What Is MUBI? The Alternative Streaming Service Explained

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Many streaming platforms often emphasize quantity instead of quality, with services such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and others offering a vast number of films. Discovering high-quality movies can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, MUBI distinguishes itself from the competition by its curation process. Each movie available on their platform has been carefully chosen based on quality, historical significance, or general artistic value.

At present, MUBI offers a diverse range of films. Among these are personal picks from directors Alex Ross Perry and Amalia Ulman, numerous award-winning movies, horror films hailing from various countries, an extensive collection directed by women and LGBTQ+ creators, and, interestingly, the entirety of “Twin Peaks” television series (which is a rarity on this platform). These are movies that encourage you to set aside your phone and focus, although once you’ve finished watching, you might find yourself drawn to learning more about them through the insightful essays on MUBI’s Notebook blog or by tuning into the MUBI podcast.

With MUBI, a monthly subscription costs $14.99. For an extra $5 a month, users can upgrade to MUBI GO, offering one free movie ticket weekly alongside the streaming service. What sets MUBI apart from other streaming platforms is its support for movie theaters – it showcases new releases on the big screen before they become available for streaming, making it more theater-friendly.

MUBI is a rising competitor to A24 and Neon

Over the past few years, MUBI has gradually expanded its collection of exclusive films in North America, with movies such as Park Chan-Wook’s suspenseful “Decision to Leave,” Ira Sachs’ sensual drama “Passages,” and Aki Kaurismäki’s witty comedy “Fallen Leaves” garnering notice from art house viewers and awards committees.

Following its removal from Universal’s roster, Coralie Fargeat’s visceral film “The Substance” made history as MUBI’s inaugural wide release and breakout sensation. Demi Moore delivered an audacious, rejuvenating performance in this film, which garnered attention for being one of the most bizarre and gruesome movies to earn five Academy Award nominations, including best picture.

Following the triumph of “The Substance”, MUBI intends to challenge A24 and Neon as top contenders among independent cinema brands. In North America, notable upcoming releases from MUBI include Alex Russell’s pop star thriller “Lurker” (in theaters on August 22), Kelly Reichardt’s art heist movie “The Mastermind” (in theaters October 17), and Lynne Ramsay’s psychological drama “Die My Love”, featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson (in theaters November 7).

MUBI has a big international presence

MUBI’s $1 billion valuation is significantly boosted by its global reach. Established by Turkish entrepreneur Efe Çakarel, this streaming service can be found across the globe and boasts theatrical distribution networks spanning Europe and Latin America. Given that indie films are usually licensed regionally, MUBI frequently secures international rights for movies distributed by studios like A24, Neon, Amazon, or Netflix in North America.

In various countries, films such as “Suspiria”, “First Cow”, “Titane”, “The Worst Person in the World”, “Priscilla”, “Perfect Days”, “Emilia Pérez”, and “Queer” are available on MUBI. Five movies that were screened in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, including “Alpha”, “Sentimental Value”, “The Secret Agent”, “Sirāt”, and the Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just an Accident”, were obtained by Neon in the US. However, they have been purchased by MUBI for release in other regions.

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2025-07-07 00:30