When watching movies, image quality is paramount. The best monitors for this use case feature excellent contrast ratios, vibrant color gamut coverage, and strong brightness to handle various lighting conditions. Low response times help reduce motion blur, while higher refresh rates ensure smooth playback of fast-paced scenes, making your viewing experience immersive and enjoyable.
We analyzed 196 monitors, focusing on those that excel in these criteria. Of these, 5 monitors earned a spot on our buying guide. Our analysis included 321,839 reviews, filtering out 71% of experts who produced fake or low quality reviews. Our unique approach combines True Score, product verification, and proprietary Trust Rating to ensure reliability. These winning products performed well in our rigorous testing and verification process, delivering exceptional movie-watching experiences. If gaming is more your style than movies, the leading Xbox One X monitors provide high refresh rates and minimal input lag. For those interested in the top options overall, don’t miss our guide to the best computer monitors.
TL;DR
When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission.
🖥️ Go for the Asus ROG PG27AQDM for vivid colors and deep blacks, best for movies.
📸 Opt for the Dell U2723QE for a versatile mid-range 4K monitor for movies and work.
💻 If you’re on a budget, grab the HP OMEN 27QS for bright, vibrant movie-watching.
🎮 Definitely choose the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 for unbeatable response time and gaming.
📺 Get the LG 27GP950-B for excellent brightness and color accuracy, best for 4K.
How Did We Rank the Best Monitors for Watching Movies?
Selecting the ideal monitor for watching movies involves more than just a pretty screen. We reviewed over 200 sites, combining insights from expert reviews and detailed customer feedback. Our methodology focused on 2 critical test results and 3 must-have features. By prioritizing key elements like contrast, color depth, and screen size, and utilizing our True Score system, we’ve curated a list of top monitors that elevate your home theater experience to new heights.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have a screen size of at least 27″.
- Must be 4K.
- Must support HDR.
? Test Criteria
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the DCI P3 color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.
Latest Updates
- 05/02/2024: Republished the list to include the best monitors for watching movies based on our True Score system.
Top Monitors for Watching Movies For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Asus ROG PG27AQDM
Best For Macbook Pro
A great monitor for movie buffs seeking vivid colors and deep blacks with OLED technology. Suitable for moderately lit rooms, its gamer-focused features, like a high refresh rate, enhance both films and gaming experiences, albeit at a premium price.
True Score
868910Experts
906kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $45$799.00$754.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Stellar Picture Quality
- Fast Response Time
- Low Input Lag
- High Refresh Rate and VRR Support
- Wide Viewing Angles
Reasons to Avoid
- No HDMI 2.1 Support
- Low Overall Brightness
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 
Bluelight Filter Yes 
Built-In Speakers Yes 
Built-In Webcam No 
Curved Screen No Display Type LED 
Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 
Panel Type OLED Refresh Rate 240 Hz 
Response Time 0.03 ms 
Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 26.5″ 
Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 311 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 95 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
$754.00$799Save $45
$754.00$1,451Save $697
Our Verdict
The Asus ROG PG27AQDM is a standout movie monitor thanks to its OLED panel, which maintains a decent brightness of 311.2 nits. While this brightness isn’t amazing for brightly lit rooms or offices, it’s plenty for moderately lit spaces. Its DCI P3 color gamut also has excellent coverage, sitting at 94.85%, which guarantees vivid and accurate colors, particularly in HDR content. The OLED panel also gives the monitor a functionally infinite contrast ratio, which creates exceptionally deep blacks.
The Asus ROG PG27AQDM is a gamer-focused monitor, which explains why it also boasts a response time of just 2.13 ms, but this response time is also excellent for crisp and blur-free content. If you watch lots of action movies, it reduces motion blur and maintains image clarity. The ultra-high refresh rate of 240 Hz, one of the highest available, contributes to a smoother image during movie playback, although it’s more beneficial for competitive gamers where frame rate spells the difference between life and death. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync technology can help reduce screen tearing during video playback, but it’s also primarily a feature aimed at gamers.
The monitor’s low reflectivity, at only 2%, means it handles ambient light well with minimal glare. Moreover, the built-in speakers and rotating screen add to its convenience and versatility, although dedicated speakers are generally recommended for the best audio experience.
Despite its gamer-focused branding, the Asus ROG PG27AQDM offers outstanding performance but a price tag to match. If you want an OLED panel with surprisingly good brightness, great color accuracy, and excellent response time, the PG27 is an easy choice—but it will cost you.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell U2723QE
A mid-range 4K option combining good brightness with accurate colors. While not the fastest, it’s versatile for movies, gaming, and productivity, offering a balanced mix of features for a reasonable price, though gaming at high frame rates might be limited.
True Score
84848Experts
903kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $140$579.99$439.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good image quality
- Wide Viewing Angles
- Great build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar refresh rate
- Poor response time
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LCD Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 60 Hz Response Time 8 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology n/a All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 334 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,673 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 88 All Retailers
- $439.99$580Save $140
- $489.00$910Save $421
$549.99
Our Verdict
If you’ve got a budget that’s more mid to upper mid-range, the Dell U2723QE is a versatile 4K computer monitor that offers excellent performance given its price. However, not the highest, its brightness at 333.62 nits and color gamut coverage of 93.58% DCI P3 are sufficient for most movie watchers who desire accurate color reproduction and good visibility in indoor environments.
The response time of 8.6 ms is good enough to avoid motion blur during fast-paced scenes. If you want to game after your favorite movie, the input lag of 9.1 ms is great and will keep unwanted delays out of most games. The refresh rate of 60 Hz is the biggest compromise, and visual tearing will be a major issue if you’re running games above 60 fps without locking the frame rate down.
On the productivity side, the rotating screen, flicker-free technology, and blue light filter allow the monitor to be used for things like spreadsheets or web browsing without eye strain.
The Dell U2723QE is a reasonably priced 4K monitor that balances great movie performance when watching movies with comfort and usability. With great brightness and color accuracy along with decent response time, it delivers 4K content with excellent visual fidelity and can handle productivity tasks without issue, but it will struggle with its limited refresh for anything gaming-related.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
HP OMEN 27QS
Best For Cheap
Offering surprising performance for its price, this monitor shines with high brightness and vibrant colors, making it a solid choice for movie enthusiasts and gamers alike. Glare can be an issue in bright rooms, effectively balancing cost and performance.
True Score
84834Experts
911kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $43$299.99$256.97Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good Image quality
- Low response time
- Low input lag
- High refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast ratio
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 390 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,014 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 86 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $256.97$300Save $43
- $329.99$429Save $99
- $429.99
Our Verdict
If you’re trying to watch movies on your monitor with a strict budget, the HP OMEN 27QS stands out thanks to its exceptional value and surprising performance. With a remarkable brightness of 389.5 nits, this monitor guarantees vivid images even in well-lit environments. This feature and its very good color gamut coverage of 94.35% of DCI P3 ensure a vibrant and lively movie-watching experience.
Compared to the Asus ROG PG27AQDM, the OMEN shines brighter and offers superior value, but at 4.8% total reflections, it is more susceptible to the brighter rooms it can perform in. If strong direct light is going to be an issue where you need your monitor to sit, it might not be ideal, given the glare.
The HP OMEN 27QS boasts an impressive input lag of 8.5 ms and a response time of 4.2 ms. These features contribute to the monitor’s overall high performance but are more focused on gaming, though the response time helps create a blur-free experience. Its contrast ratio of 1014:1 is decent, providing good depth in movie scenes, but it can’t match an OLED panel like the Asus PG27AQDM.
If you’re on a budget, the HP OMEN 27QS’s outstanding balance of performance and price makes it a no-brainer. Its high brightness and color gamut coverage, combined with a reasonable contrast ratio, make it a superb choice for movie enthusiasts willing to compromise on depth in dynamic scenes. The monitor’s excellent responsiveness also makes it excellent for gaming.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240
Best For Graphic Design
Excellent for action-packed movies and gaming with unbeatable response time and color accuracy. The OLED panel offers great contrast and brightness suitable for most settings but with a higher price and burn-in considerations..
True Score
828310Experts
88334Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $300$999.99$699.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent OLED Picture Quality
- Ultra-Fast Response Time
- Low Input Lag
- High Refresh Rate and VRR Support
Reasons to Avoid
- Lower Peak Brightness Levels
- Higher Input Lag with Different Refresh Rates
- Potential OLED Burn-In
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type OLED Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 0.03 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 318 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 9,473 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 96 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 107 All Retailers
- $699.99$1,000Save $300
- $699.99$1,000Save $300
- $699.99
Our Verdict
If crisp and blur-free movies matter the most to you, then the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 has an unbeatable response time of 0.79 ms. This virtually eliminates any and all blur you might have had to deal with in movies, and it carries over perfectly to gaming as well. Movies are also rendered with excellent color accuracy thanks to the 96.12% DCI P3 xy coverage, which puts the Xeneon in an extremely respectable position when it comes to color.
The Xeneon also delivers premium visual performance, with an excellent contrast ratio of 9473:1, giving it remarkable depth and detail in dark scenes. This may sound odd, given that the monitor is an OLED, but in practice, the panel’s “infinite” contrast somewhat relies on the brightness. For an OLED, it also delivers great brightness, coming in at 317.53 nits, which is great for most rooms and offices, though it will struggle in very bright spaces.
However, the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 is still an OLED. Like any OLED, it’s expensive and has concerns with burn-in. That said, movies don’t have many static elements, so concerns over burn-in are minimal if you’re going to just stream and watch movies. However, if you plan on doing a lot of gaming, be mindful of static UI elements burning into your panel.
Despite its higher price, the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240’s outstanding performance and excellent specs make it a worthwhile investment. If you love watching action movies and want to do high-intensity gaming when you aren’t streaming, the Xeneon’s excellent color accuracy, contrast, and unreal response time make it extremely attractive.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
LG 27GP950-B
Best For LG
With exceptional brightness and color accuracy, this 4K monitor elevates movie watching, especially in bright environments. It’s perfect for 4K content, with a good contrast ratio and HDR support, at a steep price for premium experiences.
True Score
82824Experts
87903Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $423$899.99$476.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- 4K resolution delivers great picture quality
- High peak brightness level
- Great color accuracy
- HDMI 2.1 ports for connectivity to modern consoles
- Support for HDR content
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast
- Poor reflection handling
- So-so ergonomics
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter n/a Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR600 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 144 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 410 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,194 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 97 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 88 All Retailers
- $476.99$900Save $423
$496.99$897Save $400- $896.99$937Save $40
- $899.99
Our Verdict
The LG 27GP950-B excels in brightness, boasting an excellent brightness of 410 nits, outperforming many of its competitors and ensuring excellent visibility even in bright environments. Its color gamut at 96.75% of DCI P3 is also fantastic, delivering remarkably accurate and vivid colors for a superior movie-watching experience.
In addition to outstanding performance in brighter rooms and offices, the 27GP950 is also a 4K monitor. It lets you fully enjoy 4K streaming and Blu-rays without downscaling the video. Its solid contrast ratio of 1194:1 contributes to better picture quality during movie playback.
The monitor’s response time of 4.4 ms also minimizes motion blur during fast-paced scenes. Plus, with HDR support, the 27GP is excellently suited to HDR content, letting you immerse yourself in what you’re watching. It doesn’t have speakers, so you’ll need a dedicated audio setup, but monitor speakers tend to be awful anyway.
While the LG 27GP950-B is steeply priced, its excellent brightness and color accuracy virtually guarantee an immersive cinematic experience. If you value a high-quality movie-watching experience and can afford the upper-range pricing, it’s worth the money.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Monitors for Watching Movies?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best monitor for watching movies!
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy) | > 90% | Yes | How much of the DCI P3 xy color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for HDR content, which includes certain movies. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) Test Results
Color gamut is responsible for making a monitor produce accurate colors when displaying a variety of content. The DCI P3 xy gamut is considered a “standard” gamut of sorts, and is used to help color grade films. Most HDR content will use this gamut at the very least (though other gamut exist) and it’s a commonly used gamut for films.
When it comes to a computer monitor, having a panel that covers at least 90% of the DCI P3 gamut means it’ll output accurate colors when watching HDR content and movies that use the gamut. If a monitor doesn’t cover enough of the gamut, it causes color inaccuracies and shifts the image quality. If you care about maintaining accuracy in the movies you watch so they look the way they were intended, this gamut needs to be properly covered.
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)
> 90%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of the DCI P3 xy gamut that the monitor covers.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Color gamut coverage is important for ensuring that a monitor is able to accurately output colors. The DCI P3 xy gamut is responsible for making movies and HDR content look the way they were intended.
Color Gamut P3 XY (in %; higher is better)
Best Monitors for Watching Movies: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Display Quality: Don’t compromise on display quality. Look for monitors with high resolution (such as 4K Ultra HD) and excellent color accuracy to ensure vibrant and lifelike images. IPS panels are preferable for their wider viewing angles and better color reproduction.
- Disregarding Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio affects how movies are displayed. Most movies are in a widescreen format (16:9 or even wider). Choosing a monitor with a compatible aspect ratio ensures that you can watch movies without black bars or image distortion.
- Neglecting Screen Size: Screen size matters for an immersive viewing experience. While larger screens can provide a more cinematic feel, ensure the monitor fits your viewing environment. Too large a screen in a small room may be overwhelming, while too small a screen might not deliver the impact you desire. A 1080p gaming monitor can provide a sharp and responsive experience, especially if you prioritize performance over resolution. For a balance between size and clarity, the best 27-inch monitor offers ample screen real estate without overwhelming the space.
- Overlooking Contrast Ratio: A high contrast ratio is crucial for deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing image depth and detail in movies. Look for monitors with a high native contrast ratio or features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) for superior contrast performance. Additionally, HDR monitors with full array local dimming further improve contrast by dynamically adjusting brightness across different screen zones, resulting in even deeper blacks and more vivid highlights.
The Best Monitors for Watching Movies Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86 |
|
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|  $754.00 $799 $45 |
| 84 |
|
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| $439.99 $580 $140 |
| 84 |
|
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| $256.97 $300 $43 |
| 82 |
|
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| $699.99 $1,000 $300 |
| 82 |
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| $476.99 $900 $423 |
