Do you have a library card? Do you want access to thousands of streaming movies and TV shows for free? You need Kanopy. Kanopy is a platform that provides access to over 30,000 films, ranging from acclaimed A24 titles and independent features to deep-dive documentaries. By partnering with public libraries and universities, you get a curated experience that lets you skip subscription fees and ads, so you can get your watch on for free. 

I first discovered Kanopy as a film studies student, when I was watching four to seven movies a week and couldn’t afford to miss anything. What surprised me most is that I never lost access after graduating: Public libraries unlock the same catalog, no university email required. With paid platforms raising prices and shrinking value, Kanopy remains one of the best-kept secrets in streaming. Here’s how to sign up and why it might be the only service you actually need.

Read more: 9 of the Best Netflix Alternatives to Entertain You

How to create a Kanopy account

With Kanopy, you can stream for free — without ads — movies, TV shows and documentaries. To create a Kanopy account, you can do the following:

• Go to kanopy.com, and click Get Started.
• The next window will ask if you’re signing up with a university credential or a public library card. Select which option applies to you. You’ll need to select your library system or university from the dropdown list.
• To find a library near you, share your location when prompted or search for your library by name, city or ZIP code. You can do the same when searching for your university.
• Hit Continue.
• Create your Kanopy account by filling out the requested fields (name, email address and password).
• Click Sign Up.
• You will receive a verification email from kanopy@kanopystreaming.com. Open the message, and click Verify My Email. 
• Start streaming.

Are there limits to the number of films I can watch per month?

Yes, Kanopy does not offer unlimited streaming. After signing up, you can stream up to 10 titles per month. Your 10 play credits will renew at the beginning of every calendar month. These credits do not carry over if you don’t use them.

Why is there a monthly limit?

Kanopy works on a pay-per-checkout model, meaning the public library system pays a small fee each time you check out a title. By limiting checkouts to 10 titles per month, libraries can ensure they stay on budget.

Which films are offered on Kanopy?

Kanopy’s catalog gives you access to over 30,000 movies, TV shows, audiobooks and more, including:

• Award-winning foreign films
• Critically acclaimed movies
• A24 films
• Documentaries
• Classic films from the Criterion Collection
• Content from the Great Courses and PBS
• Festival indie or world cinema
• Storybooks
• Films and series for children

Some notable standout films include The Godfather (1972), Parasite (2019), Oldboy (2003), and my personal favorite, Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019). If you’re interested, you can read my commentary about why I love this film so much.

Does Kanopy offer seasonal collections?

Yes, Kanopy offers select seasonal and speciality collections. Every October, Kanopy release its month-long Fright Fest collection — a catalog of Halloween favorites — comprised of horror flicks, slashers, thrillers and more. The platform also does the same for holiday classics in December. 

This February, Kanopy will be releasing a roundup of critics’ favorite theatrical films, including:

• The Life of Chuck (2024)
• Sorry to Bother You (2018)
• If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
• War of the Worlds (2005) 
• Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues (2013)