In a growing world of various streaming services, how can you find the one that is best for you. Follow this guide to discover your best match for a “go to” stream.
This article will go beyond the most known sites like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and HBO Max. Discover what else is out there.
If you still aren’t sure, take the quiz at the end to find out which platform is your Happily Ever After!
FREE PLATFORMS
According to Soda Review, the top free platforms are:
Since Pluto is only TV, we are not covering it in this article
PROS: Large Library, offers some content exclusively
CONS: Ads, not may new or trending films
GOOD FOR: Matching specific genre: it organizes films very specifically into categories and furthermore, has “collections”
BEST MATCH: “Risk Taker” and “Discoverer” — it can be a hit or miss
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How to Watch:
Android and IOS App
Streaming devices:
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Xbox One
- Play Station 4
- TiVo
- Xfinity X1
- Android TV
- Cox Contour
PROS: Over 10,000 titles free
CONS: Not completely free; lacks A-Rated films
GOOD FOR: B-Rated movies, old sitcoms, horror films, discover obscure old movies or random old series
BEST MATCH: “Customizable” — good for a user who knows exactly what they want and does not want to spend money on what they will not use! (Subscription service) —
Free: User who likes a broad selection to choose from, but is not too picky about how “known” the title is — HORROR FANS!
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How to Watch:
Roku app on your phone or tablet
LAPTOP:The Roku Channel via web
Televisions with The Roku Channel preinstalled:
- Roku TV
- Samsung TV
OR
Roku TV streaming devices:
- Express
- Premiere
- Streaming Stick Plus
- Ultra
PROS: Original Programming
CONS: Ads, thin library, cannot stream on TV, selective episodes (for television)
GOOD FOR: Changing up content, sampling new shows, remembering some past content
BEST MATCH: Casual TV and Film watcher, who likes to randomly watch & stick to more mainstream (past and present)
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How to Watch:
Some smart TVs are preloaded with the App. If not, you will need a streaming device like amazon fire stick, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV and more.
Smartphone Apps are also available :
On a laptop, you can directly stream online
Pros: Large database of hit & award winning films
Cons: Very few new releases offered & not much original content
Good For: Mainstream viewing and direct title search
Best Match: “Get Right To It!” — Those who know exactly what they want to watch when they want to watch it.
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How to Watch:
IMDb app (IOS & Android)
Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Fire TVNot included in other streaming devices like Roku
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE IN DEPTH REVIEWS
UNIQUE INTERACTIVE PLATFORMS
“We aim to make life better through the power and enjoyment of film, driving community, conversation and change.”
FOCUS: Indie Films with Social Causes & releasing content for up-and-coming filmmakers, while getting both filmmakers and views paid
ABOUT: IndieFlix Group Inc is an American entertainment company offering global screening and streaming services that promote and support social impact films to create positive change in the world. IndieFlix’s screening service books offline community screenings in schools, corporations and communities around the world.
CONTENT: Thousands of high-quality shorts, features, documentaries, and series from 85 countries, thousands of film festivals and the top film schools
STREAMING SERVICE: On-Demand Streaming and LiveTV channels showcase classic and contemporary independent features, shorts and documentaries from around the world, in an Aladdin’s Cave of thought-provoking well-known and off-the-radar content.
UNIQUENESS: Work directly with young up-and-coming film-makers to give them a royalty-free distribution avenue, and they are paid by each viewer and minute of their film watched
CLICK HERE to learn more
“Filmocracy is a gamified movie streaming site that rewards users for discovering amazing independent movies. Users earn virtual popcorn for watching and rating movies, which can be spent to upgrade their avatar, earn movie tickets, or redeem gift cards.”
PLATFORM:
Free to watch content with ads or upgrade to premium ($10/month)
UNIQUENESS:
Users are rewarded for their reviews made on content: 10% of all revenue goes right back to the users who help us decide which films are worth watching.
10% of all revenue is divided amongst users and 50% of all revenue goes to the filmmakers directly
These reviews are used to bypass the cliche “Hollywood Marketing Routes”, which are based solely on production value of an A LIST Actor or amount spent on advertising for a film, and assess quality and demand based upon users’ reviews.
CONTENT: Diverse streaming platform for features, documentaries and shorts — offering both known titles as well as quality films that otherwise would not receive an opportunity for released
BEST FOR: “THE INTERACTIVE, DOER FILM LOVER” Filmmakers, Lovers, Doers and Supporters of the film industry that want to be a part of the movement to growth a platform for new content and discover all kinds of new, never before seen films.
“Supporting Filmocracy is saving independent film from losing its spirit and ensuring its future.”
CLICK HERE to learn more
Subscription ONLY
COST: $10.99/Month or $83.88/Annually
PROS
- Exclusive rights to new foreign films
- Great for learning about history of cinema as often released under a theme, tradition or movement
- Adds one film and removes another: works on rotating calendar — each day brings a new film which is handpicked
- Diverse content
- Extensive catalog of films
- Community features
- Offline downloads on mobile
CONS
- No support for multiple viewing profiles
- Limited closed captioning options
- Not as large of a collection as other services
- Must be quick to watch, as content constantly disappears since working on rotating calendar
GOOD FOR: A large collection of films, documentaries, shorts, and community features that facilitate film discussion and discovery
BEST MATCH: “GUIDED INDIE LOVER” — for those who are a fan of eclectic indie films, but would like a guide to steer them towards the best content
Click Here to read further review details
COST: $10.99/Month or $99.99/Annually
PROS
- Offline downloads on mobile devices.
- No ads.
- Tons of video extras, including interviews, features, and other commentary.
- curated list of films added each month
CONS
- Not all Criterion Collection movies are available for streaming.
- No parental controls or user profiles.
- Some aggressive DRM and HDCP restrictions.
GOOD FOR: Deep dive into domestic and international cinema
BEST MATCH: “FILM FANS, SCHOLARS and BUFFS!” For those SCHOLARS that the “modern cinema experience” does NOT appeal to
Click Here to read further review details
Click Below to take our Streaming Service Match Quiz:
