Download Netflix Shows and Movies on Mac or MacBook

Part 1. Can You Download Netflix Shows and Movies on Mac?

No, at least not officially. Netflix does not provide a macOS app, and downloads only work inside the Netflix app on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, and Android tablets. Browsers such as Safari or Google Chrome only allow streaming, not downloading, so offline viewing is not supported on a Mac.

This limitation explains why alternative methods are often needed to watch Netflix without an internet connection. One practical solution is using a dedicated Netflix video downloader for Mac. For example, ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader can save shows and movies directly to a Mac as local files. These videos can be stored in formats like MP4, allowing offline playback in most media players without an internet connection. Saving videos locally also makes it easier to transfer them to other devices such as smartphones, tablets, or USB drives.

Part 2. How to Download Netflix Shows and Movies on Mac with a Netflix Video Downloader

ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader is a desktop application for Windows and Mac that downloads TV shows and movies through its built in Netflix web player. After installing the Mac version, compatible with macOS 10.13 through macOS 26, you can sign in with a Netflix subscription account, browse your Netflix library, choose an output format, add the titles you want, and start downloading.

This method allows Netflix videos to be saved directly on a Mac without relying on an official app. It supports high video quality such as Full HD and 4K Ultra HD, along with clear audio including 5.1 Dolby Atmos. For most situations, the default 1080P option works well, and testing a few downloads can help you see if it fits your needs.

Key Features of ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader

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• Download Netflix movies, TV shows and more locally
• Convert Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4 or MKV
• Save multilingual language and subtitles in two types
• Remove ads from Netflix and keep original video quality

Please walk through the step-by-step guide below and download your favorite Netflix shows or movies for offline viewing:

Step 1Explore Netflix Library through ViWizard

Launch ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader on your Mac. Navigate to the integrated Netflix Web Player within ViWizard. Sign in using your Netflix account credentials to access the full library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, anime, and originals.

Step 2Customize Download Settings

Click the hamburger icon at the top right corner of the ViWizard interface. Select "Settings" and go to the "Download" section. Customize the output video format, codec, quality, audio channel, language, and subtitle preferences to suit your preferences.

Step 3Search and Select Content

Close the Settings window and return to the ViWizard Web Player. Use the search bar to find specific content by name, keyword, or code. Alternatively, paste the URL or code of the Netflix TV show or movie you want to download directly onto your Mac. Once you've found the desired video, open it to proceed to the download step.

Step 4Initiate Download Process

With your selected content open, click "Download" to start the process. You can also click "Add to List" to queue content for download at a later time. Upon clicking on the "Download" button, ViWizard will automatically download individual episodes or entire seasons for TV shows, as well as full-length movies. Wait for the download to complete; the files will be saved as MP4 or MKV files in your Mac's default download folder.

Step 5Access Downloaded Content

To access your downloaded Netflix content, go to the "Converted" section at the top of the ViWizard interface. Here, you'll find all completed downloads. If needed, click the "Folder" icon next to each title to locate and access the downloaded files individually on your Mac.

Part 3. How to Stream Netflix Directly on a Mac

Netflix can still be watched directly on a Mac through supported browsers like Safari or Google Chrome. Streaming does not require extra software, and a web app shortcut can be created so Netflix appears in the Dock for quicker access.

Streaming works well with a stable internet connection. However, offline viewing is not supported, so downloading videos in advance can be helpful when traveling or in places with limited connectivity.

Method 1: Watch Netflix via Web Browser

With any web browser, you can enter Netflix from the official Netflix website. There is a simple guide for you.

Step 1 If you're not signed in, click "Sign In" at the top right. Then, sign in with your email and password.

Step 2 On the Netflix home screen, click "Sign In".

Step 3 Enter your Netflix email and password by the on-screen keyboard, and tap "Next" to enter the Netflix library.

Step 4 Enter your Netflix email and password by the on-screen keyboard, and tap "Next" to enter the Netflix library.

Step 5 Enter your Netflix email and password by the on-screen keyboard, and tap "Next" to enter the Netflix library.

Step 6 Enter your Netflix email and password by the on-screen keyboard, and tap "Next" to enter the Netflix library.

Method 2: Watch Netflix via a Netflix Shortcut

There is no official Netflix app on Mac. So, if you want to get a quick entry to Netflix, we recommend that you set a Netflix shortcut on your desktop. It acts like a Netflix app. The only shortcoming is that the shortcut doesn't support downloading from Netflix.

1. Use "Add to Dock" (Safari)

On Safari:

Step 1 Open Safari and go to netflix.com.

Step 2 Click the File menu at the top left of your screen in the second place.

Step 3 Select "Add to Dock".

Step 4 Then, name it "Netflix" and tap Add to comfirm. Now, you have created an icon in your Dock that can open Netflix in its own Safari window, which acts like the Netflix app.

2. Use "Create Shortcut" (Chrome)

On Chrome:

Step 1 Open Chrome on your desktop and visit netflix.com.

Step 2 Click the three dots in the top-right corner of your screen.

Step 3 Scroll down to Cast, save and share, then tap Create shortcut.

Step 4 Check the box for Open as window. Also, name it as "Netflix" and then click Create.

Finally, you can get an icon on your desktop and in your Launchpad that opens Netflix in a dedicated window.

3. Use Desktop Shortcut (Any Browser)

On Chrome:

Step 1 Go to netflix.com in your browser.

Step 2 Drag the URL from the address bar by the button next to URL directly to your desktop. This creates a shortcut that can open Netflix in your browser on your desktop when clicked.

Method 3: Watch Netflix via Installing Windows on Mac

This method is relatively complicated. Because you must install the Windows system on your Mac. But in case someone wants this method, we prepared a complete guide on installing Windows on Mac. If you're up for trying a different system on your Mac to access Netflix, you can follow the steps. Here's a user-friendly guide to get you started:

Step 1: Prepare for Installation

Step 1 Make sure your Mac meets the requirements for running Windows smoothly. You can use Boot Camp Assistant, a built-in utility on macOS, to help.

Step 2 Before diving into Windows installation, it's important to back up all your important files and data.

Step 3 You'll need either a Windows installation disk image (.iso file) or a USB drive with Windows installation media.

Step 2: Use Boot Camp Assistant

Step 1 Go to Applications > Utilities > Boot Camp Assistant.

Step 2 Boot Camp Assistant will walk you through partitioning your Mac's hard drive to make room for Windows.

Step 3 Choose how much space you want to reserve for Windows. Consider the size of the Windows installation and the Netflix content you plan to download.

Step 3: Install Windows on Your Mac

Step 1 Once partitioning is done, insert your Windows installation disk or USB drive as prompted.

Step 2 The on-screen instructions will guide you through installing Windows on the newly created partition.

Step 3 Connect to a Wi-Fi network and create a user account as you would on a new Windows PC.

Step 4 Once in Windows, open the Microsoft Store to search for the Netflix app. Download it to your Windows system.

Step 5 Launch the Netflix app and sign in with your Netflix account details.

Step 6 With the Netflix app now on your Windows system, browse and watch your favorite movies and TV shows.

Part 4. How to Download Netflix Shows and Movies on iPhone or iPad Instead

Downloading Netflix content on an iPhone or iPad provides an official way to watch offline. The Netflix mobile app includes a built in download feature that allows shows and movies to be saved directly to the device.

These downloads cannot be transferred to a Mac because of Netflix's DRM protection. Downloaded titles can only be watched inside the Netflix app on supported devices, and some titles may expire and require downloading again.

Step 1 Open the Netflix app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2 Tap Search at the bottom of the screen and find the movie or TV show you want.

Step 3 Tap the title poster to open the details page.

Step 4 If it is a movie, tap the Download (↓) button below the Play button.

Step 5 If it is a TV show, scroll down to the episode list.

Step 6 Tap the Download (↓) icon next to the episode you want to save.

Step 7 Tap Download Season if the option appears to download all episodes from that season.

Step 8 Tap Downloads in the bottom menu to check your saved videos and download progress.

Part 5. Best Media Players for Watching Downloaded Netflix Videos on Mac

When Netflix videos are saved directly on a Mac, they can be played using media players that support multiple video formats, smooth playback, and subtitle options. A reliable media player helps ensure the videos play correctly and provides a viewing experience similar to regular streaming.

1. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player plays almost every audio and video format, making it ideal for downloaded Netflix videos. It handles MP4, MKV, AVI, and more, with built-in subtitle support. It is reliable even with unusual or partially corrupted files. The interface is simple and functional. VLC is free, open-source, and runs on macOS without extra setup.

Step 1 Open the Applications folder on your Mac and launch VLC Media Player.

Step 2 Click File in the menu bar, then select Open File…

Step 3 Go to the folder where your downloaded MP4 video is stored.

Step 4 Select the MP4 video and click Open to start playing it.

Step 5 You can also drag and drop the MP4 file onto the VLC window or its Dock icon to play it immediately.

Step 6 Use VLC's playback controls to pause, skip, adjust subtitles, or change audio settings as needed.

2. IINA Player

IINA Player is a modern, Mac-focused media player that supports a wide range of formats. It offers gesture controls, dark mode, picture-in-picture playback, and easy subtitle adjustments. The interface is clean and responsive, making actions like adjusting audio or seeking frames effortless. Performance is smooth, and installation is quick.

Step 1 Open the Applications folder on your Mac and launch IINA Player.

Step 2 Click File in the menu bar, then choose Open…

Step 3 Navigate to the folder where your downloaded MP4 video is saved.

Step 4 Select the MP4 video and click Open to start playback.

Step 5 You can also drag and drop the MP4 file from Finder onto the IINA window or Dock icon.

Step 6 Use IINA's controls, picture-in-picture mode, or subtitle settings as needed during playback.

3. Elmedia Player

Elmedia Player is versatile and easy to use, playing nearly every video format and handling subtitles smoothly, including a built-in subtitle search. Features like picture-in-picture, audio equalizer, playlists, and casting to Apple TV or Chromecast add convenience. The free version covers most needs, and the interface makes managing videos simple.

Step 1 Open the Applications folder on your Mac and launch Elmedia Player.

Step 2 To open a downloaded MP4 video, you can:

Step 3 Select the MP4 video to start playback.

Step 4 Use features like picture-in-picture, playlists, audio settings, or casting to Apple TV/Chromecast.

Step 5 If you want, set Elmedia as the default player for MP4 files so they open automatically in the future.

Step 6 Close the player when finished or open another video by repeating these steps.

Conclusion:

This post provides a full guide to watch and download Netflix on your Mac. With these method, you can easily enjoy Netflix times in a free afternoon or night on your Mac. In addition, ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader allows you to dive into the world of offline Netflix viewing on your Mac. Now, say goodbye to streaming limitations and hello to endless entertainment at your fingertips, wherever you go!