How to unblock movie sites at school

Would you like to access restricted movie sites at school? In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to bypass restrictions and enjoy streaming your favorite movies and TV shows during breaks or whenever you’re free. We also recommend the best VPNs for the job.

Several institutions, including colleges and universities, typically restrict access to websites deemed unbefitting or likely to lower productivity. Unfortunately, movie sites often fall into this category.

However, you can unblock movie sites at school during your breaks quite easily. All you need is a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and tunneling it to a server in a remote location. Consequently, you’ll be able to bypass any restrictions imposed on your local network.

In this guide, you will find detailed reviews of each recommended VPN for unblocking movie sites at school. If you’re in a rush, here’s a short summary of our top picks:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for unblocking movie sites at school. Over 7,300 servers worldwide. Robust encryption and a no logs policy. 24/7 support. Works with popular streaming sites like Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, and Hulu. Risk free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for movie sites.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for safely accessing movie sites at school. Servers in over 100 countries and powerful obfuscation. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices.
3. IPVanish: A great all rounder. Designed with privacy in mind. Fully featured apps for all platforms. Plenty of servers worldwide.
4. ExpressVPN: Highly reliable service. Servers in 105 countries, including the US and the UK. Works with Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Includes a smart DNS service.
5. CyberGhost: Excellent choice for beginners. Apps are available for all platforms. Plenty of servers where you need them, and 10,000+ in total. Lists servers for specific streaming platforms.
6. Private Internet Access: Servers in 91 countries including the US. No bandwidth throttling and unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

How to unblock movie sites at school with a VPN

Here’s how to unblock movie sites at school with a VPN:

1. Choose a reputable VPN service provider. We strongly recommend NordVPN because it is fast and has thousands of fast servers.
2. Download the VPN app and install it on your device. Our VPN recommendations have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
3. Log in using your preferred app and select a server.
4. As soon as the VPN connects, head over to your browser and browse your favorite movie sites.
5. The restricted movie sites should now work without any issue. Should you encounter an error, clear the cookies and cache in your browser and refresh the page.

A comparison of the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN — our #1 choice for unblocking movie sites at school.

Our criteria for the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites at school

When assembling our list of the top VPNs for safely accessing movie sites at school, we tested providers based on the following:

• Speed: To find out which providers were most suitable for streaming movies in the highest resolution available, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in the US.
• Streaming capabilities: We gauged how suitable providers were for streaming by scoring them on a combination of their network size, ability to access popular streaming services, and whether they offered obfuscation and an ad-blocker.
• Value for money: Getting a good deal is great, which is why we try to fully gauge each provider’s true worth using eight different value-for-money metrics.
• Security and privacy: This is a key area if you don’t want to be caught out accessing movie sites. We rejected any VPNs that performed poorly against our 16 different security and privacy criteria
• Ease of use: Note everyone has VPN experience. With this in mind, we found user-friendly providers by evaluating them against 10 individual ease-of-use metrics.

The above is just a summary of our testing process. You can read about it in full and see the results of our tests in the methodology section later in the article. But first, let’s look at the VPNs that impressed us.

The best movie site VPNs

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites at school:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is a Panama-based provider that has everything you need to ensure your online privacy, security, and freedom on campus.

It has a huge network, with more than 7,300 servers in 117+ countries. Thanks to a handy map in the app’s location section, you can easily see the available locations. If you prefer, you can find a server by searching the country list or entering a name into the search bar.

The provider also has specialist servers that provide additional security. These include obfuscated servers that help users in countries like China get connected and multi-hop connections for those worried about compromised servers. There’s also one-click access to the Tor network to explore the Dark Web.

NordVPN has its own connection protocols, NordWhisper and NordLynx. NordWhisper is handy if you want to access movie sites in a particular country but are worried about being detected by your school’s network. NordLynx is more suited to speed and comes with an option for post-quantum protection if you’re worried about computers of the future decrypting captured traffic.

We used the NordLynx protocol for speed testing and connected it to the provider’s servers in the US. As you can see from the chart below, the provider was very quick.

Speeds averaged 161.72 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for streaming the latest movies in 4K. Overall, NordVPN was more than 40 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other providers.

The apps are easy to use and have a clean, intuitive interface. Settings are easy to access and include options for the kill switch, app-based split tunneling, and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Leak protection is built-in, which makes more sense than being optional.

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it never stores any records about what you do online. This has been verified through multiple independent audits. This is backed up by RAM-only servers that cannot store data long-term.

The provider is known for its streaming prowess, and it’s easy to see why. It worked with every platform we tested, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. It also has a smart DNS service that you can use to access geo-restricted content on VPN-incompatible devices like game consoles.

NordVPN has apps for all platforms, as well as apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. It allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, though you can eke out more by configuring a router connection. This applies VPN settings to all connected devices while only using one of your ten allotted connections.

BEST VPN FOR ACCESSING MOVIE SITES AT SCHOOL:NordVPN is our #1 choice for safely bypassing school restrictions on movie sites. Has fast servers that are great for gaming, HD streaming, and torrenting. It works seamlessly with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark provides superb value for money. Its subscription prices are low despite its extremely high quality. Perhaps best of all, you can use a single subscription on an unlimited number of devices. This allows you to share it with friends and split the bill.

The provider has servers in 100 countries and a cleverly designed app that makes it easy to find and connect to any of them.

If you need to use the same IP address repeatedly, static IP addresses are available in six countries. Multi-hop connections are possible, too; just pick an entry and exit server. Dedicated IP addresses cost extra, but it’s nice to know they’re possible.

Users have a choice of two connection protocols: WireGuard and OpenVPN. WireGuard tends to be faster, though most users will be better off letting Surfshark choose by leaving the default “Automatic” option selected.

Apps are available for all platforms, and each comes with a full GUI—even the Linux app. Features include a kill switch, obfuscation, an ad, tracker, malware blocker, and leak protection.

Security-conscious users can enable Rotating IP, which automatically changes their IP address without disconnecting and reconnecting.

Split-tunneling is available for domains and apps, which means you can access movie sites using the VPN while using other sites with a regular internet connection.

One of the provider’s more unique features is the Alternative ID tool. This lets users create a proxy email address and online persona, complete with a name, date of birth, and address. It’s particularly useful for signing up to sites you might only use once — like an obscure movie site.

On the subject of movies, Surfshark is excellent for accessing a wide range of streaming platforms. It works with over a dozen Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, foreign TV channels, and tons of game servers.

Surfshark has a smart DNS feature should you wish to access geo-restricted content on a games console or a smart TV with a non-Android-based operating system.

Speeds while connected were excellent. Over the course of three tests, the provider averaged 172.09 Mbps — more than 53 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers.

In practice, this means you’ll be able to stream your favorite movies in the highest resolution available (as long as you have a decent base connection speed).

Reassuringly, Surfshark has a solid no-logs policy verified by third-party auditors. If you’d like to try the service out, you can do so and change your mind within 30 days for a full refund.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is the best budget VPN for accessing restricted movie sites while at school. Unlimited connections. WireGuard protocol makes it super fast. Zero logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a US-based VPN that runs on a proprietary network of around 2,400 servers. These are based in 140+ locations, which you can see from the handy map on the app’s dashboard.

This allows it to provide fantastic speeds for data-intensive tasks such as streaming and videoconferencing.

In our tests, IPVanish averaged 176.92 Mbps. This was more than 53 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. What’s more, this VPN permits torrenting and is a superb all rounder.

Apps are available for all popular platforms and are fully featured and easy to use. During our tests, IPVanish worked with Netflix US. However, it is worth noting that it does not work to stream iPlayer or Hulu. So, if it is a streaming VPN that you primarily desire, you may prefer to shop elsewhere.

That said, this VPN is solid in terms of privacy. It adheres to a watertight no logs policy, and its apps are equipped with kill switches, XOR obfuscation, robust AES-256 encryption, and DNS leak protection. This ensures your data is secure against hackers even on public Wi Fi.

In addition, this VPN can be used on an unlimited number of devices. It, therefore, offers excellent value for money as you can share a single subscription with several friends and family.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish is a US provider with a no-logs policy. Can be used on an unlimited number of devices. Works to stream Netflix shows on the US catalog. Easy to use. Live chat support. Fast servers for HD streaming. SOCKS5 proxy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review to discover more.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN might be a little bit pricier than its competitors, but it’s also a service that is highly praised by consumers. The service adheres to a no-logs policy to ensure that whatever you do online stays private. All its apps implement robust OpenVPN connections with military-grade AES-256 encryption that prevents your school from tracking you constantly while you’re connected to the local network. So, in addition to streaming movies, you can play Roblox, Fortnite, or unblock any other games at school.

Its apps can be installed on up to eight devices simultaneously, and are available across all popular platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). You can also use ExpressVPN on Firesticks, Smart TVs, and consoles thanks to its useful setup guides and its free Smart DNS service. Should you encounter any challenges, you can always contact the 24/7 live chat support.

Speed-wise, the provider wasn’t the fastest we tested. It averaged 82.53 Mbps overall — some 54 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other tested providers.

While this is certainly fast enough for streaming video in the highest resolution available, you may want to look to another provider if your school has a very slow base connection speed.

ExpressVPN apps have all the vital privacy and security features you need. This includes a kill switch, obfuscation (enabled by default on OpenVPN and Lightway connections), and DNS leak protection.

Servers are located in a whopping 105 countries, allowing ExpressVPN to work with over 20 Netflix regions, iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, sports streaming services, and tons of other international services including torrent sites.

RELIABLE AND FAST:ExpressVPN is a versatile VPN that unblocks dozens of popular services. Proprietary Lightway protocol for streaming and gaming. Access to more than 20 Netflix regions. Servers in 105 countries. Live chat support. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review to find out more.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a popular option that we typically recommend to those in search of a VPN that’s functional yet easy to use. This provider offers excellent value for money, and you can use one subscription on up to seven devices simultaneously.

The VPN has apps for all platforms and despite having fewer advanced features, it still has everything you need to safely bypass your school’s restrictions. A kill switch prevents data leaks while robust AES-256 encryption means the VPN tunnel always protects your traffic even when accessing restricted content.

CyberGhost has thousands of servers located in 100 countries to provide you with excellent coverage and fast speeds. In our tests, the provider’s maximum speed was 209.13 Mbps.

Although this was extremely quick, the overall average speed was dragged down by two other slower results. The take-home message here is that it would be worth switching servers if you find yourself with a relatively slow CyberGhost connection.

The VPN permits torrenting and works reliably with popular services including Netflix, iPlayer, and Hulu. This makes it a great all rounder.

It even has live chat support so you can direct any issues to their support team. Best of all, you can test it out risk free thanks to its generous 45 day money back guarantee.

GREAT OPTION FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has superb apps for all platforms. Easy to use and a good option for beginners. Kill switch and AES-256 encryption. Genuine no logs policy. Works with around a dozen Netflix regions. Seven simultaneous connections. 45-day money-back guarantee.

To learn more, check out our full CyberGhost review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access doesn’t specify the number of servers it has, although we do know that its network covers approximately 90 countries. What’s particularly impressive is that it has servers in dozens of US cities.

This makes it very easy to unblock movie sites at school, be it Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu. PIA won’t throttle your bandwidth either so you’re highly unlikely to suffer performance issues as a result.

PIA’s speeds are suitable for streaming in 4K provided that your school has a decent broadband connection.

In our tests, the provider averaged 64 Mbps. Although much slower than the other VPNs we tested, it’s actually a solid result when compared to the market as a whole.

There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect simultaneously with PIA. This makes it a particularly good choice if you have a lot of devices to secure or want to share your VPN with family members. All internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption and there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch. A no-logs provider, PIA provides around-the-clock support via live chat as well as email.

PIA has apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. It also offers Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Use with compatible wi-fi routers requires manual configuration.

SERVERS IN 91 COUNTRIES:Private Internet Access unblocks movie sites at school including Netflix and Prime Video. Absolutely no bandwidth throttling and lets you secure all of your devices at once. Thirty-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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Finding the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites: Our methodology

If you want to access movie sites in your school-day downtime, you’ll need a VPN that excels in several key areas:

Speed

Choosing a fast VPN is essential if you enjoy watching movies in high resolution. To find which providers were fastest, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their US-based servers.

For more representative testing, we limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps — which is just a little higher than the median broadband speed in the US. Tests were carried out using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon.

Once the results were in, we weighted and normalized these results to give us a score out of 10 for each service. Note that providers are ranked relative to each other to better illustrate small differences visually.

As you can see from the above, IPVanish was the fastest provider overall. Surfshark also performed admirably, as did NordVPN. All three are great options for streaming in 4K.

Streaming capabilities

Next, we assessed each provider’s streaming capabilities. We tested — and then scored them — on the number of popular streaming platforms they could access, then scored them on whether they offered an ad-blocking service, and traffic obfuscation for navigating VPN blocks of the type frequently found on school networks. Finally we scored them on the size of their server networks. More servers mean more choice, which is always good.

For ease of comparison, we combined and averaged these scores to give us an overall score out of 10.

NordVPN achieved a near-perfect score, thanks to its ability to access almost every streaming platform and large server network. It comes with a built-in ad-blocker and its obfuscation is powerful enough to bypass even the most stringent blocks. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also good calls, though their server networks are half the size of NordVPN’s.

Security and privacy

If you want to protect your online activities while at school, then make sure you choose a VPN that walks the walk when it comes to security and privacy. Many make promises they don’t keep, which isn’t helpful if you don’t want to broadcast the fact that you’re accessing movie sites while at school.

The table below shows you the metrics we used to evaluate each provider’s relative security and privacy.

Each of these metrics was scored, and these scores combined to generate an overall score out of 10 for comparison.

NordVPN and Surfshark provide the best protection overall. ProtonVPN and PIA are good alternatives, though all of the providers performed scored highly enough to warrant our approval.

Value for money

Money can be hard to come by while you’re at school, making it all the more important to seek out the best deals. To find which VPNs were good value, we looked beyond just the subscription price. You can see which metrics we used in the table below.

We assigned scores based on how providers performed in each metric. These were weighted and normalized, giving us a score out of 10 for each VPN.

Surfshark offered the best overall value, with unlimited simultaneous device connections and a low monthly cost. IPVanish is a great alternative for much the same reasons.

Ease of use

When you’re at school, the last thing you want is a complicated VPN sucking up your precious time. That’s why we look for user-friendly VPNs that a quick to set up and use — even if you have no prior VPN experience. You can see what makes a service easy to use in the table below.

Just like before, we weighted and normalized the results. Here’s a chart showing each VPN’s ease of use score:

NordVPN and PIA were the easiest-to-use providers overall, with slick interfaces and  straightforward sign-up/ cancellation processes. In truth, all providers performed exceptionally well in this area.

Movie sites at school FAQS