Streaming will work on any device with a browser, while downloads require the Hoopla app on a mobile device. Not every library currently supports Hoopla, so make sure you ask. So far, libraries in the U.S. and Canada have access to Hoopla. It also offers a Chrome extension to make downloading and streaming even easier in your browser. Open Culture is designed to be your one-stop-shop for all things free and cultured.
The content isn’t hosted by the site, but rather curated and embedded from other sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion, etc. It’s available internationally, but not all content will work in all locations. The availability of any given title will depend on your location and the number of copies available for download, but we found some surprisingly decent flicks when we last checked.
The same is true of many network streaming platforms such as STARZ or Showtime. The difference is that you'll need to sign up for an account on the platform and provide payment information. You won't be charged a subscription fee during the free-trial period. But if you don't cancel by the time the trial period ends, your account will automatically convert to a paid subscription. It sure seems like everybody these days is either cutting or has already cut the cable cord.
Crackle
But many of them, as well as many complete TV series seasons, are available at no charge. The aptly titled Top Documentary Films is hands down the best site for documentaries. Not every selection is movie-length, but a good documentary doesn’t have to be long — some of the best are under the 60-minute mark.
If you’re looking to watch free movies online then there are loads of great options. Some of the best streaming services are offering the opportunity to watch movies free without a subscription fee or even an account. The likes of Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV are all free ad-supported streaming platforms that let you watch movies for free. The no-charge content on these platforms is a little different from the free trials offered by many subscription streaming services. The content on Crackle or Peacock, for example, is available without the need to set up an account on the platform. Many premium streaming platforms, such as Disney+ and Apple TV+, offer free trial periods during which you can watch their content without paying.
If you’re using this service to supplement Netflix rather than replace it, the Not on Netflix section will help you find new and interesting films to watch. On the movie front, you’ll find both box office and critical hits like I Am Not Your Negro and Man on Wire, as well as some quality low-budget hits like Lion and a host of Christmas movies. Plus, there’s a generous smattering of obscure but interesting B movies. The TV selection is OK, too, featuring studio shows like 21 Jump Street and 3rd Rock from the Sun and originals such as The Oath and Going from Broke. Watch now without any payment or subscription and end the search for free movie websites.
Just like Hoopla, Kanopy is not only free to use, but it’s also commercial-free if you have a library card. Originally founded in 2008 in Australia as an educational tool, Kanopy now offers a library of over 30,000 films through its partnerships with more than 200 libraries. There is a heavy focus on independent free movies and documentaries (the company even has access to many recent films from the A24 catalog), but you’ll find all sorts of films available.
Top Documentary Films
Filter by the streaming services that you have access to so you can see your whole library of movies and TV shows in one place. Discover what what to stream this weekend to watch by seeing which titles are trending in the list below which is sorted by popularity. What all these movies have in common is that they are available for viewing online free of charge. They might be part of the free movie catalog on a free movie site that also offers pay to stream films, such as Hulu.
Watch Free Movies Online with Plex is a premium feature and requires a Plex Pass subscription. Plex Pass gives you exclusive access to awesome new features and apps. Enjoy instant access to 600+ channels for the whole family anywhere, on any device. Let Plex help you find the perfect movie to watch tonight for free. TIDAL is seamlessly integrated with your existing music library — beautifully organized right in Plex.
The best places to watch free movies online
And in the case of TV series, the experience is much like watching an episode on traditional broadcast TV. The ads allow the streaming platform to make money without charging the viewer a subscription fee. Many viewers find that it's worth a few commercials to avoid paying a subscription or rental fee. YouTube does not have the expansive libraries of Netflix, Paramount+, or Disney+. However, YouTube offers many films in multiple genres, including drama, comedy, action, adventure, thriller, and horror.