5 streaming apps (besides Netflix) to watch your favourite Asian dramas
Do you know there’s a world of streaming options beyond Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar? And no, we’re not talking about Apple TV and Hulu and HBO, or any other mainstream services. We’re talking about ones specifically catered to our side of the world: Asia (not limited to k-dramas)!
And, if there’s one thing we can derive from the success of Imaginur and Projek: High Council, it’s that Malaysians can churn out some really good hits ourselves!
So, with that being said, how about sprinkling some Asian flavour into our weekend binging? Here are 5 streaming services (other than Netflix and Disney) to catch your favourite Asian dramas!
1. Sooka
How about a streaming app for movies, series, AND sports? That’s right, Sooka brings the best entertainment across all genres to your device.
With Sooka, you’ll have access to some of the most popular Malaysian-made movies, including Ola Bola, Polis Evo 2, and Munafik 2. Of course, you’ll have some Korean entertainment too, such as comedic reality TV series Running Man.
But what makes Sooka unique is that it has sports packages tailored to die-hard sports fan too.
You can opt for the Liga Malaysia Pass for RM28.9/month, which grants access to all 244 live Liga Malaysia matches, inclusive of match highlights, player interviews, and match reviews.
Or choose VIP TV for RM62.9/month. This will give you local and international live sports (yes, Premier League and F1 included), as well as the large variety of movies and series available.
Make sure to view all of Sooka’s subscription packs before you make your decision!
You can download sooka on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Tonton
Media Prima will always have a special place in our hearts, especially to us 90’s kids. Those classic channels may not be performing as well as before, but did you know Media Prima have their own streaming service too?
Tonton is the home of all Media Prima’s shows, and it’s completely free! You will need to register an account, and there will be ads here and there. But keep in mind, this is a free, and most importantly, legitimate streaming service.
You’ll get mostly Malaysian titles here, including classics like Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa and Senario XX. You’ll also get some Korean blockbusters such as Parasite, Train To Busan, and Descendants of the Sun.
Tonton is also the best choice for young families, with favourite kids’ animated cartoons such as Ejen Ali and Cicakman. You may access Tonton through any internet-connected device.
You can download Tonton on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
3. Viu
Viu is a Hong Kong-based semi-free streaming platform. Guest users will have access to selected titles, but of course the viu is always better with a paid subscription.
The trade-off of using the free basic plan are ad interruptions before, and during the movie. We’re not talking short ads either, imagine three 15 – 20 seconds unskippables.
Viu does have some great local picks though. At the time of writing, they have classics from the legendary Yasmin Ahmad, most notably Mukhsin and Talentime. We even spotted one very controversial Nasi Lemak 2.0.
Since Viu is a global streaming platform, they also have films from Indonesia, Thailand, Turkiye, Korea, and of course, Hong Kong.
If you want a seamless Viu-ing experience, you can go premium for RM29.9 for 3 months, RM54.9 for 6 months, and RM99.9 for 12 months. You’ll get access to all movie and series titles, HD streaming, and zero advertisements, among other perks.
View all of Viu’s Premium plans here.
You can download Viu on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
4. WeTV iFlix
iFlix is yet another Malaysian streaming platform with a basic free plan and a paid subscription plan. Its headquarters is even in KL!
Despite that, we don’t see too much Malaysian-made productions. Some of the local headliners on iFlix now are KL Gangster Underworld 1 and 2, and Ombak Rindu.
Hopefully they’ll be adding more soon. In the meantime, they do have some good options in their Asian catalogue. Anime fans in particular will probably appreciate iFlix. Some popular anime titles currently showing are Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball, Haikyuu!!, and One Piece.
You may subscribe for the one month VIP package for RM16.9, three months VIP package for RM44.9, or the twelve months VIP package for RM169.9.
VIPs are entitled to special discounts in the first subscription period, 30% faster download speeds, as well as an ad-free experience.
You can download WeTV iFlix on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
5. iQIYI
If Chinese dramas are your go-to binge source, then iQIYI is the streaming app for you. They are a Beijing-based company, so naturally they’ll curate their selection to fit that market.
However, it does have an impressive list of Malay dramas. You’ll find the likes of Gerak Khas: Undercover Musim 2, Serpihan Sayang, and Cinta Buat Dara.
You’ll also get some decent K-Drama selections such as Descendants of the Sun, The Penthouse, and Strong Girl Bong-soon.
Again, the large majority of iQIYI’s catalogue are C-Dramas and will mostly appeal to Chinese-speaking audience. Perhaps a seasoned TVB drama follower may find this more attractive, since they now have some local Malaysian choices to mix it up.
You can have an iQIYI Premium plan for just RM17.9/monthly, or get a yearly subscription for RM179.9. All payable via Touch ‘n Go eWallet.
See all have iQIYI’s packages here!
You can download iQIYI on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Never be bored again
These Asian-strong streaming platforms will keep you entertained during your lazy weekends. And, if you’re settling in for a Malaysian-made movie or series, you’ll be supporting the local industry in ways you don’t even realize!
So kickback, relax, take of your slippers because this is an Asian household and we don’t allow slippers in the house, and put on a movie!
