Keep indie rolling.
The best of indie filmmaking and the stories that only independents can tell, all on a platform that commits to funding its creators right up front. Welcome to The Reelist.
2026 Launch
Stream Thoughtfully.

The Reelist funds independent creators up front and builds a community that values and rewards their work. By joining The Reelist, you’re helping create a home for these stories and the filmmakers who tell them.

JOIN THE CLUB

Unforgettable films on a platform unlike any other.

EXPLORE THE REELIST COLLECTION

Discover the best of indie filmmaking on a streaming service that reinvests in the creators.

documentary
The Waiting Game
Playing now

A David v Goliath battle between the NBA and a tiny non-profit to gain long-overdue recognition and justice for struggling ABA players – a rival league that arguably created the modern game now worth billions.

Director:
Michael Husain
Show full cast and crew
Screenwriter:
Michael Husain
Producer:
Bryan Boyd
Executive Producer:
Michael Husain
Co-Producer:
Amy Pauzaek
Cast:
Julius Erving, Bob Costas, Spencer Haywood
documentary
Call Me Dancer
Playing now
2023
84 min

The inspiring story of Manish, an athletic-but-accidental street dancer from India who goes on a journey of identity and artistry while trying to support his working-class parents.

Director:
Leslie Shampaine, Pip Gilmour
Show full cast and crew
Producer:
Cynthia Kane, Leslie Shampaine
Cast:
Cynthia Kane, Leslie Shampaine
documentary
The Reverend
Playing now
2021
86 min

Vince Anderson made his way to New York to enter seminary, but his true calling, music, changed his life forever. With his band, The Love Choir, Vince's now legendary weekly show in a neighborhood bar has become a New York City institution.

Director:
Nick Canfield
Show full cast and crew
Producer:
Nick Canfield
Co-Producer:
Nick Daniele, Paul Lovelace
Cast:
Vince Anderson, Questlove, Jaleel Bunton
documentary
The Sugarman
Playing now
2024
14 min

After winning the only Olympic Boxing Gold Medal for the US at the 1972 Munich games, where he witnessed the terror attacks that shook the world, Sugar Ray Seales loses his sight and nearly everything, before an innovative surgeon gives him one last shot at hope and redemption.

Director:
Michael Husain
Show full cast and crew
Screenwriter:
Michael Husain
Producer:
Good Vibes Media

FUNDING FILMMAKERS. SUPPORTING ORIGINALITY.

About The Reelist
Empowering extraordinary creators. Uncovering important
stories.
We give indie filmmakers more than a platform — their work gets seen and earns meaningful income that helps them sustain their craft and tell more stories.
Handpicked Films

We seek out and support the best directors, writers, and documentarians in indie film, giving them a space to tell their stories — all with the goal of curating a collection worthy of the time, attention and enjoyment of our community members.

A Connected Community

The Reelist brings together fans and filmmakers, going deeper on every movie with moderated discussions, Q&A sessions with directors and cast, deleted scenes, and other behind-the-scenes member perks only available on The Reelist.

Backing Filmmakers

Each filmmaker on The Reelist earns a guaranteed fee for their work and the visibility their stories deserve. Their films stand out — not lost in an algorithm — and they can also earn quarterly bonuses through community voting.

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THESE OTHER CHAMPIONS OF INDIE FILM
How to watch
let’s
get
started.
1
Get Your First 2 Months Free.

Create an account and join our community of thoughtful viewers like you.

2
Download The Reelist App.
Watch directly on watch.reelist.stream or download The Reelist app and stream on Roku, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android devices.
3
Start Watching.

Stream thoughtfully wherever you are.

Our back story

MADE BY A FILMMAKER, FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES FILM.

“Documentary stories are my passion—always have been. To me there is such power in truth. I’m fascinated by the beautiful mess of our own lives, full of contradiction and struggle yet also grace and humor and resilience. Why we do what we do. How we do it. I can’t get enough of it. I think a lot of people love those stories too.

That’s what drove me to create The Reelist, and to turn it into a way to build exposure for  artists while also helping them on the path to getting their next project made.”

Playing Now
FAQs
ANY QUESTIONS?
What is The Reelist?

We’re a streaming platform started by an independent filmmaker, made for independent filmmakers and indie lovers. We showcase curated, compelling stories and support independent creators by paying them up front for their features and giving them a chance to earn quarterly bonuses to reinvest in their next project.

How does The Reelist give back to filmmakers?

Being an independent filmmaker means not just getting your film made, but also figuring out how to get it in front of an audience—fighting for attention and often against platform algorithms. It's a challenging time for artists trying to tell important stories and get them seen. We’ve created a home for indie creators and their stories that's curated with care and made possible by a community that supports them.

The Reelist was created by an indie filmmaker who’s experienced the challenges plaguing the industry and didn't want to wait for someone else to fix them. The Reelist is a place to explore a curated lineup of independent films while also supporting the filmmakers who bring these stories to life. Each filmmaker is paid up front for their feature and can earn community-voted bonuses every quarter, making it possible for them to reinvest in their craft and continue sharing the stories that only independents can tell.

How did The Reelist get started?

The Reelist was founded by filmmakers who saw how hard it’s become for independent films to get noticed and supported since the pandemic. The goal is simple: build a community that helps keep independent storytelling alive by giving filmmakers visibility, fair pay, and an audience that truly values their work.

What kinds of movies will I be able to watch?

All things independent. Documentaries, full-length features, and other original stories. Plus, each membership gives you access to live Q&As with filmmakers and casts, community discussions, and more exclusive events.

How much does it cost?

Your first 2 months are free. After that, the monthly subscription cost is $10.99. A yearly subscription is $89.99. 

What happens after the 2 free months?

After your initial 2 free months, your subscription will automatically renew and you’ll be charged $10.99 (plus tax) every 30 days unless you cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date.

How do I watch?

Watch instantly on the web at watch.reelist.stream. TV apps (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV & more) are rolling out soon.

Do the filmmakers featured on The Reelist get paid?

Yes. Filmmakers are paid up front for their film and can also earn bonuses based on community votes, giving them another way to fund the stories that they’re uniquely suited to tell.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. There is no contract and your subscription is month-by-month after your 2 free months are complete. If you decide to cancel, you’ll keep access until the end of your billing cycle. If you’re unsure how to cancel, just email hello@reelist.stream and we’ll take care of it for you.

Can I get a refund?

While memberships are technically non-refundable under our Terms of Service, we handle refund requests on a case-by-case basis and always aim to be fair. If something doesn’t feel right about your experience, reach out to hello@reelist.stream with your name and purchase details. Our small-but-mighty team reviews every request personally and will make it right wherever we can.

Do you partner with film festivals?

Yes. We’re working with festival partners to feature standout films and connect their audiences with The Reelist community. Our platform is built to showcase the kind of stories festivals discover—films that deserve to be seen beyond their limited runs.