Go Beyond the Streaming Mainstream, Check Out Fandor for Indie Films, TV, and More
Named “The Netflix for Indie Film” by The Wall Street Journal, Fandor’s goal is to preserve film art and culture.
I love blockbusters as much as the next guy (probably more!), but sometimes it’s nice to break out of the mainstream and watch something a little more elevated. If you’re a cinephile who seeks substance over blockbusters, Fandor might be just what you’re looking for.
Specializing in indie films, international cinema, documentaries, and classic movies, Fandor gives viewers a curated experience for film buffs who appreciate the artistry and diversity most larger platforms don’t offer. With films from acclaimed directors and hidden gems from around the world, it differentiates itself from services like The Criterion Channel and Kanopy by offering a broader range of indie-focused content. Whether you’re into arthouse films or hard-to-find international flicks, Fandor promises a unique viewing experience you won’t find anywhere else. Keep reading to see if Fandor deserves a spot in your streaming rotation.
Everything You Need to Know About Fandor:
What Is Fandor?
Fandor is a streaming service dedicated to delivering independent films, international cinema, documentaries, and classic movies to its audience. Named “The Netflix for Indie Film” by The Wall Street Journal, their goal is to preserve film art and culture. Launched in 2010, Fandor was acquired by Cinedigm in 2021, which helped expand its content library while securing its position in the niche market of indie films.
Today, Fandor carries at least 6,000 titles from more than 400 global partners, ranging from award-winning foreign films to festival favorites. Fandor offers content from well-known movie-making nations like the U.S., UK, and Japan, along with Asia, Africa, Oceania, Eurasia, Europe, and South America. There are also selections from filmmakers in Cambodia, Colombia, Chechnya, Ecuador, Nigeria, Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, Vietnam, and more. The service is also well-known for its commitment to supporting filmmakers, with 50% of the revenue going to rights holders, and its unique focus on preserving film culture.
One of the things I find cool about Fandor is that it isn’t just a streaming platform — it’s a community-driven space for film enthusiasts to deepen their appreciation of cinema. Through its editorial platform, Keyframe, Fandor offers curated film recommendations, in-depth reviews, and interviews with filmmakers. The digital publication is central to Fandor’s mission of not only streaming content but also nurturing a global community of cinephiles. With regularly updated curated collections and themed playlists, Fandor connects viewers to hidden gems, underrepresented filmmakers, and unique cinematic movements, making it a go-to destination for those who want to go beyond the latest Marvel movie.
How Much Does Fandor Cost?
Fandor offers a limited library of content that is completely free with ads. But if you want an ad-free experience with maximum flexibility, you can also pick up a “Premium” subscription for $5 per month through Prime Video. You will also get a seven-day free trial so you can try the Fandor to see if you like the content before you commit.
What Movies and TV Shows Can You Watch on Fandor?
On Fandor, you’ll find an eclectic mix of titles for every taste. You’ll find movies like “New York I Love You.” This anthology film features a collection of short stories, each directed by a different filmmaker, including Mira Nair and Natalie Portman, exploring love and relationships in New York City. The film blends genres and styles to showcase different parts of the city through unique personal stories.
For fans of classic horror, there’s “Nosferatu the Vampyre.” Directed by Werner Herzog, this German horror film is a remake of the 1922 silent classic “Nosferatu.” It follows Count Dracula (Klaus Kinski) as he brings plague and terror to a small town after falling in love with a woman named Lucy. The film is known for its eerie cinematography and atmospheric style. Originating from Germany, it stands as a tribute to both the original film and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
For documentary fans interested in life behind the camera, check out “My Best Fiend,” once more directed by Werner Herzog. This doc breaks down Herzog’s turbulent relationship with actor Klaus Kinski (drama!), who starred in several of Herzog’s films (including “Nosferatu the Vampyre”). From their creative collaboration to intense personal conflicts, viewers get a raw look at the fragile dynamics between director and actor.
For more indie-documentary tastes, check out “Doin’ Time In Times Square,” directed by Clayton Patterson. The documentary offers a gritty, unfiltered look at life in Times Square during the early 90s. Through footage shot from Patterson’s window, the film captures the raw energy, crime, and street culture of New York’s iconic neighborhood before its transformation into a tourist hub and serves as a historical document of a pivotal time in one of the greatest cities on earth.
And for reality TV fans that want to go one step beyond the usual fluff, check out “Beyond the Sash.” The series follows Kathy Wheatley, founder of Swimsuit USA International, as she organizes regional model searches across the U.S. and beyond, culminating in a grand finale in Mexico. Contestants participate in events, aiming to win the Miss Swimsuit USA International crown.
Check out some of the other popular titles available on Fandor:
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New York, I Love You
September 6, 2008New York, I Love You delves into the intimate lives of New Yorkers as they grapple with, delight in and search for love. Journey from the Diamond District in the heart of Manhattan, through Chinatown and the Upper East Side, towards the Village, into Tribeca, and Brooklyn as lovers of all ages try to find romance in the Big Apple.
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Doin' Time In Times Square
October 2, 1992Documents the view and action outside director Charlie Ahearn’s 43rd Street apartment window from 1981 to 1983.
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Nosferatu the Vampyre
January 17, 1979A real estate agent leaves behind his beautiful wife to go to Transylvania to visit the mysterious Count Dracula and formalize the purchase of a property in Wismar.
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My Best Fiend
May 17, 1999A film that describes the love-hate relationship between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, the deep trust between the director and the actor, and their independently and simultaneously hatched plans to murder one another.
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Beyond the Sash
June 21, 2021Follow the life of Kathy Wheatley, an organizer of bikini/model searches. Over the course of a year, Kathy and other event coordinators will conduct multiple regional bikini/model searches throughout the US and across multiple countries. The goal of these contests is to discover the 75 best contestants to compete in the world finals in Mexico for the title of Miss Swimsuit USA International
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With Love and a Major Organ
March 28, 2024In an alternate world where hearts are made of objects and suppressing emotions is self-care, a lonely woman rips out her own heart for the man she loves, only to discover that he has run away with it.
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Helter Skelter
July 14, 2012Top model Lilico, having recently undergone multiple cosmetic surgeries, begins to experience troubling side effects. As she desperately tries to retain her perfect image, Lilico descends into a world of nightmares and makes those around her miserable.
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Urban Hymn
September 11, 2015Set against the backdrop of the 2011 UK summer riots, Jamie, a young female offender who possesses a remarkable voice, meets a determined social worker who inspires her to use it.
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Pablo
October 17, 2012Pablo blends documentary and animation elements to tell the saga of “famous unknown” Pablo Ferro, a man with a personal journey that spans from Havana, during the pre-Cuban revolution to his current home, in the garage behind his son’s house.
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Hundreds of Beavers
January 26, 2024In the 19th century, a drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America’s greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers.
What Platforms Can You Watch Fandor With?
Fandor is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Fandor
Fandor is an on-demand video streaming service that specializes in independent films and is home to a library of thousands of classic movies, documentaries, foreign, and indie films. There are always at least 6,000 titles on the platform. A limited library is available for free, but a paid subscription is needed to access all titles.