MacBook Air can't play downloaded movies from Apple TV

Re: "MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.6 : playing downloaded movies"

Wondering in what way you are trying to play the downloads ... do you get an error message that may help point to a solution?

Apple support's article: Download and stream shows, movies, sports, and events from your Apple TV subscription and Apple TV channels: https://support.apple.com/118239

Eg: says:

"To find and play your downloads, go to the Library tab, then choose Downloaded."

If that's where you've already found no success:

Deleting and re-downloading the purchased movie may be helpful

_________________________________________________________________

Re: "ive tried reauthorizing a few times but it doesnt appear to be the issue",

That was a great step to try: Guess this is where you already tried ...

In the Apple TV app: It is Account > Authorizations > Authorize this computer

Click the Authorize button in the dialogue box, and enter your Apple Account password, then click the authorize button

Wondering if it can help you play them if you create a playlist for your downloaded movies :

Manage your library: https://support.apple.com/guide/tvapp/atvb2030c6e3/web

Eg: says:

You can create custom compilations of the movies and TV shows in your library for playback in any order you choose.

1. Go to the Apple TV app  on Mac
2. Do one of the following:

• • Mac: Choose File > New > Playlist. 
  • The Library opens and displays an empty playlist.

3.Enter a name for the playlist.

4.To add items to the playlist, click a category under Library in the sidebar (Movies, for example), then drag an item on the right to the playlist name in the sidebar."

______________

Useful Resource: Apple TV App User Guide - Apple Support