As the streaming wars between heavyweights such as Netflix and Disney+, have expanded, so too has the world of smaller, more specialised streaming services that focus on serving a specific niche to viewers who want more than what the bigger mainstream players have to offer.
New Zealand has over a dozen local and international streaming platforms to find niche, nostalgic and new favourite movies and TV shows.
Whether you're a budding anime fan, hard core cinema buff, or just looking for something to satisfy your specific tastes - we've got you covered.
Here’s a roundup of the best, for your next movie night in.
Note: The following subscriptions aren't included as part of NOWs offering (yet), the following is purely a guide to show you what else is out there in the world of streaming.
The Niche
Shudder
For the horror, sci-fi and thriller-minded among us, Shudder specialises in horror, thriller and provocative films. These include exclusive movies, series and cult classics.
Price: $6.67/mth. 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Mubi
If you're a fan of fine films, MUBI is a slam dunk! A subscription to MUBI is a passport to the world of cinema, serving up international masterpieces as well as rarities from acclaimed filmmakers. In other words, films you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Price: $12.99/mth. 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime. No ads. Ever.
Hot tip: Checkout the Mubi Top 1000 list for this weeks new entries, and notable risers.
DocPlay
DocPlay is every documentary lover’s dream, offering an extensive range of all the best documentaries sourced from around the world.
Price: $7.99/mth. Free 14-day trial.
Highlights: Louis Theroux: My Scientology Movie, Searching for Sugar Man, The Cove, The September Issue, Man On Wire.
AcornTV
If you enjoy watching British, European, and Oceanic shows during elevenses (or at any other time for that matter), then AcornTV is a solid bet. It's cheap, presents shows without commercials, and has some exclusives and originals too.
Price: $7.99/mth. 7-day free trial.
Highlights: Midsomer Murders, Line of Duty, Hinterland, Miranda, Shameless, Shetland.
The locals
TVNZ OnDemand
Endless viewing is at your fingertips! TVNZ OnDemand is your platform to watch whatever your heart desires: local and international dramas, documentaries, sci-fi, your all-time favourites, kids, live TVNZ 1, 2, DUKE …and everything in between. TVNZ OnDemand is free to sign up for and stream.
ThreeNow
Watch the latest TV On Demand episodes of all your favourite shows from Three with ThreeNow. Watch Three livestream, Newshub, Three Movies and Three shows.
NZ On Screen
This free to view streaming site is a showcase of New Zealand film and television, with many hard-to-find and older local productions as well as modern favourites, music videos and commercials. If you’re keen for a trip down memory lane, this is the place to find it.