The 15 Best Sites to Watch Movies for Free (Legally!)

Looking for the best free online movie streaming sites? Here's where you can watch free and legal movies anytime you like.

Although free movie streaming might sound synonymous with piracy, there are loads of legal free movie websites on the internet. These are packed full of movies you can stream for free without breaking the law.

Whether you're looking for movies or TV shows, finding free videos to stream is totally feasible; it just requires that you know where to look. With that in mind, here are the best free online movie streaming sites to check out.

What to Expect From Free Movie Streaming Sites

There are a ton of free, legal videos online, so you'll find a great mix of options on the below services. A healthy amount of the movies available to stream for free are in the public domain. Because these films have lapsed in ownership and fallen into common property, many sites host such video treasures.

But it isn't just B-movies available to stream online; you'll also find many big-budget releases. Usually, these are ad-supported, so like watching a movie on TV, you'll have to sit through limited commercials. Nevertheless, the movies are usually presented uncut.

You shouldn't expect to see the latest releases. Instead, you'll mostly see movies dating back anywhere from a few months to many years. Additionally, some sites include original productions and amateur films.

To watch on the go, don't forget to also install some of the best free movie apps on your phone.

It's no surprise that YouTube ranks among the best free movie streaming sites you can find. It offers a ton of free films to pick from, including many public domain films from channels such as the aptly titled Public Domain Films .

Furthermore, channels like Popcornflix host full movies via YouTube, and you'll find an official Free to Watch section in YouTube's Movies & Shows hub. There's a fantastic mix, with everything from classic comedies to sports and much more. It's a far cry from channels that only offer movies from the 1950s you've never heard of.

You may have to dig a bit for what you want to watch. But for those with patience, YouTube is a treasure trove of free, legal movies to stream.

Boasting a solid array of syndicated content and its own productions, Crackle is a must for any film buff . Its rotating selection varies, but you'll find quality movies across genres here.

Aside from films, Crackle features television shows, including original programming. And by making a free account, you can enjoy Crackle on your TV too.

3. Midnight Pulp

Midnight Pulp is the new home of the defunct CONtv It features live TV, shows, and movies. The selection is a bit wild, consisting largely of horror, offbeat comedies, cheesy action, and Asian films. Some content requires a subscription, but a lot of what's here is available to watch for free.

While Vudu is known for its digital video rentals and sales, it has a sizable selection of free movies to stream too. With a comprehensive array of movies and TV shows, plus fresh additions arriving regularly, it's a fantastic service.

Vudu's free section operates similarly to Crackle by providing full movies with limited commercials. Through hosting films with ads, Vudu is able to offer free movies and TV shows legally.

You need to register for a free Vudu account to use this service, but it's worth doing so. Once you do, you can use your account to activate digital copies of movies and shows, as well as buy and rent movies from Vudu.

5. Popcornflix

Like Crackle, Popcornflix presents full movies with limited ads. Here, you'll find a range of movies in a rotating selection, and there's no account required to start watching. The service even offers some original content, to boot.

Flicks are segmented into genres that are more unique than the standard ones, such as Out for Revenge and Medieval Action . With a beefy lineup and easy navigation, Popcornflix is an awesome choice for free, legal movie streaming.

Providing free movies and shows, Tubi is another fantastic service for legal movie streams. Here, you'll be able to view newer movies from as recent as 2022, as well as older favorites.

Helpfully, Tubi offers a Leaving Soon category. This lets you prioritize your streaming queue so you can catch movies and shows before they disappear. Be sure to check out the First Time on Tubi collection, too.

7. Pluto TV

Pluto TV has a lot to offer. You'll find a Live TV section where you can switch between channels, much like traditional cable. Switch to the Live TV section on the left side to jump to channels that only play films, though they may be in the middle of something depending on when you start watching.

If you can't find something that you like on the live stations, switch to the On Demand section at the top. Here you'll find tons of free movies you can start streaming right away.

8. Classic Cinema Online

As the name suggests, Classic Cinema Online focuses on older content. Even its website aesthetic captures a decidedly retro vibe, using a backdrop of red theater curtains. You can walk through the decades here with films from the 1930s to the 1960s. There are even some silent films on offer, if you're interested in those.

Some of the inclusions may have you calling the definition of "classic cinema" into question. Nevertheless, Classic Cinema Online is pure gold for old-school movies and one of the best sites for public domain films .

Hoopla has one barrier to entry, but is still an easy way to legally watch movies online for free. To use Hoopla, you'll need to create an account and link your supported public library card.

Once you do, you can use Hoopla to borrow movies and TV shows, plus audiobooks and ebooks, from your library's collection. The service is available on the web as well as apps for all your devices and TV streaming boxes.

If you don't have a library card or your library doesn't support Hoopla, you won't be able to use it. But if you can, it's a service worth checking out.

Although Yidio isn't a video host, it does act as an excellent aggregator of free streaming movies and TV shows. The way Yidio works is by redirecting you to third-party services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and others. As such, certain films and shows here do require a subscription.

Using the Free filter on the left side will help you find movies and TV that come at no cost. Unfortunately, not everything in the free categories is actually free. Clicking on some titles prompts you to sign up for a free trial.

Still, Yidio makes finding free movie streams far easier than checking individual sites manually. You can filter by rating, genre, and more to find something to watch.

11. The Roku Channel

Don't be fooled by The Roku Channel's name. While it's available for Roku streaming devices via an app, you can watch on the web too. With a few clicks, you can stream Roku Originals, popular TV shows, and new-arrival movies.

The selection rotates, and there are categories on the main page to help you find something you'll enjoy. As expected, you'll have to sit through ads, but ad-supported means free, right?

Libraries are most often associated with books, but that's not all they provide. Kanopy, like Hoopla mentioned above, lets you stream tons of "thoughtful entertainment" movies for free, making it another great way to get free content with a participating library card (or university login).

With either of those, you can watch hundreds of free movies. These include a lot of documentaries and international films, so this is a great fit for those who want something a little different.

13. Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) lets you enjoy free movies on Amazon Video. The service launched in 2019 and while its name has changed, the experience has remained the same. It allows anyone with a free account to watch a selection of free movies and TV shows. In addition to watching online, you can enjoy this content on your Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and other streaming devices.

Alongside the movies, you'll also find some TV series (including live channels) and originals to enjoy.

14. Free Movies Cinema

As the name suggests, Free Movies Cinema features legal free movie streaming. Unlike many sites, the selection touts not only general categories like action and comedy, but also short films and features.

There's also a collection of fan-made movies, such as Portal and Watch Dogs, based on video games of the same names.

15. Top Documentary Films

If you're looking for free documentaries, you'll find plenty at Top Documentary Films. It packs a varied selection, including amateur documentaries you might not have heard about before.

Browse the Top 100 documentaries to find something that's popular, or take a look at recently added movies or the various genres to drill down a bit.

The Best Free Movie Sites for Everyone

With these free online movie streaming sites, you now know where to look for hundreds of free movies. Enjoy these legal films anytime, anywhere so you never go without something to watch.

Meanwhile, you should also know how to legally download movies for offline use, so you can enjoy them on your next flight or long trip.

VPNoverview.com Unblock Streaming The 45 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites in March 2024

The 45 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites in March 2024

Theodor Porutiu

There are plenty of free streaming sites out there, some better than others. Free movie websites can offer a wide range of content that doesn’t just include recent movies, but also TV shows and old classics that are difficult to find today.

To help you find free movies online from the distant past and the present for a cozy night in or a movie night with friends, we’ve compiled a list of the 45 best free movie streaming sites:

  • Crackle : The best overall free movie website including films from Sony Pictures
  • Peacock TV : Great free website for users who already have a subscription
  • Tubi : A legitimate streaming experience with minimal ads
  • SolarMovie : Free movie website with the best personalization options
  • IMDb TV : Reliable movie website with good titles
  • Vudu : An up-and-coming legitimate free movie streaming platform
  • AZMovies : Popular website with an extensive collection of free movies
  • MyBundle.TV : Your directory for free movies online
  • FlixTor : Updated library with several free movies in HD
  • StreamM4u : One of the few movie sites that offers a completely ad-free experience
  • Music HQ : Great search functionality to help you discover the best movies
  • YouTube : Most popular streaming platform in the world with a great collection of old titles
  • YesMovies : A great overall free movie streaming website
  • Internet Archive : The best free movie website to watch classics
  • Afdah : Large collection of high-definition movies with few ads
  • Pluto TV : The best option to watch movies and shows from the Viacom network
  • Yify TV : Your best bet to find obscure movie titles
  • GoStream : A great option to watch the latest hits in 720p
  • Xumo Play : Watch live TV in addition to free movies
  • Bounce TV : A free streaming website that focuses on Afro-American content
  • Yidio : A streaming platform aggregator
  • Popcornflix : User-friendly website that works across devices
  • TinyZone : A YouTube clone for free movies and TV shows
  • Movies Found Online : Good variety of free movies and TV show streams
  • Kanopy : Excellent choice for users with a library membership
  • FMovies : Free movie streams in 4K and 1080p
  • MoviesJoy : A streaming platform with Google-like simplistic movie search functionality
  • StreamLord : Quick and easy access to high-quality streams
  • The Roku Channel : The best legal site to watch free content across devices
  • PrimeWire : Simple streaming website with an extensive library of free movies
  • CONtv : The best streaming site for Comic-Con fans
  • Crunchyroll : The best site for anime content
  • Vumoo : Ideal for changing playback resolution
  • Plex : Smooth playback with media player features
  • MyFlixer : Varying resolution with numerous categories to choose from
  • WatchFree : Watch the latest releases in high-definition
  • SFlix : A new free movie site that lacks filters
  • HiMovies : A free movie streaming site with Chromecast support
  • 1HD : An impressive new entry with an impressive UI
  • LosMovies : Broad variety of big–name movies and family content
  • Freevee : Amazon’s free movie streaming site
  • SBS On Demand : Free movies from Australia
  • FilmRise : A place to catch classic movies
  • Filmzie : Support lesser-known filmmakers
  • Rakuten Viki : A treasure trove of Asian movies and TV shows

Note that watching movies for free online can be risky if the site you’re using doesn’t have distribution rights for the content you want to enjoy. We recommend you only stream copyrighted content from legitimate distributors . Additionally, always make sure you use a VPN to protect yourself and to unblock free streaming sites that aren’t available in your country.

Wondering what the best VPN is for watching movies on free streaming sites ? Our answer is NordVPN (currently with a solid discount). It’s fast, reliable, and has dedicated features for streaming.

Read the article below to find out more about the best free streaming sites, as well as which ones are legitimate.

Play icons around trophy icon

Watching movies online and subscribing to popular streaming platforms may seem affordable, but quickly adds up! That’s why many people prefer to watch movies for free online instead.

We’ve tested and ranked the 45 best free movie streaming sites . Anyone can access these free movie sites, and you don’t have to pay a cent!

To ensure you stay safe online when accessing these sites, we recommend using a VPN. Our No.1 choice for streaming is NordVPN , which comes with a great deal!

The Best Free Movie Websites in February 2024

In the list below, you’ll find the best free movie streaming sites that are active right now.

1. Crackle: Features free movies from Sony Pictures

Homepage screenshot of Crackle

What We Liked

  • No illegal content
  • A varied library with lots of categories
  • Low ad intrusion

What We Didn't Like

  • No subscription plan
  • Outdated interface

Crackle is our number one pick among the best free movie sites. It’s also sometimes referred to as “ Sony Crackle ” (since Sony bought it in 2006). Crackle is one of those relatively unknown free movie websites with great content. This is a shame because it’s completely legit and has a varied library , which is why we have included it at the very top of our best free movie streaming sites list.

Crackle is perfect for watching movies online. It features free movies and TV series from popular studios like Lionsgate , MGM , Sony Pictures , and DreamWorks .

As far as free streaming sites go, Sony Crackle looks great, and we found it easy to navigate. Compared to other free movie websites, which are normally operated on a shoestring budget, the difference is clear.

We found a huge list of fan favorites, like The Office . Crackle also has shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine , so while you won’t find the latest releases, it’s not just limited to decades-old content.

Crackle doesn’t have a subscription model , but the ads on the platform aren’t too bad. You can enjoy Sony Pictures movies , from classics to newer releases, completely for free.

2. Peacock TV: The best overall free movie streaming website

Homepage screenshot of Peacock TV with Logo to watch movies free online

  • Legitimate streaming platform
  • Decent pricing for paid subscriptions
  • Impressive library of movies and TV shows
  • Perfect for watching new movies free online
  • Unavailable outside the US

Peacock is a platform we’ve written about a lot, because it is an amazing place to watch new movies for free online. There are ways to access Peacock wherever you may be on the planet, and it’s one of the few sites where you can watch free movies without breaking any laws .

There is a small caveat, however, that made Peacock land a second place instead of a first one: Peacock has an impressive library of free movies and TV series that is now only available for people who already have a free account. Those users can watch for free, as long as they’re fine with viewing advertisements .

New users, however, can no longer sign up for this free subscription. They will be forced to subscribe to Peacock TV instead.

Keep in mind that Peacock is only available in the US and limited other countries. People located in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy can access the service as part of a paid TV subscription with Sky or NOW TV .

If you want to access Peacock abroad, you’ll need to change your IP with a VPN. This way, the streaming provider will believe you’re accessing it from the United States. NordVPN is the best option for unlocking free streaming sites in the US and masking your true location, therefore keeping you hidden.

3. Tubi: A legitimate streaming experience with minimal ads

Homepage screenshot of Tubi with Logo

  • Distribution rights
  • Access to content from Fox Corporation
  • Decent library
  • More ads than its competitors

Tubi comes in third on our list of best free movie streaming sites, since it owns broadcasting rights for all its content. You can watch free movies on Tubi without breaking the law . This platform is owned by Fox Corporation and has been around since 2014 . It features media from big names in the entertainment industry , like Paramount, MGM, and Warner Bros.

Just like Peacock, however, Tubi is only available in the US , so you’ll need to use a VPN to change your IP to a US IP address if you want to access this free movie website. You can use NordVPN to access thousands of free movies and TV shows on Tubi.

Unlike Peacock, you can’t subscribe to a premium account and get rid of the ads on Tubi. If you use Tubi, you’ll have to view the ads.

4. SolarMovie: Free movie website with the best personalization options

Homepage screenshot of Solar Movie with Logo

  • Strong personalization options
  • Good categorization
  • Features the latest releases
  • The interface can be overwhelming at times
  • A lot of ads
  • Doesn't have distribution rights for content

Like Cineb, SolarMovie is a new player in the scene of free streaming sites, but it’s gaining a lot of popularity thanks to its personalization options. Users will appreciate just how easy it is to sort media based on genre , country, and launch date, with several categories to choose from, including anime, fantasy, mythological, and sci-fi.

But this can sometimes be a double-edged sword. The strong personalization and categorization of free movies and TV shows mean that SolarMovie’s interface seems a bit overwhelming in the beginning . Not to mention, ads on the platform can get annoying. Even so, it’s a decent website for anyone interested in free streaming .

Right from the offset, we found the homepage to be packed with the latest releases , including Scream VI and even Avatar: The Way of Water ! Both launched and streamed in a high-resolution mode without trouble, though we did have to close three pop-up adverts just to get started.

Already a fan of SolarMovie but looking for something different? Make sure to check out our list of the best SolarMovie alternatives for more streaming options.

5. IMDb TV: Reliable movie website with good titles

Screenshot of IMDbTV website page with logo added

  • Legitimate platform
  • Quick-loading media player
  • Contains lots of information about motion pictures
  • Not a huge collection of movies and TV shows
  • Unavailable outside the US without a VPN

If you’ve ever googled a movie, TV show, director, or actor, you’ve probably already heard of IMDb . It’s a directory of information about any motion picture that can help you find good movies to watch.

IMDb TV is the service’s free streaming platform – yes, we were shocked to discover its existence, too! Like Peacock or Tubi, it allows users to watch movies online for free in a completely legal manner. Since its acquisition by Amazon, IMDbTV is not on its own site anymore, but users can still enjoy its library on Amazon .

Just because IMDb TV is owned by Amazon doesn’t mean that the content variety is as large as you’ll find on Amazon Prime. It has a considerably smaller collection of movies and TV shows, allowing it to be available for free.

However, IMDb TV is only available in the US, so you’ll need a VPN like NordVPN if you want to access it anywhere else. NordVPN has over a thousand servers in the US , so you should have no problem finding one that will give you a smooth streaming experience and fast speeds.

6. Vudu: An up-and-coming legitimate free movie streaming platform

Homepage screenshot of VUDU free movie website with Logo

  • Legitimate and free streaming site
  • Buy and rent content
  • Stylish site that could pass for a premium streaming service
  • Small library
  • Not a lot of recent releases

Vudu is a good, legitimate alternative to MovieStars, which recently went offline. Unfortunately, while testing the site, we found that it doesn’t have a vast library , and you probably won’t be able to find the latest releases here as soon as they hit other streaming platforms . Even so, it’s still one of the best free movie streaming sites that only show openly available content.

It’s a great way to watch free movies online without constant interruption from ads. Not all content on Vudu is free to watch, but you can use Vudu to buy or rent individual movies and TV shows for very low prices.

7. AZMovies: Popular website with an extensive collection of free movies

Homepage screenshot of AZ Movies with Logo

  • Popular platform with a large library of movies
  • Relatively low ad intrusion
  • No TV shows
  • Blocks a number of VPNs

AZMovies is one of the most popular free movie sites out there, and it’s been around for quite a while. It features thousands of movies and has a huge following of people tuning in every month. Unfortunately, it features no TV shows.

We recently revisited this website to assess how it has changed. Ads on the site used to get pretty annoying , but AZMovies has made changes. There are now far fewer adverts. We selected a movie, hit play, and it started streaming without a single pop-up.

However, many of the VPNs we used were blocked . AZMovies didn’t allow us to access movies with Proton VPN. Free VPNs weren’t the only problem, as the site also blocked Intego Privacy Protection, for example. We were able to bypass these blocks using the browser extension for NordVPN .

We don’t recommend accessing free movie websites without a VPN, as that can be unsafe. If you do want to check out AZMovies, use NordVPN with its browser extension, as it will encrypt your traffic. We advise using this VPN with Google Chrome for the best experience.

8. MyBundle.TV: Your directory for free movies online

Homepage screenshot of MyBundle with Logo

  • Big directory of movies and TV shows
  • Easy to find HQ streams
  • Quick overviews of streaming options
  • No content available on the platform
  • Not all sources are free

MyBundle.TV is a very different streaming platform compared to what we’re used to. It doesn’t host its own videos. Instead, it’s one of the free streaming sites that help you find a platform where you can enjoy particular TV shows and movies. It’s like a directory or listing site for free movie streaming .

People use this service to find the best source for the content they’re looking for. Essentially, it’ll tell you where to watch movies free online and how to access them. With a huge directory like MyBundle.TV, visitors are guaranteed to find the motion picture they’re looking for in 4K!

We put MyBundle.TV to the test, searching for a range of movies stretching from the 1980s to the present day. Whether it was Back to the Future or Black Adam , the website had recommendations for everything we could think of . We were impressed!

Just keep in mind that not all movie sources displayed on the site are free . For example, if you search for “Black Widow,” it’ll only display Disney+ as an option, which is not a free streaming site . On the flip side, it’ll tell you exactly how much you can expect to pay if you want to watch a movie or TV show.

9. FlixTor: Updated library with several free movies in HD

Homepage screenshot of FlixTor free streaming site with Logo

  • High-quality files
  • A huge library
  • Ads can appear malicious

FlixTor is one of the best free movie websites to find the latest movies for free. We’ve actually written about it before in our piece on how FlixTor works and whether it’s illegal (it is in most jurisdictions!).

FlixTor has a smooth interface. It has an immense library of high-quality movies and TV shows. If you search for any title on FlixTor, you’re almost guaranteed to find it in high definition.

The ads aren’t too intrusive either, though you’ll want to watch out for any adverts that claim your device is infected: don’t click on those! Also, we found that FlixTor often offers to install an app version on your device . We advise you to remain on your browser . Don’t install software recommended by free movie websites.

Screenshot of browser address bar, install Flixtor

Contrary to popular belief, FlixTor isn’t a legitimate streaming platform . Watching your favorite piece of media on it can be considered piracy , so we recommend using one of the legitimate alternatives on this list instead.

10. StreamM4u: One of the few movie sites that offers a completely ad-free experience

Homepage screenshot of Stream 4 You with Logo

  • No pop-up ads whatsoever
  • Clunky interface
  • R-rated adverts

StreamM4u lands a spot on our list of the best free movie websites thanks to its ad-free library . It doesn’t have the biggest selection of free movies, it’s not the prettiest, and not all files are high quality. Suffice it to say, it’s not anyone’s first option when looking for free streaming sites . But it’s free, so people still use it.

The homepage offers a global search that lets you find specific movies. There are also tabs for recommended movies, new movies, and new TV shows. Unfortunately, navigation between these sections isn’t seamless. In our experience, the tabs disappear when choosing one.

While there aren’t too many adverts and no pop-ups, the ones we did find were quite explicit. We saw a lot of adult content in the banner and sidebar adverts . Don’t want to deal with those ads? NordVPN offers a useful ad blocker that will make StreamM4u a lot more bearable!

11. Music HQ: Great search functionality to help you discover the best movies

Homepage screenshot of Music HQ with Logo

  • Filter by country and genre
  • No pop-up ads
  • Strong search engine
  • Still features banner ads

Despite what the name might suggest, Music HQ is not a music streaming site. It’s a free movie and TV show streaming site with a very good search engine and a Night Mode option.

The best part is that it doesn’t have any pop-up ads , just the occasional banner. When you add it all up, Music HQ stands out among free streaming sites thanks to its great user experience.

We found the filters on this website to be quite useful. We filtered by country, allowing us to find niche titles from more than 35 different countries . You can also search by genre.

12. YouTube: Most popular streaming platform in the world with a great collection of old titles

Homepage screenshot of YouTube with Logo

  • The largest video streaming platform on the internet
  • A great selection of older titles
  • Exclusive content from indie developers
  • Quite pushy with their ads
  • No new releases

We’d be very surprised if you haven’t heard of YouTube before. It’s the most popular video streaming platform on the Internet. You might not expect to find movies for free on YouTube. However, we found that the website often features full-length movies and TV shows , which makes it a great contender in our list of the best free movie streaming sites.

You’ll have more luck looking for older, more obscure titles on the platform. That’s because streaming rights for these shows have largely expired, making them fair game. Shows like The FBI Files have entire seasons available in various playlists on YouTube . We also found a lot of exclusive content from indie developers, like the Fool’s Day short.

Pro tip: Remember to manage your privacy settings on YouTube , as the service provider will use your personal information to push ads on you.

13. YesMovies: A great overall free movie streaming website

Homepage screenshot of YESmovies with Logo to watch free movies online

  • Great navigation
  • Enormous library
  • Options for personalization
  • Riddled with ads

If YesMovies was a legitimate movie website, it’d be a treat. During our testing, we found that it has a friendly interface, good navigation, and an enormous library with thousands of free movies and TV series. It’s a popular free movie website for streaming, and it even has personalization features , like a favorite list.

Apart from that, it’s relatively easy to search for titles. There’s a search bar to type what you’re looking for. Compared to the market standard — a page loaded with various titles — this is refreshing to see. We recommend using the Filter button to switch between TV shows and movies . The interface seems to prioritize TV shows, and we found it difficult to locate movies without filtering first.

The only downside is that YesMovies is extremely intrusive with its ads . We were closing pop-ups left and right before you could enjoy our favorite show or movie on it. One wrong click, and you might be downloading a computer virus onto your device.

If you want to protect yourself from potential malware on free movie streaming sites, you can use NordVPN’s Threat Protection. This is a free tool included in Nord’s VPN subscription, which is now running a special deal.

14. Internet Archive: The best site to watch classics

Homepage screenshot of Internet Archive with Logo

  • A special library of classic movies, likely unavailable anywhere else
  • Completely legal
  • No releases outside the public domain

Are you passionate about golden-age media productions? Then the Internet Archive is one of the free streaming sites for you. All content on the site is authorized, featuring classic movies that are in the public domain , so no distribution rights are needed.

If you’re looking for the latest summer blockbuster, there’s nothing on the Internet Archive for you. On the other hand, if you love classic movies, give it a shot. Need more convincing? Keep in mind that the Internet Archive is also one of the few free movie websites that have no ads , and it’s completely free to access for everyone.

The Internet Archive contains much more than just movies. On it, you’ll find millions of multimedia productions with historical value, plus books, audio recordings, news, and much more!

15. Afdah: Large collection of high-definition movies with few ads

Homepage screenshot of Afdah with Logo

  • A substantial library
  • Cluttered user interface

Note : This free movie website is now called Afdah 2, but the content is still very much the same.

Keeping the low ad intrusion trend going, Afdah is one of the best free online movie streaming sites and is very popular among streamers. It has a substantial library, offering high-definition quality for all of its movies and TV shows, and only features the occasional pop-up ad. While the name might be harder to remember, the experience on the platform isn’t lackluster .

Across the top of the page, we could filter by genre . Down the right-hand side, we could also filter by year of release . Oddly, Afdah duplicates the genre filters here, making the interface feel a bit cluttered.

When accessing free movie streaming sites, it is best to ensure that your personal data is encrypted to keep it away from prying eyes . Afdah, generally, can be a safe site to use for streaming, but taking precautions is also important.

Therefore, consider using NordVPN to watch free movies online on Afdah, as it has excellent security features and top-notch encryption to keep your data hidden.

16. Pluto TV: The best option to watch movies and shows from the Viacom network

Homepage screenshot of Pluto TV with Logo

  • Great library of content from popular distributors
  • Legally operated
  • Ad timing is bad (in the middle of your content)
  • No paid subscription options

Pluto TV is another platform owned and operated legally by a major broadcaster. It’s part of the ViacomCBS family and lets you watch the best movies and TV series from companies like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, which is why we have included it in our list of best free movie streaming sites.

It doesn’t have a subscription model, so you can only enjoy Pluto TV for free. The good thing is that it has very few ads . You will need to suffer the occasional break during your content, but there are no pop-ups and no banners.

At first, we couldn’t access the site from the Netherlands. That’s because it’s geo-locked for viewers outside of the US. If you’re not from the US, you’ll need a VPN like NordVPN to access Pluto TV. NordVPN is an unblocking powerhouse that will help you bypass online restrictions on Pluto TV within minutes.

17. Yify TV: The best bet to find obscure movie titles

Homepage screenshot of YIFY TV free movie site with Logo

  • A large library
  • Intuitive navigation
  • Dedicated subtitles available
  • Horrendous ad intrusion
  • Majority of ads are adult-themed

Yify TV is one of the free movie websites that has a substantial library and a very simple interface. It also has subtitles available, which makes it a good entry on our best free movie sites list . Other than that, however, it’s an ad-filled mess.

When we opened Yify TV, we were met with banners and pop-up ads. The pop-up ads reappeared after being closed when we loaded a stream. Then, we faced embedded ads within the video feed. We also found the majority of ads to be pornographic or related to gambling.

People usually steer towards Yify when the title they’re looking for isn’t available on other free streaming sites. Given the high ad intrusion, we can understand why. Besides exclusive movies or free TV shows, there’s little incentive to choose Yify TV over an alternative .

18. Xumo Play: Watch live TV in addition to free movies

Image shows a screenshot of the Xumo Play free movie website homepage

  • Operated legally
  • Shows live content as well as on-demand
  • Available on multiple devices
  • Confusing interface at times

Xumo Play is another legal, free movie site . It used to be known as Xumo TV but was rebranded in 2022 after Comcast created a new joint venture with Charter Communications.

This streaming platform offers both VODs and live content. While testing Xumo TV, we noticed that you can choose from an array of free movies and TV shows. Just don’t expect much in terms of content variety .

Xumo Play is available on a suite of devices that is not so common for free movie websites. First-time users may find its interface pretty confusing . It automatically displays the live content streaming at the moment when you visit its site.

Unfortunately, Xumo is one of the free streaming sites that is only available in the US . If you want to access it from outside the States, you’ll need to use a VPN to get a US IP address. We recommend NordVPN for this.

19. Bounce TV: A free streaming website that focuses on Afro-American content

Homepage screenshot of Bounce TV with Logo

  • Focused on a specific niche
  • High definition available
  • Only available in the US

Bounce TV is a US-based free movie website targeting the African-American community. It features shows and movies with a diverse cast and has a very specific niche .

It’s free to access, has high-definition media quality , and the ads are not really annoying, which is why it is very deserving of a spot on our list of the best free movie streaming sites.

Not in the US at the moment? No problem. You can easily access Bounce TV by connecting to an American NordVPN server. Enjoy your movies!

20. Yidio: A streaming platform aggregator

Homepage screenshot of Yidio free streaming site with Logo

  • Large directory of media sources
  • No content available on the site itself
  • Not all options are free

Yidio is not your average free movie site . Much like MyBundle.TV it’s a directory where you can find the sources for any movie or TV show.

Although Yidio doesn’t host content on its servers, it still made our list of the best free websites. The sources for media can sometimes offer movies for free, and Yidio itself is always free.

The only difference between Yidio and MyBundle.TV is that Yidio’s interface is a bit outdated . Other than that, both sites feature pretty much the same links to content on free streaming platforms.

21. Popcornflix: User-friendly website that works across devices

Homepage screenshot of PopcornFlix with Logo

  • Library with many TV shows
  • Small movie collection

Popcornflix is a free movie streaming site that’s easy to navigate . It’s also extremely easy to use on a variety of devices, which is rare for free streaming sites. As the name suggests, it is also one of the most popular Popcorn Time alternatives out there.

This free movie website focuses mostly on TV shows, so movie buffs won’t be blown away by it. When we tested Popcornflix, we couldn’t find any of the latest blockbuster releases .

However, it’s still not riddled with ads, so it’s a pleasant choice for people who want to catch the latest episodes of their favorite show, especially if you want to enjoy them on the go.

22. VexMovies: A great option to watch movies without any ads

Screenshot of VexMovies PW website homepage

  • Decent library size
  • Lots of HD titles
  • Potentially malicious ads

VexMovies is a free movie website that provides free access to a lot of HD titles, both movies and TV shows. It has a collection of new and old content. VexMovies has no ads and a pretty massive library, so it’s still a good pick for the best free movie streaming sites list .

However, it wouldn’t be our first choice to watch free movies online. While some ads can be annoying, others are just downright dangerous. When we visited VexMovies, a potentially malicious advert opened in a new tab. It encouraged us to download an “antivirus.”

Screenshot of an example of malicious ad asking you to install browser extension

Never download these kinds of files , especially when prompted to do so by an unverified website or advert. Also, it is always wise to use the best antivirus software when visiting any streaming site. In reality, that pop-up ad on VexMovies will almost certainly install malware .

If you want to have peace of mind when accessing content on VexMovies, it is best to get NordVPN for your device . With its Threat Protection feature, you don’t have to worry even if you accidentally click on something you shouldn’t have, as it safeguards you against malware like keyloggers that record your keystrokes and then pass on this information to hackers.

23. TinyZone: A YouTube clone for free movies and TV shows

Screenshot of TinyZone website homepage

  • Great loading time
  • An extensive collection
  • Easy to navigate
  • Tries to enable spammy desktop notifications

While it’s clearly ripping off YouTube’s interface, TinyZone is a free movie streaming site . It’s easy to navigate , not too intrusive with its ads, and it boasts an extensive collection of both movies and TV shows.

Add to that the fast loading time and little to no buffering , even on slow connections, and you can see why we chose to include TinyZone among the best free movie sites . This website also allowed us to create a favorites list, and we appreciated that the quality of each title is clearly listed under the stream.

Some ISPs may block access to free movie websites, including TinyZone, as was the case when we tested this website. You can unblock TinyZone with a VPN like NordVPN to gain unrestricted access.

24. Movies Found Online: Good variety of free movies and TV show streams

Screenshot of MoviesFoundOnline website with logo in the corner

  • Good content quality
  • Variety of free movies
  • User-friendly
  • Public domain movies
  • Tons of ads

The next free movie streaming site on our list of free movie platforms is Movies Found Online . We found that it has a decent library of free movies ranging from old cult classics to newer independent films. The site even offers animated shorts and films, documentaries, stand-up comedy, and TV series.

Because of the range of content it offers, we thought it would make a great addition as one of the best free movie streaming sites. It’s not higher on our list because ads on free movie sites aren’t just a small annoyance . When they’re so abundant, it’s difficult to enjoy even the best movie, TV show, or standup comedy act. It also exposes users to adware and other malware.

If you want to watch Movies Found Online without fearing for ads and viruses, make sure to use NordVPN! This VPN includes an adblocker and Threat Protection to keep you safe while streaming.

25. Kanopy: Excellent choice for users with a library membership

Homepage screenshot of Kanopy with Logo

  • Completely legitimate ad-free platform
  • A great option for users with library memberships
  • Allows simultaneous streaming
  • The content library is fairly limited

Kanopy is one of the more interesting options to watch free movies online. For starters, you’ll need a library card to access the movies on this website . This can be a library card from your university or even a public library. Once you sign up using the card, you get free access to some of the latest movie titles.

The best part about Kanopy is that it’s totally legit and completely ad-free . It also works beyond the US, so you’ll be able to use it as long as the platform accepts your library or university card.

Keep in mind, though, that this is one of the free movie websites where the overall selection of movies is pretty limited, which is typical of ad-free free movie sites.

26. FMovies: Free movie streams in 4K and 1080p

Homepage screenshot of FMovies with Logo

  • Large and updated content library
  • Clean and simple interface
  • High-quality streams are available
  • Search results aren't well-prioritized

FMovies is also among the best free movie streaming sites out there. It attracts more than a million users every month and owes its popularity to its vast and updated collection of movies. The titles on the site are available in 1080p HD , and some even in 4K .

There are, however, a couple of drawbacks to using FMovies. The first is that we had to navigate through several ads before getting our movie stream. The second is that the search doesn’t prioritize movies well . For example, when we searched for The Avengers , we had to scroll through several rows of releases to find the latest movies in the Marvel series.

Moreover, FMovies is blocked by some search engines. If you find that this is the case, there are plenty of FMovies alternatives out there, including lots of sites on our list.

A VPN will add an extra layer of protection when streaming content with FMovies, especially since there are lots of ads on the site that may include some carrying malicious software. Along with its Threat Protection function, NordVPN has a special feature called a kill switch, which will disconnect you from the internet if the VPN malfunctions. Therefore, you will always be protected if you use NordVPN when using FMovies .

27. MoviesJoy: A streaming platform with Google-like simplistic movie search functionality

Homepage screenshot of MoviesJoy free movie streaming site with Logo

  • User-friendly Google-like interface
  • HD streams for most movies
  • Ads are not intrusive
  • Aggressively pushes a premium plan

If you’re looking for a simple free movie website with better search functionality than FMovies, then MoviesJoy is the best option for you. The free streaming site has a minimalist design with a powerful search tool . You can find the latest blockbusters as well as older classics on the website. Movie streams are also available in HD.

While you will see ads on MoviesJoy, they’re not too intrusive . Moreover, the site doesn’t feature pop-ups .

However, the biggest drawback we found was that MoviesJoy tried to push a premium plan. When we tried to stream Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , we were served a 60-second ad for their premium subscription. We couldn’t start streaming until the ad had disappeared.

Screenshot of Streaming service, Wait for Ad to be done

28. StreamLord: Quick and easy access to high-quality streams

Homepage screenshot of StreamLord with Logo

  • Very few ads
  • Easy-to-use website
  • No login or sign-up required

StreamLord is another great free movie website. It features high-quality streams of some of the latest flicks and TV shows. When testing the website, we found it easy to use, though it didn’t sort movies by genre or year of release.

StreamLord’s biggest plus point is that it’s virtually ad-free . We didn’t encounter a single ad while using it despite not having created a free account. You should be able to watch the movie of your choice within a few clicks of landing on StreamLord.

If you do come across an advert on Streamlord, however, you should be careful . These can be malicious, as is the case on other free movie websites, including VexMovies. An ad might open in a new tab and offer to install an antivirus, for example. Never click on these!

29. The Roku Channel: The best legal site to watch free content across devices

Homepage screenshot of The Roku Channel with Logo

  • Legitimate ad-supported platform
  • High-resolution videos
  • Provides free live TV streams
  • Site layout makes it difficult to discover new titles and shows
  • The library is limited in comparison to other free streaming websites

The Roku Channel is an ad-supported movie streaming platform that allows you to watch Roku originals, movies, and TV shows for free . You can access the website from your web browser or even add The Roku Channel to your streaming device.

The streams are high-quality and buffer really quickly. You can also use The Roku Channel to watch free TV. The content library of this free movie website is limited compared to others. Also, the site doesn’t sort movies into any categories , which can make exploring new films and shows a challenge.

30. PrimeWire: Simple streaming website with an extensive library of free movies

Homepage screenshot of PrimeWire with Logo to watch many movies free online

  • Large repository of high-quality free movies
  • Basic but effective and efficient interface
  • Mirrors change frequently
  • Lots of ads

PrimeWire is one of the original free movie websites. It’s been around for a while and continues to be one of the best free movie streaming sites for users due to its up-to-date and extensive collection of movies .

The site design is pretty basic, but you can easily find the movies you want without difficulties. Most streams that we tried were available in HD , but some of the latest releases were CAM-rips.

Much like Putlocker and other free streaming sites, PrimeWire also functions through copies and mirrors . To avoid getting your device infected with unwanted malware , it’s probably a good idea to learn how to use PrimeWire safely .

31. CONtv: The best streaming site for Comic-Con fans

Homepage screenshot of ConTV with Logo

  • Completely legal website
  • No sign-up or sign-in required to watch most movies
  • Perfect for watching Comic Con-related content
  • Site can be a little buggy
  • Available only in the US

CONtv is a unique movie streaming site that appeals to fans of Comic Con. It’s dedicated entirely to movies, TV series, and other content that is popular among Comic Con fans . This includes anime, cult films, and classic martial arts films.

The site is completely free to use , and you don’t even need to create an account to start watching your favorite movies. However, we found that the CONtv website isn’t the easiest to use and can be a little buggy. But hey, it is a free service !

CONtv is available only in the United States . So, if you’re trying to access it from elsewhere, you’ll probably need to use a VPN . We recommend using NordVPN to watch CONtv from abroad as it has almost two thousand US servers, making it easier and faster to stream your content.

32. Crunchyroll: The best site for anime content

Homepage screenshot of Crunchyroll with Logo

  • Extensive library of anime content
  • Legal and free
  • Works on several devices
  • Ad-based free movie site
  • Some content is only available with a subscription

Anime is one of the most popular genres among the younger generation today, and Crunchyroll is by far the best free movie streaming site for anime films and TV shows online . It features classic titles, such as Naruto Shippuden, in addition to mangas, news, and even games.

While streaming on the website is free, you will encounter ads. If you want to get rid of these ads entirely, you can opt for a premium subscription to access the Crunchyroll website . The premium subscription also lets you watch the latest shows and movies a day after their release in Japan.

33. Vumoo: Ideal for changing playback resolution

Homepage screenshot of Vumoo free streaming site with Logo

  • Offers different resolutions for each movie
  • The site is quick and responsive
  • User-friendly platform
  • Potentially malicious adverts

Vumoo is one of the best free movie websites , because it allows users to pick from multiple different resolutions to watch free movies online. This free streaming site is pretty clean and runs smoothly as well. You can watch countless popular TV shows on Vumoo.

Again, watch out for potentially malicious adverts on this website. You may see pop-out adverts in a new tab that offer antivirus or other cybersecurity software. Installing software from ads like these can infect your device with malware , so make sure to turn on NordVPN’s Threat Protection!

34. Plex: Smooth playback with media player features

Screenshot of PlexTV homepage with added logo in the corner

  • Built-in media player features
  • Good compatibility with a range of devices
  • A really clean, feature-rich interface
  • Supported by advertisements
  • Limited content compared to other sites with free movies

Plex Media Server allows you to stream movies for free . You can also watch several TV shows , and you’ve even got access to live TV. Plus, you don’t need to create an account, either.

This service works with a VPN, and while you’ll have to withstand the usual advertisements , the interface and media server playback are really good for a free movie website .

However, content on this platform is limited compared to the other platforms on our list of best free movie sites .

35. MyFlixer: Varying resolution with numerous categories to choose from

Screenshot of MyFlixer homepage with added logo in the corner

  • You can stream in high-definition
  • A good, clean UI, despite the ads
  • More content than some free movie sites
  • A lot of adverts

MyFlixer doesn’t just give you movies for free; you can also choose your preferred resolution on this free movie site, and the user interface is pretty slick .

Aside from free movies, it also has a ton of TV shows to choose from, and this is one of the main reasons it has made it to our list of the best free movie streaming sites. You can select the Top IMDb category to get the best-rated movies, in case you’re not sure what to watch.

We did have to click away quite a lot of adverts before we could start streaming. But otherwise, we could add movies and shows to our favorites and “turn off the lights” for a better, dimmed experience.

36. WatchFree: Watch the latest releases in high-definition

Image shows the WatchFree movie website homepage

  • Has the latest Hollywood releases
  • Very slick and simple user interface
  • Loads of pop–up ads that open in new tabs

The first thing that struck us when testing WatchFree is that it’s pretty ad-heavy . We saw two ads pop out in new tabs when trying to click the search bar. We got another when clicking on an Insidious: The Red Door stream and a fourth when we tried to play the movie. After that, it was smooth sailing – and the movie was perfect quality.

Navigation is simple. There are different categories, like “Trending Movies,” and each entry has handy tags that help you choose a stream. We could see, at a glance, the movie’s runtime, quality, year of release, and a star rating.

Really, save for the ads, it’s a very user-friendly platform. You can take care of those annoying ads with an ad blocker. NordVPN’s built-in ad blocker is perfect because you’ll get the protection of the best premium VPN at the same time!

37. SFlix: A new free movie site that lacks filters

Image of the SFlix website homepage

  • Simple user interface that just works
  • Numerous servers to choose from
  • A lack of filters can make searching difficult
  • Supported by adverts

SFlix is pretty new to the scene, but its interface is highly familiar. The website follows the tried-and-tested method of displaying horizontal reels of movie posters, making it easy to find what you’re looking for – provided it’s a new release. There’s a serious lack of filtering options, though you can view movies by genre.

Adverts can get annoying on SFlix. When we tested the site, every other click on a menu or movie launched an ad within a new tab. We recommend using one of the best ad blockers to avoid frustration.

These teething issues aside, SFlix is a solid new addition to the free movie streaming scene, in our opinion. Clicking a movie gives you more information on the title and a choice of server to stream the movie , reducing the chance of dud links.

38. HiMovies: A free movie streaming site with Chromecast support

Screenshot of HiMovies, homepage

  • Supports Chromecast – watch on your TV!
  • Up-to-date content library
  • Very few, small pop-up adverts
  • Some streams didn't load

HiMovies is one of the more recent additions to the free movie streaming scene, and it’s a new entry on our list. While testing the site, we had a smooth experience. We were able to load an HD movie quickly after accessing the site, and we only saw two adverts .

That said, and perhaps it’s because the site is newer, we saw some broken links . Some streams and adverts simply displayed a message that the image could not be loaded.

One of the best things about HiMovies is that it is one of the free movie websites that supports Chromecast . So, you can stream HD content directly on your TV if you own a Chromecast device. Check out our guide to using a VPN on Chromecast to stream content with the protection of a VPN.

We confidently recommend NordVPN for Chromecast because of its vast server network , fast streaming speeds , and effective unblocking features .

39. 1HD: An impressive new entry with an even more impressive UI

An image of the 1HD free movie streaming website

  • Minimal advertising
  • Crisp, slick UI that rivals major streamers
  • You can download content
  • "Latest movies" feed makes finding new content harder

You’d be forgiven for thinking that 1HD is a fully licensed streaming platform. It’s not – but with minimal adverts and a super–slick user interface, we were surprised to come across this new entry to the free movie scene, so we thought to include it in our best free movie streaming sites list.

As huge horror buffs, we tested a Nun II stream. It was a CAM–quality link, but we knew what we were getting into, thanks to the resolution labels . There’s plenty of other information about each movie, too, once you select a stream.

Our only complaint was that the “Latest Movies” feed includes any recently added titles. It quickly becomes cluttered with older movies that have just been added , making it harder to find newer flicks. But that does make for a very broad content library that’ll give you heaps of options!

40. LosMovies: Broad variety of big–name movies and family content

Image shows the LosMovies website homepage

  • Minimal adverts
  • Broad variety of content
  • Numerous server mirrors prevent dud links
  • Russian–hosted website

LosMovies is a pretty great movie information resource, besides being a good free movie streaming site. Each entry includes details like movie ratings, cast, genre, directors, and so on. The library features everything from Hollywood blockbusters to kids’ movies .

LosMovies offers numerous servers for most of the content it hosts. When we tested an Oppenheimer stream, the website gave us four server options to make sure we weren’t impacted by dud links. The stream launched in high definition, too, with zero adverts .

Make sure you use a VPN if you’re going to visit LosMovies. You should always connect to a VPN on free movie streaming websites, but particularly, given world events, when you’re visiting a Russian–hosted website. Get NordVPN for complete protection.

41. Freevee: Amazon’s free movie streaming site

Screenshot of the Freevee free movie website homepage

  • Safe, secure website (Amazon-owned)
  • Watch free movies legally
  • Snazzy user interface
  • Lacking content compared to other free movie sites

Freevee is a place to watch free movies online as long as you’re willing to put up with adverts . Since this free streaming belongs to Amazon, you don’t have to worry about watching illegal content. Also, the website is safe and secure for movie streaming, which makes it one of the best free movie websites.

The only drawback is that there’s not much content on Freevee compared to other free movie sites.

42. SBS On Demand: Free movies from Australia

Screenshot of SBS On Demand Australian free movie website

  • Free movie on-demand service
  • New content is added regularly
  • Official, legal website
  • Content only scales to 720p
  • Must create a (free) account
  • Requires an Australian VPN

Much like Freevee, SBS On Demand is an official website that operates within the law. It belongs to SBS, an Australian broadcaster. That means that you’ll need to use an Australian VPN server to change your IP address to an Australian one and watch free movies.

SBS On Demand is regularly updated, so there’s always a good library of content to choose from . And while it doesn’t have an extensive list of free movies as on other sites, you might find some hidden gems that aren’t seen elsewhere.

The downside here is that all content on SBS On Demand is capped at 720p , which isn’t full HD. Still, you won’t have to worry about breaking the law when you watch free movies here!

Looking for a good VPN with servers in Australia so you can try SBS On Demand for yourself? NordVPN offers the perfect solution and has a big discount sale running!

43. FilmRise: A place to catch classic movies

Screenshot of FilmRise website homepage

  • Both free and legal to use
  • A good place to catch classic movies
  • May be blocked in some countries – use a VPN
  • Lacks the latest blockbuster titles

FilmRise is a breath of fresh air in that the website hosts free content while remaining legal , and it doesn’t sacrifice usability, so we thought it was worth mentioning in our list of the best free movie streaming sites. There are tens of thousands of titles to find, with a whole range of movies from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

Navigating the FilmRise platform is easy. We could choose to catch a film or watch the latest TV shows from the homepage. Each of these menus breaks down into submenus with categories, allowing you to quickly find your favorite content. We did see some ads , but they’re not intrusive .

We were surprised to find that FilmRise is one of the free streaming sites that offer an app, too . Right now, you can choose to download FilmRise to your iPhone or Android smartphone. You can also install FilmRise on a Roku, Firestick, Android TV, and more.

44. Filmzie: Support lesser-known filmmakers

Screenshot of Filmzie website homepage

  • Works great on mobile, plus other devices
  • Entirely free but still legal
  • Support budding filmmakers in the industry
  • Requires you to create an account
  • VPN needed to access Filmzie in some countries

Filmzie is a free streaming site (like FilmRise) that offers ad-supported movies and TV shows. And, like FilmRise, it also offers an app that’s compatible with a whole host of devices. We tested Filmzie on our iPhone , and everything felt really easy to use. Categories are filtered into easy scroll bars, a little like Netflix.

Screenshot of Filmzie website homepage, mobile

While Filmzie is one of the free movie websites that offer some mainstream content, it’s a good platform for aspiring filmmakers. You can find movies here that you won’t find anywhere else . This does, of course, mean that you might find some content that isn’t up to the same production quality as Hollywood flicks. But it’s also a good way to find hidden gems!

45. Rakuten Viki: A treasure trove of Asian movies and TV shows

Screenshot of Rakuten VIKI website homepage

  • Fast and responsive navigation
  • Unique shows not seen elsewhere
  • No cluttering from adverts
  • Some content requires a subscription
  • No Western movie or TV show content

Rakuten Viki is one the best free movie websites if you’re interested in focusing on Asian TV shows and movies . We found a whole range of content directly from countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. While you can use the website for free, some content is paywalled at $4.99 per month .

The website is well-designed and easy to use. Rakuten Viki uses the side-scrolling categories layout that’s become popular with big platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix. This made it very simple for us to see what kinds of genres were available and dive straight into fresh content that we’ve not seen anywhere else!

While you do have to pay to access some content on this free streaming site, that was all clearly labeled, too. Look for the “ Watch Free ” tag to find the content you can access on the free streaming service. Anything that requires payment is tagged as “ Standard .”

To access this platform, you’ll need to get a US IP address. You can do this by signing up with NordVPN.

Are There Any Risks to Using Free Movie Sites?

Pirated content icon

The existence of free streaming sites is not illegal , and visiting these free movie websites is also legal. Many of the best free movie websites listed here are legitimate streaming platforms that own the distribution rights for the content they share.

Others operate in a shadier area, offering a place to watch movies free online, even though they don’t have the relevant permissions. These sites might contain pirated content . Most anti-piracy authorities focus on the owners of pirate sites , not users. Still, there’s a risk.

There are other dangers involved in watching free movies online, too. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Free streaming websites can infect your device with malware if hijacked by a malicious third party.
  • Adverts on free movie sites are prolific – and malicious ads can also target your device with malicious software.
  • In some countries, your ISP may try to terminate your internet connection if you engage in piracy .
  • You may be contacted by a third party with a cease and desist . While uncommon, this can result in serious fines .

The legal consequences can depend on where you live. Eastern Europe, for example, is infamous for a lack of action against piracy. However, consuming copyrighted content is still illegal in many countries , and we urge you to avoid it.

At the very least, you should always be using a VPN on free movie sites. A VPN will protect you from cyber threats when accessing potentially unsecured websites. It’ll also stop your ISP from seeing and logging your browsing history. NordVPN offers robust protection against data snooping and malware attacks. Don’t visit a free movie site without it.

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Free Movies Online

We’ve already touched on how a VPN can protect you from free movie sites and the potential risks of using them. But there’s another benefit of VPNs . Some free streaming sites are geo-blocked, meaning you can’t use them from every country, but a virtual private network can help you bypass these restrictions.

To summarize, in using a VPN to visit free movie websites, your location is protected , your activity is hidden , and you’re safer from malware attacks . You will also be able to access blocked sites from anywhere.

Why use a VPN software infographic

If you’re new to the VPN scene, we’ll give you a helping hand in getting started. We tested every free movie site on this list with NordVPN – the absolute frontrunner in online security and unblocking.

How to watch free movies with NordVPN: Step–by–step guide

NordVPN

Save big with up to 58% off a two-year subscription!

  • Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
  • Perfect for privacy and streaming
  • Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
  • Download the software onto the device you want to stream with. You can use it with desktop and mobile devices, as well as on your TV for the optimal streaming experience!
  • Install NordVPN and log into your account.
  • Connect to a US VPN server to unblock most websites. Others might require a specific IP address in another country (like Australia for SBS On Demand).
  • Visit your favorite free movie website and benefit from NordVPN’s stellar online protection!

You can check out our top five VPN recommendations right now for more choices. But personally, we prefer NordVPN when we’re free movie streaming. The provider also gives you the chance to test its enhanced security features for free for 30 days through its money-back guarantee.

Just remember: Using a VPN doesn’t mean you’re immune to prosecution if you engage in illegal activities online. Depending on where you live, it is better to check the legality of VPNs in your country.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself While Streaming Free Movies

Online streaming service on a laptop with a VPN

Users from all over the world need VPNs to access legal, free movie sites like Pluto TV, Bounce TV, or Vudu due to rising costs. With our list, you can stream free movies no matter where you are , even if you’re on a budget or if they’re unavailable in your country.

We encourage you to use a VPN if you choose to access the best free movie sites. It’ll help unblock geographically restricted content , so you can enjoy all the entries on our list without trouble. In addition, using a VPN can also protect you against malware and prying eyes on sites that have more lax security.

NordVPN is our No.1 service provider because of its robust unblocking features and enhanced security. It also offers affordable subscription plans and some great deals!

We hope you’ve managed to find a few new movie streaming websites that you love! If you’re a movie buff and want to enjoy movies and TV shows online, don’t forget to check our other articles on the topic:

  • The Best Video Streaming Services
  • The Best Viaplay Alternatives to Stream Sports and Movies
  • The Best Free Anime Streaming Services

Streaming movies and TV shows online for free is fun, but it can also be tiring to find the best site. If you want straightforward answers to questions about the best free movie sites, check our FAQ section below.

Crackle tops our list of the best free movie streaming sites. It has one of the most varied, legitimate libraries for movie and TV show buffs out there. It’s all free, provided you can sit through their ads.

Streaming movies and TV shows for free online can be legal, depending on a few factors. If the platform streaming said content has distribution rights for it, then yes, it’s legal. The best free streaming sites in this category include Pluto, Vudu, and Crackle.

However, if the platform streams content without distribution rights, then that content could be illegal, and it might be considered piracy depending on your location. Famous sites in this category include FlixTor and AZMovies.

Whether you get in trouble for watching free movies online will depend on where you live. While this is illegal in most parts of the globe, copyright laws are not uniformly enforced.

In a worst-case scenario, you can be throttled by your ISP, receive a fine, or be sent a cease and desist letter for illegally watching movies while accessing free movie streaming sites.

Yes, you need a VPN  when accessing free online movie streaming sites for two reasons:

  • Some sites, like Vudu and Peacock TV, are available only in select locations. You’ll need a VPN to overcome these restrictions.
  • Sites like Putlocker and PrimeWire are illegal in many countries as they host pirated content. It’s best to use a VPN to change your IP address when accessing these sites to avoid potential legal scrutiny.

Theodor Porutiu

Theodor Porutiu Author

Senior journalist.

Theodor is a content writer passionate about the newest tech developments and content marketing strategies. He likes privacy-friendly software, SEO tools, and when he’s not writing, he’s trying to convince people they should uninstall TikTok.

Share this article

More articles from the streaming section.

Where-to-Watch-Murdoch-Mysteries-Featured-Image

Where to Watch Murdoch Mysteries for Free Online

Best-9Anime-Alternatives-Featured

The 10 Best 9anime Alternatives Working Right Now (2024)

Best KissAnime Alternatives featured

10 Best KissAnime Alternatives Working Right Now (2024)

so i tried so many websites some are good but there are some websites that don't work our can not watching outside the usa an the one website i always look for to watch my free movie the have problems we get always error like Fmovie losmovie so you have to good looking for an good website that working good an without buffering also some website don't find an movie if you search for it

Hi Daniel! It can indeed be tricky to find a good, legitimate, working website. If you run into the issue that a website cannot be accessed outside of the US, however, we have a very simple solution for that. Simply use a VPN like NordVPN and connect to a server in the US! You'll be able to access the site anyway! You can follow this guide if you need some help setting that up. Happy watching!

some of the website don't work good our have many problems i watching all verylong to free movie some are good some most login our sing up and so on but i know all most of this free stream website i am from belgium and it is not so easy to find some good free stream mostly there all from the usa

Hi daniel! The quality of free streams can indeed vary greatly. If you want access to a free stream from the USA, however, you can easily do so from all over the world with a VPN. Simply get NordVPN , for example, and connect to a server in the USA before you head to the stream. Enjoy!

What do you think about Movies.do site?

Hi Marijane, Thank you for your question. By having a first look at the site, we noticed that it is immediately asking you to sign up for an account. In our experience, this is one of the ways sites can collect your data and potentially target your email to send you ads. Therefore, it is better to opt for a site we recommend in this article.

Need vpn :( to assess most of them and so many ads

Yes, most of these websites will use ads to make money, since the content on them is free. But using a (free) VPN (like the free versions of PrivadoVPN or ProtonVPN) and an adblocker will already make the sites much more usable! You can have a look at our best adblocker article for some (free) suggestions!

Prime Wire has been busted now it is just a trailer page

It seems to work fine for us! Have you tried the link listed in this article? That will lead you straight to the right page.

Fmovies does *NOT* stream anything in 4k, and as of today they've disabled the site for anyone using any type of ad block and it is completely unusable. You can't click on any movie of show because of all the overlay ads. Site is dead unless they stop blocking ad blockers.

Looking for a VPN?

Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Extensively tested by our experts.

Looking for a VPN?

  • Accessories
  • Wearable Tech
  • Wi-Fi and Networking
  • Entertainment
  • Small Business
  • Digital Magazine
  • Smart Answers
  • Best Phones
  • Best Budget Phones
  • Best Tablets
  • Best Budget Tablets
  • Best Air Fryers
  • Best Robot Vacuums
  • Best Electric Toothbrushes

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

Is it legal to stream free movies online?

Martyn Casserly

When looking for new movies to watch, or tracking down some old classics, it can be very tempting to use websites offering you the chance to stream them for free.

What’s the catch you might ask? Well, they could be plentiful – especially if the content is pirated. We take a look at whether it is legal to stream free movies online, and suggest a few safe alternatives.

Are free movie sites legitimate or not? 

The general rule of thumb is that if it looks too good to be true, then that’s most likely the case. Many sites offer pirated copies of new movies, which they monetise through adverts.

So, how can you check to see if the movie in question is legal or not? We asked Alice Skeats, Director of Communications for Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) for some advice.

‘If a consumer is unsure whether the film they have found online is free,’ says Alice, ‘they can visit  www.findanyfilm.com  which provides information on where you can watch, buy, rent or book tickets for films safely and legitimately.

‘If a website or app is offering a film for free that is still on at the cinema then the likelihood is that it is not a legal option.’

Can I watch any movies for free?

If you’re willing to put up with advertising and don’t mind watching older, more obscure titles, then Viewster is a good option.

On here you’ll find a wide range of films to choose from, and while the majority are of questionable quality – ‘Sorority Babes in the Dance-A-Thon of Death’ – if you dig deep enough you’ll find older treasures featuring Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, Marilyn Monroe, Douglas Fairbanks, Basil Rathbone, and Frank Sinatra.

is it legal to stream free movies online

There are some decent documentaries on offer too, and if you’re a fan of Anime then Viewster has a very good collection of TV shows.

Of course, you shouldn’t neglect the various catch-up services from broadcast channels in the UK, all of which can be watched online. You’ll need a valid TV licence to watch iPlayer programmes, though.

BBC iPlayer often has several movies on offer, as does ITV , Film4 , and My5 .

is it legal to stream free movies online

But is it really illegal to stream films?

Again, we turned to FACT for a clarification on this oft-repeated wisdom in chatrooms, forums, and comment sections. 

‘In April [2017] the EU Court of Justice ruled that using a device to stream copyrighted content without the right permissions or subscriptions is breaking the law. Therefore, consumers need to be aware that streaming films in this way is very much illegal, as is downloading and distributing them.’

Many people view piracy as a victimless crime. After all, those huge corporations like Sony and Universal are awash with seemingly limitless cash that they splurge on eye-watering budgets and actors’ inflated pay packets.

But, the bulk of the creative industries are made up of working professionals, earning regular wages, reliant on the revenue from movies to pay their bills, like the rest of us. With just shy of 2 million people in the UK employed in these roles, it’s important not to see this as just some faceless studio based on the other side of the Atlantic.

‘Piracy has a significant impact on the U.K. economy,’ states Alice Skeats, ‘and the livelihoods of the millions of people working to put the TV, sport and films we love on the big screen. From sound engineers, costume designers, set carpenters and camera crew – hundreds of thousands of people’s jobs are directly affected each time a film or TV show is pirated.’

Then there’s the issue of organised crime. Ad revenue from sites offering free movies can rack up, and this money often finds its way into the hands of those who behave like many of the villains found in the movies you’re watching.

‘If you are not paying for this content,’ Skeats continues, ‘you are depriving industry of the revenue it needs to fund the next generation of TV programmes, films and sporting events we all enjoy. Instead it provides funds for the organised criminals.

‘There are also so many risks facing the consumer’ she concludes. ‘Not only is this activity breaking the law but it also can expose the user to malware and viruses, explicit content and, in the case of illicit streaming devices, they have been proven to pose a fire and electrical risk.’

So, how do I watch the latest movies online for free?

While you can’t legally watch the big box-office favourites for free all the time, there is a way to do it for at least a few months.

Each of the major streaming services offers trial periods where you can check out their wares.

At the moment Netflix provides a month of free content , as does Amazon when you sign up for its Prime Video service . 

NowTV has a 14-day trial , while the excellent BFI Player also has a 30-day free sample period.

is it legal to stream free movies online

If you were to sign up to one, enjoy the content, then when the trial period ends cancel your subscription and move onto the next one, you’d be able to get a huge range of top-class free movies with no legal qualms at all.

When you’ve finished your film tourism you’ll also have a better idea of which service best fits your tastes. Then you can sign up and enjoy a continually updating catalogue of entertainment, all with a clear conscience. 

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

free movie websites illegal

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

  • These ad blockers keep your internet browsing experience clean and calm
  • How to get a YouTube Premium Student Discount
  • How to stop Disney+ autoplaying previews and next episodes

IMAGES

  1. 123movies.to Was The OG Of The Illegal Free Online Movies Streaming

    free movie websites illegal

  2. Illegal Websites To Watch Movies For Free

    free movie websites illegal

  3. Best Free Movie Download Sites Illegal

    free movie websites illegal

  4. Illegal Websites To Watch Movies For Free

    free movie websites illegal

  5. Illegal Websites To Watch Movies For Free ~ June

    free movie websites illegal

  6. 2022 Best 33 Free Movie Streaming Sites to Watch Films/TV Shows Safely

    free movie websites illegal

VIDEO

  1. One of the world's largest illegal streaming websites has closed!

  2. BEST FREE MOVIE WEBSITES

  3. When You Watch A Movie On An Illegal Website And Then... 🤣

  4. 5 free websites for movies download in 4k ultra HD😱 #shorts#youtubeshorts#movie#amazing

  5. websites to watch free movies 😱#viral #shortvideo #movie

  6. Free movie websites