At a time when mainstream streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ stretch their coverage to the utmost limit, it's nice to know that there are plenty of alternative platforms out there that carefully curate movies and series for their small but dedicated fanbase. Whether that means streaming cult and horror titles (our picks are Shudder and Screambox), East Asian dramas (Viki and Asian Crush), independent cinema (Criterion and Mubi), or the oldest TV shows you can think of (Shout TV), a good non-conventional service knows its bounds well and treats content like the specialty that it is. Below, we list the best niche streaming services that are available right now, plus some other information (like price and device compatibility) you might want to know.
40 Best Niche Streaming Services Available Right Now
Hi-Yah is a niche streaming service for martial arts and Asian action content in general. The cheap monthly price of $3.99 makes it a service that's easy to add to more wholistic streaming platforms.
Price: $3.99/month
Free Trial: 7 days
Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, Roku, Website, Xbox One
It won't give you access to the live broadcast of the Hallmark Channel but it will give you the next best thing: on-demand access to Hallmark movies. The streamer has many of the fan favorites and beloved classics of its cable counterpart, The Hallmark Channel, while also featuring exclusive movies, shows, documentaries, and short films. Aside from being ad-free, all these titles are sure to have a PG rating, so you don't have to worry about leaving them on when there are kids around.
GuideDoc is a global online streaming and distributing service for documentary films.
The service is currently available for US$7.99 per month and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
GuideDoc apps exist for iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Android Tablets, Google TV, Apple TV, ChromeCast and Airplay. At the time of writing, GuideDoc does not offer an app for other services like Roku, Fire TV and game consoles.
Price: $7.99/month
Filmzie offers its viewers worldwide high-quality content that is free. Its aim is to spotlight overlooked films in our history and support filmmakers and creators in so doing. If you’re someone who feels ethically motivated to support filmmakers and prefers not to have to pay to be entertained, this is the streaming service for you. It’s updated regularly with popular and current content. Filmzie was launched in 2021.
Price: free for channels available
Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Samsung TV, Website
Film Movement Plus is a video on-demand platform dedicated to independent and foreign films, and is currently available in the US and Canada.
In the US, it costs $5.99 a month (after a 14-day free trial) and can be accessed via any device, including IOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku.
Fearless is a Toronto-based streaming service built around inclusivity. Their focus is on showcasing films highlighting stories from LGBTQ+ people, Women, BIPOC, and stories on disability. They also enable creators to directly submit their work on either a Free license basis (for creators only interested in traction) or a paid/exclusive license.
Price: $5/month
Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Chromecast, iOS, Website
True to its name, Documentary+ is a free ad-supported service that streams documentaries as well as non-fiction shorts and series. It has a straightforward interface that has categories like "award winners," "true crime," "festival darlings," "women stories," and "Black stories," as well as films from renowned directors including Werner Herzog, Spike Jonze, Kathryn Bigelow, and Terrence Malick.
Interestingly, the service also has a live channel you can put on anytime. It’s compatible with all major streaming devices, but you can also access it as a channel on live TV services like Amazon’s freevee and Sling’s freestream.
Docsville’s focus is on documentaries sourced from around the world, originally launched by award-winning documentarian Lawrence Elmen and his business partner, Nick Fraser, who worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation. This streaming service is for those doc junkies who can’t get enough of real-world exploration and have a thirst for knowledge about many different aspects of our planet and the human race. Topics include climate change, inequality and racism, inspiring real-life tales, and true crime. Most of the documentaries offered are independent films.
Dekkoo caters to the queer community and offers exclusively gay content. Their website claims to provide access to the largest selection of gay entertainment offered anywhere. Dekkoo has a 3-day free trial, then charges $12.54/month. If you’re craving more queer in your life and love gay films and TV series, then this service is for you. Dekkoo was launched in 2015 by Derek Curl and Brian Sokel.
CuriosityStream is an American streaming services that focuses on documentary movies and shows and is available in more than 175 countries.
In the US, pricing starts at $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year for the basic plan, with an upgrade to the 4K Monthly plan available for $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
CuriosityStream can be accessed via web browser as well as Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, and has a mobile app that is compatible across Apple and PC computers, and Android and iOS phones and tablets.
Price: $4.99/month
Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, LG TV, Roku, Samsung TV, Xbox
Ready to cut the cord? Here are the 14 live TV streaming services that offer a free trial.
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The streaming services on this page were chosen by our editors. If you choose to subscribe to a streaming service we recommend as a result of our research, analysis, and curation, our work is sometimes (but not always) supported by an affiliate commission from the streaming service when you make a purchase.