With technology becoming such an integral part of our everyday lives, smartphones and tablets have definitely been making their way into the majority of our hands. We’ve compiled a short, but sweet list of applications for those of us who own a smartphone or tablet and are addicted to television and movies.
IMDB
It’s the best resource for our confused minds after seeing a face we know we’ve seen before but just can’t place where. Why does the blonde girl in a scene in Charmed look so familiar? It’s Ashley Tisdale before High School Musical! Is that Mr. Weasley & Dr. House in the live action 101 Dalmatians?!
You’ll also be able to win bets at movie parties with this handy thing. “Oh really? You bet that Ms. Ungermeyer in The Lizzie McGuire Movie isn’t the same actress who plays Louis on Family Guy? You’re on!” – You just won five bucks.
Download IMDB for Apple
Download IMDB for Android
Viggle
For those of you who watch a lot of TV, Viggle is the perfect way to get free rewards from doing so! When you’re watching a show simply open the app and click “Check In”, and it’ll listen to what’s playing on your television. It’ll recognize what you are watching and give you points for checking into the show, and you can redeem those points for real prizes!
Starbucks cards, free movie tickets, and iPod Touches are just examples of what you can redeem your points for, and all you have to do is watch tv! Cheaters beware: If you attempt to check in to show after show in a quick procession, it only gives you a few points, if any. Android users, this app is in beta mode but you can still get it by clicking this link on your mobile device.
Download Viggle for Apple
Download Viggle for Android
TV Show Tracker
If you’re like us you have more TV shows to follow than friends on Facebook. This app allows you to list all the TV shows you watch weekly and it’ll notify you 15 minutes before it airs. You’ll also be able see the episode synopsis and titles of all the episodes, and get a link to iTunes so if you missed it you can download it on your device. Plus, when someone asks what you watch you can have them flip through the many, many pages of shows instead of trying to remember every single one and risk forgetting.
For you Android users check out TV Show Favs, almost exactly like the iOS application. Though maybe this is a sign you should come to the dark side? We have cookies!
Download TV Show Tracker for Apple
Download TV Show Favs for Android
Netflix
Easily one of the best resources for movie and tv show buffs alike, Netflix has been available on mobile devices for quite some time. If you’ve got a streaming account you can download it onto your tablet or smartphone and continue watching episodes of Sherlock or Firefly while trying to ignore the bag-lady sitting next to you on your commute. You can also just add a show to your queue if you decide to save it and watch it on your computer or TV at home.
You would be surprised at the things available on Netflix Instant, recent movies like Thor and Drive have made it on the list and word is that we can expect The Avengers and The Artist by 2013.
Download Netflix for Apple
Download Netflix for Android
Hulu Plus
The thing with Netflix is that when you want to watch a TV show, a lot of the time you can’t find it on streaming or they don’t have the entire series so you can’t start from the beginning. That’s where Hulu Plus comes in. Yes, you can access Hulu for free on any computer but Hulu Plus allows you to stream your favorite show on any mobile device and you get access to every episode of a series since it’s aired. Keep hearing about this crazy fool named Nathan on some show about Misfits? You can catch all his crazy acts from the start with Hulu Plus. A majority of network and cable shows are available on this streaming giant, so you have a plethora of dramas and comedies to feast your eyes on.
Download Hulu Plus for Apple
Download Hulu Plus for Android
Flixster
Remember the days when we had to look at a newspaper to see when the next movie times will be? Now in the 21st century, we have an app for that! Flixster is the go to movie app for both iOS & Android devices, giving us show times, trailers, and even the ability to purchase the tickets in advance (in select theaters). What’s great is this app also uses your phone’s GPS services to locate nearby theaters in case you’re on the go and desperately want to see the movie you’ve been waiting for. You can also find this app by searching for “Movies” in your app store.
Download Flixster for Apple
Download Flixster for Android
GetGlue
Hot on the social network trail, GetGlue is like a Foursquare for TV. Much like the hugely popular check-in app, GetGlue allows users to “check in” to their favorite shows, movies, books, video games and even just thoughts about life.
Checking in will earn you stickers that you can collect and once you collect 20 the app will mail you legitimate copies for free. This app is great fun for social network lovers & people who just like to collect things.
Download GetGlue for Apple
Download GetGlue for Android
iTunes Trailers
The best thing about looking forward to a movie is getting to see the trailers before its release, and with the iTunes Trailer app you have all the trailers at your fingertips. You can view trailers by top 25 most popular, alphabetical, genre, and release date for the film.
You’ll also be able to favorite trailers, so you can easily find The Dark Knight Rises trailer and watch it as many times as your heart desires. Youtube is great for trailers as well, but if you want quality that is unmatched as far as unreleased films go, iTunes Trailers is the app for you!
Download iTunes Trailers for Apple
Redbox
Blockbuster has died, and in its place comes Redbox! If you’re unfamiliar with the movie & game renting business, Redbox has several vending-like machines located all over the country for you to rent movies & games for $1. The app available on both iPhone & Android devices helps you locate where the nearest Redbox is and if it has the movie you want to rent. You’ll also be able to get codes to use for certain Redbox locations that allow you to rent the movie for free!
Unfortunately Redbox currently operates in the US only.
Download Redbox for Apple
Download Redbox for Android
TV Guide
Sometimes when you’re out with friends or at work it’s difficult to remember what’s on TV tonight, but with TV Guide you’ll be able to get the answer.
Essentially it’s just the electronic version of those old TV Guide booklets. This app brings you details of what’s programmed when and what channel it’ll be on. It’s the go-to app for all listing questions, and great for travelers or people who’ve moved to a new location.
The best thing about it? You won’t have to sit there and wait for your show to slowly crawl across the screen like you did during TV Guide’s short stint as a TV channel.
Download TV Guide for Apple
Download TV Guide for Android
To find out if these applications are available in your country, click here for the iTunes App Store and here for the Android market.
Which apps do you use to keep on top of your TV shows and movies?
Photo Illustrations courtesy of Camden Remington, Joshua Nealey and Ben Rubin!