These Underrated Streaming Platforms Are a Must for Hidden Movie Gems
As the streaming wars drag on, it can be easy to forget that there are thousands of movies out there that you can't find on the major platforms.
So if you're looking for a hidden gem, where do you go?
Here is our list of favorite streamers for lesser-known classics. Below, we'll break down these choices and which ones might be best for you.
- Best Price: Tubi
- Best For High Quality Movies: The Criterion Channel
- Best For Broadening Your Horizons: Mubi
- Best For Documentaries: CuriosityStream
Best Price: Tubi
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You can't beat free, and Tubi will give you access to a staggering 40,000 movie titles without a penny coming out of your pocket. How can they do this? By occasionally stopping the movies for ads. Luckily, it doesn't happen often enough to be obnoxious.
You might think that Tubi's collection only includes dusty, weird old B-movies that nobody wants to claim copyright on. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Titles include Wonder Woman (yes, the one from 2017), The Fifth Element, The Seven Year Itch, Platoon, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Lighthouse, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and thousands more.
How Much Does It Cost? Nothing.
Where Can I Access It? Tubi is currently available in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Best For High Quality Movies: The Criterion Channel
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The Criterion Collection was started as an effort to preserve, celebrate, and share the best and most important films ever made. Now they have a streaming platform – and it's awesome. With more than 2,000 movies, the channel costs less than Netflix and also boasts a ton of bonus content, including commentaries and interviews.
How Much Does It Cost? US$10.99 a month
Where Can I Access It? Currently the Criterion Channel can only be accessed from Canada or the USA.
Best For Creating Community: Mubi
In a world with a glut of content, Mubi went a different way and chose a 'less is more' approach. Every day, their experts choose a film that they think you should see. The title is then available on the streamer for 30 days only. Think of it as having a sort of 'film sommelier' to make recommendations that you otherwise would never have found yourself. If you really want to commit, you'll see a recommended title every single day of the year.
After watching the films, you can engage with other movie buffs on the platform to discuss what you've seen and to share your thoughts.
Mubi will expose you to filmmakers, genres, and titles that you may never have discovered on a bigger streamer. Some you'll love, some you'll hate – but that's the whole point.
How Much Does It Cost? US$12.99 per month, with special rates for students.
Where Can I Access It? In more than 190 countries worldwide.
Best For Documentaries: CuriosityStream
Sometimes a binge can leave you feeling stupid and sluggish. If you'd like to change it up, check out the lesser known streamer CuriosityStream. It specializes in documentaries and educational programming, with exclusives from famous names like Stephen Hawking and David Attenborough.
There are thousands of titles on CuriosityStream, on just about any subject. Find one that interests you, and enjoy being inspired, challenged, and educated.
How Much Does It Cost? US$19.99 per YEAR (about $1.67 per month).
Where Can I Access It? CuriosityStream is available worldwide.