Learning how to add movies on Kodi is simple once your video files are organized and stored somewhere Kodi can access. You can add movies from a computer, USB drive, network storage device, or compatible legal streaming add-on. This guide explains how to create a movie library, download artwork and descriptions, and keep everything updated.
What You Need Before Adding Movies on Kodi
Kodi is media center software, not a movie store. It does not provide copyrighted movies by itself. To build a library, you need legally obtained movie files or an authorized streaming service that offers a Kodi add-on.
Before you begin, check these basics:
- Store movies in a dedicated folder, such as
Movies. - Use common formats such as MP4, MKV, or AVI.
- Give files clear names, such as
The Matrix (1999).mkv. - Place each movie in its own folder when possible.
- Make sure Kodi has permission to access the storage location.
A recommended structure looks like this:
``text Movies/ ├── The Matrix (1999)/ │ └── The Matrix (1999).mkv ├── Arrival (2016)/ │ └── Arrival (2016).mp4 ``
Clear naming helps Kodi identify the correct title, release year, poster, cast, and plot summary.
How to Add Movies on Kodi From Local Storage
This method works for movies saved on your Kodi device, an attached USB drive, or an accessible computer folder.
- Open Kodi and select Movies from the home screen.
- Choose Files or Enter files section.
- Select Files.
- Click Add videos…
- Choose Browse.
- Locate the folder containing your movies.
- Select the folder and click OK.
- Enter a name for the media source, such as
My Movies. - Click OK again.
Kodi will ask you to set the content type. Choose This directory contains, then select Movies. Leave Scan recursively enabled if your movies are inside individual subfolders.
Next, choose an information provider, often called a scraper. The default movie scraper is usually sufficient. It searches online databases for metadata such as:
- Movie titles and release years
- Posters and fan art
- Plot descriptions
- Genres
- Cast and crew
- Ratings and runtimes
Confirm your choices and select Yes when Kodi asks whether to scan the folder into the library. Kodi will then add the detected movies to the Movies section.
Adding Movies From a USB Drive or Network Folder
To add movies from a USB drive, connect the drive before opening Kodi. On Android or Fire TV devices, you may need to approve storage access when Kodi requests permission. Then follow the same Videos > Files > Add videos process and select the USB drive.
Network folders require a little more setup. Your computer or NAS must be turned on, connected to the same network, and configured to share the movie folder.
In Kodi’s file browser:
- Select Browse.
- Choose Windows network (SMB) if it appears.
- Select your computer or network storage device.
- Open the shared folder.
- Enter a username and password if required.
- Add the folder as a movie source.
If the device does not appear, choose Add network location… and enter the server address manually. SMB is generally preferable to older protocols because it is more widely supported and more secure. Avoid changing network-sharing settings unless you understand the security implications.
How to Scan and Update Your Kodi Movie Library
After adding a source, Kodi may scan it automatically. You can also update the library manually by opening the Movies section, opening the side menu, and selecting Update library. The exact menu location can vary slightly by Kodi skin and version.
If a movie is missing, check the following:
- The file extension is supported.
- The folder is included in the source you added.
- The filename includes the correct title and year.
- The movie is not hidden in a deeply nested folder.
- Kodi has permission to read the drive or network share.
- The scraper can identify the title.
For difficult titles, use a more precise filename, such as:
``text Dune (2021).mkv ``
If Kodi matched the wrong movie, highlight the item, open its context menu, select Manage, and choose Refresh information. You can then select the correct result manually.
To remove a movie from the library without deleting the file, remove its source or choose the library-management option that removes the item. Be careful when selecting options that delete files, especially when using an external drive or network storage.
Adding Legal Streaming Services to Kodi
Kodi can also access some legitimate streaming services through official or authorized add-ons. Open Add-ons from the Kodi home screen, select Download, choose a category such as Video add-ons, and review the available services.
Availability depends on your country, Kodi version, and the service provider. Many services require an account, subscription, or separate activation process. Only install add-ons from Kodi’s official repository or a provider you trust.
Avoid unofficial add-ons that promise free access to newly released movies. They may distribute copyrighted content without permission, collect personal data, expose your device to malware, or stop working without notice. A VPN cannot make unauthorized streaming legal, and it should not be treated as a substitute for using licensed services.
FAQ: Adding Movies on Kodi
Can Kodi automatically download movie posters and information?
Yes. When you add a source and set it to Movies, Kodi uses a metadata scraper to retrieve posters, artwork, descriptions, cast details, and other information. Accurate filenames produce the best results.
Why are my movies not showing up in Kodi?
Confirm that Kodi is scanning the correct folder, the files use supported formats, and the device has storage permissions. Rename unclear files with the movie title and year, then run Update library. Network folders must also remain available when Kodi scans them.
Can I add movies from Netflix or other subscription services?
Only if the service provides a compatible, authorized Kodi add-on. Kodi does not automatically import movies from every streaming app, and you should not use unofficial add-ons to bypass subscriptions or access copyrighted content.
Knowing how to add movies on Kodi lets you create a clean, searchable library from local, USB, or network storage. Use organized filenames, scan the correct folder, and rely on authorized sources for streaming content.
