As an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, I pursued a specialization in film studies as part of my English degree. This decision introduced me to the wonderful world of film scholarship, adding to my already strong passion for movies.
The decision also meant that I was watching four to seven films each week for assignments and my honors thesis. Kanopy, a streaming service, was the one platform that rescued me from hectic screenings during my semesters.
Kanopy is an on-demand video platform with a library of over 30,000 titles, including classics, film noirs, award nominees, and thousands more. And, unlike other streaming services like Netflix, which are constantly raising their prices, Kanopy remains free.
AsAs a college student, I received free access to the site using my university email address. The nicest aspect, apart from Kanopy being ad-free, is that I didn’t have to cancel my subscription after graduation; I can still stream its extensive contents for free owing to my public library card. Below, I’ll explain how to join up for Kanopy and why it’s worthwhile.
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How to Create a Kanopy Account
Kanopy allows you to watch movies, TV episodes, and documentaries for free, with no advertising. To createWith your Kanopy account, you may accomplish the following:
Navigate to kanopy.com and click Get Started.
The following window will inquire if you are signing up using a university credential or a public library card. Select the one that applies to you. Select your library system or university from the dropdown list.
To discover a library near you, enter your location when requested, or search by name, city, or ZIP code. You may do the same when looking for a university.
Fill out the form with your name, email address, and password to create your Kanopy account.
Click Sign Up.
You will get a verification email from kanopy@kanopystreaming.com. Open the message and then click Verify My Email.
Start streaming.
Kanopy Login
You’ll need:To create a Kanopy account, pick your library system or university from the dropdown list.
Is there a limit to the amount of films I may view each month?
Yes, Kanopy does not provide infinite streaming. After joining up, you will be able to stream up to ten titles each month. Your ten play credits will renew at the start of each calendar month. If you don’t spend your credits, they will not roll over.
Why is there a monthly limit?
Kanopy operates on a pay-per-checkout approach, with the public library system paying a nominal charge each time a title is checked out. Libraries can keep costs under control by restricting checkouts to 10 titles each month.
Which films?Kanopy offers what?
The Kanopy collection provides access to over 30,000 titles, including:
Award-winning foreign films
Critically acclaimed films
A24 films
Documentaries
Classic movies from the Criterion Collection
Great Courses and PBS content, as well as festivals showcasing independent or foreign film.
Storybooks
Films and shows for kids
Some prominent films are Memento (2000), Donnie Darko (2001), Dial M for Murder (1954), and Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), which is my particular favorite.
Does Kanopy provide seasonal collections?
Yes, Kanopy provides seasonal and specialty collections. Each December, Kanopy releases its Holiday Collection, which contains a variety of Christmas films and documentaries, as well as Yuletide classics. In October, Kanopy published its Fright Fest collection, a catalog of Halloween classics, composed of horror films, slashers, thrillers, andmore.
Fright Fest Collection Screenshot
The Fright Fest collection features A24 favorites, eerie classics, cozy horror, and much more.
In November, the streaming service debuted Noirvember, a selection of cinema noir works that included both 1940s classics and modern neo-noir favorites.
The most recent film collection for February 2025 commemorates Black History Month with over 20 narrative films and documentaries. The collection highlights include:
Daughters of Dust (Julie Dash, 1991)
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Stanley Kramer, 1967
Fences (Denzel Washington, 2016).
I’m Not Your Negro (Raoul Peck, 2016).
You should also browse our entire breakdown of the top movies on Max, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Plus, our favorite horror double-feature is now available on Netflix.