>> harder to find new (or new to me) films serendipitously.

There are places. I wouldn't condone copyright violations but the various forums used by filesharers are the modern incarnation of the film rental shelf. People publish collections based on their own tastes regardless of copyrights, contracts or other limitations. These are movie lovers and will point you to films that you would never normally consider. It is then on you to hunt down these recommendations through legal means.

I have discovered many a great European scifi series through filesharing forums. Getting hold of a legal copy is often difficult, but I'd rather spend effort to obtain a great thing than wade through the sea of junk 'recommended' by netflix. Currently I'm trying to find a copy of "The City and The City", which appeared on a pirate feed a few weeks ago and looks like a great series.