Home to arthouse and documentary films, MUBI produces and distributes films by emerging and established filmmakers, and they are exclusively available on its platform. It is a unique streaming platform focused on curated cinema of independent, classic, and international films. However, let me clear this: MUBI is not for casual and mainstreaming blockbusters; rather, it is for cinephiles who value artful storytelling. So, if you are looking for blockbuster action, try BET, Netflix, or other platforms from our streaming guides; we have plenty of them listed. One of the highlights of MUBI is the “Film of the Day” feature, which consistently introduces fresh content and highlights worth watching for the audience. Also, it caters to international cinema, theatres, and docu-films, which highlights the platform’s huge content library.
There is so much packed in for cinephiles that the introduction alone cannot cover it all. In this review, let’s explore MUBI in a more detailed way and learn about the features, pricing, and content library. This should help you understand if MUBI is a streaming partner for you.
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MUBI: Stream Great Cinema and Discover More Classics
1-Minute Quick Review
MUBI is a curated streaming platform offering a rotating selection of arthouse, independent, and international films. For $12.99/month or $107.88/year, subscribers gain access to a carefully chosen film every day, along with a robust library of classics and modern cinema. The platform’s unique MUBI Go feature allows users to watch select films in theaters for free (where available) with one ticket per week. However, you need to be a MUBI Go subscriber, which costs around $17.99/month or $143.88 annually. The feature is available only in select cities.
The platform lacks offline viewing in all regions and is available only in select regions, which might disappoint users who are frequently out of internet access, say while in transit or away from home and WiFi networks. It also misses on 4K streaming, which most of the mainstream platforms offer as a feature, and it may seem like a big downside; however, the impact is not so bad as you can still stream in HD, which is a decent option. On the contrary, for the price that MUBI charges for its subscribers, it should be offering a 4K streaming option soon.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $12.99 per month, $107.88 per year |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial |
| Content | Curated independent, international, and arthouse films |
| Film of the Day | New curated films are added daily |
| Video Quality | HD resolution, no 4K streaming |
| Offline Viewing | Available in select regions |
| Device Compatibility | iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, web browsers |
| Cross-Platform Syncing | Yes, syncs progress across devices |
| Exclusive Features | MUBI Go for in-theater films, editorial content |
| User Interface | Simple and sleek, focused on curated discovery |
| Parental Controls | No dedicated parental controls |
| Customer Support | Email support and Help Center, no live chat or phone support |
The Good
- Each film is handpicked, with a new “Film of the Day” every day, offering a refined experience for cinephiles.
- Offers a free ticket for subscribers with MUBI Go every week to watch a select film. The feature is available only in select regions.
- The platform is widely available on various devices, from smartphones to smart TVs, giving easy access to it.
- A diverse content library focused on arthouse, festival favorites, and world cinema, rarely found on other platforms.
The Bad
- Limited to HD quality, which may be a drawback for viewers who prefer ultra-high-definition content.
- Offline downloads are available only in select regions, reducing convenience for on-the-go viewing.
- No parental control options for restricting content, which may be a consideration for families.
- Lacks personalization, so users have to always explore new content and not content based on their watch history.
Pricing and Plans
MUBI offers a standard subscription at $12.99 per month or $107.88 annually, equating to around $8.99 per month with the yearly plan. The MUBI GO is a newly added subscription plan to the platform, which costs $17.99 per month or $143.88 annually, effectively downsizing to $11.99 per month on the annual subscription. Both plans offer offline downloading movies and no ads between your streaming. In addition, MUBI GO offers one free ticket per week to select films in theaters (where available).
The platform also offers a 7-day free trial and lets users explore the content library and streaming performance before committing. Now, MUBI has slightly higher pricing than major players as it reflects exclusivity and curation, which sets it apart. For film enthusiasts looking to expand their horizons, the subscription cost is reasonable, especially considering festival films, indie gems, and world cinema that may not be easily accessible on other platforms.
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Content Library
MUBI has a diverse content library that is curated for cinephiles or those who love the art of true cinema. It spotlights international films, arthouse cinema, documentaries, and independent films. The platform offers some of the best contemporary films like “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and timeless classics like “In the Mood for Love.” For those who love documentaries, MUBI offers selective picks like Honeyland, a Macedonian documentary acclaimed for its beautiful storytelling.
The platform’s international picks are mostly the ones that are often popular and unparalleled, with film directors like Akira Kurosawa, Jean-Luc Godard, and Federico Fellini, who are commonly featured and loved by the users. The “Film of the Day” feature introduces a new movie daily, and each selection is handpicked by MUBI’s team, with a focus on lesser-known masterpieces and classic titles.
MUBI’s content library also features the inclusion of festival favorites and award-winning films, making it an excellent choice for those who want to watch films that have gained critical acclaim on the international stage.
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User Experience
MUBI offers an easy-to-use interface with a straightforward homepage layout featuring sections like Now Showing, Coming Soon, and Specials. The Film of the Day section displays the handpicked films in the carousel that are available for 30 days until the fresh picks are updated. Alongside, there are other featured sections like Now Showing, Coming Soon, and Specials, which help you make your next pick.
While the interface and navigation are easy, MUBI lacks personalization features, so there are no recommendations based on your previous watching history. We strongly believe MUBI’s focus is more on discovery, which allows users to explore and watch newer cinema and not just typical genres or themes. It includes editorial content, such as essays, interviews, and behind-the-scenes articles that deepen the content library and contextualize the films.
However, it lacks offline viewing in certain regions, which could limit its convenience for users who want to watch films on the go without a stable internet connection.
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Streaming Performance
MUBI offers HD streaming with quality adjustments for viewers based on their internet connection. Unlike mainstream media, MUBI lacks 4K streaming, but honestly, the audio and video on MUBI reflect the filmmaker’s intent and emphasize visual storytelling and expression.
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The streaming is smooth, without any interruptions, on a stable internet connection. We also tested streaming with VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN and were able to access MUBI’s diverse content library from across the globe. We recommend you use NordVPN or ExpressVPN rather than other options, as these easily give you a breakthrough, are secure, and have fewer buffers or connection drops.
Since MUBI also hosts international films, with cinema focused on directional craft and storytelling, it is natural to require subtitles. On MUBI, subtitles are available for non-English films, making the platform accessible to a global audience.
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Exclusive Features
MUBI’s most popular feature is the “Film of the Day,” where a new title is added each day for the subscribers to discover. These picks are handpicked by MUBI’s team and are available for 30 days. With this feature, users get to explore newer selections that are fresh and exciting if they wish to stick to a more classic collection. MUBI’s library section includes films that are available for longer periods, covering renowned directors, festival selections, and MUBI exclusives.
Another standout feature is MUBI Go’s handpicked cinema ticket, which offers subscribers one free ticket per week to a curated selection of films in theaters. This feature is available in select regions, and it bridges the gap between viewers and theatres, allowing cinephiles to enjoy a wider range of films beyond what’s available on the platform.
In addition, Mubi’s editorial content—including articles, reviews, and director interviews—provides context and insight into the films, enhancing the experience for viewers who want to delve deeper into film culture.
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Device Compatibility
MUBI is accessible across a range of devices, including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and web browsers. The app is optimized for both mobile and desktop, providing a smooth viewing experience on all supported devices. Users can also stream content to their TVs using Chromecast or AirPlay, making it easy for you to watch MUBI’s pure cinema on a bigger screen and from your couch.
Google Chromecast
Roku
Amazon FireStick
While offline downloads are available with iOS and Android apps, the feature is not available in all regions. This limitation may act as an inconvenience for users who don’t have access to the internet at all times. Despite this, MUBI’s compatibility across devices ensures that cinephiles can access its curated library anytime and anywhere.
Parental Controls
MUBI does not offer parental controls, which may be a consideration for families with younger children. Given that MUBI’s library focuses on international and independent films, many of the titles may contain mature themes that are more appropriate for adult audiences. However, if you look at it from a broader perspective, films that cater to documentaries or art are usually made for mature audiences, so it is natural for the platform not to include parental control features.
Nevertheless, if you want to have controlled viewing hours and experience, you can use a parental control app such as Bark or Qustodio. These parental control apps do not directly influence what users can watch but may limit viewing to a certain limit.
Customer Support
Viewers can avail of customer support via email and the help center from MUBI’s official website. The email support generally responds within 24 to 48 hours, offering resolutions to common problems. The help center includes FAQs covering subscriptions, account issues, and technical support. It is well-organized, and for cinephiles looking to learn more about the platform, MUBI’s blog and editorial content add an informative layer that enhances the user experience.
The platform, however, misses out on live chat and phone call support features, which may come into immediate help for viewers and allow uninterrupted streaming.
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Competition
1. Criterion Channel
Criterion Channel offers a curated library of classic and contemporary films, similar to MUBI, but with a focus on restored classics and Criterion Collection titles. Both platforms cater to film enthusiasts, but Criterion Channel includes more iconic films and renowned directors, whereas MUBI’s selection leans toward indie and international cinema. Criterion’s catalog also includes bonus features like director commentaries and behind-the-scenes extras, providing a more comprehensive experience for classic film lovers. However, let’s not forget you get a weekly free ticket to theatres in select regions.
2. Kanopy
Kanopy is a streaming service available through libraries and universities, offering free access to a vast library of documentaries, classic films, and world cinema. While MUBI emphasizes curated selections and a rotating “Film of the Day,” Kanopy provides access to classic and educational films on-demand, making it a cost-effective option for students and those with library cards. However, MUBI’s curated and exclusive content sets it apart as a more refined platform for serious cinephiles. Learn more about features, pricing, and library in our detailed Kanopy review.
3. Netflix
Netflix is a mainstream platform that offers a much broader catalog, including blockbuster films, TV series, and original content. While Netflix has a small collection of independent and international films, its focus is on mainstream appeal. MUBI, by contrast, emphasizes quality over quantity, with a curated selection of films that appeal specifically to cinephiles who appreciate arthouse cinema. For viewers looking for value-added obscure titles that talk about art wars and the madness of creators, MUBI is the better choice.
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4. HBO Max
HBO Max features a diverse library, including classic films, popular TV shows, and exclusive Warner Bros. content. While it includes some foreign and indie films, its offerings lean heavily toward mainstream content and not just documentary or indie films. MUBI, with its strict curation, offers a much more niche selection focused on world cinema and festival films that rarely appear on larger platforms. To cut short, HBO Max appeals more to viewers seeking mainstream entertainment, while MUBI serves a highly targeted cinephile audience.
5. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has a vast selection of movies and shows, including independent films and international titles. However, its catalog is not curated and lacks the intentionality that MUBI offers. It is rather a collection of blockbuster films that cater to wider audiences, while MUBI’s handpicked selection is ideal for those who prioritize niche selections such as documentaries, internationally acclaimed picks, and pure arthouse cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
No, Mubi is a subscription-based platform with plans starting at $12.99 per month or $107.88 annually. The MUBI GO features one free ticket per week for select shows in select cities at a cost of $17.99/month or $143.88 annually. A free trial of 7 days is available.
MUBI offers offline downloads only in certain regions.
MUBI Go offers all the features of the MUBI plan and additionally one free weekly ticket to a curated film in theaters available in select regions.
MUBI focuses on independent, international, and arthouse films with a “Film of the Day” feature that adds a new film daily and is available for 30 days. The platform also features a classic, indie, contemporary, and festive cinema.
Yes, MUBI is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and web browsers. You can download the films for offline viewing on your iOS and Android apps if the feature is available in your region. Also, you can enjoy streaming from your couch, laptop, or even on your iPad.
No, Mubi currently offers films in HD resolution only, and there is no option for 4K streaming. The quality of streaming adjusts based on your internet connection.
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Mubi: Final Verdict
MUBI is a niche streaming platform that offers films tailored for cinephiles who appreciate documentary, indie, and international picks that are classic and festival favorites. Of course, you won’t be able to find those mainstream blockbuster movies packed with action and beauty pageants, and they are a distinctive alternative. MUBI’s curated “Film of the Day” feature offers handpicked selections of some of the best arthouse films available for a period of 30 days.
While it lacks 4K streaming and offline downloads in some areas, Mubi’s commitment to quality over quantity ensures a meaningful viewing experience for film enthusiasts that’s worth subscribing to.
Which is your favorite title or genre that you love watching on MUBI? Let us know in the comment section below. Also, if you like what you read, give us a quick share on your social media platform and give us all the love and support. You can also connect with us on our Telegram Channel, Facebook Page, Reddit Community, and X to never miss out on tech updates.
MUBI Review: Watch and Discover Movies
MUBI Review: Watch and Discover Movies-
Pricing and Plans4/5 GoodMUBI's pricing at $12.99/month or $107.88/year is slightly higher than other niche platforms. The platform offers a 7-day free trial for new users, and the MUBI GO plan offers a free ticket per week for select films in select regions for viewers to enjoy.
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Content Library4/5 GoodMUBI's content library offers a rotating selection that includes festival specials, award-winning films, and works by legendary directors like Wong Kar-wai and Agnès Varda. The platform's "Film of the Day" concept ensures fresh content daily, and its permanent library includes hidden gems and global cinema that encourage deeper exploration.
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User Experience4/5 GoodThe interface is streamlined with a minimalist aesthetic that resonates with its audience's taste for elegance. The homepage layout highlights current features like Now Showing and Specials, making navigation simple.
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Streaming Performance4/5 GoodMUBI offers HD streaming, which aligns well with the platform's focus on storytelling and visual impact. The video and audio quality maintain consistency, even on moderate connections. However, the absence of 4K streaming could be disappointing for users who prefer higher-quality streaming, especially when watching visually stunning films that might benefit from such detail.
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Exclusive Features4/5 GoodMUBI's exclusive offerings make it a standout. The Film of the Day is a distinct feature that ensures subscribers are introduced to new cinematic experiences regularly. MUBI Go enriches the service by providing free tickets to select theater screenings.
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Device Compatibility4/5 GoodMUBI can be accessed on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and via web browsers, providing a seamless experience across devices. The availability of cross-platform syncing ensures that viewers can start on one device and continue on another without hassle. However, the platform misses out on offline viewing.
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Parental Controls3/5 NeutralMUBI does not offer parental controls, which may be a concern for households with younger viewers. The platform's focus on independent and international films often means mature themes are prevalent.
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Customer Support3/5 NeutralThe Help Center on Mubi's site provides thorough resources for common issues, from subscription management to technical troubleshooting. Users can reach out via email support, typically receiving responses within 24 to 48 hours.
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Competition4/5 GoodMUBI's direct competitors include platforms like Criterion Channel, which focuses on restored classics, and supplementary content like director commentaries. Kanopy offers a similar commitment to indie and classic films, often accessible for free through libraries but without MUBI's curated, exclusive approach. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide broader catalogs but lack MUBI's tight curation and festival-focused titles.
