No disrespect to the likes of Pluto TV and Tubi, however typically you need one thing a bit totally different out of your free streaming providers.

To that finish, I’ve been poking round on Roku, Fireplace TV, and different streaming platforms to seek out neat apps which might be off the crushed path. These sources provide traditional motion pictures, cult movies, bizarre sports activities, and different content material that isn’t simply present in the most well-liked apps.

The apps under are price testing as a result of all of them have a singular angle: Both their content material isn’t out there anyplace else, or they current their motion pictures and reveals in inventive or fascinating methods. And since they’re all free to make use of, there’s no danger in checking them out:

Kino Cult

Jared Newman / Foundry

Whereas Kino Cult presents a justifiable share of traditional cult movies, the place it actually shines is its assortment of artwork home and overseas movies, together with the critically-acclaimed Dogtooth (from Greece) and Sheep With out a Shepherd (from China). The app’s round the clock stay channel is a pleasant contact as effectively.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, Apple TV, Android TV

Raygun

Jared Newman / Foundry

With the tagline, “Motion pictures so unhealthy they’re good,” Raygun leans into the low-budget nature of its traditional movie catalog, which is carved up into enjoyable classes equivalent to “Campy Cult” and “Horrible Horror.” There’s additionally a “Raygun Roulette” button in the event you’re undecided the place to start out.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, iOS, Android. (Observe that the app itself prices $1 on all platforms besides Roku.)

Documentary+

Jared Newman / Foundry

This app is a treasure trove of documentary movies and collection, all streaming without cost. Try Confessions of a Superhero, on the individuals who costume in costume on Hollywood’s Stroll of Fame, or The Nice Alone, on Iditarod champion Lance Mackey.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android

DistroTV

Jared Newman / Foundry

As a lesser-known different to the likes of PlutoTV, The Roku Channel, and Xumo, DistroTV presents traditional motion pictures, worldwide information, overseas movies, and—better of all—a number of area of interest sports activities channels. The place else are you able to watch are you able to watch jai-alai, a world log-sawing competitors, and semi-pro rugby in a single place?

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android

Drive-In Classics

Jared Newman / Foundry

Plan 9 from Outer House, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Assault of the Big Leaches headline this assortment of outdated B-Motion pictures. However the actual notable function is the power to observe “3D” movies with an affordable pair of anaglyph glasses.

Obtainable on: Roku

MuseyTV

Jared Newman / Foundry

In the event you’re bored with sifting by YouTube for high-quality concert events, take a look at MuseyTV as an alternative. This free app options officially-licensed stay music recordings throughout a variety of genres, together with a good strategy to promoting: You’ll solely see adverts in between songs, and normally not till a number of songs into the setlist.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, Apple TV

ArmchairTourist

Jared Newman / Foundry

Want one thing soothing to throw on within the background? This app cycles by a number of surroundings movies from world wide, together with cityscapes, ocean views, bustling streets, and mountainsides.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, Apple TV

Pub-D-Hub

Jared Newman / Foundry

This assortment of public area movies contains traditional cartoons, commercials, silent movies, crime dramas, and even some old-time radio recordings. The fascinating journey by movie’s yesteryear makes up for the app’s pretty clunky presentation.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV

ACL: American Cornhole League

Jared Newman / Foundry

Straight out of ESPN8: The Ocho (which has truly turn into an actual factor), that is a whole channel devoted to skilled cornhole, together with stay event matches and replays. It’s oddly stress-free and pairs effectively with a beer.

Obtainable on: Roku, Fireplace TV, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android

Because of the “We Are Streamers on a Finances” Fb group for suggesting a bunch of those apps. Obtained any favorites that I missed? E-mail me together with your solutions, or join my Twine Cutter Weekly publication to streaming TV recommendation like this each Friday.