Looking for ways to enjoy movies without spending money on multiple streaming subscriptions? You're in luck!
14 Best Free Movie Apps in 2024: Watch Movies Without Paying a Dime
This guide explores the best free movie apps that let you watch films legally without breaking the bank. While some apps include ads, they're a great way to save money on entertainment while still enjoying your favorite content.
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers an impressive collection of free movies and TV shows through its streaming service. Owned by Paramount, this legitimate platform provides access to over 250+ live channels and thousands of on-demand titles. While it includes ads, the content quality and variety make it a top choice for free entertainment. Available on: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and web browsers.
2. Crackle
Sony's Crackle remains one of the oldest and most reliable free streaming services. It features a rotating selection of popular movies, original programming, and classic TV shows. The platform requires no subscription or credit card information - just download and start watching. Available on: iOS, Android, Roku, and most smart TVs.
3. Peacock (Free Tier)
NBCUniversal's Peacock offers a generous free tier that includes thousands of hours of movies and TV shows. While premium content requires a subscription, the free version provides access to about 13,000 hours of programming, including popular movies and classic shows. Available on: All major platforms and devices.
4. The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel has evolved beyond just Roku devices and now offers free access to thousands of movies and TV shows through any web browser or mobile device. The service includes both on-demand content and live TV channels, with new titles added monthly. No Roku device is required to access the free content.
5. Vudu (Free with Ads)
While Vudu is known for rentals, they offer a substantial collection of free movies and TV shows with ads. Owned by Walmart, the service provides high-quality streams up to 1080p for free content. You'll find both recent releases and classic films in their "Free with Ads" section.
6. Tubi TV
Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi offers over 40,000 titles in its free streaming library. The platform specializes in movies and TV shows from major studios, with new content added regularly. No account is required to start watching, though creating one allows you to resume playback across devices.
7. IMDb TV (Amazon Freevee)
Amazon's free streaming service (formerly IMDb TV, now Freevee) provides access to thousands of popular movies and TV shows. The service includes award-winning movies, TV series, and original content. Prime membership is not required to access the free content.
8. Plex
While known for personal media streaming, Plex offers a growing library of free movies and TV shows. The service includes content from major studios and networks, with new titles added regularly. No subscription is required, though a free account is needed to access the streaming library.
9. Kanopy
Kanopy offers free streaming through participating public libraries and universities. The service specializes in independent films, documentaries, and educational content. While you need a library card to access it, the streaming quality and ad-free experience make it worth signing up.
10. Hoopla Digital
Similar to Kanopy, Hoopla provides free streaming through public libraries. The service offers movies, TV shows, eBooks, and music. Each library sets monthly borrowing limits, but all content streams ad-free and in HD quality when available.
11. YouTube Free Movies
YouTube maintains a selection of free movies with ads. While not as extensive as dedicated streaming services, you'll find a mix of older films and some newer releases. The advantage is that no additional app is needed if you already use YouTube.
12. Viki
For fans of Asian entertainment, Viki offers a free tier with access to Korean dramas, Chinese movies, and other Asian content. While premium content requires a subscription, the free tier provides access to many popular titles with ads.
13. Redbox Free Live TV
Beyond its DVD kiosks, Redbox offers free streaming through its app and website. The service includes both on-demand content and live TV channels. No account is required, though creating one allows you to save favorites and resume watching.
14. FilmRise
FilmRise offers a growing collection of movies and TV shows through its own app and other free streaming platforms. The service specializes in classic films, documentaries, and TV series. All content is available without a subscription, supported by occasional ads.
Looking for more ways to save on streaming? Check out our guide on 13 Best Free Streaming Video Services in the US for additional options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Movie Apps
Are free movie apps legal?
Yes, the free movie apps mentioned in this article are completely legal. They generate revenue through advertisements or operate as free tiers of legitimate streaming services. Always be cautious of apps that claim to offer latest releases for free, as these may be illegal streaming services.
Why do these apps show advertisements?
Free movie apps show advertisements to cover their operating costs and licensing fees for the content they provide. This advertising-supported model allows them to offer movies and TV shows legally without charging users a subscription fee.
Do I need a smart TV to use these apps?
While many of these apps work best on smart TVs, they're also available on smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. Some services even allow casting to your TV using devices like Chromecast or Roku, making them accessible regardless of your TV type.
How much data do free movie apps use?
Streaming movies typically uses 1-3 GB of data per hour for standard definition and 2-7 GB per hour for HD content. Most apps allow you to adjust video quality to manage data usage. Consider using WiFi when possible to avoid excessive mobile data charges.
Money-Saving Tips for Movie Lovers
While free movie apps are great, you can save even more on entertainment by combining them with other strategies. Consider using RetailMeNot for movie ticket discounts, and check out our guide on how to save money on entertainment for more tips.
