What are the best streaming services for international shows?
Top Picks for International Content
Netflix has the largest collection of international originals and licensed shows, with strong catalogs from Korea, Japan, Spain, and Latin America. Amazon Prime Video also offers a solid range, including popular Indian and British series.
For dedicated international streaming, MHz Choice focuses on European crime dramas, while Acorn TV specializes in British and Australian mysteries. Kocowa is best for Korean dramas and variety shows, often with faster subtitles than other services.
If you want live international channels, consider Sling TV's international add-ons or YouTube TV's Spanish-language plan. Availability varies by country due to licensing, so check what's offered in your region.
- Netflix: broad global catalog, strong originals
- Amazon Prime Video: includes international hits like 'Mirzapur'
- MHz Choice: European crime and drama
- Acorn TV: British, Australian, and Canadian shows
- Kocowa: Korean entertainment with fast subtitles
- Topic: global thrillers and dramas from many countries
What to Consider Before Subscribing
Check subtitle and dubbing options: some services offer only English subtitles for certain shows, while others provide multiple audio tracks. Also, verify if the service works on your devices and whether it includes offline downloads.
Prices range from about $5 to $16 per month, and many offer free trials. If you only need one region, a niche service like Kocowa ($7.99/month) may be cheaper than a broad one like Netflix ($6.99–$22.99/month).
Common mistakes
- Assuming all international shows on a service are available in your country—licensing often limits the catalog by region.
- Thinking that subtitles are always accurate or well-timed; quality varies, especially on smaller services.
- Overlooking free ad-supported options like Tubi or Pluto TV, which carry some international series at no cost.
