movie websites list

30+ Best Streaming Sites for Free Movies/TV Shows (Nov. 2024)

This page lists the best Free Online Streaming Sites to watch movies and TV shows that you can view from the comfort of your own home.

Choosing a website to watch HD media may be a daunting task since there are literally thousands of different options available. However, we did the hard work for you and narrowed it down to a few select choices that we know work great for online streaming.

Besides Films and Series, these free streaming websites also provide access to Documentaries, Anime, and sometimes even live channels.

Our reviews team has ranked them based on content library, safety, stream quality, user interface, ads, overall popularity, and user feedback from forums like the TROYPOINT Insider .

Unlike other sources that list top free movie websites, we have thoroughly tested each to ensure that they are functioning properly and come with full libraries of media to access on your favorite device.

Our choices have been sorted into two different categories – Official & Unofficial Sites with varying options for each.

Official websites are platforms you have probably heard of or used in the past. Oftentimes, these have corresponding applications that can be downloaded on devices such as the Amazon Firestick, Roku, and Google/Android TV Boxes.

Legal Disclaimer: TROYPOINT does not develop, operate, host, distribute, or administer any streaming application, add-on, website, or service. Furthermore, we cannot determine the legality of any streaming platform reviewed on this website. TROYPOINT specializes in educational tech reviews, tutorials, and news which is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The end-user is solely responsible for media accessed and TROYPOINT assumes that all visitors are abiding by copyright laws set forth within their jurisdiction. Users should only stream works not protected by copyright when using unverified streaming solutions.

Unofficial websites, on the other hand, cannot be verified and may contain copyrighted material without the proper licensing. Make sure you are only accessing titles in the public domain if you choose to use one of these and proceed with caution as many are riddled with malicious files/spyware. You have been warned!

HOW TO REMOVE ADS: The most important item to consider when using unofficial movie streaming sites is the constant ads that users must close out of before accessing media.

The biggest tip we can give when using these is to use the CleanWeb Feature from Surfshark VPN that blocks ads, popups, and malware so you can enjoy streaming without being barraged.

Using Surfshark VPN will make you completely anonymous online while streaming from these websites and protect you from malicious files, data theft, and any potential onlookers.

Because most users who access these free movie websites cast them to their preferred media device, we tested out all options to determine the ones that cast well and function properly on mobile phones/tablets, etc.

Continue reading for the best Free Movie Websites to stream all your favorites. We keep this guide updated so you don’t have to search through numerous lists to find a working option.

Table of Contents

4. Fandango At Home

5. pluto tv, 7. xumo play, 8. the roku channel, 9. sling tv freestream, 1. solarmovie, 2. vexmovies, 3. projectfreetv, 4. 123movies, 5. 123chill, 8. yesmovies, 9. moviesjoy, 12. watchseries, 13. lookmovie, 14. gomovies, 15. azmovies, 16. yomovies, 17. losmovies, 18. europixhd, 19. tinyzone, 20. andyday, are free streaming sites legal, are these websites safe to use, wrapping up, best streaming websites for free movies & tv shows – official sites.

Tubi is best known as an application for viewing free Movies, Shows, and Live content. However, the official Tubi website also features the same content for viewing these favorites in a web-based form.

Tubi has grown in popularity and continues to be a leading website for all users with tons of high-quality films and more to choose from. There is no sign-up required which means it only takes one click to stream Movies, TV Shows, and more.

Their library continues to grow on a daily basis and even includes Spanish content and a special “Tubi Kids” website that is built for the whole family. When it comes to watching free movies and series online, it doesn’t get any better than Tubi and that is why they top our list.

Tubi App Installation Guide

TubiTV Free Movie Site

Plex is a wildly popular movie and show platform best known for its Media Server that allows users to view, share, and store content in one location. However, it has recently transitioned into the streaming world with a huge library of Movies, Shows, and even Live options.

The Plex TV Website has grown drastically in just a short amount of time to include additions such as rental capabilities and even access to your favorite music choices.

Currently, there are over 50,000 titles as well as over 600+ live channels that will all play entirely buffer-free. There are various categories to choose from including binge-worthy shows, Plex Picks, Most Popular, Documentaries, Recently Added, and more.

Users can sign up for a free Plex account as well as install the Plex application on any device including Firestick, Android TV & Google TV. View our guide below for more details on Plex.

Plex Media Server Setup Guide

Plex.tv Official Streaming Site

This was once one of the most popular movie streaming sites available, however, it has undergone some recent changes that lowered its ranking on our list.

The Parent Company for Crackle, Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul Entertainment, has filed for bankruptcy which means their library of apps and websites are no longer receiving development.

However, we have found that the official site for Crackle is still functioning, with media playing buffer-free and only a few ads to navigate through. If this changes, we will let you know!

Crackle Free Movie Site

Vudu used was one of the most well-known Movie platforms before its rebrand to “Fandango At Home.” Besides the standalone app that many use to view Movies and Shows, you can also find streams on the official website.

While it is mostly known for paid content, it is also filled with tons of high-quality films and series available absolutely free. Best of all, because this is a verified service, we know that they will play in high definition and with absolutely no buffering whatsoever.

Fandango At Home has a dedicated Free page that is filled with Movies and Series available at no cost. It is important to note that these do have ads, however, this is what helps keep them free. If you are looking for a safe, secure site to stream movies online, this site is worth trying.

Fandango At Home Official

Better known for its free IPTV solutions , Pluto TV is also a great host for those looking to stream free movies and TV shows online. Similar to their live channel offerings, the VOD library (Video-on-Demand) is sorted by categories to easily find what you are looking for.

One of the best features of Pluto is the extremely simple interface that makes browsing for your preferred content a breeze. The biggest downfall is that it is nearly impossible to remove playback on the home screen as a Movie/Show is continually playing without the option to close out of it.

If you prefer, you can register for a Pluto account that provides added benefits including a Favorites manager and content sync. If you would prefer to use the application, make sure to check out our resource tutorial below.

Pluto App Installation Guide

Official Pluto.tv Website

YouTube is undoubtedly the most popular video platform in the world today with millions of options for viewing. While many don’t consider YouTube an option for viewing free movies online, that is exactly what it is with thousands of titles available.

Users will experience ads when watching these, however, there is absolutely no buffering whatsoever on the official YouTube website. The platform is constantly acquiring new films as well as TV Shows so check frequently as the library is ever-evolving!

Best of all, those who prefer to use a media device to view content can easily install the YouTube app on Firestick, Android Box, Google TV, and more.

How to Install Ad-Free YouTube

Youtube.com

XUMO Play is the rebranded version of “XUMO TV” that provides hundreds of free movies, TV shows, and even live channels. With more than 1,000 movies, viewers can enjoy unlimited entertainment.

Notable categories provided by XUMO Play include Xumo Originals, Xumo Exclusives, Recommended for You, Comedy, Editor’s Picks, Halfway to Halloween, Recently Added, Action, and Most Popular. There is even seasonal categories such as “Holiday Hub” for those in the spirit. No need to input any login credentials as there is no sign in options available.

While other free movie websites are available across the world, currently Xumo is only available in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. View our article below for more details on XUMO Play.

How to Install XUMO App

Xumo Play Free Streaming Site

The Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported website that offers an impressive library of movies and TV shows. Even if you don’t own a Roku device, you can access The Roku Channel website using any web browser.

The interface of The Roku Channel is user-friendly and there is no sign up required to start watching films. In addition to on-demand content, you will find over 100 live channels available for streaming on this platform.

Users are also given access to Roku Originals as well as content via “premium subscriptions” such as AMC+, Hallmark+, FOX Nation, and other paid packages so you never have to open another site or app. Give this one a try!

Official Roku Channel Site

Many are unaware that Sling TV offers a “Freestream” option that includes hundreds of free movies, series, and more. Their slogan is “Always Free TV,” as this is an ad-supported service that requires no registration to use.

Sling TV Freestream is an excellent option for those not wanting to spend the money on Sling TV or other streaming services. You can access Freestream on a web browser or through the Sling application on any streaming device.

For more information on the Sling service, you can view our detailed review below.

Sling TV Review

Sling FreeStream

Kanopy is quite different from most of the other choices provided here. That is because these titles are made available from your local public library or university via their catalog of on demand media.

This includes both TV Series and Films, as well as educational videos, documentaries, and much more that are all available for free with a subscription account. While it is free to sign up, users must do so with their library card and or with student/professor credentials.

The biggest plus of Kanopy is that all media is ad-free and this includes Classic Films, Foreign Movies, Award Winning Features, and much more. If you are a student or just an individual with a library card, make sure to take advantage and sign up for Kanopy today!

Kanopy Free Movie Site

Best Free Movie/TV Show Streaming Websites – Unofficial Sites

These “unofficial” sites cannot be verified and therefore it is important to use them with caution. We have ranked these based on their libraries of content, overall ad annoyance, and HD link options.

As noted earlier, the best way to access these sites is by casting to your streaming device! If you don’t know how to do this, check out our respective guides below.

How to Cast to Firestick

Screen Mirror Roku Devices

Without further ado, here are the Best “Unofficial” Free Movie Websites for streaming HD films, shows, and more.

SolarMovie is one of the best free movie sites of all time that continues to provide users with a massive library of content. There are a plethora of both Movies and TV Shows in high-definition quality with minimal ads.

Similar to other choices on this list, SolarMovie provides a summary of each Movie and TV Show as well as a user rating to help narrow down your search.

Films are sorted by category including Action, Mystery, Thriller, Comedy, Crime, Drama, and more as well as various countries such as the UK, USA, India, and Korea.

There is both new and old options available with numerous servers to choose from in case the first option does not work. You can even use the “Turn off light” feature to dim your screen and make it an immersive viewing experience on any device you prefer.

SolarMovie Streaming Site

VexMovies is a high level name that has worked its way to the top of our list of choices. This one works especially well when casting to a Firestick or Google Box and even displays “featured” options at the top of the screen.

Users can toggle various languages so no matter where you are located, you can watch your favorites with or without subtitles in high definition!

Watch out for ads unless you are using CleanWeb as these are fairly prevalent on every page including the haome page and when browsing the search icon or different categories.

Visit VexMovies

Another online movie site that is focused on television series, Project Free TV has fewer ads than most and is much more simplified than what many are used to. Each selection has different sources and links to choose from so you can always get free playback on your device.

Long-time cord-cutters may recognize Project Free TV as it has been around for several years. However, it appears that the developers are continually working on it with new updates and advanced navigation options. This one is continuing to climb to the top of the rankings so make sure to give it a try if you are in the market for a free Movie or Show streaming website.

Visit Project Free TV

Those who have used free movie websites in the past have likely come across 123Movies at some point. The home screen of 123Movies is easy to navigate with tons of popular options to choose from categorized by various genres.

After making your selection, there are tons of related titles that display as well as the IMDb score, trailer, and a brief synopsis. Those looking to view Shows are also in luck as 123Movies features tons of Series that play in high definition with little to no buffering.

There are various country options to help filter your choices including the UK, Switzerland, the United States, Finland, and Italy.

Official 123Movies Website

123Chill is a new streaming website offering thousands of TV shows and movies across various genres and countries. The service features a well-organized interface that categorizes content by genre, country, popularity, and ratings.

Users can access high-definition streaming without any subscription or registration requirements. However, 123Chill has two notable drawbacks: it doesn’t allow users to download content for offline viewing, and the site frequently displays ad pop-ups and redirects.

Despite these inconveniences, 123Chill remains an attractive option for those seeking free, diverse streaming content.

Visit 123chill

Using 1HD is easy and enjoyable for those who prefer categories to find the media they want. While the search bar works perfectly, many like the “Latest” and “Top Rated” rankings that are full of quality selections.

Popups are kept to a minimum and you don’t have to choose between different links to find the movie/show you want! Those who want to cast to their televisions can easily do so as there is a cast button available for every film.

Don’t skip on 1HD if you are searching for an updated outlet to stream Movies & Shows no matter the device you are using.

1HD Online Movie Website

Cineb is a popular free movie site that features a massive library of content with a simple interface to browse your selections. All content plays in high-definition including 1080p and is categorized by Year. This includes TV Shows which is one of the reasons this site is at the top of our list.

One of the best features Cineb provides is the built-in rating system that displays when hovering over the Movie or Show of your choice. After making a content selection, users are provided with a brief synopsis as well as related/suggested films so you are never short on viewing options.

Cineb Official Site

Another popular movie site that has been around for numerous years is YesMovies. This site has stood the test of time and continues to provide users with high-quality content including Movies, TV Shows, and more.

It features a sleek user interface with various categories to choose from including Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Thriller, Sci-Fi, and more. After making a content selection, you are greeted with a brief synopsis as well as a full cast breakdown and recommended titles.

If you wish to preview the film beforehand, there is also an option to view the trailer which is not always available with these free streaming websites. Best of all, there are typically numerous server options to choose from so if the first link doesn’t work, you have backup options.

Visit Yesmovies Movie Website

MoviesJoy is extremely popular for watching tons of content both new and old including Movies, Shows, Documentaries, and more. Content is constantly being added to the library so there is never a shortage of viewing options and most will play in high definition.

It tops our list for numerous reasons including the built-in favorites manager and category options including various Genres and Countries.

It is important to note that various ads display on the home screen as well as after making a content selection, however, we can easily remove these with the CleanWeb feature. Unlike others listed, MovieJoy has Sign-In capabilities for personalized viewing on any device you prefer.

MoviesJoy Free Online Streaming Site

Vumoo is another excellent media platform for watching TV Shows online. This site makes our list due to user-interface, content selection, less ad frequency, and playback.

You will notice the interface of Vumoo looks fairly similar to that of the Netflix website.

Visit Vumoo Official

Yet another popular Website that has been around for many years, SFlix continues to provide users with great online content. This includes both Movies and TV Shows that are sorted into categories including Top Options and Trending.

Similar to other popular choices, Users can create a free account with SFlix for added benefits not available to guests. It is easy to filter content with the Browsing tab that sorts Movies and Shows by Genre and Country. Best of all, most Movies and Shows have 2 server options so you are never without a working stream.

Sflix Official Streaming Site

WatchSeries is another quality streaming site that allows users to watch the latest TV Shows online for free. It brands itself as the “ultimate destination for TV Show entertainment” and lives up to the name with a complete library of series to choose from.

Users can sort through provided Genres which include additions such as Asian Drama and even links to Gogoanime for those interested. Many also enjoy the TV Schedule that is updated daily with the latest aired episodes and numerous link options.

Watchserie.online

A newer viewing option that has become well-known in recent years is Look Movie which is a simplistic, easy-to-use website for Movies and much more. It features a minimalistic user interface with various categories to choose from including Action, Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Animation, and Sci-Fi.

Users are prompted to upgrade to the premium version of Look Movie which does not involve any wait time for viewing and claims to be ad-free. However, the free version also works fabulously on any device and plays content in high definition including 1080p with hardly any buffering.

It is important to note that after making a content selection you may have to wait for the link to populate but after the delay, it should play without any issues.

lookmovie.onl

Gomovies is a fabulous site for streaming free movies online that plays content extremely fast with no buffering. Users will encounter a large amount of popup ads, however, these can be removed with the Surfhsark CleanWeb feature.

There are tons of Movies and TV Shows in high definition including both 720p and 1080p. You can filter choices by categories such as Genre or Country and there is even an area for membership login.

It is unclear what benefits this provides, however, if you do decide to register for membership, make sure to use an anonymous email address . Choosing content is extremely easy and most titles have numerous servers to choose from to ensure you find a working link.

GoMovies Free Movie Website

AZMovies is a well-put-together website serving up high-quality Movies with a simple user interface. One of the ways it sets itself apart from other options is the top lists that include Top movies, New Movies, and Just Added content.

On the home screen, there are fewer advertisements than on many other movie websites which makes using it extremely simple. After making a selection, there are options to view the trailer, complete cast, IMDb ratings, genre, and more.

AZMovies would likely be higher on this list, however, the website currently does not have any TV Show options and is solely focused on Movies.

AZMovies Official Site

If you are in the market for Bollywood content, YoMovies is the place for you. It is built for Bollywood fans as well as Movie fans in general with a massive library of Films, Shows, and much more.

Users can sort through various Web-Series, Dual Audio Movies, Bollywood Movies, Hot Series, Hollywood Movies, and English Series. This makes YoMovies a one-stop-shop for all your needs no matter your location.

Ads are not as intrusive on this site and there are additional features including a Favorites tab as well as downloading capabilities. And as you will see below, the VirusTotal scan shows that the official YoMovies site is completely clean.

Official YOMovies Site

A newer online movie website, LosMovies stays updated with tons of high-quality choices for both Movies and Shows. Content plays extremely fast with numerous server options to choose from for viewing on any device you prefer.

One of the best features LosMovies provides is the Top 9 Category that stays updated with popular options for that day, week, and month. There are various pop-ups that you will likely encounter, however, these can easily be removed with the CleanWeb feature from Surfshark.

Those interested in joining the discussion can view and comment on content as well as use the built-in ranking system to give your opinion. It is also important to note that as of this writing, there are no malicious files associated with the LosMovies website so you can have peace of mind when watching.

LosMovies – Online Movie Streaming Site

EuropixHD has become a fairly popular destination when it comes to watching TV Shows and Movies online.

Like the others towards the bottom of this list, the ads can get annoying, but the amount of content within EuropixHD is impressive.

europixhd-official.com

TinyZone is a free option for TV Shows and Movies that we came across, and we were impressed enough to include in our list. This is mainly beacuase there are not as many advertisements you have to close out of before launching playback.

This website includes a great interface, quality video links, subtitle integration, and 250,000+ content options to choose from. Best of all, you can sort by Country or Genre to help filter your list options and get streaming faster.

TinyZone Official Site

AndyDay is a high functioning outlet to stream shows and movies. While the website is the best way to get access to their library of media, they also advertise an application for Android/Android TV which links to the OnStream APK .

When using the “Full Site”, the search icon is the best way to find link sources which include CAM options and even a Coming Soon category that lets you know what you can expect to see shortly.

Many are hoping for updates in the future to remove more ads and less popups but we still like what we see.

AndyDay – Free Online Movie Site

It is impossible for TROYPOINT to determine the legality of free streaming websites including the ones listed above.

Users can always access titles that are available for free in the  public domain , and that is what we recommend. Works such as this are not protected by copyright laws and may be downloaded, streamed, and shared without any legal ramifications.

We have put together a list of the best public domain movies that are 100% legal and free to stream. In conclusion, the end-user is responsible for all content accessed through unverified websites.

We do not link to unverified websites due to the fact that we don’t know whether they carry the proper licensing. Google search is your friend if you want more information regarding the sites listed above.

While many of the options listed above are official platforms that are completely safe to use, there are also numerous “unverified” websites as well.

As you will notice, most of these contain some sort of malicious or suspicious files associated with them which can be dangerous.

All sites listed above have been scanned with VirusTotal which is a virus/malware platform that identifies any unknown entities.

If you are using these websites without the help of a trusted VPN, your safety and security could be at risk. The best way to protect your sensitive information is with our #1 VPN Provider which will make you completely anonymous when visiting these sites and more.

Overall, the world of free streaming sites has come a long way over the years. There is no shortage of websites today that provide thousands of free movies and TV series.

Just make sure you understand the risks involved with unverified streaming options before using them.

Our guide is continually updated with new websites and platforms that provide free access to Movies, Shows, and more. TROYPOINT recommends using applications to view your favorites and hopefully, this article has helped convince you to do the same!

However, many prefer to opt for websites and that is likely because they are so easy to use on platforms such as mobile phones and computers that almost everyone has!

Did we miss any of your favorite free movie/TV show streaming sites? Let us know in the comments below!

This page includes affiliate links where TROYPOINT may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Many times, visitors will receive a discount due to the special arrangements made for our fans. Learn more on my Affiliate Disclaimer page.

About The Author

Related posts.

6 Best Real Debrid Alternatives for Reliable Streaming (2024)

How to Setup Premiumize on Kodi/APKs for Free Movies & Shows

Syncler+ Is Now Free for a Limited Time with Syncler Beta

Best Stream2Watch Alternatives for Viewing Live Sports (2024)

Notable replies.

Stremio #14 ???

Continue the discussion at troypointinsider.com

Participants.

HUGE SURFSHARK VPN SALE ONLY $.07 PER DAY!

How-To Geek

The 12 best free movie websites (that are legal and safe).

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Quick Links

The roku channel.

The landscape of free movie streaming sites has massively expanded in recent years, with more sites popping up all the time. If you're looking to watch free movies online, here are our picks for the best options.

It's hard to argue with the vastness of Tubi's library of free movies online, which includes everything from well-known classics and box-office hits to cult movies that sometimes are unavailable to stream anywhere else. Tubi provides an unprecedented opportunity for independent filmmakers to share their work, which means you can find a variety of micro-budget movies that otherwise might never be seen. Tubi has also branched out into original productions, although the quality of those films vary.

Since selections on free movie streaming sites change frequently, it's helpful that Tubi has dedicated sections both for movies that are newly added and movies that are leaving soon. The sheer volume of content can be a bit overwhelming, but Tubi breaks down selections by genre and into specialty collections that make the experience more manageable. The ad breaks are not excessive, and the countdown to each one makes it less jarring when the movie you're watching is interrupted.

• Huge selection of movies and TV shows
• Lesser-known films not available anywhere else
• Useful warnings about ad breaks
• Sheer volume of content can be overwhelming

Pluto TV is a pioneer in the popular free ad-supported TV (FAST) space, offering up a range of linear-style channels. That means you don't have to scroll through a library of titles if you just want to sit back and watch TV. Put on a channel devoted to a movie genre like drama or horror, or a niche interest like Godzilla movies or Hallmark, and Pluto will offer up an endless supply of programming. There are on-demand options, too, and if something on a FAST channel catches your interest, you can pause or start from the beginning.

Thanks to Pluto's Paramount Global corporate ownership, there's often premium content from Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, CBS, and Showtime cycling through the service's offerings, along with news from local CBS affiliates. The on-demand library is a little tougher to navigate than the live channels, and Pluto's interface always has some video auto-playing, which means you can change or mute the channel, but you can't turn it off while you browse.

• Wide selection of live channels
• Content from Paramount Global brands
• Large on-demand library
• Constant auto-play video

Previously known as IMDb TV, Freevee is Amazon's home for watching free movies online. That means it's fully integrated into Amazon Prime Video, so if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber searching for something to watch, you'll find Freevee offerings alongside Prime Video's library. That can be convenient because it expands the selection of what's available, but it can also be frustrating when Prime Video users click on a movie or show only to discover that it features ad breaks.

For users who aren't Amazon Prime subscribers, though, Freevee offers a convenient way to watch free movies, including some Prime Video original programming that's offered through Freevee on a limited basis. Freevee has also delved into original programming with movies like the romantic comedy Love Accidentally and series like crime drama Bosch: Legacy and Emmy-nominated reality/scripted hybrid comedy Jury Duty . With the resources of Amazon behind it, Freevee has become one of the most prominent free movie websites.

Amazon Freevee

• Integration with Amazon Prime Video
• Large selection of content
• Original programming including popular titles
• Can be confusing to distinguish from Prime Video selections

Hoopla is one of two major free movie websites available to anyone with a library card from many libraries across the country. Depending on the individual library's policies, cardholders can stream a limited number of free movies online every month, without subscription fees or ads. Hoopla's film library includes an assortment of classics as well as many of the same fare available on free ad-supported streaming sites. It can sometimes be tough to find new releases, but Hoopla often carries movies that have just been released for VOD rental and aren't available on any other ad-supported or subscription-based streaming services yet.

Hoopla's borrowing limits also apply to its other available formats, including e-books, graphic novels, music, and audiobooks, so it can be tricky for dedicated library patrons to balance those different types of media. Hoopla sometimes offers "bonus borrows" of content that doesn't count toward monthly limits, and it also offers BingePass, with unlimited access to similar content like Hallmark programming or Curiosity Stream documentaries for a set period of time.

• Completely free with no ads
• Selection of movies including exclusive new releases
• Available to anyone with a library card
• Limited number of streams per month
• Movies and TV counted along with other media borrows

Like Hoopla, Kanopy is a way to watch free movies online for patrons of many libraries, as well as for university students. While there's plenty of overlap between selections on both Hoopla and Kanopy, Kanopy is more focused on foreign films, documentaries, and arthouse releases. Like Hoopla, Kanopy offers a limited number of free movies online depending on the individual institution that provides access. Unlike Hoopla, Kanopy is entirely devoted to movies and TV, so users don't have to split their credits among different types of media.

Selections on Kanopy may differ depending on licensing agreements for each sponsoring institution, so not every movie is available for every user. In general, Kanopy features a wide range of vintage and modern films, including movies from popular indie distributors like A24, which signed a long-term deal to provide content to Kanopy. That gives Kanopy a more diverse lineup of films than many subscription streaming services.

• Impressive selection of arthouse and foreign films
• Selections differ depending on the sponsoring institution

No, you don't need to own a Roku device in order to watch the Roku Channel . That common misconception may have kept some people away from one of the most reliable free movie websites. While the Roku Channel is integrated into Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs, it's also available as a standalone app on other streaming devices and as a website, where it features a selection of free ad-supported movies.

The Roku Channel also offers more than 350 live FAST channels, from cable brands like Ion and Court TV and franchises like The Walking Dead and Power Rangers . The Roku Channel has also delved into original programming, picking up all the shows from short-lived streaming service Quibi and producing original movies like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story . Ad breaks are relatively unobtrusive and usually cluster toward the first two-thirds or so of a movie, so the most involving part can run uninterrupted.

• Available without a Roku device
• Hundreds of live channels
• Popular original programming
• Roku integration limits usefulness elsewhere

Initially launched in 2004, Crackle is one of the oldest free movie streaming sites, and it's undergone various changes in ownership and content over the years. One thing that's remained consistent is its position as a go-to site to watch free movies online, and its current ownership under Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment gives it access to a shared library of content with corporate sibling Redbox. You can find many of the same movies on both sites, with a range of genres, from classics to modern blockbusters, along with TV series including anime and British imports.

Crackle also hosts original content, including numerous romance and action movies, and TV shows like Chosen starring Milo Ventimiglia and the series adaptation of Guy Ritchie's Snatch . Although its original productions aren't as elaborate as they've been in the past, it's still a reliable destination for on-demand ad-supported movies, just as it's been for nearly two decades.

• Longtime destination for free content
• Robust library of movies and TV series
• Scaled back original content

Although Vudu is mainly known as an outlet for digital purchases and rentals, it's also a destination for watching free movies online. Vudu's selections include certain movies that are available to stream for free with ads, alongside movies for rental or purchase. That can make things a bit confusing, especially when a movie's page lists both a rental price and a free option, but if you know what you are looking for, you can find plenty of options to watch free movies on Vudu.

There's a dedicated section on Vudu's site for free movies, so users don't have to sort through paid content in order to find something to watch for free. Vudu's free selections include movies and TV series in a variety of genres. Browsing through genres pulls up both free and paid offerings, so users can find something to watch for free as an alternative to a rental or purchase. It provides a good balance as long as you pay attention to how each selection is labeled.

• Free content integrated with rentals and purcahses
• Dedicated section for free offerings
• Can be difficult to differentiate free and paid selections

People may be more familiar with Redbox for its physical kiosks outside places like grocery stores and drugstores, which offer DVDs for rent, but the Redbox website is a destination for digital purchases and rentals as well as a place to watch free movies online. There's a much wider selection of movies at Redbox online than at the kiosk, although info about movies available for physical rental comes up in search results alongside digital availability. That's handy for finding all options to see a particular movie you want to watch, including the option to watch for free with ads.

You can also browse only the free selections, although they're a little buried on the site's home page. In addition to on-demand selections, Redbox also features FAST channels for a variety of movie genres and TV series, as well as news, music videos, and more. It's not as extensive as the FAST selections on some other sites, but it offers a decent sampling of what Redbox has to offer.

• Wider selection of movies than Redbox kiosks
• Extensive lineup of live channels
• Free offerings integrated with paid rentals
• Free section is somewhat difficult to navigate

Plex is so much more than just a place to watch free movies online, although it has plenty of free options available if that's what you're looking for. It's designed as a one-stop destination for all your movie-watching needs, so you can organize your personal collection of digital movies or build watch lists for various subscription streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Alongside those functions, Plex also includes plenty of movies to watch free with ads, which can be integrated with the rest of your movie library.

If you'd rather not sign up for an account, you can still easily just stream movies and TV shows for free with ads, and Plex features a similar range of selections as other sites that focus solely on free offerings, with more than 20,000 titles available. Plex also offers various FAST channels to complement its free on-demand lineup.

• Integrated service for digital movie library and watchlist
• On-demand selections and free live channels
• Free selections only a small part of the service

The free movie streaming site for boutique film distributor Shout Factory, Shout TV focuses on genre fare and cult classics, along with a range of other free selections. It's home to FAST channels for cult favorites like Mystery Science Theater 3000 and ALF , as well as on-demand episodes of those and other offbeat TV series. The movie selection is heavy on horror, martial arts, sci-fi, and other cult genres. While Shout may not offer the breadth of other free movie websites, it's more expertly curated.

One thing available on Shout that even most subscription streaming services don't offer is commentary tracks, which are now mostly found only on DVD and Blu-ray releases. If you want to hear director John Carpenter talk about his horror anthology Body Bags , director Larry Cohen talk about cult monster movie Q: The Winged Serpent , or other filmmakers and actors comment on their work, then Shout is the free movie website to check out.

Shout Factory TV

• Curated focus on cult and genre fare
• Commentary tracks
• Smaller selection than other services

Everyone knows YouTube as the top place for video content online, with literally hundreds of millions of user-uploaded videos of every type. But YouTube also functions as a free movie streaming site, with an official selection of movies available to watch with ads. Given YouTube's sometimes chaotic free-for-all of content, it may be tough to find a particular movie to stream for free. It's possible to browse a list of YouTube's free movies online, but that listing isn't easy to locate from YouTube's home page.

YouTube's official free offerings are far from the only free movies available on the site, though, and there are dozens of legal YouTube channels that offer free movies, from public-domain selections to small independent films looking to find an audience. If you can wade through the reams of content and wrangle your way through YouTube's algorithm, it's possible to find plenty of hidden gems along with the more popular free selections.

• Free mainstream movies with ads
• Public domain and indie films uploaded by users
• Volume of non-movie content makes curation difficult