Netflix is undoubtfully the top streaming platform, with numerous exclusive content. But accessing them always requires a stable net connection. So, can you download movies from Netflix on Mac devices for offline viewing on a plane or on a road trip?
Can You Download Netflix Movies on a Mac in an Official Way?
No. Actually, Netflix has never created an official application for macOS. The download function is only available on its mobile Netflix app. However, there are some alternative ways to download Netflix movies on Macs. Move to the next section to pick one you like.
How to Download Netflix Movies on Mac?
Method 1: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via StreamFab
StreamFab Netflix Downloader is a 3rd-party Netflix video downloader designed to help you save Netflix movies and shows on macOS for offline viewing when the content is lawfully accessible (e.g., with a valid subscription). Its development team keeps updating it so Mac users can continue managing offline viewing in high quality through a guided, user-friendly workflow.
Use it to download all you want on Netflix on all Mac devices without any complex operations, but also with high audiovisual quality kept.
- Download Netflix movies up to 1080p Full HD quality
- Store Netflix videos as MP4 or MKV files
- Export Netflix videos with HDR10/Dolby Vision
- Preserve immersive audio with Dolby Atmos/EAC3 5.1 sound
- Batch-download multiple episodes of a Netflix series at once
- Auto-download the latest episodes
- Remove ads from all Netflix content, regardless of subscription type
- Download subtitles in user's preferred language from Netflix shows
- Only the first 3 downloads are free during the 30-day trial
Learn how to use StreamFab Netflix Downloader to download Netflix movies on Mac here. By the way, it downloads Netflix to MP4 by default. If you want MKV format files, adjust the settings before you start downloading:
Log in to the Netflix module in the built-in browser. Or you can also paste the Netflix video link in the address bar.
Find and play the Netflix video you want to download. StreamFab will start a quick analysis to provide you with a pop-up with all adjustable video settings.
Click "Download Now" after all options are set. Wait for several minutes for StreamFab to download the video to your device.
Keep in mind that the videos downloaded by StreamFab Netflix Downloader are legal only for personal entertainment. StreamFab officially strictly resists any violation of copyright laws, including but not limited to the distribution/selling of downloaded Netflix videos.
Method 2: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via Pazu
You can see this tool as an alternative to StreamFab Netflix Downloader. Pazu Netflix to MP4 Converter can save Netflix titles into widely compatible formats on your Mac to watch Netflix offline on Mac without Wifi, as long as the content is lawfully accessible to your account.
Most of its functions are the same as StreamFab. However, according to tests, it can not always download HDR10/Dolby Vision Netflix videos like StreamFab.
- Convert Netflix Videos to MP4/MKV formats
- Supports output videos with Dolby Atmos audio
- 1080p/720p resolution selectable
- Inevitable quality loss during the conversion
- Slow conversion speed on high-quality outputs
- Converting hiccups happen often
- No schedule-convert function available
- No background processing ability
- Chaos search function with random titles provided
- Terrible customer service
It has a simplified built-in browser with only the search function preserved. You can refer to the following steps to get started with it.
Install it on your MacBook or iMac. Launch it and first it will ask you to log in to Netflix with your account.
After logging in, type the titles you want on Netflix into the search bar and click on the magnifier beside it.
Pick the one you want to download and customize the specific properties of the video. Then click on the download arrow to start.
Method 3: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via Android Simulator
The person who thought of this idea could be called a genius. If you’re comfortable with some tinkering, an Android emulator lets you run the Netflix Android app on your Mac, so you’re essentially using the mobile interface on desktop. Just note it can be flaky and may fall outside Netflix’s supported use cases, and you’re still bound by the official Netflix download limits.
- Allows you to download Netflix movies on Mac devices like on an Android device
- Download video & audio quality kept in the original
- Resource-intensive and may run slowly on some Macs
- Downloads may be limited to lower quality
- Still have to bear with official download limitations
- Not always work if Netflix detects the device info/updates the app
Go through the following steps to learn how to download movies on Netflix on Mac devices using an Android simulator.
Download and install BlueStacks Android simulator for Mac. It's OK to pick another simulator as you like; they work the same.
Launch BlueStacks simulator and log in to Google Play with your Google account.
Search for Netflix on the Google Play Store. Download and install it. Then launch it to log in to your Netflix account.
Find Netflix movies or TV series you want, then click the download button to save them on your Mac.
Method 4: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via iOS Simulator
This method suits the Macs equipped with M-series chips because they are able to run a part of iOS apps. Meanwhile, the macOS version should be Big Sur (11) or later. Please ensure your device is in the supported device list.
Although whether the app can run on these devices is decided by the software developers, the safest path is to rely on Apple’s supported installation channels only: if Netflix is officially offered for Apple Silicon, you can install it there and use the app normally for offline viewing under the usual rules.
- Run apps that are not otherwise available on macOS
- Download video & audio quality kept in the original
- .ipa files obtained from unofficial sources may contain malware
- Decrypted .ipa apps may have UI problems or lack necessary hardware features
- Updates or app signing issues
- Still have to bear the official limitations
Here is how you can go with the steps on how to download the Netflix app for Mac.
Find a decrypted .ipa file for the Netflix app and download it.
Install an .ipa installer like Apple Configurator 2, iMazing, PlayCover, or Sideloadly on your Mac.
Now, install the .ipa file you just downloaded:
Option A: Simple drag-and-drop (may not always work)
- Try dragging the .ipa file onto the Applications folder in Finder.
- If the app is compatible, it may install, but most apps need to be signed or use a utility.
Option B: Using the installer
- Download and install iMazing or Sideloadly.
- Connect your Mac (or a physical iOS device if required).
- Use the app’s “Install .ipa” function and select your decrypted .ipa file.
- Sign in with your Apple ID when asked to verify the app.
After it’s installed, head to your Applications folder, find Netflix, and give it a try—open it up and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Comprehensive Comparison Between Netflix Download Methods for Mac
| Feature | StreamFab Netflix Downloader | Pazu Netflix Converter | Android Emulator (e.g., BlueStacks) | iOS Simulator (e.g., PlayCover) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native Mac Support | Yes (dedicated Mac version) | Yes (dedicated version) | No (needs emulator installation) | Only for M-series on Big Sur+ |
| Max Video Quality | 1080p HD (HDR10/Dolby Vision) | 1080p/720p | Varies, often SD/720p (due to DRM) | Usually 720p (depends on setup) |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, EAC3 5.1 | Supports Dolby Atmos | Original Netflix (as on Android) | Original Netflix (as on iOS) |
| Subtitles | Multi-language supported | Multi-language supported | Native Netflix support | Native Netflix support |
| Batch Download/Auto-Episode | Yes | No | Yes (as on Android Netflix app) | Yes (as on iOS Netflix app) |
| Output Format | MP4/MKV | MP4/MKV | Encrypted Netflix cache | Encrypted Netflix cache |
| Offline File Handling/Locally saved for offline viewing | Yes (personal use only) | Yes (DRM-free) | No (cache expires) | No (cache expires) |
| Download Speed | Fast, supports batch | Slow (especially in HD) | Moderate, depends on Mac specs | Moderate, depends on Mac specs |
| System Resource Usage | Moderate | Moderate | High (emulation is resource-heavy) | High (especially initial setup) |
| Ease of Use/Stability | Stable and simple | Frequent failures/bad UI | Prone to bugs/app detection issues | Tricky, app compatibility varies |
| Free Usage/Trial | First 3 downloads free, then paid | Paid, partial trial | Free | Free |
| Risks/Downsides | Low (reputable developer) | Occasional failed downloads, support complaints | Detection risk, possible Netflix ban | IPA from unofficial sources may be unsafe |
Is It Legal & Safe to Download Netflix Movies on a Mac with Third-Party Tools?
Rest assured, all the tools and methods I discuss here are designed for users with a valid, paid Netflix account—you’ll still need to log in with your own credentials. These options don’t grant extra access; they’re mainly about managing offline viewing in different ways. One boundary worth keeping in mind: stick to personal offline viewing of content you can lawfully access, and avoid any redistribution.
As for safety, my advice is always to stick with trusted software and sources. Keep your Netflix details—and your Mac—safe from sneaky stuff like malware or phishing. If you just want to watch your favorite shows offline, these methods are reliable and safe, as long as you use them responsibly.
FAQ
It happens! Usually it’s network trouble, low storage, or content limits. Restarting or freeing up space often does the trick. StreamFab provides a more stable download process that is less prone to these errors. Because it saves files directly to your Mac, it gives you more flexible local storage management instead of relying only on the app’s internal cache.
Yes. This is a key advantage. In general, when a title leaves Netflix, in-app downloads may stop playing even if you previously saved them. With StreamFab, you can keep a local copy for offline viewing while the title remains lawfully available to your account—so you’re less at the mercy of spotty Wi-Fi (or until your storage cries for help). Availability still depends on licensing and platform policies.
Final Words
In this article, we talked about several solutions for downloading movies from Netflix on a Mac. Each way has its own pros and cons, so it's totally up to you which approach you would like to choose in the end. If you want a valuable purchase for long-term, stable download experiences, while also outstanding quality, StreamFab Netflix Downloader is noteworthy.
Before picking other methods, note that every user can get 3 free downloads offered by StreamFab Netflix Downloader.
Note: This product is intended solely for creating personal backups of streaming content that you can lawfully access (e.g., with a valid subscription). No commercial use, no sharing, and no illegal distribution.
