You can watch Fandango movies at home primarily through their FandangoNOW (now rebranded as Vudu) service, offering rentals and purchases of digital movies and TV shows. This guide will walk you through the process, alternative options, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience.
What Happened to FandangoNOW and Why Vudu?
For years, Fandango operated its own streaming platform, FandangoNOW. However, in 2021, FandangoNOW was acquired by Vudu, another prominent digital movie marketplace owned by Fandango’s parent company, NBCUniversal (specifically, through its Fandango Media subsidiary). This consolidation simplified the digital movie landscape for consumers.
The Transition: FandangoNOW to Vudu
The key takeaway is this: FandangoNOW accounts were automatically migrated to Vudu. If you had a FandangoNOW account, your movie library, watchlists, and payment information were seamlessly transferred. You likely received an email notification regarding the transition. If you didn’t have a FandangoNOW account, but want to watch movies marketed as “Fandango Movies at Home”, you’ll create or use a Vudu account.
Why the Change?
The consolidation offered several advantages:
- Streamlined User Experience: Combining the two platforms allowed for a more unified and user-friendly interface.
- Wider Content Library: Vudu generally has a larger and more diverse selection of movies and TV shows than FandangoNOW previously offered.
- Technological Synergies: Integrating the technology behind both platforms allowed for improvements in streaming quality, app functionality, and overall performance.
How to Watch Fandango Movies at Home with Vudu
Now that you understand the connection between Fandango and Vudu, here’s how to start watching movies at home:
Step 1: Create or Access Your Vudu Account
- New User: Visit the Vudu website (https://www.vudu.com/) or download the Vudu app on your preferred device (Smart TV, streaming device, mobile phone, tablet). Click “Sign Up” and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new account. You’ll need to provide an email address, password, and possibly a payment method.
- Existing FandangoNOW User: If you had a FandangoNOW account, simply use the same email address and password to log in to Vudu. Your account should already be set up with your existing library.
- Forgotten Password: If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset it.
Step 2: Browse or Search for Movies
Vudu offers several ways to find movies:
- Browse by Genre: Explore categories like Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, etc.
- Browse by New Releases: See the latest movies available for purchase or rental.
- Browse by Deals: Find discounted movies and special offers.
- Search: Use the search bar to quickly find specific titles or actors. Fandango often highlights featured movies on its website that direct users to Vudu.
Step 3: Rent or Buy the Movie
Once you’ve found the movie you want to watch:
- Select “Rent” or “Buy”: Choose the option that best suits your needs. Renting gives you a limited time to watch the movie (typically 30 days to start watching, and 24-48 hours to finish once you begin). Buying gives you permanent access to the movie in your Vudu library.
- Choose Your Video Quality: Select the desired video quality (SD, HD, UHD/4K). Higher quality typically costs more.
- Confirm Your Purchase: Review your order and confirm your payment method.
- Start Watching: Once the transaction is complete, the movie will be added to your Vudu library, and you can start watching it immediately.
Step 4: Watch on Your Preferred Device
Vudu is available on a wide range of devices, including:
- Smart TVs: Most major smart TV brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.) have a Vudu app.
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, etc.
- Mobile Devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android phones and tablets
- Web Browser: Watch on your computer by visiting the Vudu website.
- Game Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
Simply download the Vudu app on your device, log in with your account, and find the movie in your library.
Alternative Ways to Watch “Fandango Movies”
While Vudu is the primary method for accessing movies advertised as “Fandango Movies at Home,” remember that Fandango itself is mainly a ticketing service. So, consider these alternative approaches:
- Check Other Streaming Services: The movie you’re looking for might be available on other subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+. Use a service like JustWatch to check availability across different platforms.
- Look for Physical Media: Sometimes, buying a physical copy (DVD or Blu-ray) is the best way to ensure you own the movie and can watch it whenever you want.
- Check your cable provider’s On Demand options: Some cable companies offer movies for rent or purchase through their On Demand service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What happens to my FandangoNOW gift cards?
FandangoNOW gift cards were automatically converted to Vudu credit. You can use them to purchase or rent movies on Vudu. If you have any issues, contact Vudu customer support.
FAQ 2: Can I download movies from Vudu to watch offline?
Yes, Vudu allows you to download purchased movies and select rentals to your mobile devices (iOS and Android) for offline viewing. Look for the download icon next to the movie in your library. Note that not all movies are available for download due to licensing restrictions.
FAQ 3: What video quality options are available on Vudu?
Vudu offers various video quality options, including Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD), and Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K. The availability of each option depends on the movie and your device’s capabilities. For the best viewing experience, ensure your device and internet connection support UHD/4K streaming.
FAQ 4: How long do I have to watch a rented movie on Vudu?
Typically, you have 30 days to begin watching a rented movie on Vudu. Once you start watching, you usually have 24-48 hours to finish it, depending on the specific title. Always check the rental details before confirming your purchase.
FAQ 5: How do I connect my Movies Anywhere account to Vudu?
Connecting your Movies Anywhere account to Vudu allows you to access eligible movies purchased on other platforms (like iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video) within your Vudu library. Go to your Vudu account settings and look for the Movies Anywhere option to link your accounts.
FAQ 6: Is Vudu available internationally?
Vudu is currently only available in the United States.
FAQ 7: What payment methods does Vudu accept?
Vudu typically accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and Vudu gift cards.
FAQ 8: How do I redeem a Vudu promo code or gift card?
You can redeem a Vudu promo code or gift card by going to your account settings on the Vudu website or app. Look for the “Redeem” or “Gift Card” option and enter the code.
FAQ 9: How can I contact Vudu customer support?
You can contact Vudu customer support through their website’s help center. They offer email support, FAQs, and other resources to assist you with any issues.
FAQ 10: Does Vudu offer parental controls?
Yes, Vudu offers parental controls to restrict access to certain types of content based on ratings. You can set a PIN to prevent unauthorized purchases or viewing of mature content.
FAQ 11: How can I get a refund for a Vudu purchase?
Vudu’s refund policy varies. Generally, refunds are only considered for technical issues or if you accidentally purchased the wrong movie. Contact Vudu customer support to request a refund.
FAQ 12: Can I share my Vudu library with family members?
While Vudu doesn’t officially offer family sharing in the same way as some other platforms, you can technically log in to your Vudu account on multiple devices. However, be aware that this may violate Vudu’s terms of service, and there may be limitations on simultaneous streams.