The streaming industry has redefined entertainment consumption, offering unparalleled convenience and variety. With platforms competing on content and scale, the world’s biggest streaming services cater to millions of subscribers globally.
Here are the top 20 streaming platforms, with details about their origins, growth, and standout documentaries.
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1. Netflix (USA, 1997)
Netflix, founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, began as a DVD rental-by-mail service. It revolutionized entertainment in 2007 by transitioning to on-demand streaming. With a presence in over 190 countries, Netflix boasts approximately 282.7 million subscribers as of 2024. These are entertained by the sites’ diverse library of movies, TV shows, and original productions.
One of Netflix’s most impactful documentaries is 13th (2016), directed by Ava DuVernay. This powerful film explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, earning critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
2. Amazon Prime Video (USA, 2006)
Amazon Prime Video began as Amazon Unbox, offering digital rentals and purchases. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the service expanded globally and was bundled with Amazon Prime memberships. By mid-2024, Prime Video had amassed over 230 million subscribers worldwide. This is thanks to its mix of original programming, licensed content, and live sports.
One of its standout documentaries is The Woman Who Wasn’t There (2012). It reveals the shocking story of Tania Head, a woman who fabricated her survival account from the 9/11 attacks.
3. Disney+ (USA, 2019)
Launched in November 2019, Disney+ leveraged the immense catalog of Disney’s brands. These include Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The service, headquartered in Burbank, California, rapidly gained traction. By September 2024, it reached 158.6 million subscribers.
Its documentary series The Imagineering Story (2019) takes viewers behind the scenes of Disney’s theme parks. Each episode celebrates the creativity and innovation behind these magical attractions.
4. Tencent Video (China, 2011)
Tencent Video, launched by Chinese tech giant Tencent, quickly established itself as a leading player in China’s streaming market. Headquartered in Shenzhen, it offers a blend of licensed and original content. This includes dramas, movies, and variety shows. As of 2024, Tencent Video had around 117 million subscribers.
A standout documentary series on the platform is Once Upon a Bite (2018). It showcases China’s rich culinary traditions and appetizing journey through the country’s diverse food culture.
5. iQIYI (China, 2010)
Founded in Beijing by Baidu, iQIYI is often referred to as the “Netflix of China.” It combines movies, dramas, and variety shows with cutting-edge AI recommendations to engage its audience. By 2024, the platform had 101.1 million paying subscribers, solidifying its status as a major global player.
Its documentary series The Big Band (2020) celebrates China’s indie music scene. It sheds light on emerging artists and their creative journeys.
6. Max (USA, 2020)
Max, initially launched as HBO Max in May 2020, combines the premium content of HBO with Warner Bros.’s extensive library. Headquartered in New York City, the platform rebranded to Max in 2023 and had 99 million subscribers by late 2024.
The gripping documentary The Lady and the Dale (2021) chronicles the life of Elizabeth Carmichael. She created a revolutionary three-wheeled car while concealing a complex and controversial past.
7. Paramount+ (USA, 2014)
Originally launched as CBS All Access in 2014, Paramount+ rebranded in March 2021 under ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global). The platform, based in New York City, blends classic TV series with live sports and original programming. It had grown to 72 million subscribers by 2024.
Its documentary The Real Criminal Minds (2021) is an in-depth look at real-life FBI profiling, exploring cases that inspired the TV series.
8. Hulu (USA, 2008)
Hulu debuted as a joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corporation. It delivers current-season TV episodes and a vast streaming library. Headquartered in Los Angeles, it reached 52 million subscribers by late 2024, bolstered by its mix of ad-supported and ad-free tiers.
The documentary Fyre Fraud (2019) examines the infamous Fyre Festival, exposing the scandal’s layers of deceit and manipulation.
9. Apple TV+ (USA, 2019)
Apple TV+, launched in November 2019, marked the tech giant’s foray into streaming. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, it focuses on original programming. It attracted 40 million subscribers in 2024.
Its stunning documentary The Elephant Queen (2018) follows the journey of Athena, a matriarch elephant, leading her herd across the savanna in search of water.
10. Peacock (USA, 2020)
NBCUniversal’s Peacock launched in July 2020, offering both free and premium content. Headquartered in New York City, it features movies, TV shows, and live sports, reaching 28 million subscribers by 2024.
John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise (2021) is a chilling deep dive into the life of the infamous serial killer. It combines archival footage and compelling interviews.
11. YouTube Premium (USA, 2015)
Launched in 2015 as YouTube Red, YouTube Premium offers ad-free viewing. You can also see exclusive Originals and offline playback. Based in San Bruno, California, the platform gained traction by supporting creators and developing original content. By 2024, YouTube Premium had over 80 million subscribers globally.
One of its standout documentaries is Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil (2021). It is a raw and emotional exploration of the singer’s battles with addiction, recovery, and resilience.
12. DAZN (UK, 2016)
Founded in London in 2016, DAZN is a global sports streaming service focusing on live events such as boxing, soccer, and MMA. It disrupted traditional sports broadcasting with affordable subscription plans and international coverage. In 20204, it had amassed 16 million subscribers.
The documentary One Night: Joshua vs. Ruiz (2019) revisits the dramatic upset and redemption arc of heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.
13. Crunchyroll (USA, 2006)
Crunchyroll, launched in San Francisco, is the premier platform for anime fans. Initially starting as a streaming site for licensed and user-uploaded anime, it has grown into a global powerhouse. There are over 10 million paid subscribers in 2024, alongside millions of free users.
Its documentary The Rise of Anime explores the genre’s global explosion. The cultural impact and the passionate fanbase that supports it are showcased here.
14. Discovery+ (USA, 2021)
Discovery+ was launched in January 2021 as the digital hub for Discovery Inc.’s nonfiction and lifestyle programming. Headquartered in New York City, it quickly amassed 25 million subscribers. It did so by offering documentaries, reality shows, and educational content.
One of its highlights is Expedition Unknown: Egypt Live (2019), which captures the excitement and mystery of uncovering an ancient Egyptian tomb in real time.
15. Rakuten TV (Japan, 2010)
Based in Tokyo, Rakuten TV is a prominent streaming platform serving European audiences with movies, TV shows, and sports. While focusing on transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), it also offers free ad-supported streaming. It caters to millions of active users.
Its celebrated documentary Messi: The Movie (2015) chronicles Lionel Messi’s life and career, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
16. ESPN+ (USA, 2018)
Launched in April 2018 and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, ESPN+ is Disney’s answer to sports streaming. It offers live sports, documentaries, and exclusive ESPN programming. By 2024 it had attracted over 25 million subscribers.
Its critically acclaimed documentary series The Last Dance (2020) examines Michael Jordan’s career and the iconic Chicago Bulls team of the 1990s.
17. BritBox (UK, 2017)
BritBox, a collaboration between the BBC and ITV, launched in March 2017 to bring British programming to a global audience. Headquartered in London, it serves millions of users worldwide, including 3 million subscribers as of 2024.
Its documentary The Fall of Anne Boleyn (2020) offers a gripping recount of the life, rise, and tragic downfall of one of England’s most controversial queens.
18. Zee5 (India, 2018)
Launched in Mumbai, Zee5 is a major streaming platform in India, offering content in many languages. By 2024, Zee5 reported 116 million monthly active users, driven by regional programming and a growing library of originals.
The documentary My Life with Mahatma Gandhi provides a unique perspective on Gandhi’s life. It is told through the lens of his family and closest confidants.
19. Tubi (USA, 2014)
Tubi, founded in San Francisco, is a free ad-supported streaming platform offering an extensive library of movies and TV shows. By 2024, it had 64 million monthly active users, making it one of the largest platforms of its kind.
The documentary Super Size Me (2004) remains one of its most popular features. It blends humor and hard-hitting insights to critique the fast-food industry.
20.Starz (USA, 1994)
Starz, established in 1994 and headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, began as a premium cable and satellite television network. Over the years, it expanded into the streaming market, offering a vast library of movies, original series, and exclusive content. As of early 2024, Starz reported approximately 15.88 million subscribers, reflecting its steady growth in the competitive streaming industry.
One of Starz’s most successful documentaries is Wrong Man (2018), a compelling series that investigates potential wrongful convictions, shedding light on the complexities of the justice system and advocating for those who may have been unjustly imprisoned.
Final Words
The rise of streaming services has transformed how audiences consume entertainment. They offer unprecedented access to global content at the click of a button. From giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to niche platforms like Crunchyroll and BritBox, each service has carved its own identity. They do so by catering to diverse viewer preferences and leveraging unique strengths.
Documentaries, in particular, have emerged as a compelling genre, blending education and entertainment to captivate audiences worldwide. These platforms have brought stories to life in ways once thought unimaginable. With billions of subscribers combined, the top 20 streaming services continue to shape the cultural landscape, connecting viewers to stories that inform, inspire, and entertain.
