the horror genre is split into different categories
When it comes to watching films at home, DVDs are no longer the norm. Instead, people are subscribing to streaming platforms which come with an extensive library of movies.
The most mainstream options are Netflix and Amazon Prime which offer a range of films and TV shows.
Their content comes in all types of genres, meaning that there is something for everyone. But what about those who enjoy just one specific type of film?
People have particular tastes, for example, someone may only like watching horror films.
In the past, it would have been difficult finding a solution, however, the popularity of streaming has resulted in the creation of many streaming platforms.
This includes niche services which focus on a certain genre or particular type of film.
These 10 streaming platforms offer alternative films to satisfy your craving for entertainment.
ALTBalaji
What it offers – Indian Content
ALTBalaji was launched in 2017 and was founded by film producer Ekta Kapoor.
It aims to create original, premium and tailor-made content for Indians across the world. This means that there are no International films or TV shows.
Unlike other streaming services in India, ALTBalaji offers a refreshing twist as it provides critically-acclaimed original shows created by in-house writers. It brings an Indian spin on the Netflix Originals concept.
There are also a variety of Bollywood movies which change constantly, meaning that film enthusiasts can enjoy fresh content.
According to its website, it has the largest content bank seen in India, with content ranging from comedy to thriller.
Users can stream content on five different devices simultaneously in six different languages.
Shudder
What it offers – Horror
If you like a fright when watching films then Shudder is the streaming platform for you.
It is an AMC Networks company which boasts a large collection of exclusive content, suspense and thrillers. All of which have been curated and reviewed by experts.
Not only does Shudder have a range of films but it also has horror-themed TV shows, podcasts and live-streaming events.
The interface is similar to Netflix but the horror genre is split into different categories to make it easier for subscribers to find what they are looking for.
Categories include ‘Get Rad’ (80s horror), ‘A-Plus’ (Asian horror) and much more.
Films include everything from B-movie frights to horror classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Subscribers can engage with other fans through Shudder’s review community. It costs £4.99 a month or £49.99 a year.
MUBI
What it offers – Independent & Classic
MUBI is an alternative streaming platform that is perfect for those who enjoy classic and independent films. It is similar to Netflix but it is far more selective.
A new title is added each day which you can view “live” and stays on the site for 30 days. At the same time, another is removed.
This means that there is always 30 films to choose from instead of endlessly scrolling through film choices.
With the constant addition and removal of films, subscribers can enjoy a continuous surprise of forgotten gems and festival-fresh cinema.
Films fall into the independent, cult and classic genres from filmmakers around the world.
Subscribers can enjoy a seven-day free trial if they sign up directly through the MUBI website or app. A plan then costs £9.99 per month or £95.88 a year.
AsianCrush
What it offers – East Asian films
AsianCrush is a unique streaming platform which offers a variety of films and TV shows coming from East Asia.
In North America, it is the premier Asian streaming service, with over 1,000 films made in countries like China and South Korea.
Users can also watch TV shows made by leading entertainment producers.
The films are split into different categories, meaning that there is a wide array of sub-categories to choose from.
They include horror films as well as action and martial arts films, both of which are extremely popular. Films starring the likes of Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee feature on the streaming site.
Films also range from past decades to modern blockbusters.
AsianCrush brings the best of Asian entertainment to a global audience and the best part is that there is no subscription.
Users have unlimited access to content with no cost. All they need is an internet connection.
Urban Movie Channel
What it offers – African-American Entertainment
Urban Movie Channel (UMC) is a streaming platform which is operated by AMC Networks.
It was created by Robert L Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), in 2015.
UMC offers a selection of original black film and TV shows. Subscribers can browse feature films, documentaries, original series and other exclusive content curated for African-American audiences.
UMC also offers live stand-up performances by Kevin Hart and Jamie Foxx.
The streaming service offers two options for subscribers. There is a monthly subscription which costs $4.99 or customers can choose to pay $49.99 for a year.
Although UMC has an extensive range of alternative films, it is unfortunately not available in the UK.
Crunchyroll
What it offers – Anime
For those who are fans of anime and Manga, Crunchyroll is the perfect streaming platform to subscribe to.
The American company was founded in 2006 by a group of University of California graduates.
It has a large distribution channel and partnership program which means it delivers content to 50 million registered users worldwide.
Crunchyroll offers more than 900 anime films and shows, more than 200 Asian dramas and 50 Manga titles through Crunchyroll Manga.
However, not all content is available worldwide due to licensing restrictions.
Content ranges from older anime like Ruroni Kenshin to more modern content like Dragon Ball Super.
Crunchyroll appeals to fans around the world as the content can be translated into a number of languages.
Toon Goggles
What it offers – Children-friendly
Toon Goggles is a streaming platform which offers child-friendly films and TV shows.
The American entertainment service provides cartoons, live-action shows and music through the web and mobile applications on smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.
Children and pre-teens can also watch educational content.
One major issue is child online safety, however, Toon Goggles has taken steps to ensure that children are not under any risk.
Content follows the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), so parents can feel at ease when their kids are looking through content.
Parents can also monitor viewing by adjusting parental controls. They can create a profile for their child complete with an avatar to select age-appropriate content.
Passionflix
What it offers – Romance
Passionflix is a streaming service which focuses on the romance genre and was co-founded by Tosca Musk, the younger sister of engineer Elon Musk.
It was developed in 2017 and the focus is to bring best-selling romance novels to the screen.
Users can enjoy mainstream romance films but the streaming service is known for adapting novels for the screen.
Several feature films on the platform have been directed by Tosca. This includes Alessandra Torre’s Hollywood Dirt, Rachel van Dyken’s The Matchmaker’s Playbook and Jodi Ellen Malpas’ The Protector.
Tosca said that while romance films are prevalent, they are nowhere near as popular as action blockbusters.
She explained: “There just aren’t a lot of romances done at all.
“It’s the biggest-selling genre in the world, but every time they do release a romance [movie], they say, ‘I can’t believe it did well’.”
ScreamBox
What it offers – Indie Horror
ScreamBox is the main rival to Shudder in terms of horror streaming platforms.
However, they present different types of horror content. While Shudder might be the place to go for mainstream horror films, ScreamBox offers scary indies, most of which you probably never heard of.
ScreamBox has a variety of films which offer different types of terror. From supernatural to slashers, there is something for everyone.
There are 15 individual categories, making it easier to navigate across specific titles instead of tirelessly looking for something to watch.
As many of the films are made by horror fans, it is likely that you have not heard of them.
This makes for a huge surprise when a film is selected, however, they are not for the faint of heart.
Subscribers pay $4.99 monthly or $35.88 for a year and they have unlimited access to the ScreamBox library.
Feeln
What it offers – Family-friendly
This US-based streaming platform is owned by Hallmark and it has a library of soft-focus, family-friendly film options.
According to the website, the focus is to provide “heartfelt stories of love and togetherness.”
The film options are expanded into sections like ‘A Father’s Devotion’ or ‘Unbridled Hearts’. Similarly, TV options range from 1980s classics to more modern shows.
Feeln also features original shorts and Emmy award-winning documentaries.
This is a streaming service for lovers of uplifting family films. It costs $5.99 per month or $35.99 for one year.
These streaming platforms are perfect for those who know what type of film they want to watch.
As they are streaming services, they require a subscription which can make people reluctant to commit. Thankfully, most offer trial periods which can be cancelled at any time.
But for those who are happy to pay for original content, they can enjoy alternative movies which suit their preferences.
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