How to Watch Movies on Kodi: A Complete Beginner’s Tutorial

To watch movies on Kodi, add a folder of movie files, identify it as Movies, scan it into your library, and select a title to play. You can also connect a NAS or install a video add-on for an online service.

Before you start

Install the stable version for your device from the official Kodi download page. Kodi does not include movies; you supply files or connect an appropriate content service. Use media you have permission to play.

These instructions use the default Estuary skin. Menus and storage locations can vary by device; the images show example paths. Connect your USB drive first, if applicable.

For reliable matching, follow Kodi’s movie naming guidance: put each film in its own folder and include its title and year, such as Movies/The General (1926)/The General (1926).mkv. Keep TV shows in a separate source.

Add local movies to your Kodi library

1. Open the file section

From the home screen, select Videos > Files. On an empty installation, you may see Enter files section instead.

2. Add a source

Select Add videos.... In the source dialog, choose Browse.

3. Choose the movie folder

Navigate to your drive, open the parent folder containing your movie folders, and select OK.

4. Name the source

Use a recognizable label, such as PC Movies, then select OK.

5. Set the content type

Set This directory contains to Movies. Choose an information provider. Enable Movies are in separate folders that match the movie title only if your folder layout matches that description.

6. Scan the collection

Select OK, then Yes when asked to refresh information. Kodi retrieves matching metadata and artwork; see its source setup guide for additional options.

Play a movie

7. Open Movies and select a title

Return home, open Movies, and select a film. Press Enter/OK to play, or choose Play from its information page. Available resume options let you continue an unfinished movie.

During playback, use the controls for pausing and seeking. Kodi’s playback settings also let you select available subtitle and audio tracks.

Watch movies stored on a NAS

8. Add a network location

Enable file sharing on your NAS and connect both devices to your home network. Repeat the source setup, but under Browse choose Add network location....

9. Enter the server and share details

Choose Windows network (SMB), enter the server name or IP address, shared folder, and required credentials. Use your own details, not the example values shown. Follow Kodi’s SMB connection guide and use SMBv2 or newer.

Confirm the location, select the shared movie folder, then complete steps 4–6. Use SMB rather than UPnP when building a scanned movie library.

Watch online movies with a video add-on

10. Open the add-on browser

Select Add-ons, then Enter add-on browser or the open-box icon. Kodi’s add-on manager guide explains these entry points.

11. Choose the included repository

Select Install from repository, then Kodi Add-on repository if a repository list appears. This route does not require enabling Unknown sources.

12. Install and open a video add-on

Open Video add-ons, select a service, and choose Install. For example, Kodi lists Arte +7, an add-on for ARTE videos. After installation, launch it under Add-ons > Video add-ons and follow its setup instructions.

Check the provider’s catalog, account requirements, and regional restrictions. Installing an add-on does not guarantee access to a particular movie. If no compatible add-on is available, use the provider’s supported app or website.

What about cloud storage?

A straightforward option is to download your movie files through your cloud provider to a local folder, then add that folder to Kodi. Confirm that the files are fully downloaded. Treat cloud add-ons as separate integrations: check current compatibility and permissions before granting account access.

Fix missing movies and playback problems

• Movie missing: check its title, year, source content type, and whether the drive or NAS is accessible.
• New files not appearing: highlight the source under Videos > Files, open its context menu, and select Scan for new content.
• Wrong match: open the movie’s information page and choose Refresh.
• Buffering: compare with a local file and check network connectivity before changing playback settings.

Restarting alone does not guarantee a scan: automatic scanning requires Update library on startup. Kodi’s library maintenance guide covers scans, refreshes, and missing-title checks.