service to stream its content, and its location is restricted to HBO Max broadcast regions. If you have an existing subscription and want to stream while traveling, you can use CyberGhost’s optimized streaming servers to connect. When I tested the add-on, my streaming was smooth and buffer-free.
Black and White Movies
For fans of old-fashioned and classic films, the Black and White Movies Kodi add-on has hundreds of titles available. It’s important to note that not all of the movies available are in the public domain, so ensure you’re only streaming copyright-free movies. To keep your online activity secure when connecting to this Kodi add-on, I recommend you use a top-tier service like ExpressVPN that offers military-grade encryption on every server.
Top Kodi Add-Ons for Live TV and News
NewsON
NewsON is a US-only news source that provides access to local stations in more than 100 US areas. This is a top choice for catching up with the latest news, as new broadcasts are only available for 48 hours. NewsON is free to use, but as it’s only for the US, you’ll need a reputable VPN if you want to connect while traveling abroad. I recommend PIA for connecting to the US, as it has hundreds of fast servers that provide smooth streaming.
Wall Street Journal Live
With the Wall Street Journal Kodi add-on, you can access videos directly from the WSJ YouTube channel. These highlight the latest news stories, making it easy to keep up-to-date with hot topics in the US, the financial sector, politics, business, and more. I particularly like that this Kodi add-on has multiple categories — like Law, Health, Management, and Opinion — making it easy to find what I’m looking for. All videos are free to watch, and you don’t even need an account to view the content.
NHK Live
NHK Live is a Japanese news add-on that offers a different perspective on local and global news events. All content is in English, making it a popular choice for users worldwide interested in Japanese news, culture, or Japan’s take on foreign news stories. You won’t need to sign up for an account to access NHK Live content — it’s all freely available to users worldwide.
Popular Kodi Add-Ons for Sports
SportHD
SportHD lets you access live-streaming sporting events from around the world. There are hundreds of events to choose from, all with top streaming quality, so you won’t miss a moment of the action. It’s important to note that some of SportHD’s live streams could be regional or copyright restricted. Make sure you only stream publicly available content, and always connect to a reputable service like ExpressVPN before you start watching your sporting event.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports is a huge name in live sports streaming, news, and sports shows. You can use the Kodi add-on to access a range of sporting events, including football, baseball, soccer, wrestling, and more. However, you will need a Fox Sports subscription to view its content. This add-on is region restricted to the US, so you’ll need a VPN to log into your Fox Sports account when traveling abroad. I recommend ExpressVPN for its consistently fast streaming speeds, meaning you can stream live sporting events lag-free.
ESPN
The official ESPN add-on isn’t yet available on Kodi 19, so I was pleased to find this ESPN add-on in the trusted Slyguy repository. You can stream live sports, watch highlights, and catch up on the latest sporting news. You’ll only be able to use the ESPN add-on if you’re subscribed to ESPN+ or log in with your cable or streaming subscription. ESPN is also region-locked to the US, so if you’re a US resident watching from abroad, you’ll need a VPN.
Top Kodi Add-Ons for Watching Videos
Duff You
The YouTube Kodi add-on has recently become tricky to install as you have to supply your own API keys. Instead, I recommend using the Duff You Kodi add-on, which is much easier to install and has the same functionality as YouTube — you can search for videos, see popular and trending content, and watch videos in UHD video quality.
Dailymotion
Dailymotion is a free video hosting site with thousands of hours of content, from music to entertainment, news, and sports. You don’t have to sign in or create an account to start streaming, and the add-on is user-friendly and intuitive. During my tests, videos loaded quickly with minimal buffering, and streaming was smooth.
Vimeo
Vimeo is a top-choice Kodi add-on if you’re interested in videos focusing on culture and society. You’ll find indie documentaries, short movies, culinary content, and more — and it’s available worldwide without needing to log in or create an account. If you have an account, you can securely log in to access your favorite content and adjust your settings. I recommend you connect to a secure and private VPN like ExpressVPN to ensure your login details are protected.
Twitch
The Twitch add-on for Kodi might be the best way to enjoy watching your favorite streamers — even better than using the Twitch app. The Kodi add-on is much more streamlined, making it easier to find specific channels, and I didn’t encounter any ads at all. This made watching top streamers like Syndicate and Nightblue3 much more enjoyable.
Favorite Kodi Add-Ons for Cartoons and Anime
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has the world’s most extensive collection of Japanese anime with English subtitles, as well as exclusive original programming. However, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription to use the Kodi add-on. Most of the titles are licensed to particular regions, so you’ll need to use a high-quality VPN like CyberGhost to stream your local Crunchyroll account. CyberGhost has an optimized server for Crunchyroll to ensure you get fast speeds and smooth streaming.
Adult Swim
Adult Swim is the home to a variety of adult animation, including Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Cowboy Bebop, and Attack on Titan. You can get it from the official Kodi repository, so you know it’s a safe and verified add-on to download. However, Adult Swim is only available to residents in the US. If you’re typically a US resident and want to watch Adult Swim content when abroad, you’ll need to use a VPN. PIA has hundreds of fast US servers that are a solid choice for streaming.
Best Kodi Add-Ons for Documentaries
CuriosityStream
CuriosityStream is full of high-quality, in-depth documentaries on a wide variety of topics, making this a top-choice Kodi add-on. All of its documentaries are available on demand for a small monthly subscription cost, and you can stream from anywhere in the world. Plus, the content is frequently updated, so you’ll always find something new and fascinating to learn about.
Documentary Heaven
With more than 35 categories, DocumentaryHeaven has a huge range of documentaries available for you to enjoy. All the documentaries are free to watch and accessible worldwide, so you can stream from anywhere. The search function is particularly useful — it saved me from having to scroll through hundreds of options to find the Louis Theroux documentary I wanted.
Best Kodi Add-on for Indian and Hindi Movies
Disney+ Hotstar
If you want to watch Bollywood, Indian and Hindi movies, the Disney+ Hotstar Kodi add-on should be at the top of your list. Disney+ Hotstar includes the entire Disney+ catalog — and as a bonus, it has lots of other content, including HBO series like Silicon Valley and Chernobyl. You’ll need a subscription to Disney+ Hotstar to stream its content. If you’re traveling outside India, a quality VPN can help you access all content since some movies and TV shows are blocked abroad. In my tests, ExpressVPN’s Indian servers accessed Disney+ Hotstar in HD with zero lag.
Warning! Don’t Download These Kodi Add-Ons and Repositories
Based on my tests, I can confirm these add-ons don’t work anymore: These add-ons are also broken, so I recommend you avoid the following:
KodilRepo Maverick TV SuperRepo XLordKC Repository
Do You Need a VPN for Kodi?
Kodi add-ons are downloaded from the web, and some can contain malicious code that can install malware and viruses or steal your data (like login credentials). While a VPN can’t stop viruses, a good VPN has advanced security features (like military-level encryption) to keep your internet traffic and browsing history private. Some even include features that can identify malicious websites to keep you safe! But with so many options, choosing a VPN for Kodi can be a monumental task. To make your life easier, I’ve rigorously tested all the top VPNs for their ability to access the fastest streaming speeds and top of-the line security features.
Best Kodi VPNs in 2023 (100% Fast and Secure)
1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds for Downloading and Streaming Kodi Add-Ons
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming movies and TV shows with Kodi, with blazing-fast speeds across its network of more than 3,000 global servers. Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN keeps your speeds lightning-fast while maintaining top-tier security. During my tests, my connection speeds were reduced by an average of 18% and were always fast enough for UHD streaming on every server. As well as fast speeds, ExpressVPN also has best-in-class security and privacy features that protect your data and devices when downloading and streaming on Kodi. These include:
Military-grade encryption that keeps your data and online activity anonymous and hidden Data leak protection to ensure no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks while connected A kill switch to cut the connection to the internet if the VPN is interrupted, protecting your data TrustedServer technology, with servers that run exclusively on RAM to avoid data logging or storage Audited zero-log policy confirming your data and activity is always secure, confirmed by a real-world scenario in which a Turkish server was seized and found to contain no data
These impressive features ensure ExpressVPN can always connect to your favorite Kodi add-ons, even if you’re accessing your local account while traveling abroad. It was easy to stream the following services while connected to ExpressVPN: If you need assistance, I found ExpressVPN’s customer service is excellent at resolving problems — the 24/7 live chat helped me choose the best connection for streaming Netflix with Kodi. While ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than other options, I think it’s well worth the cost for fast speeds, lag-free downloads and streaming, and the best possible security and privacy. Its plans start at $6.67/month for a 1-year subscription. I suggest you try streaming on Kodi with ExpressVPN for yourself — you can subscribe to ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you change your mind, getting a full refund is easy. I tested the process myself, and it was simple, taking a couple of minutes over live chat to arrange my refund. I had my money back in just 5 days. Try ExpressVPN with Kodi risk-free
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Guarantee Smooth Streaming Connections
Key Features: CyberGhost’s optimized servers are a great way to stream on Kodi, connecting you to your local streaming accounts effortlessly. CyberGhost’s staff frequently tests these servers, so you know you’ll always get a working connection. You’ll also avoid any regional or proxy error messages when traveling abroad. You can easily pick the best optimized server in CyberGhost’s app, as they’re all listed under the “For streaming” menu. CyberGhost’s optimized servers were able to access the following streaming services with Kodi: Connecting to CyberGhost’s optimized servers also keeps your speeds fast. During my tests, I found the optimized servers were around 30% faster than CyberGhost’s regular connections. I could stream in UHD without issue using the dedicated streaming servers, even when connecting over long distances. While there is a little slowdown when servers are further away, you’re unlikely to notice any speed reduction unless your existing speeds are slow — around 20Mbps or less. To keep your Kodi downloads and streaming secure and anonymous, CyberGhost has the following features:
AES-256-bit encryption on all connections keeps your data and activity anonymous Kill switch on all apps, cutting internet access if your VPN connection is interrupted unexpectedly Data leak protection to prevent accidental IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks RAM-based servers that cannot physically log or store user data Audited zero-log policy to confirm your online activity and personal data is always secure
I found CyberGhost to be an expensive short-term option, so I recommend choosing a long-term plan for the best overall value — you can get a 2-year + 3 months subscription for just $2.11/month. Plus, CyberGhost has a money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost with Kodi risk-free for up to 45 days. If you change your mind, you can get a full refund by contacting the 24/7 live chat. An agent arranged my refund in less than 5 minutes, and I had my money back within a week. Try CyberGhost with Kodi risk-free
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network Provides Easy Connections to Kodi Add-Ons
Key Features: Private Internet Access (PIA) has the most extensive server network I’ve seen — more than 35,000 servers in 84 locations, providing quick and easy access to Kodi add-ons worldwide. This vast range of connections ensures you can always find a server in your desired location, making it simple to download local Kodi add-ons even when you travel abroad. I was pleased with my streaming speeds using PIA, I could stream on Kodi with minimal buffering. While there was some slowdown over long distances, this is expected with a VPN. If your speeds are slower (around 20Mbps or less), you can configure PIA’s settings for a boost: To ensure your data and activity are always secure, PIA also has the following security and privacy features:
Automatic kill switch that blocks access to the internet if your VPN connection is interrupted. Ad and malware blocker stops ads, malware, and trackers for faster loading times and protection against malicious add-ons. Audited zero-log policy protects your data and confirms no information is logged or stored.
PIA could connect to the following services during tests: Unfortunately, PIA isn’t always able to access streaming services easily. I struggled to connect to BBC iPlayer through the Kodi add-on, and I had to try several servers before connecting to Netflix. However, PIA is an affordable choice (even if you subscribe to a monthly VPN option), with prices starting at just $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months subscription. Plus, this VPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Kodi with PIA risk-free. If you’re unsatisfied, you can send a refund request to customer support by email — I did, and I had my money back in a week. Try PIA with Kodi risk-free
Installation Guides: Download and Stream Kodi Add-Ons Easily
Make sure to protect yourself with a reputable VPN when downloading and streaming Kodi add-ons. This will ensure your identity and Kodi activities remain hidden from spying third parties, like hackers.
How to Download Kodi Add-Ons From the Official Kodi Add-On Repository
How to Install Kodi Add-Ons From Third-Party or Unofficial Repositories
Help! Why Aren’t My Kodi Add-Ons Working?
Many Kodi add-ons are created by casual developers, so they’re not always kept up-to-date or bug-free. While I’ve personally tested that all of the add-ons on this list work perfectly, some Kodi add-ons can conflict with each other or with future Kodi updates. Here are some of the most common Kodi add-on problems and how to fix them.
Stop Kodi Add-Ons From Freezing or Buffering
Add-on conflicts are the most common causes of freezing and buffering issues. If your Kodi add-on is freezing, ask yourself: did you install a new add-on? Did one of your existing add-ons get an update? If you’re unable to identify an issue from an add-on, the next step is to disable your hardware acceleration. That might sound complex, but it’s actually very simple. To disable your hardware acceleration: If you’re still experiencing issues with your Kodi add-on, sometimes a fresh install of Kodi is necessary. While it sounds drastic, it ensures you’re running the newest update of Kodi and your Kodi add-ons. This should stop any freezing issues.
Avoid the “Failed to Install a Dependency” Error Message
Most Kodi add-ons rely on other files and programs to work correctly. These are listed when you try to install an add-on and usually install automatically, but they can sometimes cause errors. Luckily, this is an easy fix. To troubleshoot your error, begin by clearing your Kodi cache. The easiest way to do this is with the Indigo add-on. To clear your cache:
Fix the “Unable to Connect” Error Message When Adding Sources
You’ll get this error when a repository has been shut down. Jump to see why Kodi add-ons disappear. Before you give up on an add-on, try these troubleshooting tips:
Double-check that the repository URL is input correctly. Check your internet is working well. Use a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN to change your IP address in case you’re having technical issues with your ISP. Look for an alternate link to the repository, or see if your add-on is in a different repository.
Resolve the “Check Log for More Information” Error Message
The quickest way to view your log is with the Log Viewer for Kodi add-on from the Official Kodi Add-on repository. To view your Kodi log:
Start Streaming Popular Kodi Add-Ons That Really Work!
Many Kodi add-ons don’t work, are insecure, or can leave you vulnerable to malware. I highly recommend you use a VPN to get access to the content you want to watch and protect yourself from dangerous websites.
Official Kodi Repository Add-Ons: These add-ons are easy to install and are maintained and verified by the team behind Kodi. The selection is a bit more limited, but the add-ons typically work well and are safe and secure. Third-Party Kodi Add-Ons: These can be downloaded from GitHub and direct URL links. It’s important to note that because most third-party add-ons are installed through zip files, it can be easy to hide malware in them.
I’ve personally tested all the add-ons on this list, so I know they’re safe if you use them responsibly. If you’re concerned about your data security, I recommend always connecting to a premium VPN before downloading or using any Kodi add-ons. The encrypted VPN connection ensures hackers and spies can’t trace your personal information. My team and I don’t condone participation in any illegal activities, so please check the rules and regulations in your country to ensure you’re not violating any laws. YouTube recently changed how its API (Application Programming Interface) works, so it’s now necessary to create your own API key to use the official add-on. The Duff You add-on is quick and easy to install, without needing a personal API key, so you can start streaming immediately. Additionally, many Kodi add-ons are made by unofficial developers. If Kodi releases a new update, the add-on may stop working unless the developers update it too. Don’t stress, though — I regularly test every Kodi add-on on this list to ensure it’s updated and still works. If you don’t want your personal information exposed, I recommend installing a trustworthy VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and reroutes it through an additional server, hiding your online activity and its destination — while you’re streaming on Kodi, no one knows what you’re watching or can hijack your connection. ExpressVPN is my number one choice for streaming movies and television on Kodi because it offers military-grade security without sacrificing streaming speed. A Kodi repository (or repo) is a collection of add-ons. You may download one repository, giving you access to multiple add-ons. To get the BBC iPlayer add-on, you need to install it from the Official Kodi add-on repository. This repo is included when you install Kodi, but if you want to get access to non-official add-ons (like Netflix), you need to install additional repositories — jump here to find out how. A Kodi build is a quicker way of installing Kodi. A build typically includes popular add-ons, repositories, and a skin. You save time by not having to install these items yourself, but Kodi builds are known to slow your system, run risks of malware, and increase user problems. I recommend picking and choosing your add-ons, so you can stream the content you want safely and easily. Even the best VPNs on the market aren’t a good choice for streaming on Kodi. You’ll have to struggle with limited bandwidth and data, a handful of servers at best, and slow speeds due to user congestion on free connections. Even worse, many free VPNs aren’t secure, even if you’re just using them for video streaming. Free VPNs can be malicious by exposing you to financial fraud and identity theft. Others sell your browsing data to third parties or install malware on your devices. Instead of a difficult or shady experience, I recommend you try a premium VPN with an extended money-back guarantee like CyberGhost. You’ll get unlimited access to its features and security benefits, and can watch the content you want. If you don’t love it, just message to cancel — CyberGhost has a no questions asked policy, so there’s zero risk. I tested the process myself, and it was simple. My refund was arranged in a couple of minutes, and I had my money back in less than a week. I tested more than 30 VPNs to see how they performed watching movies and TV on Kodi and can confidently say ExpressVPN is the clear winner. If you want to test it out for yourself, you can try ExpressVPN with Kodi risk-free. ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you find the service isn’t right for you, you can get a refund within the guarantee period.
