Most streaming platforms emphasize quantity over quality. Services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video feature such a vast array of movies that locating the exceptional ones can be difficult. The arthouse streaming platform MUBI distinguishes itself through its curation — each film on the site is specifically chosen for its quality, historical significance, and/or overall artistic interest.

MUBI’s current catalog includes personal indie favorites selected by directors Alex Ross Perry and Amalia Ulman, numerous award winners, global horror, a remarkable array of films by women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers, and (in a unique venture into television programming) all three seasons of “Twin Peaks.” These are the types of films you’ll want to set aside distractions for and focus your attention on — but once you’ve finished watching, you might be inclined to delve deeper by exploring the additional essays on MUBI’s Notebook blog or tuning into the MUBI podcast.

MUBI subscriptions are priced at $14.99 monthly. For an extra $5 per month, members can opt for MUBI GO, which offers one complimentary movie ticket each week alongside the streaming service. This is another aspect where MUBI stands apart from other streaming services: it fosters a more supportive relationship with cinemas and ensures its licensed new releases debut on the big screen before becoming available for streaming.

MUBI has slowly built up its library of exclusives in North America over the past few years. Films like Park Chan-Wook’s thriller “Decision to Leave,” Ira Sachs’ erotic drama “Passages,” and Aki Kaurismäki’s dry comedy “Fallen Leaves” all got some attention from arthouse audiences and awards voters.

After being dropped by Universal, Coralie Fargeat’s body horror film “The Substance” became MUBI’s first wide release and first huge breakout hit. Featuring a daring, transformative comeback performance from Demi Moore, “The Substance” stood out as one of the weirdest and goriest movies to ever get nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture.

With the success of “The Substance” under its belt, MUBI is now aiming to compete with A24 and Neon as one of cinema’s hottest indie brands. Upcoming major MUBI releases in North America include Alex Russell’s pop star thriller “Lurker” (in theaters August 22), Kelly Reichardt’s art heist film “The Mastermind” (in theaters October 17), and Lynne Ramsay’s psychological drama “Die My Love,” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson (in theaters November 7).

MUBI’s $1 billion valuation is in large part due to its international presence. Founded by Turkish entrepreneur Efe Çakarel, the streaming service operates around the world and has theatrical distribution operations throughout Europe and Latin America. Since indie films are often licensed by region, MUBI frequently grabs the international licenses for movies released by other studios such as A24, Neon, Amazon, or Netflix in North America.

The likes of “Suspiria,” “First Cow,” “Titane,” “The Worst Person in the World,” “Priscilla,” “Perfect Days,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “Queer” are all MUBI releases in at least one country or another. Five films that played in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (“Alpha,” “Sentimental Value,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sirāt,” and the Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just an Accident”) were licensed by Neon in the US but have been acquired by MUBI for release in other territories.