Netflix Party Guide: Watch Together While Apart

Why Watch Together Matters

Watching movies and shows together has always been a cornerstone of couple bonding. Shared viewing creates common experiences, provides conversation topics, and offers comfortable companionship. For long distance couples, recreating this experience virtually helps maintain normalcy and intimacy despite the miles between you.

Studies show that couples who watch entertainment together report feeling closer and more connected. The shared emotional experience of reacting to plot twists, laughing at comedies, or discussing character choices builds relationship bonds. When you can't physically sit on the couch together, synchronized viewing is the next best thing.

This guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right watch party platform to creating the perfect atmosphere for your virtual movie nights.

Watch Party Platforms: Complete Comparison

Teleparty (Formerly Netflix Party)

Platform: Browser extension (Chrome, Edge, Opera)
Cost: Free (Premium $4/month)
Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video

How It Works:

1. Both people install the Teleparty browser extension
2. One person starts the show/movie on their browser
3. Click the Teleparty extension icon to generate a party link
4. Share the link with your partner
5. Watch in perfect sync with a chat sidebar

Pros:

• Perfectly synchronized playback
• Works with multiple streaming platforms
• Free basic version
• Group chat feature
• Simple to use

Cons:

• Both people need subscriptions to the streaming service
• Only works on computers (no mobile apps)
• No video or voice chat (need separate call)
• Some users report occasional sync issues

Amazon Prime Watch Party

Platform: Built into Amazon Prime Video
Cost: Included with Prime membership ($14.99/month)
Streaming Services: Amazon Prime Video only

How It Works:

1. Find a movie or show on Prime Video
2. Click the Watch Party icon
3. Create a watch party and share the link
4. Up to 100 people can join (perfect for just the two of you!)
5. Built-in chat feature

Pros:

• Built-in feature, no extension needed
• Works on computers
• Reliable synchronization
• Large Prime Video library

Cons:

• Only works with Prime Video content
• Both need Prime subscriptions
• No video/voice chat
• Limited to web browser viewing

Disney+ GroupWatch

Platform: Built into Disney+ app
Cost: Included with Disney+ ($7.99/month)
Streaming Services: Disney+ only

How It Works:

1. Select a movie or show
2. Click the GroupWatch icon
3. Share the invitation with your partner
4. Watch together with synchronized playback
5. React with emojis during viewing

Pros:

• Works on TV apps, mobile, and web
• Great for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar fans
• Emoji reactions add fun
• Very user-friendly

Cons:

• Limited to Disney+ content
• No chat or voice features
• Maximum 7 people (more than enough for couples)

Scener

Platform: Browser extension and mobile app
Cost: Free (Premium plans available)
Streaming Services: Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and more

How It Works:

1. Install Scener extension or app
2. Create a virtual theater
3. Invite your partner
4. Includes video chat built-in!

Pros:

• Built-in video and voice chat (no separate call needed!)
• Works with multiple streaming services
• Virtual "theater" experience with avatars
• Can watch together or in separate windows

Cons:

• Can be resource-intensive on computers
• Occasional technical glitches
• Learning curve for setup

Rave

Platform: Mobile app (iOS and Android)
Cost: Free
Streaming Services: Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more

How It Works:

1. Download Rave app on your phones
2. Connect your streaming accounts
3. Create a party and invite your partner
4. Watch on your phones with voice/text chat

Pros:

• Mobile-friendly (watch in bed!)
• Built-in voice and text chat
• Works with many streaming services
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Smaller screen experience
• Some streaming services have limitations
• Quality depends on mobile data/WiFi

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting Up Teleparty (Most Popular Option)

Person 1 (Host):

1. Install Teleparty extension from Chrome Web Store
2. Navigate to Netflix (or other supported platform)
3. Start playing the show or movie you want to watch
4. Click the "TP" icon in your browser toolbar
5. Click "Start Party"
6. Choose your display name and avatar
7. Copy the party URL
8. Send the URL to your partner via text, email, or messaging app

Person 2 (Guest):

1. Install Teleparty extension from Chrome Web Store
2. Click the party URL sent by your partner
3. Choose your display name and avatar
4. Click "Join Party"
5. The video should automatically sync with the host

Pro Tips:

• Have a separate video or voice call running (FaceTime, Discord, phone call)
• Test the setup with a short video before your scheduled date
• Make sure both browsers are up to date
• Disable ad blockers that might interfere
• Start the party 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time to troubleshoot

Creating the Perfect Watch Party Atmosphere

Technical Setup

• Video call: Set up FaceTime, Zoom, or Discord for face-to-face during the movie
• Audio balance: Adjust volume so you can hear both the show and each other
• Lighting: Dim lights for theater feel, but keep some light for video call visibility
• Positioning: Place your laptop/phone so your partner can see you and your screen (if desired)
• Internet check: Close bandwidth-heavy applications

Comfort and Ambiance

• Get comfortable: Pajamas, cozy blankets, favorite pillows
• Prepare snacks: Popcorn, candy, chips—classic movie treats
• Matching activities: Both make the same snack or drink
• Settle in early: Join the call 15 minutes early to chat before starting
• Phone on silent: Minimize distractions

Making It Special

• Dress up: For special movies, dress nicely as if going to a theater
• Pre-movie countdown: Do a silly "theater" countdown together (5, 4, 3, 2, 1...)
• Intermission: For longer movies, schedule a bathroom/snack break together
• Opening previews: Watch a few movie trailers together before starting your feature
• Post-credits tradition: Stay on the call to discuss the movie afterward

What to Watch: Content Recommendations

Romantic Movies

Perfect for date nights:

• The Notebook - Classic romance (warning: have tissues ready)
• About Time - Heartwarming time-travel romance
• Crazy, Stupid, Love - Funny and romantic
• Pride and Prejudice - Period romance done right
• The Big Sick - Based on a true story, funny and touching
• When Harry Met Sally - Classic rom-com

Light-Hearted Comedies

When you just want to laugh together:

• The Grand Budapest Hotel - Quirky and visually stunning
• Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Feel-good classic
• Bridesmaids - Hilarious comedy
• The Princess Bride - Adventure, romance, and comedy
• Pitch Perfect - Music, humor, and heart

Action and Adventure

Exciting movies to experience together:

• Marvel Cinematic Universe - Watch in order for an epic journey
• Mad Max: Fury Road - Non-stop action, visual masterpiece
• The Lord of the Rings trilogy - Epic adventure (plan extended editions!)
• Ocean's Eleven - Stylish heist fun
• Baby Driver - Action with great music

Mysteries and Thrillers

Movies where you can discuss theories:

• Knives Out - Fun whodunit with star-studded cast
• Inception - Mind-bending thriller (great for discussions)
• The Prestige - Twist ending to debate
• Gone Girl - Psychological thriller
• Shutter Island - Mystery with shocking reveals

Animated Films

Don't underestimate animation:

• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Stunning visuals and great story
• WALL-E - Sweet love story, minimal dialogue
• Your Name - Beautiful anime romance
• Coco - Emotional and visually gorgeous
• The Lion King - Classic for a reason

TV Series for Long-Term Watching

Build an ongoing tradition:

• The Office - Episodes are short, endlessly rewatchable
• Stranger Things - Exciting with season-long arcs
• The Crown - Historical drama, great for discussion
• Ted Lasso - Heartwarming and funny (Apple TV+)
• Avatar: The Last Airbender - Epic animated series
• The Great British Baking Show - Wholesome and relaxing

Watch Party Etiquette

Communication Rules

• Discuss spoilers beforehand: If one person has seen it, agree on how much they can reveal
• Pause protocol: Agree on when it's okay to pause (bathroom breaks only? discussion breaks allowed?)
• Reaction freedom: It's okay to react out loud—that's part of the fun!
• Phone checking: Agree to stay present and not scroll during the movie
• Commentary level: Some people love talking during movies, others prefer silence. Find your balance.

Dealing with Technical Issues

• Sync problems: Both people refresh and rejoin
• Audio delays: One person mute their streaming audio and just listen via call
• Buffering: Pause together, let it load, then restart
• Chat lag: Use video call for important communication
• Complete failure: Have a backup plan (just video call and count down to press play simultaneously)

Respecting Each Other's Experience

• Don't judge if your partner doesn't like a movie you love
• Take turns choosing what to watch
• If someone's not into it, it's okay to switch to something else
• Don't force genres your partner consistently dislikes
• Pay attention—nothing worse than asking questions that were just answered

Creative Watch Party Ideas

Theme Nights

• Decade night: Watch movies from the same decade, dress in that era's style
• Director marathon: Watch 3 movies by the same director
• Franchise viewing: Watch an entire series in order (Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc.)
• Genre night: Horror, rom-com, sci-fi, etc.
• Country spotlight: Explore cinema from different countries
• Based-on-books: Read the book together, then watch the adaptation

Interactive Viewing

• Movie bingo: Create bingo cards with common tropes
• Drinking games: For appropriate movies (drink when someone says a specific word)
• Prediction game: Pause periodically and predict what happens next
• Actor challenge: First to identify where you've seen an actor before
• Soundtrack appreciation: Discuss and rate the music choices

Special Events

• Anniversary movie: Watch your "first movie" together annually
• Birthday marathon: Birthday person picks 3 movies back-to-back
• Holiday movies: Watch seasonal films together (Christmas in July counts!)
• Award season: Watch Oscar nominees together and make predictions
• Bad movie night: Intentionally watch terrible movies and mock them (Mystery Science Theater style)

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Technical Issues

Problem: "The party link won't work"

• Make sure both people have the extension installed
• Verify both have active subscriptions to the streaming service
• Check that the show/movie is available in both regions
• Try generating a new party link

Problem: "We're out of sync"

• Both people refresh the page and rejoin
• Check internet connection speed
• Close other applications using bandwidth
• The host can use the "sync" button in Teleparty

Problem: "Audio is echoing"

• Both people should use headphones
• Lower the movie volume on one person's device
• One person mutes their streaming tab and only listens via video call

Problem: "The video quality is poor"

• Check your internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps recommended)
• Manually adjust quality settings in the streaming player
• Close bandwidth-heavy applications
• Consider watching at a different time when internet is faster

Content Issues

Problem: "The show isn't available in my country"

• Choose content available in both regions
• Use a VPN (check your streaming service's terms of service first)
• Select different show/movie

Problem: "We have different streaming subscriptions"

• Watch content on platforms you both have
• Consider sharing account access if service allows
• Take turns subscribing to different services
• Use free platforms like YouTube

Relationship Issues

Problem: "We can never agree on what to watch"

• Create a shared watchlist in advance
• Take turns choosing (alternate weeks)
• Each person vetos 2 options, then choose from what's left
• Use a random generator to choose from your watchlist
• Set genre themes to narrow options

Problem: "One of us keeps falling asleep"

• Schedule viewing at better times (not late night)
• Choose shorter content (TV episodes vs. movies)
• Take activity breaks (stretch between episodes)
• Accept that sometimes you're just tired—reschedule without guilt

Beyond Netflix: Other Streaming Options

YouTube Watch Parties

Watch videos together using Teleparty or Scener. Great for:

• YouTube movies (many free with ads)
• Documentary series
• Comedy specials
• Concert footage
• Educational content

Criterion Channel

For film buffs, explore classic and international cinema together.

Shudder

Horror fans can use Teleparty with this specialized horror streaming service.

Documentary Streaming

Platforms like CuriosityStream offer educational content perfect for learning together.

Making It a Regular Tradition

Scheduling Your Movie Nights

• Weekly tradition: Every Friday night is movie night
• Bi-weekly alternating: One person chooses every other week
• Monthly marathons: Once a month, block off 4-5 hours for multiple movies
• Spontaneous sessions: "Want to watch something tonight?"

Building Your Watch History

• Create a shared Google Doc tracking everything you've watched together
• Rate each movie/show out of 10
• Write one-sentence reviews
• Mark favorites for rewatching
• Keep a list of what you want to watch next

Creating Couple Traditions

• Signature snack: Always have the same treat for movie nights
• Opening ritual: Same greeting or countdown each time
• Discussion time: Always spend 15 minutes after discussing the movie
• Screenshot moments: Capture funny moments during your call
• Inside jokes: Collect quotes and references from your watches

When You're Finally Together in Person

Virtual movie nights are great, but they also build anticipation for the real thing.

Planning Your First In-Person Movie Date

• Go to an actual theater—make it special
• Watch a movie you've been saving for in-person viewing
• Recreate your virtual setup (same snacks, same cozy vibes)
• Take a photo recreating one of your video call screenshots

Movies Worth Saving for In-Person

• Visual spectacles best enjoyed on big screens
• Horror movies (holding hands during scary parts!)
• Your mutual favorite that you've watched separately but want to experience together
• New releases you've been anticipating

Conclusion

Virtual movie nights are more than just a way to pass time in a long distance relationship—they're opportunities to create shared experiences, build traditions, and maintain intimacy despite physical separation. With the right tools, setup, and mindset, watching Netflix together can become one of your favorite relationship rituals.

The technology has made it easier than ever to share these moments. Whether you're using Teleparty, Disney+ GroupWatch, or simply counting down to press play at the same time, what matters most is the intentional time together. You're not just watching content—you're creating memories, inside jokes, and a shared cultural vocabulary that strengthens your bond.

So pick your platform, choose your movie, prepare your snacks, and settle in for quality time with your favorite person. The opening credits are about to roll.

Ready for more virtual date ideas? Explore our guides on gaming together online, virtual cooking dates, and creative Zoom date activities.