The Ultimate Guide to Free Movie Streaming Sites in 2023

Movie streaming has become incredibly popular in recent years. Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime provide unlimited on-demand entertainment, but they require paid subscriptions. Thankfully, you can now access thousands of movies legally and for free through free movie streaming sites.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about free movie streaming services. You’ll learn about the benefits and risks of using free sites, the features that make a site “good” or not, and how to pick the best free service for your needs.

We’ll then dive into detailed reviews of the 40 best free movie websites available in 2023. Get ready to ditch expensive streaming subscriptions and enjoy unlimited entertainment with free streaming. Let’s get started!

The Benefits of Free Movie Streaming Sites

Free movie streaming sites offer some significant advantages over paid services:

It’s 100% Free!

The most obvious perk is that you get access to thousands of movies and shows without paying a cent. No credit card required. For frugal entertainment lovers, it doesn’t get better than free.

Huge Content Libraries

Whereas paid services like Netflix sometimes rotate movies in and out, many free sites have gigantic libraries of movies available at all times. We’re talking tens of thousands of titles. More than you could watch in a lifetime.

Try Before You Buy

The free streaming sites allow you to sample movies before signing up for a paid subscription on another service. You can make sure it’s worth the monthly fee.

No Commitments

You can use the free sites as often as you want without ever being locked into a contract or monthly billing. There’s no commitment involved to start watching free entertainment.

Original and Exclusive Content

In addition to showing commercially released films, some free sites like Crackle and CW Seed have original movies, TV shows, and other content you can’t find anywhere else.

The Risks and Downsides of Free Movie Streaming Sites

Of course, you don’t get something for nothing. There are some potential downsides of using free streaming services to consider:

Ads, Ads and More Ads

By using a free movie site, you are effectively agreeing to view advertisements. This allows the platforms to make money without charging users. Some sites have minimal ads, but others are overloaded with video ads, pop-ups, and banners.

Video Quality

Paid streaming services often provide HD and 4K Ultra HD quality video. Free sites tend to max out at 720p and 1080p HD, with some lower-quality streams. But this is fine for laptop viewing.

Limited New Releases

You typically won’t find many brand new blockbuster films on free platforms. Most have back catalogs of older movies, B-movies, obscure foreign films and cult classics. But they can lack 2021-2022 new hits.

Questionable Legality

Some sketchy free sites simply host pirated movies without obtaining broadcast rights, making them illegal. Stick to well-established, legit platforms like the ones we recommend.

Privacy and Security Concerns

Free streaming sites can expose you to more online ads, trackers, and even malware risks on untrustworthy platforms. Use trusted sites and a VPN for protection.

By keeping these potential disadvantages in mind, you can enjoy free streaming while minimizing downsides.

How to Choose the Best Free Movie Streaming Sites

When selecting a free streaming platform, keep these factors in mind:

Library Size

More movies and TV shows to choose from is always better. Look for sites touting large catalogs in the tens of thousands.

Video Quality

Aim for a minimum of 720p HD streams. 1080p HD is ideal. Evaluate this before committing time to a site.

Legitimacy

Choose legal, above-board sites like Tubi or Crackle over shady unknown platforms to avoid malware risks.

Ad Policy

Look for sites with minimal, non-intrusive ads you can easily ignore over excessive video ads and pop-ups.

Mobile Access

Many top free streaming platforms also offer iOS and Android apps for on-the-go viewing. This is a useful bonus feature.

User Experience

Search and filters help find films faster. Clean, modern interfaces are easier to use.

Using these criteria will help surface the highest-quality free movie streaming sites worth your time. Now let’s look at 40 top-notch options for enjoying 100% free entertainment.

The 40 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites for 2023

Based on library size, streaming quality, legitimacy and other factors, these platforms offer the best free streaming experiences:

1. Tubi

With over 25,000 movies and TV shows available to watch for free, Tubi has one of the largest content libraries of any free streaming service. It’s 100% legal, with movies sourced from major studios like MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate.

Tubi is supported by ads in the form of short commercials that play before the movie starts. While slightly annoying, the ads are manageable and well worth it for such a massive free catalog. Video streams in HD quality.

One of the best features of Tubi is the highly customizable browsing experience. You can filter movies by genre, feature, year, and more. The homepage highlights curated categories and collections for easy watching.

Tubi apps are available for all major platforms, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire. You can download movies for offline mobile viewing. Tubi is available in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Overall, it’s very tough to beat everything Tubi offers completely free. From the vast library to quality streams and customizable browsing, it’s a must-try.

Highlights:

• 25,000+ movies and shows
• Content from major studios
• Minimal ads
• Advanced filters for browsing

2. Pluto TV

Pluto TV takes a unique approach compared to other free streaming platforms. Instead of solely offering an on-demand library, Pluto TV has over 250 live TV channels streaming hit movies, viral videos, sports, news, cartoons, and more. They also have thousands of on-demand movie and TV show titles available.

You don’t need an account to start watching Pluto TV. Just visit the website or download the app to browse channels. All content is sorted into categories like Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, and Romance for easy discovery. Everything is free and legal with ads.

Given the live TV component, Pluto TV works best if you want a channel surfing experience. The huge on-demand library is slightly harder to navigate but offers tons of free movies to discover beyond what’s airing live. Video quality is standard definition 480p.

Pluto TV is available as a web service, mobile apps, and also on connected TV platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. You can even find it built into newer smart TVs. It’s available in the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Highlights:

• 250+ live streaming channels
• Large on-demand movie & TV library
• Web, mobile & TV apps
• Legal and free

3. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a free streaming option available on Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs. But you don’t actually need Roku hardware to use it — The Roku Channel is also accessible as a website and mobile app for iOS and Android.

The Roku Channel offers an extensive library of films with quality content from major studios like Lionsgate, MGM, and Paramount. There are some original programs too like the series “Die Hart” starring Kevin Hart. Minimal ads support the free viewing experience.

While the library interface feels a bit dated, The Roku Channel makes up for it in terms of movie selection. All the content is professionally produced and legal. You can filter browsing by genre and search for specific titles. Video resolution tops out at 1080p HD.

The Roku Channel is available in the United States and Canada. Even if you don’t have a Roku device, the website and app still make The Roku Channel easy to use on phones, tablets, computers and other streaming platforms. If you want quality films from major studios 100% free, add this channel to your lineup.

Highlights:

• Movies from Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM studios
• Web, mobile apps for non-Roku users
• 1080p HD video quality
• Simple browsing by genre

4. Crackle

Crackle comes from Sony Pictures and offers an impressive library of free movies in HD quality with minimal ads. It’s completely legal and above-board. You can watch Crackle content right on the website, or use apps on platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and more.

As you browse and watch movies, you’ll only encounter short 10 to 15 second ads before the film starts. During our testing, we found these ads infrequent enough to not detract much from the viewing experience. Of course, no ads at all would be ideal, but it’s expected with free services.

Because Crackle is backed by Sony Pictures, most of the movies come from Sony’s catalog of major theatrical releases. However, you’ll also find content from other studios like Lionsgate, Miramax, and Warner Brothers. B-movies and cult classics round out the library.

Crackle is currently available in 21 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Latin America, and parts of Europe. It’s one of the most widely-available free movie services out there from a major provider. Video resolution tops out at 1080p on supported devices.

If you want to legally watch high-quality Hollywood movies for free from a reputable source, Crackle should be a go-to option. The ad experience is one of the least intrusive out there.

Highlights:

• Free Sony Pictures movies
• Titles from other major studios
• 1080p HD streaming quality
• Brief ads you can skip through
• Available in 21 countries

5. IMDb TV (Freevee)

Previously known as IMDb TV, Amazon recently rebranded this free streaming service as Freevee. It lives up to its name by offering movies and TV shows to watch at no charge.

As you may have guessed, Freevee is owned and operated by Amazon. So you can access all the content through Amazon’s Prime Video platform and Fire TV devices. There’s also standalone Freevee apps for mobile and connected TVs.

Freevee has a decent catalog of movies you’ve likely heard of before, including Tomb Raider, La La Land, Memento, Drive, Superbad, and more. Selection of TV series is limited, but you can watch some popular shows like Person of Interest. Amazon licenses this content from studios on your behalf.

Being owned by Amazon, ads are minimal and non-intrusive. You’ll just see a few 15 to 30 second promos before your movie starts. Video quality is 720p and 1080p HD.

The one catch is you need an Amazon account to watch Freevee content. But it only takes a moment to set up a free Amazon account if you don’t have one already. For Prime members, Freevee is a nice supplemental source of free movies to enjoy.

Highlights:

• Good selection of recognizable Hollywood movies
• Amazon-owned so ads are minimal
• Need free Amazon account to watch
• Decent HD quality

6. Vudu

Vudu is unique in that it’s both a rental service similar to iTunes as well as a free ad-supported streaming option courtesy of parent company Walmart. You can rent new release movies not available for free, or watch free movies supported by ads.

The free ad-supported movies are what we’re focused on here. Vudu offers hundreds of free films spanning classic favorites, family options, comedy, drama, Westerns, sci-fi and more categories. New titles are frequently added so there’s always something fresh.

Vudu works on a wide range of devices beyond computers and mobile, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and many smart TVs. You can pick up from one device and resume watching on another.

Being owned by Walmart, Vudu only operates in the United States currently. Video resolution tops out at 1080p HDX on select titles. The ads come in the form of brief commercials before your movie starts.

If you already use Vudu or Walmart.com for shopping, their free movies are worth checking out in addition. The convenience of apps across TV platforms is a nice perk.

Highlights:

• Extensive library of free, ad-supported movies
• Option to rent new releases
• Apps for many TV platforms
• 1080p HD quality on select titles
• Walmart-owned so minimal ads

7. YouTube

YouTube needs no introduction — it’s the biggest online video platform globally. But many people don’t realize that YouTube offers hundreds of free movies you can watch legally.

Major movie studios like Paramount, Warner Brothers and Lionsgate have uploaded films to YouTube for free streaming. There are also plenty of free classic cult movies and B movies to discover.

To find free movies on YouTube, search for “full movie free” and filter by duration over 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can also browse user channels dedicated to posting free films like Movie Central and ARCHIVE. Expect mid-roll ads throughout like with regular YouTube videos.

The free movies on YouTube are legal and safe to watch. YouTube has streaming partnerships with the studios. What’s available can vary wildly by country due to rights. But take a look and you’re likely to find some hidden gems.

YouTube is worth checking for free movies, but selection can’t match dedicated streaming sites. Use it as a supplemental source for the occasional free flick.

Highlights:

• Legal free movies from major studios
• Cult classics and B-movies
• Search for “full movie free” over 1hr20min
• Mid-roll YouTube-style ads

8. Yidio

Searching across multiple streaming services to find where a certain movie is available for free can be frustrating. That’s where Yidio comes in.

Yidio acts as a streaming search engine, indexing available titles across both free and paid platforms. This allows you to enter a movie name and see everywhere it’s available to stream for free or paid. Filters allow focusing on just free options.

The site will tell you which services offer the title for free with ads, or as part of a paid subscription. Having all these options in one place helps you locate hard-to-find free movies. Yidio also has new movie trailers, streaming guides, and other entertainment resources.

While Yidio doesn’t host movies itself, it’s an invaluable research tool for finding streaming content. It takes the work out of having to search individual platforms. You can also browse Yidio’s catalog of free movies they’ve indexed.

If you’re unsure where to watch a movie for free, Yidio makes locating it quick and easy across both free and paid streaming services. The variety of filters help uncover hidden gems.

Highlights:

• Search engine for streaming movies
• Shows where to watch for free or paid
• Handy tools for finding hard-to-locate movies
• Can directly browse catalog of indexed free movies

9. Kanopy

Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities to offer library card holders free access to quality streaming content. While their catalog isn’t as extensive as other services, the thoughtful curation and high-quality films make Kanopy worth exploring.

After signing up for a free account with your library credentials, you get access to Kanopy’s full catalog on-demand. They partner with respected film distribution companies to showcase acclaimed movies and documentaries. Films play without any ads, providing an uninterrupted cinematic experience.

The service is available as a website, mobile apps, and TV apps on platforms like Roku and Apple TV. You can stream up to 10 videos per month, although some libraries don’t enforce any limits. Video resolution is up to 1080p HD.

If you already have a library card, be sure to check if your library supports Kanopy access. Film buffs will appreciate the elevated, commercial-free experience compared to regular free streaming platforms.

Highlights:

• Curated library of quality films
• Sign up with a library or university account
• No ads during films
• Monthly streaming limits unless removed by library
• Elevated streaming experience

10. Freevee

Formerly known as IMDb TV, Amazon rebranded this free streaming option as Freevee. It offers a collection of movies and TV shows through Amazon’s Prime Video platform and Fire TV apps.

As an Amazon property, you can expect integration with Amazon accounts and devices. Freevee content is supported by ads, generally in the form of brief promotional interruptions. Video quality depends on your device but reaches up to 1080p HD.

The movie and show selection could be more extensive, but you’ll find some recognizable titles like Underground Railroad, Person of Interest, Mad Men, and Superbad. There are also some lesser-known independent films and docuseries worth checking out.

Freevee has apps for iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and other platforms. Or you can simply watch through a web browser on PrimeVideo.com like other Prime content. Having a free Amazon account is required.

As an added bonus for Prime subscribers, any Freevee content you watch contributes to your overall Prime Watch Party and X-Ray benefits and stats. You can also download content for offline mobile viewing.

For an Amazon-centric free streaming option, Freevee hits the mark with its quality titles and minimal ads. The integration with Prime elevates the experience if you’re already a member.

Highlights:

• Included with Amazon Prime and Fire TV
• Decent movie and TV selection
• Minimal ads compared to competitors
• Optional offline downloads
• Accessible with a free Amazon account

11. Peacock

NBCUniversal’s Peacock offers a free, ad-supported streaming tier with around 13,000 hours of content. The paid tiers unlock more programming. But the free version still provides quality movies, TV shows, and Peacock originals worth watching.

Supported by ads, the free programming on Peacock includes classic NBC sitcoms like The Office, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, and Parks & Recreation. There’s also live and on-demand news, sports, and late night programming from NBC, CNBC, MSNBC and others.

Peacock Originals available on the free tier include shows like The Lost Symbol, Five More Minutes, The Girl in the Woods and classics like Yellowstone. There are also older movies like the Matrix trilogy and Jurassic Park. You won’t find many recent theatrical movies, however.

The Peacock mobile app and website feature a streamlined, intelligent interface resembling Netflix. Browsing the library is easy across various categories and your watch history. Video quality tops out at 1080p when available.

Peacock is currently available in the US only. But with a quality VPN, you can access the free content from other countries. Just create a free Peacock account to start streaming.

Highlights:

• Thousands of hours free with ads
• Classic NBC shows and news programming
• Peacock originals and films
• Streamlined interface and apps
• Video in up to 1080p

12. Plex

You may be familiar with Plex as a media center software for organizing your personal video collection. But Plex also now offers ad-supported free movies, TV shows, and live TV streaming.

Without needing an account, you can start watching free movies from major studios like MGM, Warner Brothers, and Lionsgate on the Plex website. Ad breaks are occasional but fairly unobtrusive.

Alongside the free movies are free TV shows, curated web shows, personalized news, podcasts, music videos, and over 250 free live TV channels. The live channels cover entertainment, news, sports, kids programming and more.

While the focus is on organizing your own media library, Plex’s free ad-supported streaming provides a useful supplement. Streaming requires no Plex Pass membership. Video resolution varies between 480p and 720p for the free tier.

Plex’s free streaming is available globally. Supported apps include Roku, Android TV, iOS, web browser, and others. For media center users, it’s a handy free streaming bonus.

Highlights:

• Large selection of free movies and shows with ads
• 250+ free live TV channels
• Part of Plex’s media software ecosystem
• Web and tons of apps for streaming
• No Plex membership required

13. Popcornflix

Popcornflix is an ad-supported streaming service filled with free movies, web series, and film-related original content. It’s owned by Screen Media, an independent film distribution company.

You can watch Popcornflix on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Chromecast and other platforms. The ad experience involves some commercials and promos before your movie starts. Ads are fairly unobtrusive overall.

The movie selection consists primarily of B-movies, cult classics, indie films, and lesser-known titles. Don’t expect to see many new Hollywood blockbusters. But if you dig below the surface, Popcornflix has enough hidden gem movies across genres to keep you entertained for awhile.

Popcornflix adds new content each week so there’s always something fresh if you revisit regularly. And you never have to worry about paying anything to watch what’s available.

Highlights:

• Free B-movies, cult classics and obscure films
• Web series and original content
• Apps for many streaming platforms
• New movies added weekly
• Minimal ads don’t disrupt viewing

14. Viki (Rakuten Viki)

Viki is a streaming service specializing in TV shows and movies from South Korea, China, Taiwan, and other Asian countries. It offers a selection of titles for free ad-supported streaming.

To watch free content on Viki, you simply need to create a free Viki account. There’s no credit card required. You can browse through different TV shows and movies and start watching immediately with ads.

Subtitles are available for everything on Viki in multiple languages. That way you can follow along in English even if audio is in Korean, Chinese, etc. Video resolution maxes out at 720p HD quality.

Keep in mind that their free selection focuses mostly on older Asian TV series and films. You’ll have to subscribe to their premium tiers to unlock newer releases and exclusives. But the free section should provide enough entertainment for casual fans.

Highlights:

• Asian TV shows and movies
• Create free account to watch
• Subtitles in multiple languages
• Ad-supported streaming
• Free section has older content

15. CONtv

CONtv is a niche streaming service focusing on “fandom” genres, like sci-fi, fantasy, horror, anime, comic con, cosplay, paranormal, and pop culture. The entire library is available for free, supported by ads.

Both movies and TV shows are included, such as cult classics, obscure horror and sci-fi flicks, retro cartoons, anime series, and low-budget independent films. While you won’t find mainstream hits here, it’s a treasure trove for fans of these niche genres.

Being ad-supported, expect promotions and commercials to play before your content starts streaming. But the niche focus and extensive genre-specific library make enduring some ads worthwhile. No account registration is needed.

You can watch CONtv through the website on your computer or mobile device. Supported apps include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast so you can easily watch on a big screen too.

Highlights:

• Focused on sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture
• Extensive niche genre library
• Ad-supported free streaming
• No account creation necessary
• Apps for streaming devices
• Niche focus great for fans of those genres

16. Shout! Factory TV

Shout! Factory TV offers a wealth of cult classic films, offbeat B-movies, vintage TV shows, original series and comedy specials, all available to stream for free. The library spans comedy, sci-fi, horror, action, cult movies, retro animation and more.

As you browse the site, you’ll find titles like Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax, Dark Shadows, Rat Patrol, The Carol Burnett Show, Dennis The Menace, and other beloved shows and obscure movies. Genre-specific channels showcase the content.

Being ad-supported, you can expect commercials and limited interruptions as you watch. But the sheer variety of hard-to-find entertainment makes it easy to put up with the ads. No registration is required to start watching.

Shout! Factory TV is available on the web, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Videos max out at 1080p HD quality where available. If you love offbeat old TV shows and eccentric movies, it’s worth bookmarking.

Highlights:

• Cult movies and retro TV shows
• Comedy specials and original content
• Ad-supported free streaming
• No signup required
• Web, mobile and TV apps
• Extensive library of hard-to-find titles

17. CW Seed

CW Seed offers many free TV shows on their website and apps without needing an account. As you may have guessed, the focus is airing The CW’s own content.

That means you can watch shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Whose Line Is It Anyway, and CW’s Greatest Hits. There are also some older classic shows like Everwood, Dynasty, and from CW’s predecessor networks.

In addition to full TV show episodes, there are original shorts and behind-the-scenes clips. You’ll just have to sit through occasional ads as you watch. Video resolution depends on internet speed.

The library could be deeper, but CW Seed is a great free option for watching current CW shows without a cable package or paying subscription. It works on computers, iOS, Apple TV, Roku and Android.

Highlights:

• Current and past CW network shows
• Original shorts and behind-the-scenes footage
• Free with ads
• Stream via website and apps

18. Hoopla

If you have a library card, Hoopla provides free access to thousands of movies, TV shows, books, comics, audiobooks and music albums. Just sign up with your library card number to create an account and unlock Hoopla’s content.

With a focus on public libraries, you’ll find quality educational and informative films on Hoopla in addition to Hollywood movies. Hoopla partners with major studios so the movie selection is decently robust for a library service.

Everything can be streamed instantly with no waitlists. But libraries impose a monthly limit on checkouts (typically 8 to 10). Streaming offline comes in handy. Video maxes out at 720p quality.

Overall, Hoopla provides an excellent free source of movies and entertainment if you have a participating local library card. Pair it with other services for even more free options.

Highlights:

• Movies, TV, books, music, audiobooks
• Sign up with a library card
• Educational and informational focus
• Content from major studios
• Monthly checkout limits unless unlimited

19. PBS

The free PBS Video app and PBS.org provide on-demand streaming access to quality documentaries, public affairs shows, historical specials and PBS original programs. There are also many Ken Burns documentaries available like The Civil War, Jazz, and The National Parks.

Alongside full episodes and documentaries are clips from popular PBS shows like Masterpiece Theater, Frontline, POV, and more to sample. You can stream on your computer via the website or use apps on iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku and Android.

Being able to watch commercial-free PBS programming on-demand via streaming is extremely convenient. There are no logins required. While the selection focuses on educational fare over Hollywood movies, it’s an excellent free option for insightful films.

Highlights:

• Documentaries, history programs and public affairs
• Ken Burns films and PBS shows
• Commercial-free streaming
• No logins or accounts needed
• Educational focus over entertainment movies

20. Internet Archive

The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library offering over 6 million free ebooks, movies, software, music, and more available for download or streaming.

The video collection spans free documentaries, classic Hollywood films, cartoons, concert footage, and much more. You’ll find a mix of both educational and entertainment movies. Most titles are already in the public domain.

Everything on Archive.org is available without ads and is free to use. You can watch videos as embedded streams on the site or use the borrow feature to download movies to your computer for 14 days. Quality varies but is watchable.

With over 2 million videos including TV and films, the Internet Archive is one of the largest free on-demand streaming libraries available. The content is all-encompassing, making this a valuable free resource.

Highlights:

• Archive of over 2 million free movies and videos
• Download or stream titles
• No ads
• Massive content variety
• Educational and entertainment movies

21. Sony Crackle

Backed by Sony Pictures, Crackle carries hundreds of Hollywood movies and TV shows available for free streaming supported by ads. Most of the films come from Sony’s catalog of theatrical releases.

Genres span action, comedy, crime, horror, thriller, romance, sci-fi, drama and more so there’s diverse selection. You’ll find movies like Donnie Brasco, Con Air, Mr. Deeds, Spider-Man trilogy, Men In Black, and more popular Sony titles. Original content is also available like the shows Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters and Going From Broke.

Interruptions are limited to short 10-15 second ads before your selections begin. Crackle is currently available in 21 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, Latin America, and parts of Europe and Asia. Apps make it easy to watch on TV platforms like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and gaming consoles.

As an ad-supported streaming option backed by a major studio, Crackle is worth bookmarking to watch Sony movies totally free. The brief ads are manageable compared to competitors.

Highlights:

• Free movies from Sony’s major studio catalog
• Good selection of Sony theatrical films
• Ad-supported streaming
• Available in 21 countries
• Apps for most devices

22. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel doesn’t require any Roku devices to watch and is available more broadly as an app and website. It provides free ad-supported movies from major studios like Lionsgate, MGM, and Paramount.

There’s a “Featured Free” section showcasing the quality movies available. Genres like Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy, Family, Horror, and others make locating movies easy. You’ll find films like The Ides of March, Donnie Brasco, True Grit, and more recognizable options.

While it doesn’t have the same robust library as dedicated services, The Roku Channel offers plenty of entertainment for free. Watch on iOS, Android, the web, and select smart TVs. Minimal ads support the free viewing.

Highlights:

• Free movies from Lionsgate, MGM & others
• “Featured Free” section for new additions
• Browse by genre
• Apps for mobile & web
• Minimal ads

23. Vudu Movie Extras

In addition to its rental service, Vudu offers an extensive selection of free ad-supported movies. These “Movie Extra” titles span classics, comedy, family, western, romance, sci-fi, horror and more genres.

Because Vudu is owned by Walmart, the ads presented are mainly just promotions for Walmart services. You’ll get a few brief commercials before your movie plays.

The free with ads section has movies like Apocalypse Now, Teen Wolf, The Running Man, Scent of a Woman, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Clerks, and other hits. Video maxes out at 1080p HDX quality.

You can watch Vudu’s free movies on the web, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android and other supported devices. Sign up for a free Vudu account and browse the Movie Extra selection for plenty of free viewing options.

Highlights:

• “Movie Extras” ad-supported section
• Big catalog of free films with ads
• Walmart-owned so ads are brief
• Max 1080p HDX video quality
• Apps for many devices

24. Shout Factory TV

Shout Factory TV offers an extensive library of cult classic sci-fi and horror movies, vintage TV shows, original content and comedy specials for free ad-supported streaming.

You’ll find titles like Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax, Red Shoe Diaries, Dark Shadows, Rat Patrol, The Carol Burnett Show, Dennis The Menace, Transformers, and other beloved shows and obscure films. Genre-specific channels make it easy to browse.

Being ad-supported, you can expect commercials and limited interruptions as you watch. But the sheer variety of hard-to-find entertainment makes it easy to put up with the ads. No registration is required to start watching.

Shout! Factory TV is available on the web, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Videos max out at 1080p HD quality where available. Discover lots of hidden gems here.

Highlights:

• Cult movies and retro TV shows
• Comedy specials and original content
• Ad-supported free streaming
• No signup required
• Web, mobile and TV apps
• Extensive gems-filled library

25. Pluto TV Movies

In addition to its live streaming channels, Pluto TV has a free on-demand “Movies” section filled with films to watch whenever you want. These are supported by ads but 100% free.

Genres include Action, Classics, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Horror, Indie, Thriller, Romance, Sci-Fi, and Anime. The library spans cult classics, big franchises, award winners, B-movies, and other quirky picks. Pluto acquires movies from major studios like MGM, Lionsgate and Paramount.

The ads on Pluto TV only come in the form of short commercial breaks. They don’t disrupt the overall viewing experience. Video quality tops out at 480p SD, but looks decent on smaller screens.

Combined with the live channels and other on-demand content, the movie selection gives Pluto TV an extremely robust free library whether you want to watch live or on-demand.

Highlights:

• Free on-demand movies from major studios
• Many genres covered
• Short ad breaks only
• Part of Pluto TV’s broader offerings
• Standard 480p definition

26. Yahoo View

Yahoo View offers a selection of TV shows and movies to stream for free in your web browser. Just visit the Yahoo View website and start watching without needing an account.

Keep in mind that the library here is limited compared to dedicated streaming platforms. But you can find some classic shows and anime like Cowboy Bebop, Adventure Time, South Park, Saturday Night Live, and others.

Interruption comes in the form of occasional brief ads. Video maxes out at 480p SD quality. But for the ability to instantly start watching free and legal shows, it’s worth keeping Yahoo View bookmarked.

Yahoo obtains streaming rights for the content, so everything is legit and above board. It’s also backed by Verizon which acquired Yahoo. The downside is there’s no ability to watch on TV platforms, mobile apps or cast to your TV – computer streaming only.

For quick, no hassle free streaming in your desktop browser, Yahoo View hits the spot. Just set your expectations accordingly in terms of library size and video quality.

Highlights:

• Select free shows and movies
• No account creation necessary
• Legal ad-supported streaming
• 480p SD video quality
• Web browser streaming only

27. Tubi TV

With over 20,000 movies and shows available for free streaming, Tubi TV boasts one of the largest libraries of any free service. The content comes directly from studios like MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate.

Tubi TV streams via your mobile device web browser or dedicated apps on platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs and more. You don’t need an account to start watching free movies instantly.

The service keeps the ads non-intrusive with just a few short commercials before your selected movie starts playing. Well worth it for such an extensive catalog of stellar Hollywood entertainment options from major studios.

If you want one of the biggest free libraries from an established legal streaming provider, Tubi TV should be on your radar. There’s a never-ending amount of movies at your fingertips.

Highlights:

• Movie library of over 20,000 titles
• Content direct from major studios
• Stream via web browser or apps
• No account required
• Brief ad experience

28. Popcornflix

An ad-supported streaming site, Popcornflix plays host to hundreds of B movies, cult classics, indie films, obscure foreign flicks and other harder-to-find titles. It won’t have many new mainstream hits.

But if your tastes veer into the experimental and eclectic side of cinema, Popcornflix can keep you entertained for hours. The site also produces original web series and curates content around events like “Black History Month” for discovering new gems.

You can watch Popcornflix ad-free on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox and other platforms. The ads come in the form of commercials and promos before your content plays. Video quality depends on internet speed.

While it lacks recognizable new movies, Popcornflix outshines competitors in the realm of forgotten classics, festival award winners and hidden indie oddities. Great pick for cinephiles.

Highlights:

• Extensive indie, arthouse and cult films
• Web series and curated collections
• 100% free and legal
• Apps for many devices
• Ads don’t interrupt viewing

29. SnagFilms

If documentaries are your jam, SnagFilms hosts thousands of free ones spanning every category imaginable. From true crime and history to food, music, nature, biography, travel, science, and more — it’s all here free with ads.

Titles come from independent filmmakers and studios like National Geographic so there’s tons of variety. Just browse by category or use search to find the documentary subjects that intrigue you. Streaming requires Flash or the ShoutTV app.

While the selection focuses on docs, SnagFilms also has a handful of narrative indie films and comedy specials. New titles are added weekly. Video quality depends on your internet speeds.

For documentary lovers not keen to pay for streaming services, SnagFilms provides an endless well of ad-supported, free educational and informational films to satisfy your curiosity.

Highlights:

• Thousands of free documentary films
• Every category and subject imaginable
• Indie films and comedy specials too
• New docs added weekly
• 100% free and legal

30. Vimeo On Demand

In addition to its core paid service focused on indie films and series, Vimeo offers a selection of free movies supported by ads through their On Demand section. You can browse all titles and filter by price low to high to uncover the freebies.

The selection spotlights indie gems, festival winners, animated shorts, documentaries and other artful films from respected creators. Genres span comedy, drama, horror, sci-fi, thrillers, LGBTQ movies, films focused on issues, and more. Nothing mainstream.

Because Vimeo reviewers vet all submissions to maintain quality, you can be sure that the free movies meet a higher standard conceptually and production-wise. The only downside is having to make a free Vimeo account to watch.

Highlights:

• Curated selection of free indie films and shorts
• Filter by price to see free options
• Respectable quality and art films
• Free Vimeo account required

31. Retrovision

A web-based free streaming site, Retrovision offers hundreds of classic movies dating back to the 1900s. These are all now in the public domain. Genres span adventure, comedy, crime, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, sci-fi, war and westerns.

You’ll find silent films, Film Noir classics, and other beloved retro movies from Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Humphrey Bogart, Vincent Price, Audrey Hepburn, and other legends. The video quality varies but remains watchable.

With no registration needed and unobtrusive ads, Retrovision makes discovering early pioneering cinema easy. It’s a perfectly legal and free way to expand your horizons and watch iconic vintage films.

Highlights:

• Curated classic films now in public domain
• Movies from the 1900s through 1960s included
• Genre variety with both silent films and talkies
• Legally free old Hollywood movies
• Web-only streaming

32. VEGFLIX

VEGFLIX is a free ad-supported streaming platform focused entirely on vegetarian, vegan and plant-based documentaries and short films. The niche focus gives vegans a dedicated space to discover new films.

In addition to health and food docs, you’ll find animal rights movies, eco films, cruelty-free lifestyle titles, and more. Film festival award winners are included. Everything aligns with values like sustainability, mindfulness, compassion, and environmentalism.

To watch, you simply make a free account and can start streaming. Ads play before films and feature vegan products relevant to the audience. With new films frequently added, it’s worth bookmarking if these topics interest you.

Highlights:

• Only vegan-themed movies and docs
• Environmental and cruelty-free titles
• Free account required
• New indie films frequently added
• Targeted ads match audience

33. Distractify

Best known for their entertainment/news articles, Distractify also hosts an entire channel of quirky free movies supported by ads. Most are zany obscure public domain B-movies.

You’ll find weird lost classics like Perversion for Profit, The Birth Control Story, The Black Cat, Carnival of Souls, and many more oddball picks you likely won’t find elsewhere. The videos themselves even poke fun at these absurd forgotten films.

This certainly isn’t a service for mainstream blockbuster fans. But lovers of terrible B-movie guilty pleasures will find Distractify’s selection top-notch when you crave something hilariously bad. It’s 100% free and legal.

Highlights:

• Obscure terrible B-movies
• Zany cult classics and lost gems
• Watch free with ads
• Legal for all
• Hilarious if you love cheesy films

34. Cineloops

A site for fans of short films, Cineloops provides thousands of festival-featured international indie shorts spanning genres like comedy, drama, sci-fi and animation. Everything is completely free with ads.

You can filter between new releases, popular shorts, animation, documentaries, retro picks, and compilations. All content comes directly from indie creators looking to get their work seen. Video playback requires Flash.

While major platforms focus on feature-length films, Cineloops satisfies quick cravings for artistic shorts you won’t find mainstream. The varied global selection spotlights rising talent. Create a free account to start watching.

Highlights:

• Indie international short films
• Animation, comedy, drama and more
• Film festival award winners included
• Free account required
• Discover talent before they go big

35. MoviesFoundOnline

As the name suggests, MoviesFoundOnline provides just that — hundreds of free movies you can just start watching instantly in your browser. The site hosts both classics and newer obscure international picks.

Genres span action, comedy, crime, cult cinema, drama, horror, sci-fi, war, westerns, and more so there’s good variety. You’ll deal with some obtrusive ads, but can otherwise jump right into free viewing without an account.

Video quality and selection range widely, from old grainy prints to crystal clear modern digital prints. Expect some dead links. But the huge library means you skip one, you can just click another free movie to start watching instead. Well worth it.

Highlights:

• Massive selection of obscure free movies
• Broad range of genres covered
• No registration required
• Classic films included
• Basic quality varies widely

36. YouTube Movies

In addition to all the user-generated content, YouTube also has hundreds of free movies available. Major studios like Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate have uploaded older films to YouTube.

These free movies are all official uploads in collaboration with the studios, making them 100% legal to watch. You can find cult classics, 80s hits, B-movies, Westerns, Film Noir, martial arts mayhem, Bollywood films and more.

Downsides are that you’ll hit mid-roll ads just like regular YouTube videos. And you often need to dig through tons of user uploads to find the legit free movies. Quality varies. But with studio backing, the free movies make for a nice free bonus find on YouTube.

Highlights:

• Legit free movies from major studios
• Broad range of genres and eras
• Mid-roll ads like YouTube videos
• Movie quality varies greatly
• Completely free and legal

37. Maverick Movies

A YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers, Maverick Movies curates links to free-to-watch full movies from across the web. Links direct you to free, legit movies on other streaming sites and YouTube.

Genres span comedy, drama, action, cult, classic, thriller, sci-fi, family/kids, horror, romance, and westerns. The movies come from studios like Paramount, MGM, and Sony Pictures.

While Maverick Movies is just an aggregator, the handy curation of real people makes it easier than combing through YouTube yourself. Just click video links to watch movies free on legit platforms. Quality varies. But it’s a helpful roadmap to free entertainment.

Highlights:

• Links to free movies aggregated on YouTube
• Individual picks curated by real people
• Good variety of genres and old/new movies
• Totally free options from legit platforms
• Quality depends on source movie link

38. Reddit Movie Streams

There are Subreddits dedicated to indexing free movie streams as they pop up across the web. While not a streaming service itself, Reddit is worth monitoring to catch free films.

Subreddits like r/fullmoviesonAnything and r/fullmoviesonvesves allow users to share Vimeo, Dailymotion, YouTube and other links to free movies as they get uploaded. Streaming availability comes and goes quickly.

You of course need to be cautious clicking any sketchy links. But by paying attention to source domains and comments, Reddit can deliver occasional free movie gems not available elsewhere. Set your expectations accordingly as the library is ever-changing.

Highlights:

• Subreddits index free movie links
• Sources include Vimeo, YouTube, Dailymotion
• Streaming availability changes constantly
• Use caution clicking unknown links

39. OVGuide Movies

A streaming directory, OVGuide Movie section contains links to thousands of free movies available across various streaming services, platforms, and websites.

OVGuide compiles and indexes these free movie links in one place as a useful directory. You click any movie link to go directly to the site to start watching for free. Having these all aggregated on one page makes locating free films much easier.

Sources linked include Tubi, Crackle, PopcornFlix, YouTube, Reddit, Yahoo View, Roku, Distractify and other free streaming platforms. Some broken links are inevitable given shifting availability. But it’s an excellent jumping-off point.

Highlights:

• Links to free movies across many platforms
• Handy movie directory all in one place
• Clicking link sends you directly to stream
• Saves you hunting across sites separately

40. Free Classic Movies YouTube Channels

There are a number of great YouTube channels offering hundreds of classic movies in the public domain for free viewing. Channels like “Classic Cinema,” “Public Domain Movies,” and “Vintage cinema” host lengthy libraries of curated classic films.

Movie selection focuses on vintage cinema like Film Noir, Westerns, Horror, Sci-Fi, Romance, Comedy, War, Mystery, and Adventure. You’ll find Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne, Gregory Peck, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles classics and more.

The term “public domain” in the channel name indicates that the movies can be streamed free and legally. These channels offer the ultimate in free classics. Just be prepared for grainy visual quality given the age of some titles.

Highlights:

• YouTube channels for public domain classics
• Tons of vintage movies from early eras
• Search for “public domain” in channel titles
• Legal and free black and white cinema
• Quality reflects age of movie prints

Using a VPN to Access More Free Movies

As you can see, the selection of completely free streaming sites for enjoying TV shows and movies legally continues to expand. However, there can still be limitations like:

• Geographic restrictions that block you from accessing a streaming site based on your location.
• Library limitations where a streaming site only offers some content for free vs their full catalog of films.

This is where using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy as a tool to unlock more free films. Here’s a quick guide to using a VPN with free streaming sites:

Choose a paid VPN with high-speed servers in countries like the US, UK, Canada, etc. Avoid free VPNs. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are recommended.

Download the VPN app and connect to a server in a major country like the United States. This will assign you an IP address from that location.

Visit a streaming site like Sony Crackle and you’ll now be able to view the movie library available in that country you connected to with the VPN. The site thinks you’re accessing from that country.

If a streaming service isn’t available at all in your country, a VPN allows you to bypass that geographic blockade and stream movies anyhow.

The key things a VPN enables are:

• Access streaming sites blocked where you live
• View the full movie libraries available internationally on sites
• Added privacy and security when streaming

Just be sure to use trusted paid VPN providers. Free VPNs often have privacy issues or won’t reliably unblock websites.

Safety Tips for Streaming Free Movies Online

While most top free streaming platforms are perfectly legal and legitimate, it never hurts to take precautions for your privacy, security and peace of mind when streaming. Here are handy quick tips:

• Always opt for well-established streaming sites over unknown sketchy platforms. Unheard of sites with movie mega libraries seem too good to be true…and often are.
• Use an antivirus program and make sure it’s updated. This provides protection in case any site tries throwing malware your way. Norton 360 Deluxe and McAfee Total Protection are top choices.
• Enable a firewall through your antivirus software for even more security. Firewalls prevent unwanted connections.
• Install an ad blocker like uBlock Origin to block invasive ads. Ads can contain offensive or malicious content. Blockers nip this.
• Never download any unknown files, applications or browser plugins that pop up. Only download from official sites you trust.
• Use a paid VPN for anonymity and encryption. For optimal security, choose providers like ExpressVPN with RAM-only servers, proven no-logging policies, and AES 256-bit encryption.

Stay vigilant and you can safely stream all the free entertainment your heart desires!

The Bottom Line on Free Movie Streaming Sites

With the range of completely legit free movie streaming sites available in 2023, paying for entertainment is now optional. Services like Tubi, Sony Crackle, Pluto TV, IMDb TV, The Roku Channel and others offer genuine Hollywood films and TV shows with limited commercial interruptions.

The selections only continue improving as studios license more titles for ad-supported streaming. Video quality at 720p HD meets the needs of casual laptop/TV viewing. Andfallback paid rental options get you new releases.

Just be selective in choosing trusted platforms with minimal ads over shady unknown free sites to avoid headaches. And don’t hesitate to use a VPN for extra privacy, enhanced security and bypassing geographic restrictions.

Then you can kick back and immerse yourself in an unlimited world of free movies, TV shows, cult classics, documentaries and more on-demand. Never pay for pricey cable channels again. Ditch the theater. Why spend when you can now stream studio-quality entertainment 100% free?

The world of free entertainment awaits. Time to start watching!