Apple TV has quietly added 19 popular films from its back catalogue to the streaming service this week, marking what has been described as its most significant library upgrade in years. The move addresses what has long been considered Apple TV's main weakness compared to rivals such as Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max: while its original series have been well regarded, its film library has remained notably thin, making the sudden influx of well-known titles a potentially significant step in its efforts to compete more broadly in the streaming market.

The new additions, available at no extra cost to subscribers, span 1982 to 2016 and cover genres including sci-fi, comedy and action. Headline titles include Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and James Cameron's Titanic, alongside films such as Arrival, Looper, The Martian, Gone Girl and Zoolander. The full list totals 19 films, and unlike Netflix's vast but sometimes overwhelming catalogue, the selection is seen as tightly curated, potentially making it easier for viewers to choose what to watch.