David Farnor | On 23, May 2020

This week, MUBI announced what kids today would call “a game-changer”. The subscription streaming service, which has long emphasised its curation of films from around the world, has long operated on a 30-day carousel model, with one new film arriving each day and sticking around for a month before dropping back into the digital ether. Now, it’s letting subscribers revisit and discover films in its archive with the launch of MUBI Library – a catalogue of hundreds of films all available at once as part of MUBI’s standard £9.99 monthly subscription.

It’s a big shift for the company, taking it more into Netflix and BFI Player territory than its former distinctive merry-go-round. It follows a recent push into distributing films itself in cinemas and the recent launch of MUBI Go, which offers a free ticket for a chosen film every week at participating venues for a higher price of £14.99 a month – both of which, given the coronavirus lockdown, are not currently feasible.

MUBI Library, though, is not a temporary fix to continue offering subscribers maximum value. It’s a permanent new addition to MUBI’s service, and a substantial rethink of how MUBI does business. Which opens up a lot of questions for subscribers and those thinking of signing up. We’ve got all the answers for you right here:

What is MUBI Library?

MUBI Library is MUBI’s catalogue of titles it has available to stream. Some might be films it’s distributed by itself in the past, others might be archive films it’s licensed from third parties, and others might be exclusives it currently holds the rights to. The collection comprises old releases, previous retrospectives, double-bills and other seasons, plus a veritable treasure trove of classics.

Is this just a lockdown thing?

No, this is permanent.

How many films are in MUBI Library?

MUBI Library contains more than 400 films in the UK and Ireland.

Is MUBI Library the same in every country?

No, each territory will be different, depending on the rights that MUBI holds – or doesn’t hold – for different film. At present, the Library includes Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir, Beanpole, Bacurau, Josephine Decker’s energetic Madeline’s Madeline and films from Jean-Luc Godard, Dario Argento, Satyajit Ray, Chantel Akerman, Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni among others.

How do I get MUBI Library?

The Library sits alongside MUBI’s Now Showing section, and is currently available only on the web at mubi.com/library.

When will it be available on the MUBI app?

MUBI Library will come to MUBI’s Apple and Android apps in the near future – stay tuned for a confirmed release date.

What about MUBI’s 30-day carousel?

MUBI’s Now Showing carousel will still be the place to go for new films added to MUBI. A new film will continue to be added each day and remain in the Now Showing section for 30 days. You can see our weekly guide to what’s coming soon here.

Will all new additions to MUBI go into the MUBI Library?

No. Some of MUBI’s titles will leave after their 30-day stint in the Now Showing section if the necessary rights aren’t in place. Most of them, however, will move into the Library. This, again, will vary from country to country.

Will films be removed from MUBI Library?

Yes, some films will expire eventually, due to rights reasons, but MUBI Library will indicate when a film is leaving within the next week.

How can I tell what’s coming soon or leaving soon?

Stay tuned to VODzilla.co, the UK’s most comprehensive streaming guide. We’ve got a weekly guide to what’s coming soon and leaving soon – and regular reviews, recommendations, highlights and interviews for MUBI movies. You can find it all on our dedicated MUBI channel here.

What films are leaving MUBI Library soon?

The following will leave MUBI Library at the end of May 2020: Blue Valentine, Mother, The Host, Contempt, To The Wonder, L’Eclisse, Pierrot Le Fou, Le Cercle Rouge and The Servant.

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