Lesser Known Streaming Platforms That Offer Quality Content

Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos, Hulu are some of the popular streaming platforms that dominate the market. However, they often prioritize quantity over quality and come with hefty price tags. On the other hand, free movie streaming sites like Pluto TV, Tubi TV, and Crackle offer outdated movies with an abundance of ads. But what if there were streaming services that offered the best of both worlds? Here are some lesser-known streaming platforms that deliver great quality at a reasonable price.

Mubi: A Cinematic Delight

Mubi stands apart from Netflix by focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of bombarding you with an overwhelming selection, Mubi offers one carefully curated movie every day. These movies stay on the platform for 30 days before being replaced with new ones. If a particular movie you want to watch is not on the list, you can rent it separately.

Mubi handpicks movies from all around the world, creating a diverse and captivating selection. From Chinese drama “Blind Mountain” to Oscar-winning films like “12 Years a Slave” and “Moonlight,” Mubi offers a unique and enriching movie-watching experience. You can stream movies on various devices such as Apple TV, Playstation, Roku, and Samsung Smart TV, and even download them for offline viewing on both the Play Store and App Store. Mubi offers a trial period of 7 days, after which it costs $10.99 per month, with the option to cancel anytime.

Fandor: A Haven for Indie Film Lovers

Similar to Mubi, Fandor is an American streaming platform that specializes in independent, silent, documentaries, and short films. Its revenue-sharing model benefits filmmakers and curators, making it a unique platform that supports the art of cinema. Fandor's minimalistic and well-designed interface allows you to explore movies organized into different categories such as international, genres, and upcoming releases.

With films like the LGBTQ romcom “Love, Simon,” the unconventional horror movie “Hereditary,” and the groundbreaking “Black Panther,” Fandor has a rich and diverse collection. While Fandor is not available in every country, you can bypass the geo-restrictions with a VPN. You can stream Fandor on devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, and Kindle. The subscription starts at $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year, and you can take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

Shudder: A Horror Enthusiast's Dream

For horror, thriller, and suspense enthusiasts, Shudder is a must-try streaming platform. It offers a wide range of horror movies, including exclusive titles like “The Devils.” Shudder also produces its own original content like “Riprore” and “Mayhem,” providing subscribers with unique and captivating experiences.

Shudder is not available in all countries, so you may need to use a VPN to access it. After a 7-day trial period, you can subscribe to an annual membership for $47.88 or a monthly plan for $4.99. Whether you're a fan of classic horror or enjoy exploring new and exciting releases, Shudder has something for everyone.

IMDB TV: Free Streaming with Popular Movies and TV Shows

IMDB TV is a new streaming service from Amazon that offers popular movies and TV shows for free, albeit with ads. With a catalog that includes movies like “The Social Network,” “Gravity,” and “La La Land,” as well as TV shows like “Kitchen Nightmares” and “The A-Team,” IMDB TV provides a wide variety of entertainment options.

While IMDB TV is only available in the US, you can use a VPN to access it from anywhere. The service is supported on devices like Fire TV, Roku, and Android TV. IMDB TV is completely free, but you will have to tolerate occasional ads.

Spuul: Bollywood at Your Fingertips

Spuul is a streaming platform that caters specifically to the Bollywood movie aficionados. It allows you to watch a wide range of Bollywood movies by signing up for a subscription. With plans starting at 99 INR per month (approximately $1.5) or 999 INR per year ($15), Spuul offers affordable access to a vast library of Bollywood content. Subscribers can enjoy ad-free streaming, offline viewing, and the ability to watch on multiple screens.

While Spuul lacks support for Roku TV and Smart TV, it can be accessed through Chromecast and downloaded as an app on Apple, Android, and Amazon devices.

Viki: Your Gateway to Asian Cinema

Viki is a platform that caters to fans of Asian cinema, including Korean, Taiwanese, and Japanese movies. It offers a large collection of famous movies like “Memories of the Sword” and “Live Again, Love Again” from various Asian countries. Viki stands out by allowing community subtitling, bridging the language barrier for Asian movie lovers.

In addition to its extensive library, Viki also features Viki Originals and exclusive content. You can choose between two subscription plans: Basic ($0.83 per month) and Standard ($4.17 per month). While basic offers ad-free streaming in HD, the Standard plan provides early access to shows. A VPN can help bypass certain geo-restrictions. Viki is available on devices such as Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast, and can be downloaded as an app from the Play Store and App Store.

Crunchyroll: Anime and Manga Paradise

Crunchyroll is the ultimate destination for anime and manga enthusiasts. It offers the world's largest database of anime and manga, including complete animated series of popular shows like “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball Super.” Crunchyroll also has a dedicated store where fans can purchase merchandise related to their favorite shows. By subscribing to a premium account, you can enjoy ad-free streaming and access to shows one hour after their telecast.

Crunchyroll provides a 14-day trial period, followed by two membership options: premium ($7.99 per month) and premium+ ($11.95 per month). Premium+ offers additional benefits such as discounts on Crunchyroll store purchases and early access to beta features. A portion of the subscription fee is shared with creators, supporting the anime and manga industry.

Tubi: Quality Content for Free

If hassle-free streaming without signing up and providing credit card details is your preference, Tubi is the perfect platform for you. It offers a vast collection of movies, including titles from studios like MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate. Tubi's minimal ad structure allows you to enjoy quality content for free, with ads appearing after 10-15 minute intervals.

Tubi is 100% legal and does not have pop-ups or hidden malware. It is available on various devices, including Roku, PlayStation, and Apple TV. You can access Tubi through their website or download the app from the Play Store or App Store.

In conclusion, while major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have their advantages, they often lack in terms of quality content. By exploring these lesser-known streaming platforms, you can find tailored content that suits your preferences. Whether you're a fan of international cinema, horror movies, Asian dramas, or anime, these platforms offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream streaming services. So why not give them a try and discover your new favorite streaming platform?