Art House Cinema: 8 Best Streaming Services With Free Trials

Are you ready to immerse yourself into the captivating world of art house cinema?

If you’re seeking out the best streaming services for art house films then you’re definitely headed in the right direction. This post will help you decide which service is the best for you. You’ll discover so many gems.

Although art house films make up a very small portion of the global box office, they often spark the most passionate discussions among cinephiles.

With streaming free trials, you can now access these hidden gems from the comfort of your living room. In this list, you’ll find 8 of the best art house streaming trials where hopefully you’ll find the perfect platform for your avant-garde viewing pleasure!

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What Are Art House Films?

Have you ever wondered what sets art house films apart from the blockbusters at your local multiplex?

Art house films are the rebels of the movie world. They’re the ones that dare to be different, pushing boundaries and challenging our perceptions. Think of these films as the jazz musicians of cinema – they may not top the charts, but they sure know how to stir your soul.

So, what makes a film “art house”?

• Focus more on artistic expression than commercial success
• Often tackle complex themes or unconventional storytelling
• Usually made with smaller budgets and independent funding
• Frequently feature experimental techniques or styles

These films aren’t afraid to break the rules. They might play with non-linear narratives, use stunning visual metaphors, or leave you thinking about the ending for days.

Some famous art film directors you might know:

These filmmakers don’t just make movies; they create experiences. Their films often premiere at festivals like Cannes or Sundance, where they can find their audience before getting a wider release.

But why should you care about art house films in 2024?

If you’re tired of Hollywood’s constant assembly-line style of making sequels and remakes, consider that art house cinema keeps things fresh. Art house is where new ideas are born and where filmmakers can take risks.

Without art house films, we may never have seen the rise of directors like Christopher Nolan or Bong Joon-ho, who both started in indie cinema before making it big.

Art house films challenge you to think, feel, and see the world in new ways. And to be honest – sometimes it’s fun to watch a movie that doesn’t spoon-feed you everything.

Ready to dip your toes into the art house world? Start with some of the more accessible films and work your way up. Before you know it, you’ll be debating the finer points of French New Wave over coffee with your equally film-obsessed friends.

8 Best Art House Streaming Platforms in 2024

Sure, every major streaming platform has a section for art house films, from Netflix to Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

But their selections may border closer to mainstream and they probably don’t have a big enough collection of films to keep you satisfied.

Well, buckle up because these are 8 of the hottest art house streaming platforms in 2024. These digital treasure troves are packed with cinematic gems you won’t find on any of the mainstream services.

1. MUBI

MUBI is one of the best choices for watching art house films. Although they have a large library of films that you can watch at any given time, the staff at MUBI picks and features one new film each day. This means you get 30 new films each month that you can watch.

MUBI also offers some perks in a subscription called MUBI Go geared towards its most passionate subscribers. With MUBI Go, users can get a movie ticket every week to see one featured film currently in a cinema near you. You will also get Notebook, a film magazine created and published by MUBI.

If you just want to stream movies though, there’s plenty to watch besides the 30 movies curated for you each month. The size of the library differs depending on your location.

Each movie is displayed with the title, director, country and year of release and you can also dig deeper on the film’s dedicated page where you’ll find the synopsis, trailer, collections that the film is a part of, awards and festivals where the film was shown and more.

MUBI offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers but you can sometimes get an entire month free only by invitation (you can use my link). Students (with proof) can also get a 30-day free trial.

MUBI is like having a film expert in your pocket. They add one new movie every day and curate a host of collections. It’s perfect if you love the thrill of discovery.

2. The Criterion Channel

The Criterion Channel is a true cinephile’s paradise. They offer a huge collection of over 3000 classic and contemporary films from around the world for subscribers to watch.

All the films are taken from the renowned Criterion Collection, providing access to a carefully curated library ranging from groundbreaking silent films to contemporary masterpieces. What sets The Criterion Channel apart is its dedication to presenting each film in its best possible quality, often featuring restored or remastered versions.

Film lovers will appreciate that they not only get to stream the movies, they also get a lot of supplementary content including director commentaries, behind-the-scenes features and interviews with filmmakers and critics.

Art house film lovers will be delighted by the many themed film collections and director spotlights. Whether you’re in the mood for French New Wave, Italian Neorealism, or you just want to explore the films of Federico Fellini, you’ll find expertly curated collections to satisfy your cinematic needs.

The Criterion Channel offers a full 7-day free trial before charging $10.99/month for access. You can preview all the films being offered by navigating to the “All Films” tab on the website.

Depending on who you ask when it comes to suggestions on the best streaming platform for art house film, the Criterion Channel usually comes up at #1 or #2 along with MUBI. The Criterion Channel’s biggest benefit is that it’s packed with extras making your experience akin to attending a mini film school.

3. Kanopy

Kanopy is a bit different from all the other offerings on this page. There is no trial or fees because it is totally free as long as you have a public library card or a university login.

The streaming service is only available in about 4000 libraries and universities around the world that participate in the Kanopy program. These institutions pay for the content so that you can enjoy Kanopy with an ad-free experience even though it’s completely free.

The only drawback is that you’re allowed a limited number of free plays each month. How many plays you get depends on how you access Kanopy.

The content on Kanopy ranges from documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, indie films, and educational content licensed from various content partners. These partners include: HBO Documentaries, A24, PBS, Paramount, and The Criterion Collection, just to name a few of the most popular ones.

Kanopy is a hidden gem for art house lovers that is often overlooked. A free option for on-demand and ad-free streaming, it’s definitely worth it to try to get access. It’s like having a film festival at your fingertips, courtesy of your local library.

4. Sundance Now

You may not be able to make it to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City but you can still bring the festival vibe to your living room with a Sundance Now subscription.

Sundance Now offers a carefully curated streaming experience for lovers of indie films and thought-provoking television series. Subscribers can watch films that garnered critical acclaim at film festivals, from gripping documentaries to avant-garde dramas. Sundance Now’s library caters to those looking for an alternative to mainstream entertainment.

The platform keeps things simple by offering expertly curated selection of films and series. They even make their own shows so you’ll be able to watch series that aren’t available anywhere else.

Sundance Now can be accessed through their website and apps or on Amazon Prime Video subscriptions. Alternatively they’re available as part of a bundled subscription through AMC+. You can usually start watching with a 7-day free trial before paying $6.99/month.

Sundance Now offers a mix of fresh faces and established indie darlings that art house film lovers can get lost in. This can easily become your new obsession.

5. Fandor

Fandor is another great art house streaming service that was made especially for this audience. In fact, their current tagline says that they’re “artfully entertaining”, a nod to the type of content that they carry.

The service features a curated mixture of independent films, documentaries, and international cinema. This streaming service prides itself on showcasing thought-provoking and visually stunning works that you might not find on mainstream platforms.

One of Fandor’s standout features is its commitment to supporting independent filmmakers and promoting diverse voices in cinema. The platform regularly updates its collection with new releases, festival favorites, and restored classics, ensuring that subscribers always have fresh content to explore.

Fandor offers even more than just streaming – they’re also a community, providing insightful critiques, filmmaker interviews, and lots of curated collections that help art house lovers dive deeper into the world of independent cinema.

On Fandor, you can watch a few select movies on their free ad-supported plan. To watch without ads, you’ll have to upgrade to the “Premium” plan which starts with a 7-day trial, then it’s $5.99/month. You an join Fandor through their website, apps or on Amazon Prime video and other services.

Fandor is like that cool friend who always knows about the latest underground flicks. With a free plan and a reasonably priced premium plan, Fandor is affordable and full of surprises.

6. IndieFlix

IndieFlix is another great alternative to mainstream streaming services. They offer a diverse mixture of independent films, thought-provoking documentaries, award-winning short films and web series.

The unique thing about IndieFlix is that they’re a platform that directly supports emerging filmmakers and encourages artistic expression.

They also focus on feature films and documentaries that address important societal issues and also provide educational programs for schools and educators. Just like Kanopy on this list, you can access IndieFlix On-Demand Unlimited subscription for free if you’re a member of a participating local library via the Libby app.

The content selection on IndieFlix includes movies from around the world and emphasizes human curation over algorithms. You’ll find carefully curated collections that help you discover hidden gems and critically acclaimed works.

IndieFlix is available through the streamer’s website and apps, a live ad-supported channel on Plex and a shorts-only subscription channel called IndieFlix Shorts on Prime Video. You can start watching IndieFlix with a 7-day free trial then it’s $4.99/month. The IndieFlix Shorts channel on Prime Video has the same length free trial, then $2.99/month.

Your IndieFlix subscription directly supports the filmmakers, so you can feel great while watching great films from all around the world.

7. Ovid.tv

Another great option you have when it comes to art house films is Ovid.tv. This is a great choice for viewers who love thought-provoking content.

Ovid.tv focuses on documentaries, independent, and art house films from content partners like the British Film Institute, Icarus Films, First Run Features, National Film Board of Canada, Pragda, and other renowned film distributors.

Content available on Ovid.tv include critically acclaimed documentaries, hard-to-find classic and contemporary art films, and international cinema from renowned directors. Look for the “Only on Ovid” to find exclusive features not available on other streaming services.

Expertly curated collections, emphasis on thought-provoking and culturally significant works and the regular addition of new titles every month are a few reasons to get a subscription. You wouldn’t need to always be scrolling for something to watch. The service features a “Film of the week” so if you haven’t see the one they’re featuring, you can start there.

Ovid.tv is available through their website and apps for most devices. You can start with a 7-day free trial, then it’s $6.99/month.

Ovid.tv is perfect if you like your movies with a side of brain food. It’s a goldmine for thought-provoking content that’ll expand your worldview.

8. Film Movement Plus

Film Movement Plus is a curated streaming service by respected film distribution company Film Movement.

They feature a diverse content library of award-winning films from around the world, contemporary art house releases, classic world cinema, short films, and documentaries.
Subscribers can appreciate their curation approach which focuses on hand-picked selections of critically acclaimed films and film festival favorites. The content library is regularly updated with new and noteworthy titles so you’ll always find something to watch.

What I like most about Film Movement Plus is that they have a lot of exclusive premieres. You’ll find them marked with “Film Movement Plus Exclusive” or in a collection of the same name. There are many titles that you wouldn’t find on any mainstream streaming platforms. Also note that there are many restored versions of classic films.

Cinephiles will love that they can access films from renowned international directors as well as emerging talent in world cinema. You can explore a wide range of genres and styles, completely ad-free with high-quality video and audio.

Finally, you’ll also be able to watch filmmaker interviews and behind-the-scenes content which allows you to get more value out of the platform. Film Movement Plus is an excellent resource for film studies and cultural exploration and has a lot of potential for use in academic settings.

You can find Film Movement Plus through their website and various apps as well as their subscription channel on Prime Video. A 7-day free trial lets you watch all the content you want before paying $5.99/month.

Film Movement Plus gives you the opportunity to explore a vast library of international cinema. With its exclusives and hard-to-find titles, you’ll be in for a treat.

How To Make The Most of Your Art House Streaming Trial

More important than finding the right art house streaming platform is actually enjoying and getting the most out of your free days. Here are a few suggestions to make sure you squeeze every drop of cinematic goodness out of it.

The first step is to start watching as soon as your trial begins. Time flies when you’re having fun (or watching French New Wave films). Then you can try any (or all) of the suggestions below.

Mix it up

You want to try a little of everything. There are different ways to sample art house, and while you may have a favorite style of your own, mixing it up on your limited free trial can help you discover new things.

For example, you may want to:

• Try different genres: From neo-noir to surrealist comedies
• Explore various countries: Take a world tour through cinema
• Balance old and new: Classic Fellini one day, modern indie the next

Use those algorithms (but don’t let them use you)

Most streaming platforms have recommendation engines. They’re pretty smart, but don’t allow them put you in a box. If you normally watch dramas, why not try an experimental documentary?

Make a watchlist

The first thing I’d usually do when trying out a new streaming site is to start adding movies to my watchlist. This makes it easy for me to find films I’m interested in watching without wasting my time scrolling through the app or site.

Join the conversation

Many platforms have forums or comment sections. Or you can follow them on the social media communities that you’re already a part of. Go ahead and chat with fellow film buffs. You might gain new perspectives or find your next must-watch.

Don’t skip the extras

If you want to fully enjoy a film, don’t forget about the extras – director commentaries, behind-the-scenes features, interviews – these are all gold mines for cinephiles. They’re the equivalent to getting a mini film school with your subscription.

Take notes (but don’t overdo it)

Make a note of films and directors you enjoy. This will help you to discover similar content later. Remember though – you’re here to enjoy movies, not write a thesis.

Step out of your comfort zone

If you always watch American indies, why not try some Asian art house films? Or maybe you’ve never watched a silent movie. Now’s your chance to mix things up and broaden your horizons.

Pace yourself

Finally, don’t try to watch everything in one weekend. Remember, you have at least 7 days of free trials so spread it out. Some art house films need time to marinate. Give yourself some time to reflect.

The goal here is to have fun while discovering new films you love. There is no right way to watch art house cinema. If a movie just isn’t clicking with you, it’s okay to move on to the next one.

And hey, if you find yourself hooked by the end of your free trial period, maybe it’s worth keeping the subscription.

Top Pick

Our top pick for best art house streaming platform in 2024 is MUBI. You can get started with a 7-day free trial, then it’s $14.99 on their website and it’s even cheaper on Amazon Prime Video channels.