The Russian film industry has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Russian Empire. Today, numerous Russian production studios create hundreds of films and television series annually.
There are numerous online resources where you can watch Russian-language films and films produced in Russia. Additionally, Russian-language films have been, and continue to be, produced in various countries such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine. During the Soviet era, the majority of films were produced in Russian, and many of these Soviet-era films are available online through various archives and streaming platforms. Below is a list of resources to find and watch Russian-language films—both classic and contemporary—offered through free and subscription-based services.
Resources to Watch Russian Movies Online
If you’re interested in exploring Russian cinema, there are several resources available online where you can watch Russian movies:
Russian Film Hub - https://russianfilmhub.com/
On this platform, you can find Russian and Soviet movies according to their year of production, genre, and country. Hundreds of movies presented on this platform also have subtitles in English and other languages. This platform does not have its own archive, and when you find a movie to watch, it will redirect you mainly to YouTube to watch the movie. On russianfilmhub.com you can find Russian movies starting from 1909.
Klassiki - https://klassiki.online/
On Klassiki, you can find movies from Eastern Europe – including Ukraine, Russia, the Baltics and also the Caucasus and Central Asia. Movies presented on this platform are not necessarily in Russian. On Klassiki, you can find movies that have been presented at festivals and have not been widely screened for international audiences.
Klassiki is a membership-based platform. A monthly membership costs $10.99, and the annual membership fee is $94.99.
Smotrim - https://smotrim.ru/
This free online platform brings together all radio and TV programs produced by the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (ВГТРК). Smotrim.ru also offers an extensive collection of Soviet and Russian movies and series.
Megogo - https://megogo.net/en
Megogo: Megogo is a content universe where you can watch hundreds of live TV channels, movies, series, sports, and audiobooks. It offers popular movies and series, new releases, and top-rated Hollywood premiers without advertising. You can download movies and watch them in the original or other languages and with subtitles.
ivi - https://www.ivi.ru/
Ivi.ru offers a vast collection of films that are constantly updated with new movies and recognized masterpieces from past years. You can watch online films of good quality in a pleasant home environment and at a convenient time for you3. Ivi.ru offers licensed content from all major content producers, including Mosfilm, Lenfilm, Paradise, CTC Media, Gorky Film Studio, Warner Brothers/ Warner Music, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures/Sony Music, NBC Universal/Universal Music, Disney, BBC, National Geographic, STV.
Amediateka - https://www.amediateka.ru/
Amediateka offers the best serials and films of the planet in Russian and in the original with subtitles. You can watch new and classic series like Game of Thrones, Dark Materials, White Lotus, House of the Dragon, Westworld, Euphoria, Billions, The Gilded Age and thousands of other projects. It also offers a collection of feature films, documentaries, comedy films and series, dramas, fantasy films, concerts and stand-up shows.
Wink - https://wink.ru/
Wink is a digital video service by Rostelecom that provides access to interactive TV features and online cinema. The platform includes audiobooks, karaoke, cloud gaming, over 300 TV channels, and a library of more than 60,000 titles, including movies, series, cartoons, concerts, sports, and shows. Wink by Rostelecom allows users to set up monthly subscriptions to select service packages. Additionally, users can purchase or rent individual movies, with purchases averaging around 400 rubles (approximately $4). Monthly subscription packages, which provide access to hundreds of films, are often a more cost-effective option. The cost of the service ranges from 150 to 600 rubles ($1,5 - $6) for 30 days of use.
Kinopoisk - https://www.kinopoisk.ru/
Kinopoisk (Russian: Кинопоиск, combining “cinema” and “search”) is a popular Russian platform for movies, TV shows, and entertainment, owned by Yandex. Originally launched as an online database, it provides detailed information about cast and crew, production details, biographies, plot summaries, ratings, and user reviews. Since 2018, Kinopoisk has also offered a subscription-based streaming service, Kinopoisk HD, with on-demand access to thousands of films, TV series, cartoons, and exclusive premieres. The platform features both Russian productions and international content with Russian dubbing. As one of the most visited movie portals on the Runet, Kinopoisk attracts 93 million monthly visits. The basic subscription to Kinopoisk costs 299 rubles (approximately $3) per month.
Okko - https://okko.tv/
Okko is a Russian online cinema platform offering a wide range of movies, TV series, sports broadcasts, and cartoons in high quality. The catalog includes popular series from AMEDIATEKA and START, Russian films, global blockbusters, arthouse titles, and a children's section. It also features educational programs, lectures, and live broadcasts of concerts and performances. With thousands of titles available, Okko makes it easy to find something to watch through editorial collections and personalized recommendations based on individual preferences.
Viju - https://viju.ru/
Viju is a streaming service offering a single subscription for movies, TV series, and TV channels. Available in the CIS countries, Viju provides access to a library of major premieres, iconic films, and exclusives from leading global studios. The service also includes 13 popular TV channels, such as viju TV1000, viju History, viju+ Premiere, viju+ Megahit, viju+ Sport, and more.
Tvigle - https://www.tvigle.ru/
Tvigle is a video syndication network, OTT delivery service, and online streaming platform offering ad-supported on-demand access to TV shows, web series, and movies. With a library of over 30,000 titles, it provides a wide variety of films and series to suit any taste. Accessible on all devices and platforms, Tvigle allows users to watch without registration. Many new releases are available to stream for free, although removing ads requires a paid option.
In addition to the platforms mentioned above, many Russian films can also be found on popular video-sharing sites like YouTube, Rutube, and Vimeo. These platforms offer an accessible way to enjoy Russian movies while immersing yourself in the language, making them a valuable resource for improving your Russian skills through engaging and authentic content.
Start - https://start.ru/
Start is a Russian online cinema platform that produces and streams original series and films. Launched in 2017, it has created over 100 original projects, including series like Better Than Us, which was acquired by Netflix. The platform has also released successful films such as Cheburashka and Kholop. New users can access a 7-day free trial on Start after registering. After the trial, the subscription will automatically renew at a cost of 1190.00 rubles (approximately $11) per month, with the option to cancel at any time. Registration is available for users aged 18 and older.
