The long and strange 2020 was finally over. Amid a flurry of bad, movies offered insights and escape for us. While many theaters had to be temporarily closed, studios and digital platforms kept providing superb movies to support us. Take Apple's iTunes as an example, it boasts an extremely large collection of movies and a reliable vendor that lets people rent or purchase new digital movies to watch at home. Additionally, many studios have switched their strategies and distribute some theatrical movies on iTunes and other streaming platforms in response to the COVID-19. Quarantine time for Covid doesn't have to be boring.
This article is writing to movie addicts who eagers to know some new and top iTunes movie rentals. If you are looking for some good movies to binge-watching and wanting to know some new movies to rent from iTunes, below is a list of new releases and current top iTunes movie rentals, ranging from gripping thriller movies to entertaining kids and family movies. All these movies are available on Apple TV Plus or iTunes for renting and should be the best movies of 2020 so far. Read on for more.
Related Article: How to Rent Movies on iTunes? [Quick Start Tutorial]
Part 1. New Apple Movies to Rent
The following are some new movies on iTunes for rent. All are new releases in 2020 available on iTunes Store.
1. Nomadland
Director: Chloé Zhao
Writer: Chloé Zhao (screenplay by), Jessica Bruder (book)
Stars: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn & Linda May
Rating: R
Running Time: 1h 48min
Genres: Drama
Release Date: February 19, 2021 (Debut on Hulu)
iTunes Rental Price: TBA
iTunes Purchase Price: TBA
Drawn accolades from critics, Nomadland tells a story about a middle-aged woman who embarks on a journey through the American plains after losing everything in the Great Recession. With Frances McDormand's stunning performance and director Chloé Zhao's creativity, Nomadland captures the restlessness left in the wake of the Great Recession and delivers a profound rumination on the topic of aging, poverty, and unemployment.
2. Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always
Director: Eliza Hittman
Writer: Eliza Hittman
Stars: Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder, Théodore Pellerin
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1h 41min
Genres: Drama
Release Date: April 3, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $14.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $5.99
Movies are not just made to entertain, but to reflect reality. Never Rarely Sometimes Always is such a gem for moviegoers. The movie is a seldom-told story about abortion, following a 17-year-old girl Autumn, and her friend Skylar's travel to New York City to seek out medical help. The movie is beautifully-made and conveyed with compassion and truthfulness. The subtle and insightful depiction shows you what it is like to be young and vulnerable.
3. Tenet
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2h 30m
Genres: Action, Drama, Adventure
Release Date: December 15, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $12.99
Tenet was a highly anticipated movie in 2020 but received mixed reviews by critics and audiences. Indeed, it is the type of movie that deserves to be watched in movie theatres, with IMAX aspect ratio, thrilling car chase set, and cool effects. However, if what you expect is a movie with a good story plot just like Christopher's former works Inception and Interstellar, you may get disappointed. Because at your first watch, you are very likely to find it difficult to gather all the information and get perplexed. This should be the major reason that the movie is not as satisfying as the director's previous works. But the actors' performances, especially Robert Pattinson's charming and smooth acting skills, are highlights of the movie. And the score of the music is awesome. After all, since the digital version of the movie rolls out, it is a good chance to rewatch the movie and perceive all the details that you might neglect on your first watch.
4. Collective
Director: Alexander Nanau
Writer: Alexander Nanau, Antoaneta Opris
Stars: Razvan Lutac, Mirela Neag, Catalin Tolontan
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1h 35min
Genres: Documentary
Release Date: November 20, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $6.99
iTunes Purchase Price: TBA
Many critics considered Collective as one of the greatest journalism movies of all time. Romanian director Alexander Nanau tracks a crack team of journalists at the Romanian newspaper Sports Gazette as they try to expose shocking corruption that enriched moguls and politicians in the Romanian national healthcare system and led to the deaths of innocent citizens. Although it is somehow a sad tragedy, it is also a powerful and must-see documentary.
5. Greyhound
Director: Aaron Schneider
Writer: Tom Hanks
Stars: Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, Karl Glusman, Stephen Graham, Tom Brittney
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1h 31m
Genres: Action, Drama, History, War
Release Date: July 10, 2020 (Available on Apple TV Plus)
iTunes Rental Price: $6.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $14.99
Have you watched Tom Hank's latest naval drama Greyhound? Based on the book The Good Shepherd and a real story in World War II, the movie centers on Commander George Krause, a career officer who must shepherd men and ships across the Atlantic Ocean while facing off against a pack of Nazi German submarines and finally gets command of a destroyer.
It is not surprising that Tom Hanks, the appealing leading role as well as the screenplay writer, gives stunning performances. Comparing to the original novel, the character in the adapted movie is much charismatic according to some reviews, which is possibly eliminating some psychological elements of the movie. But if you are a fan of Tom Hanks and want to watch an efficient, satisfying war movie, don't miss this.
6. The Gentlemen
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writer: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant
Rating: R
Running Time: 1h 53min
Genres: Action, Adventure
Release Date: January 24, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $14.99
If you are a Guy Ritchie fan, The Gentlemen will not disappoint you. This movie not only gathers one of Ritchie's best-ever casts but also tells a really entertaining story. And in fact, The Gentlemen also shows Guy Ritchie's brilliant grasp on non-linear storytelling which will remind you of his creative early projects, Lock, Stock, and Snatch. Speaking of the actor's performances, each and every actor is just amazing and impeccable that no one was wasted and can quickly pull you into their world.
And if you love twists and turns and funny ironic coincidences, definitely give it a watch!
7. The Invisible Man
Director: Leigh Whannell
Writer: Leigh Whannell
Stars: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Harriet Dyer
Rating: R
Running Time: 2h 4min
Genres: Drama
Release Date: February 28, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $14.99
Adapted from H.G Well's 1897 novel, The Invisible Man tells a story about a toxic relationship. The character Cecilia, who receives the news of her abusive ex-boyfriend's suicide, begins to rebuild her life. However, she starts to be victimized by someone nobody can see.
The movie has received many acclaims for actress Elisabeth Moss's excellent performances. But some audiences give negative opinions for the reason that they think the outcome of every character interaction in the movie is predictable. Still, it is an excellent psychological thriller that will work up some shivers.
8. Onward
Director: Dan Scanlon
Writer: Dan Scanlon, Jason Headley, Keith Bunin
Stars: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1h 42min
Genres: Kids & Family
Release Date: March 6, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $19.99
Pixar Studio rarely makes bad movies. The latest Pixar's work, Onward, tells the story of two eleven, blue-haired brothers who take on a journey to bring their deceased father back for one day. Although the plot may sound a bit cliché, the movie actually delivers diverse elements such as rich brotherly relationship, adventure, magic, and love. And all these elements combined together demonstrate a funny, heartwarming, magical, and nostalgic story, which is worth recommending.
9. Bad education
Director: Cory Finley
Writer: Mike Makowsky
Stars: Ray Romano, Allison Janney, Geraldine Viswanathan, Hugh Jackman, Alex Wolff
Rating: TV-MA
Running Time: 1h 48min
Genres: Comedy
Release Date: June 22, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $12.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $3.99
Inspired by the true story of the largest public school embezzlement in American history, Bad Education is a captivating dark comedy that has an astounding cast featuring Hugh Jackman and Geraldine Viswanathan. It is a fascinating movie with superb acting. It is worth noted that Hugh Jackman just gives what may the best performance of his career and steps into the role of the real-life Frank Tassone. Everything in this movie is just that good. Definitely worth watching.
10. Emma
Director: Autumn de Wilde
Writer: Eleanor Catton
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighty
Rating: PG
Running Time: 2h 4min
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Release Date: March 6, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $14.99
This version of Emma is another enchanting Jane Austen adaptation. Director Autumn de Wilde doesn't reinvent the story but leans into its comforting, old-fashioned appeal. The colorful set design and decadent costumes are a feast for the eyes. The casts are great and Anna Taylor-Joy captures the essence of Austen's bossy, match-making heroine. It is an enjoyable, uplifting, and fabulous adaptation for viewers.
11. The Assistant
Director: Kitty Green
Writer: Kitty Green
Stars: Julia Garner, Owen Holland, Jon Orsini
Rating: R
Running Time: 1h 27min
Genres: Drama
Release Date: January 31, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $14.99
The Assistant is not the type of movie that is full of outright drama but much of a slow-paced story. It follows the character, Jane, who is a recent college graduate, working as an assistant to the Big Boss. The movie is highlighted in creating a tense atmosphere by the way it portrays the antagonist. And it receives positive reviews from critics. It is a movie that may make you frustrated and angry, but it does this to make you ponder over the implied messages.
12. The Croods: A New Age
Director: Joel Crawford
Writer: Kevin Hageman, Dan Hageman, Paul Fisher, Bob Logan
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1h 35min
Genres: Kids & Family, Animation, Action & Adventure
Release Date: November 25, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $19.99
iTunes Purchase Price: TBA
Finally, a sequel of Dreamwork's popular animation movie, The Croods, is
released. The Croods: A New Age follows the prehistoric family's new journey
to search for a safer place to live. But when they discover an idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their
needs, they are challenged by a rival family the Bettermans, who already lives here and claim to be better and
more evolved. The essence and humor of the first movie are still preserved and the new parenting and
relationship issues are even more relatable to viewers. Both kids and adults can find enjoyment from this funny
movie.
13. Bad Boys for Life
Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
Writer: Peter Craig, Joe Carnahan
Stars: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
Rating: R
Running Time: 2h 4min
Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime
Release Date: March 31, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $4.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $14.99
Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back together for one last ride in the highly anticipated Bad Boys for Life. However, this movie has a different director compared with the previous two, therefore, it is better to lower your expectation that the movie gives you the feel of the originals, and this remake still worths a watch, especially if you are a Will Smith and Martin Lawrence fan.
14. Trolls World Tour
Director: Walt Dohrn
Writer: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Maya Forbes, Wally Wolodarsky, Elizabeth Trippet
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Bloom
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1h 30min
Genres: Kids & Family, Animation
Release Date: April 10, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $19.99
Trolls: World Tour is the other animated movie which suits for kids and family in the list. And this is an ideal choice for people who are looking for a relaxing and new movie on Apple to rent. If you love the original Trolls which features awesome music, Trolls: World Tour may bring you more than that. With bright colors, strong visuals, catchy music, and funny stories, this movie certainly gives you a little escape from this crazy world.
15. Shirley
Director: Josephine Decker
Writer: Sarah Gubbins, Susan Scarf Merrell
Stars: Elisabeth Moss, Odessa Young, Michael Stuhbarg
Rating: R
Running Time: 1h 47min
Genres: Drama, Biography, Suspense
Release Date: June 5, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $12.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $3.99
Shirley is another highly-anticipated thriller movie also cast with Elisabeth Moss as the leading role. And this is a new movie available on iTunes for rent. It tells a story that the renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson finds inspiration for her next masterpiece after she and her philandering husband take in the naïve young couple at their door. The beautiful settings, outstanding acting, and music will quickly draw you into this compelling story. Shouldn't miss this movie.
Part 2. Top Theatrical Movies of 2019 on iTunes to Rent
Now is also the perfect time to revisit some top theatrical movies that were released in 2019, for they finally come out on iTunes. Some movies even have decent deals! The following selections might seem a bit obvious or ludicrous, but after all, they were made in the spirit of enjoyable debate and discovery. Therefore, to some extent, they are suitable for renting from iTunes and should let you have a great time while staying at home.
1. 1917
Director: Sam Mendes
Writer: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns
Stars: Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays
Rating: R
Running Time: 1h 59min
Genres: Drama, War
Release Date: January 10, 2020
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $19.99
Inspired by the war stories of Mendes' grandfather who served in World War I, 1917 is a must-see movie for everyone because it makes people understand the value of peace. You may have heard of the stunning one-take technique applied in this movie. Although the one-take format has a long Hollywood history, you are bound to be astounded by the one-shot style used in 1917 after watching it.
In addition, Roger Deakins, who served as the cinematographer for The Shawshank Redemption and Blade Runner 2049, is also responsible for the camera work of this movie. He's done the job so gorgeously that you won't be distracted while watching it. Basically, 1917 creates an incredible and gripping experience for viewers. The movie brings you along in the trenches with the characters. And the set design is so realistic that it makes you feel as if you are at war yourselves. This may even make you more connected with the story.
Besides, the movie is star-studded. You will see that Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Richard Madden star in this movie. And all the actings are impeccable.
Overall, 1917 is a masterpiece.
2. Knives Out
Director: Rian Johnson
Writer: Rian Johnson
Stars: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2h 10min
Genres: Thriller, Drama, Crime
Release Date: November 27, 2019
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $19.99
Knives Out is an intelligent film that can remind you of Agatha Christie's detective novels. The film uses a wonderfully entertaining mystery structure and features a charismatic cast. Daniel Craig gives an excellent performance here. Also, with the amazingly atmospheric music and superb editing, all elements combined together in a balanced way. Fans of Agatha Christie and mystery lovers will have plenty to love here!
3. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writer: Chris Terrio, J.J. Abrams, Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow
Stars: Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2h 22min
Genres: Action, Adventure
Release Date: March 13, 2020 (VOD)
iTunes Rental Price: $19.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $5.99
It is reportedly said that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the conclusion to the 42-year saga. But this new Star War picture is controversial. Although you can see the old-timers specifically Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill give good acting and new actors such as Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley also do a good job, the movie is somehow disappointing. Still, it is on the list because some classic elements of the original trilogy that are presented in this final should reflect your personal relationship with the franchise.
4. Terminator: Dark Fate
Director: Tim Miller
Writer: David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, Billy Ray, James Cameron, Charles Eglee, Josh Friedman
Stars: Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna
Rating: R
Running Time: 2h 8min
Genres: Action, Adventure
Release Date: November 1, 2019
iTunes Rental Price: $5.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $19.99
Terminator: Dark Fate definitely shows you what an action movie needs to be. Perhaps you will expect more from this movie because some applaud it as the best Terminator movie since T2, but just low a bit of your expectation, and you will find Terminator: Dark Fate in itself a slick and decent movie with great action sequences and special effects. If you are ready to watch an action movie with some familiar faces such as Linda Hamilton (who amazingly steals the show) and Arnold Schwarzenegger, you are going to have a great time with it.
5. Ip Man 4: The Finale
Director: Wilson Yip, Yuen Woo-Ping
Writer: Tai-lee Chan, Edmond Wong
Stars: Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Danny Chan, Chris Collins, Kent Cheng
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 1h 47min
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
Release Date: December 25, 2019
iTunes Rental Price: $4.99
iTunes Purchase Price: $7.99
The legendary martial artist Ip Man and his work have been immortalized in the media time and again. And Ip Man 4: The Finale is an excellent wrap up of Wilson Yip's popular Ip Man biopic series. Donnie Yen and Yue Wu and the cast are incredible. And the flow of the film allows you to really feel distinct emotions and truly lets you absorbed in the story.
With Yuen Woo-Ping, the martial arts choreographer of The Matrix trilogy also choreographed for the fight sequences of this film, the creative and thrilling action in Yip Man 4 is a highlight. If you are a martial arts movie fan, you will get a lot of enjoyment watching it.
Part 3. Backup Your iTunes M4V Rental Movies for Offline Viewing
Once you start to buy or rent movies from iTunes, your collection of iTunes movies will certainly grow big. However, no matter you choose to rent or purchase iTunes movies, video content available on iTunes are all added with Apple's FairPlay DRM, making it only viewable on Apple products and iTunes. This is inconvenient for people who want to play their iTunes M4V movies on devices such as Android phones and tablets, or mainstream media players like VLC media player.
Here you have a viable solution to decrypt Fairplay DRM from iTunes movies making it possible to play iTunes movies on multiple devices and video players other than Apple devices.
With TuneFab iTunes M4V Converter, your DRM-protected iTunes movies can be converted to a regular DRM-free MP4 video, and therefore you can play your iTunes movie collection at any time and anywhere with no hassle. Subtitles and Dolby Digital 5.1 track (AC3 audio track) can also be preserved in the new MP4 file. Try it out!
Note: iTunes rentals can only be converted to MP4 on the Mac version.
Final Thoughts
It was a pity that 2020 almost was a year without superheroes. But as a lot of smaller movies were available to rent on iTunes at your fingertips, perhaps you may also feel pleasant when catching indies or revisiting classic blockbusters and find hidden gems that you wouldn't have noticed before.
