Hey everyone! If you’re like me, you love settling down for a movie night but aren’t too keen on adding another expensive subscription to your budget. Thankfully, the world of free (and legal) streaming services has hit its prime, offering tons of options for movie buffs and TV lovers without costing us a dime. I’ve spent a lot of time hopping from one platform to another, mostly hunting for those hidden gem horror movies that aren’t always in the spotlight. So I feel like I have a good grasp on which ones are the best. From classic films to modern horror gems, these services have something for everyone. I recommend giving each one a try to see what works best for you!
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is my personal favorite place for free movies and shows. It has the best selection of curated live channels, making it super easy to find something that matches your mood. It also have a really good on-demand library. Pluto TV has specific channels dedicated to different genres, making it super easy to find something that matches your mood. Whether you’re into horror, comedy, or drama, Pluto TV has a channel for you, all for free!
2. Tubi
Tubi is an excellent choice for movie lovers looking to dive into a vast sea of free content. It stands out because it offers a wide range of movies and TV shows without the need for a subscription. What makes Tubi really cool is its variety, featuring everything from classic movies to the latest TV shows. It’s super user-friendly, and you can start watching with just a few clicks. This platform is perfect if you’re in the mood to explore different genres without spending a dime.
3. Kanopy
Kanopy is a gem for those who have a library card or are university students. This service offers a nice selection of films for free, including award-winning documentaries and acclaimed foreign films. What sets Kanopy apart is the lack of ads; it’s completely funded by libraries, so you can enjoy your movie night uninterrupted. If you’re into more serious or artistic films, Kanopy is definitely the place to stream.
4. Hoopla
Hoopla is yet another service powered by your local library. Once you sign up, you can “borrow” tons of movies and shows, completely free and with no ads. Hoopla has lots of ebooks and audiobooks available for free as well, so you can get lots of value out of their service. Doesn’t get much better than that!
5. Freevee
Freevee, formerly known as IMDb TV, is Amazon’s free streaming service that offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content without costing a penny. What’s great about Freevee is its combination of classic TV shows and recent movies, making it a solid choice for diverse viewing preferences. Since it’s ad-supported, you will encounter some commercials, but the trade-off is a wide range of free content that’s easy to access, especially if you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem.
6. Plex
Plex started as just a media server app but has expanded to include free streaming services. It’s unique because it allows you to organize and stream your own media collection, like movies and music, alongside its free streaming options. Plex offers a selection of on-demand movies and TV shows complemented by a few live TV channels. The platform is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a personalized media experience and enjoy discovering niche and independent films alongside popular titles.
7. YouTube
Most of us spend a lot of time on Youtube, but you may not realize you can watch thousands of movies for free. YouTube is a powerhouse when it comes to free content, including a surprisingly rich selection of movies and TV shows. What I love the most about watching movies this way versus other platforms is that YouTube allows you to create your own playlists, consisting of any video on the platform. So I sometimes like to put movies and shows I want to watch into a playlist and hit shuffle. For example, check out my personal playlist of horror movies. This is so much fun and I recommend trying it out!
8. Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
Fandango at Home (formerly known as Vudu) is known for rentals, but did you know it also has a free section? Here, you can watch hundreds of movies at no cost, with just a few ads. FAH’s free library includes some titles that are hard to find on other free services, making it a great resource for movie buffs. The video quality is also quite good as well, if that’s important to you.
9. Roku Channel
The Roku Channel isn’t just for Roku device owners; anyone can sign up and start streaming. It provides a mix of contemporary and classic films and TV series for free. The channel also features live TV including news and sports, which is a bonus for those who miss the live element of traditional television. The service is ad-supported, but it’s a minor inconvenience for the variety and quality of content available at no charge.
10. Crackle
Crackle is another great spot for free streaming. It’s backed by Sony, so you know you’re getting quality. What’s great about Crackle is that it not only has a bunch of older movies but also offers some original content. So if you’re looking to try something new and unique, Crackle might have just what you need. It’s all completely free, though you will have to sit through some ads, but that’s a small price to pay for free movies and shows!
11. Sling Freestream
Sling Freestream, offered by Sling TV, is a great choice for those looking for a no-cost way to enjoy both live and on-demand content. This service provides a variety of channels that cover everything from kids’ programming and news to sports and popular TV shows, all without a subscription. What’s special about Sling Freestream is that it comes from a well-known provider of live TV streaming services, which means it offers a reliable and high-quality viewing experience. Whether you’re looking to catch up on your favorite TV series, stay informed with the latest news, or watch a live sports game, Sling Freestream offers a compelling mix of content that rivals paid services, all for free.
12. Xumo Play
Xumo Play is a fantastic option for those who enjoy both live and on-demand content without spending a dime. This service offers a robust lineup of channels covering various genres including news, sports, movies, and entertainment, providing a similar experience to traditional cable TV but for free. What makes Xumo Play appealing is its seamless integration of live TV channels with a library of on-demand movies and TV shows. Whether you’re in the mood for catching a live sports event or settling down for a movie night, Xumo Play has something to cater to your preferences.
