What Mubi is and how the subscription works

Mubi is a streaming service that shows films — mostly independent, international, and classic movies rather than mainstream Hollywood releases. Instead of letting you browse a huge library and pick anything, Mubi rotates its catalog: it adds one new film every day and removes one after 30 days, so the collection stays at around 30 films at any given time.

A Mubi subscription costs $12.99 per month in the United States, or you can pay $139.99 for a year upfront and save money over the monthly rate. You watch on any device with internet — phone, tablet, computer, or TV through apps — and can stream as much as you want during your subscription period. There is no contract; you can cancel anytime.

The rotating catalog is the core difference between Mubi and other streaming services. Because films leave after 30 days, if you see something you want to watch, you have a window to do it. Mubi also curates the selections and often groups films by theme or director, so the experience is more like a film club than a video store.

Key Takeaways

  • Mubi costs $12.99 per month or $139.99 per year and streams on phones, tablets, computers, and TV apps.
  • The library rotates daily — one film is added and one is removed — so you have about 30 films available at any time.
  • Films stay in the catalog for 30 days after they are added, giving you a window to watch before they rotate out.
  • Mubi focuses on independent, international, and classic films rather than new theatrical releases or mainstream content.

What devices you can watch on

Mubi has apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android phones and tablets, and web browsers on computers. You can also watch on TV through apps on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs. The service does not work on Chromecast or AirPlay, so you cannot cast from your phone to a TV that way.

You log in with the same account on any device, and your watch history and bookmarks sync across them. If you start watching a film on your phone, you can pick up where you left off on your computer or TV.

How the rotating catalog works and what it means for you

Every day at midnight UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), Mubi adds one new film to the service and removes one that has been there for 30 days. This means the total number of films stays around 30, though the exact count can vary slightly depending on how many films are in their rotation cycle at any given moment.

When you see a film you want to watch, you can add it to your watchlist, but that does not reserve it — it just reminds you. If the film is set to leave soon, you will see a countdown showing how many days remain. If you do not watch it before those 30 days are up, it will be removed from the service. It may return later, but there is no may provide or set schedule for when.

This rotation model means Mubi is not a service where you can watch whatever you want whenever you want. It works better if you check in regularly, see what is available, and watch films while they are there. Some people find this structure creates a sense of discovery and urgency; others find it frustrating if they want to watch something on their own schedule.

Types of content on Mubi

Mubi focuses on films that are not typically available on mainstream streaming services. The catalog includes independent films from around the world, classic cinema from decades past, documentaries, experimental films, and international releases with subtitles. You will find work by well-known directors like Andrei Tarkovsky, Wong Kar-wai, and Agnès Varda, alongside newer independent filmmakers.

Mubi does not carry major theatrical releases, superhero films, or recent blockbusters. If you are looking for the latest Marvel movie or a film that just left theaters, you will not find it here. The service also does not have TV shows — only films.

Mubi occasionally adds films from major studios, but these are usually older releases or art-house films rather than current box office hits. The service also curates collections around themes, directors, actors, or film movements, which can help you discover films you might not have found on your own.

How to manage your subscription and cancel anytime

You create a Mubi account by signing up on their website or through the app with an email address and password. When you sign up, you can choose monthly or annual billing. Your payment method is stored securely, and you can update it anytime in your account settings.

To cancel your subscription, log into your account on the Mubi website, go to your account settings, and select the option to cancel. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you can still watch until the end of that month. There are no early termination fees or penalties.

If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can sign back up with the same email address, and your watchlist and viewing history will still be there.

Mubi Plus and other paid add-ons

Mubi offers an optional add-on called Mubi Plus for an additional $9.99 per month. This gives you access to a separate collection of films outside the rotating catalog — films you can watch anytime without worrying about the 30-day window. Mubi Plus is not required to use the main service; it is only for people who want more control over what they can watch and when.

Mubi also sells individual films for purchase or rental outside the subscription. These are separate transactions and not part of the subscription cost.

Comparing Mubi to other streaming services

Mubi is different from Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in several ways. Those services offer large libraries where you can watch anything available anytime, and they focus on mainstream content alongside some independent films. Mubi's rotating catalog and focus on art-house cinema make it more like a curated film club than a traditional streaming library.

If you want to watch whatever you want whenever you want, a service like Netflix or Hulu may fit better. If you enjoy discovering independent and international films and do not mind a smaller, rotating selection, Mubi may appeal to you more. Some people subscribe to both — Mubi for art films and discovery, and a larger service for mainstream content.

Mubi is also less expensive than Netflix's ad-free plans and comparable to Netflix's ad-supported tier, though the content and experience are quite different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read films to watch offline?

Mubi does not offer offline downloads on most devices. You must stream films while connected to the internet. Some users report that the iOS app has limited offline viewing in certain regions, but this is not a standard feature across all devices or locations.

What happens if a film leaves the catalog before I finish watching it?

If a film is removed from the catalog before you finish it, you lose access when ready. You cannot resume watching it unless it returns to the service later. This is why Mubi shows you a countdown timer for films that are about to leave.

Does Mubi have a free trial?

Mubi occasionally offers free trial periods, usually for new users, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the Mubi website to see if a trial is currently available in your area.

Can I share my Mubi account with family members?

Mubi's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only and should not be shared. The service does not offer family plans or multi-user accounts like some other streaming services do.

How often does Mubi add new films?

Mubi adds one film every day, so you get 30 new films per month. The specific films added depend on Mubi's curation and licensing agreements, so there is no way to know in advance what will be added on a given day.