As convenient as today’s grand selection of paid streaming services is, sometimes it feels good to watch a movie knowing that it’s 100% free. Luckily, there is an array of websites and services that make this possible, even with the existence of their fierce competitors. While they are less sought-after or convenience incentivized than services like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max, they are perfect for those penny-pinching movie viewers looking to save. Since there are so many paid streaming services, for many–if not all–of the sites on this list, advertisements are an obvious obligation.
Since there are so many options that come up from a simple search, this list will be a guide for the sites that tend to be a bit less risky than some alternative options. There are plenty of sites available that are illegal in multiple provinces and countries, it should be noted that the websites on this list are all legal in the way that the streaming rights were acquired.
The Roku Channel
One of the few on this list that has its own original content, The Roku Channel is a unique option for the casual viewer. With no need to sign up or register, it’s easy to start streaming one of the many titles available. While it is one of the favored free sites to stream, the quality of content is somewhat limited, making it a good option to catch an arthouse film you may have missed. And if you’ve been wanting to watch the Weird Al movie, this is the only place you can.
Pluto TV
With a surprisingly impressive interface, Pluto TV acts almost as an interactive TV Guide of movies and TV shows. With multiple options for the layout, anyone who visits this site–no registration required–will have access to a fairly large catalog of movies. While there are no popup or banner ads, there are still ads that may interrupt in the middle of a scene or dialogue.
Plex
A site with a higher standard of big movies available for free, Plex is a good choice for the money-saving cinephile. After a quick sign-in through Google, Facebook, or Apple, a viewer can watch many popular movies with the cast, internet ratings, and reviews from mainstream sites right there in the film summary section. On top of that, Plex is available to stream through the app on an extremely wide array of devices.
YouTube
For those skeptical about the safety of various unknown websites, a well-known and overall trusted source of free movies is YouTube. While all of the movies contain a higher frequency of ads than other sites, the amount of mainstream options available here is worth the look. Since it’s a familiar layout for most, navigating the site shouldn’t cause any holdups.
Tubi
Another of the sites on this list growing in popularity, Tubi rivals the best when it comes to layout and movie selection. While it resembles Netflix in look and interface, Tubi is one of the few options here that are only available in some countries: the U.S. included. It’s also got some nostalgic classics that might interest the millennial crowd.
Crackle
While Crackle carries a lot of generally unknown sequels or continuations of movie series, the sheer amount of content is enough to justify a visit. Regarding safety, this site is among the more easily trustworthy sites, as Sony is held to a much higher standard than your everyday streaming site. Along with these other pros, the ads are actually a bit lower in frequency and annoyance than the other sites.
Vudu
Taking on more of an Amazon feel, Vudu has options for purchasable, rentable, on-sale, or free movies. While there are not multitudes of ideal options for movies free to watch, it still remains another good option if you’re looking for a very particular movie. As a huge bonus, the ads for this website are quite minimal in comparison to other sites mentioned.
Freevee (fka IMDB TV)
A sub-site of Amazon (formerly IMDB), Freevee has transitioned to an app-only format that requires an Amazon sign-in. Obviously available through Amazon Prime, free movies from Freevee can also be streamed via Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Echo Show, and more. While the library is not as expansive as some, users can feel a sense of comfort streaming through a website they may already be subscribed to: Amazon.
XUMO Play
Another site where streaming live TV is an option, XUMO Play has some pretty great movie options that arguably rival the other services, depending on what a viewer is looking for. With specialized lists of movies and vast device compatibility, this is an underrated underdog of a streaming site.
Kanopy
Quite unique to this list, registration is required but the criteria needed for registration are a bit strange. In order to sign up for this ad-free, simultaneously streaming website, one needs to have either a public library card or a university login. The options are better than most for movies after registration, all of which can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phone, tablet, or online. Kanopy is a great way to get free movies without ads.
