Kanopy provides easy access—free with your Bullitt County Public Library card!—to a cinephile’s dream library of more than 26,000 films, many of which cannot be found on popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video. While the Kanopy collection includes some blockbuster films and shows, such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Call the Midwife, Kanopy’s biggest claim to fame is their unique and extensive collection of independent, international, and classic films.
Of particular interest, 420 Janus Films—art house and classic films from the Criterion Collection—are included, allowing you to stream cinematic masterpieces like 8 ½, City Lights, Eraserhead, A Hard Day’s Night, Seven Samurai, Stagecoach, A Woman Under the Influence, and more on your smartphone, tablet, PC, or smart TV. The documentary selection—featuring titles like I Am Not Your Negro, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, Super Size Me, The Red Pill, Don’t Look Back, and Hoop Dreams—is equally impressive.
Another highlight is the wide variety of educational and training videos from suppliers like The Great Courses and PBS. You can browse and explore videos covering Business Skills, Dance, Engineering, History, Photography, Religion & Philosophy, Sports & Fitness, and more. Plus, find instructional videos on topics ranging from refrigeration and air conditioning to first aid and therapeutic massage. There are even curated collections for educators and students that provide lessons in mathematics, languages (including ESL), and science. Teachers can use these in their classrooms with no concerns about licensing—group viewing rights are free!
So next time you have Netflix fatigue and think there are no good movies left to watch, reconsider. Even if indie films and documentaries aren’t usually your go-to for movie night, you could give it a shot. You never know what great entertainment you can find if you step outside your comfort zone.
