Netflix may not be the best streaming services for people who like movies. Chances are their love of cinema runs deeper than a catalog which caters to the after-work urge to tune out for an hour. For those interested in streaming services that show the true gems of cinema, it may be wise to invest in a different streaming service that supports movies for lovers of independent or classic cinema.
As cinephiles ourselves, it can be frustrating to scroll through Netflix Originals in search of something a bit more substantial, that is why we often go to other on demand streaming services. Below we’ve shared the 6 of the best movie streaming services for the film fanatics in your life so they can watch movies they actually love.
New to North America in 2019, the Criterion Channel has taken the cinephile world by storm. This subscription gives unlimited access to a curated list of movies straight from the renowned Criterion collection.
With over 1,000 classic and contemporary movies to choose from, Saturday nights may be spent overwhelmed with options. Not to mention all the behind-the-scenes interviews and extra content that will keep real movie fanatics glued to the screen.
Best for: True blue movie addicts! If you find Netflix a bit disappointing and have any background in film, this is the channel for you.
Pricing:
$10.99 per month or $99.99 per year. You can find out more about subscribing here.
Availability:
North America, where the channel can be accessed using desktop, IOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku.
Find out more: Read our dedicated blog about the Criterion Channel complete with movie suggestions here!
Often described as the online cinematheque, MUBI focuses on international arthouse cinema. Curated by a proud group of cinephiles, MUBI also produces The Notebook - a publication that digs deep and nerds out on film trivia.
A channel for die hard movie fanatics, you’re unlikely to find blockbusters on their list, rather a carefully curated list of independent flicks and cult classics. Each month a new director is featured, and the channel showcases and spotlights different movies according to the theme of the month.
Best for: Hardcore film fans who are interested in the international film festival circuit. If you’re looking for movies that it’s hard to find anywhere else!
Pricing:
A free 30-day trial means you can give it a test run before committing to the $10.99 per month subscription.
Availability:
You can stream and download movies in over 195 countries around the world. Every country has its own unique line-up of films!
Find out more:
Check out the FAQ section of the MUBI website for more information.
If tension is your thing, then Shudder allows you to stream the largest selection of horror, thriller, and suspense films!
Podcasts, tv shows, and movies all feature - as long as they’re disturbing enough. It boasts the largest human-curated selection of high-quality, spine-tingling flicks.
The one streaming service that is guaranteed to keep lovers of jump scares, tension, and bloody murders, entertained. Not for the faint of heart! This streaming channel is not for everyone.
Best for: Lovers of thriller, horror, and suspense films.
Pricing:
Try it out with their 7-day free trial, after that it’s $5.99 per month or $56.99 for an annual subscription.
Availability:
Currently streaming in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
Find out more:
Check out the FAQ on the Shudder website for more info.
On top of providing a top-class service for streaming films, Fandor relishes its place in the film community, sharing 50% of its revenue with its films’ rights holders. A glance at their line-up of films will reveal a heavily curated list for the true cinephile.
From editorial snapshots of the film world to internationally acclaimed films, as well as independent and foreign movies that are hard to find anywhere else.
Best for: Movie lovers with an interest in independent and foreign films.
Pricing:
A 14-day free trial, after which it’s a steal at just $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
Availability:
The USA and Canada. Stream right to your TV via Roku or Chromecast & many other devices like iPad, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire.
Find out more: Check out the Fandor website for more info.
For HBO fans based in Canada, Crave may well be the best movie streaming answer. Crave includes cult classics like Deadwood, alongside mainstream favorites like Game of Thrones. We recommend the full subscription so that you’ve access to recent blockbusters too.
Crave features films that were on cinema screens just a couple of months ago. It also tends to stock crowd-pleasing oldies like Inception, Die Hard, Mamma Mia, and Erin Brokovich.
Best for: Families based in Canada with a wide range of tastes. Crave has a little something for everyone. HBO fans!
Pricing:
Certain packages are available through your current TV package. A basic Crave subscription that gives you access to Crave originals and past HBO shows is $9.99/month. The $19.98 subscription is a much more impressive deal with access to Movies, Crave Originals, and HBO shows as they are released.
Availability:
Crave is specific to Canada and can be streamed on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Amazon Fire TV.
Find out more: Everything you need to know about Crave is right here.
Crunchyroll is a global streaming service where you can stream endless hours of Anime, manga, and dramas. A safe way to access all the most recent content from Japan this channel is a global phenomenon among anime diehards.
Anime tv shows and films are particularly popular with younger generations and may be well worth the investment if you have a family to entertain.
Best for Anime fans!
Pricing:
Free with ads, and premium comes with a 14-day free trial, after that it’s $7.99 per month for unlimited content.
Availability: In 170 countries - some exceptions include: Japan, China, France, Germany, and Italy.
Find out more: Check out this blog by Crunchyroll that will help you decide if this is the channel for you.
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