One of the biggest arguments for not watching foreign movies is accessibility to foreign movies either online or in theaters – not having somewhere to watch the movies we want to. Luckily, we now more than ever have tons of resources to access foreign cinema (more so online). I’ve compiled a list of the four best online streaming services that offer a wide variety of foreign films that you can not only watch online but can watch from anywhere – your smartphone, laptop, television, etc. So hurry up and pick one, and let’s get watching!
- Prime Video ($12.99/month)
So thirteen dollars a month seems steep just to watch some movies online. However, Prime Video is a great option, because it comes with your Amazon Prime account! Free two-day shipping on that new pair of headphones and a 5-pound bag of gummy bears you ordered and getting to watch a new movie? That’s the stuff dreams are made of.
My picks for foreign movies on Prime Video: Alamar (2008) and The Human Resources Manager (2010).
- Netflix ($8.99/month)
Okay, so this one is obvious, I know. But chances are, you already have a Netflix account, and that’s a great place to start! If you’re like me, your Netflix account is used primarily for binge-watching Stranger Things and having The Office on as background noise while making dinner and doing homework. HOWEVER, Netflix, unbeknownst to most of us, is a great place to catch the more popular (and let’s face it, Oscar-bait) foreign movies of recent years. Netflix’s current catalog features some great foreign films like the Oscar-winning movie Roma (2018) and winner of the 2013 Palme d’Or (one of the most prestigious awards in all of film), Blue is the Warmest Color (2013).
And here’s a tip: Search “foreign” or “international” in Netflix’s search bar, and it’ll immediately show you all related movies. It’s as easy as that.
- Snag Films (Free)
I know what you’re thinking – “Free? There’s no way. Nothing in this world is free!”
Yeah, nothing except Snag Films! Snag is an online streaming website that allows you to watch foreign movies and television episodes online for completely free. Their mission? To get more people to open their minds to more stories. You know that feeling on Christmas morning just before you start opening presents and can’t decide which one to start with? Yeah, Snag is kinda like that. Snag’s catalog features more than 2,000 movies and television shows, so there’s no more “There’s nothing to watch!” ever again.
My recommendations: Una Semana Solos (2007) and Bellissima (1951)
- Kanopy (Free)
Never heard of Kanopy before? Yeah, neither had I, until a dear and wonderful friend suggested I try Kanopy when I had mentioned that I had been locked out of my Hulu account after my sister (who, umm… pays for it) changed the password. Ha!
I’m now convinced Kanopy is the world’s best kept online secret. It’s completely free, and all you need is either a library card from your local library or if you’re a college student, your school’s name. Just enter your information and WHAM! You’ve got, essentially, a free Netflix account. Kanopy’s catalog seems endless, and not only are their new releases, but they’re also movies you want to watch. No more adding movies to your watchlist and never, you know, watching them. Yeah, you’re welcome.
My recommendations: 3 Faces (2018) and Our Beloved Month of August (2008)
And there you go! My top four picks for streaming foreign movies online. Not only are these services affordable and convenient for on-the-go, but they offer great selections of foreign films you never got to see in theaters because your theater didn’t screen them, or you never heard of them, or you’re just getting into films. So grab your laptop/smartphone/television remote, relax, and let’s watch!
Far Away Films 
It’s kind of a coincidence that I read this blog today, because just recently I came across Snag myself while looking for a documentary; naturally, I was delighted to learn that I could watch the whole thing for free – and legally! Of course I’m familiar with Prime Video and Netflix, but I had never heard of Kanopy. I’m going to have fun exploring it and checking out your recommendations!
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Hi Yitz,
It’s amazing how many resources there are online when we really look! I also recommend checking out your local library, where you can usually find a lot of foreign movies through their catalog as well.
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I have never heard of Kanopy. I am definitely going to take advantage of the free membership on the website. I will get back to you on what my top shows and movies are to watch on the website. Thank you!!
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I look forward to hearing what you’ve watched! Have fun!
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There are some great foreign films out there. I have both Amazon Prime and Netflix and search through them all the time for foreign films. I have a further suggestion for you. I recently found an app that allows you to watch for free, with the exception of some things, Korean shows and movies. It is called Viki Rakuten. I highly recommend. Great post!
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This is wonderful — I’ll be sure to check it out! Half the fun for me is just browsing a service’s catalog. Thank you!
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Hi Yitz,
Before reading your post and knowing your blog was about foreign films, I wondered how I would be able to watch these films. I have never heard about Kanopy and Snag Films. I will definitely look into these services, especially since they’re free!
-Tom
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This post caught my attention! I am a member of the group of people who have Netflix but didn’t know that it offered a variety of foreign films! I have seen the film Roma, and I was as impressed as many people out there who raved about it. Ultimately, I think people need to give foreign films a chance; they don’t know what they’re missing!
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Hi Taylor,
I loved Roma and I hope it began to encourage people to venture outside of their comfort zone. I remember a few years back when the film The Artist won Best Picture at the Oscars and I believe there was a big jump in foreign movies then, too.
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