24 FREE Apps to Watch Movies Online
I love movies. But paying for five different subscriptions just to watch something decent? No thanks.
If you’re like me and want to find actually free movie apps without wading through scams or piracy nonsense, I’ve got you.
I spent way too long digging for options that are legit (even if they make you watch a few ads) and work without headaches.
I’ve also found some gems from other countries that people watch free with a VPN—super handy if you want to mix things up or find stuff you just can’t get here.
So here it is: my big list of 23 free movie apps that actually work.
Some are ready to go in the U.S., others need a VPN, but all of them can save you money without feeling shady. Grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s dive in.
1. Tubi
If you want one of the easiest ways to watch movies for free, Tubi is a no-brainer.
It’s 100% free (like, really free), because it just runs a few ads—kind of like watching TV.
The app has a massive library with everything from big studio movies to cult classics and old-school favorites. You’ll find horror, comedy, drama, even some surprisingly good indie stuff.
What I like is how simple it is. No subscriptions. No sneaky trials. Just download the app and start watching.
It works on iPhone, Android, Roku, Fire TV—basically anything. They add new titles all the time, so there’s always something worth checking out.
If you don’t want to mess around with weird sites or pay for yet another streaming service, Tubi is one of the best legit options out there.
It’s the one I always recommend first for free movie streaming.
2. Crackle
Crackle is another solid, actually free streaming app that’s been around for years.
It’s owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (yep, that’s a real company) and it’s 100% legal and ad-supported. Basically, you get movies and shows for free, and they make their money from ads—no weird surprises or pirate vibes.
What I like about Crackle is the mix.
They’ve got a decent library with Hollywood movies, older hits, and even some original shows you can’t find elsewhere. It’s perfect if you don’t mind the occasional ad break in exchange for saving your money.
The app itself is easy to use. You can make a free account to keep track of what you’re watching, but you don’t have to.
It works on iPhone, Android, smart TVs, and pretty much anything else. If you want free streaming that feels legit, Crackle is always worth checking out.
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is perfect if you miss that old-school channel-surfing vibe but don’t want to pay for cable.
It’s 100% free and ad-supported, offering live TV channels plus tons of on-demand movies and shows. Think of it like having hundreds of channels to flip through, but without the bill.
The movie selection is solid—lots of older Hollywood hits, cult classics, genre flicks, and even some hidden gems you wouldn’t expect to find for free.
The app is super easy to navigate, with separate sections for live channels and on-demand movies.
What’s cool is it works everywhere: iPhone, Android, Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, you name it. No subscription or credit card required, just ads now and then to keep it free.
If you want something that feels like free cable with movies included, Pluto TV is an easy pick. It’s always on my list of must-try free apps.
4. Freevee (Amazon Freevee)
If you already use Amazon Prime Video, you’ve probably seen Freevee pop up—it’s Amazon’s completely free, ad-supported streaming service.
You don’t need a Prime subscription to use it at all.
Just download the Freevee app or watch through Prime Video and you’ll get access to a pretty big library of movies, TV shows, and even some originals.
What’s nice is the quality. You’ll find well-known Hollywood movies, older favorites, and even Freevee-exclusive shows that aren’t on paid services.
It’s all legal and free, with ads sprinkled in like commercial breaks on TV.
The app is polished, easy to use, and works on iPhone, Android, Fire TV, Roku, and smart TVs.
Honestly, if you want a truly free option that doesn’t feel sketchy or half-baked, Freevee is one of the best. It’s a solid way to watch legit movies without paying a dime.
5. Vudu (Free “Movies on Us” section)
Vudu might be best known for rentals and digital purchases, but a lot of people don’t realize it also has a big free section called “Movies on Us.”
This part is 100% ad-supported, meaning you can watch real movies for free if you don’t mind the occasional commercial break.
The selection is actually pretty solid.
You’ll find Hollywood hits, older favorites, family movies, and a bunch of genres to browse. It’s not just random B-movies either—they refresh the lineup pretty often, so there’s always something new to check out.
You do need a free Vudu account to watch, but that’s it—no subscription, no payment. The app is smooth and works on iPhone, Android, Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, and even game consoles.
If you’re looking to save money but still want legit streaming options, Vudu’s free section is absolutely worth adding to your list.
6. Plex
Plex is kind of a two-in-one app, which is why I love recommending it.
First, it’s famous as a personal media server—you can use it to stream your own movies across devices. But what a lot of people don’t know is that Plex also has a totally free streaming service built right in.
The free section is ad-supported, with a surprisingly big library of movies and TV shows.
You’ll find older Hollywood hits, indie films, international movies, and even some docuseries. The ads are there, sure, but that’s the tradeoff for no subscription cost.
The interface is really clean and easy to use.
You can set up your own media server if you want, or just use it like any other free streaming app. It works on iPhone, Android, smart TVs, web browsers—pretty much everything.
If you want something versatile with a huge selection, Plex is a solid pick.
7. Kanopy
Kanopy is honestly one of my favorite hidden gems for free, high-quality streaming.
It’s not ad-supported in the usual way—instead, it’s free through your public library or university. If you have a library card (and many libraries participate), you can sign up and start watching at no cost.
What you get is next-level compared to most free services.
Kanopy focuses on critically acclaimed films, indie hits, documentaries, and foreign movies. It’s the kind of place you’ll find festival favorites, classic cinema, and educational titles that actually make you think.
There aren’t ads interrupting the movies, but you usually get a limited number of play credits per month.
Still, it’s totally free if your library offers it. The app is clean, easy to use, and works on iPhone, Android, Roku, smart TVs, and browsers.
If you want quality over quantity, Kanopy is a must-have.
8. Hoopla
Hoopla is another amazing library-powered app that lets you watch movies for free—and honestly, it feels like borrowing DVDs without leaving your couch.
If your local library is part of the Hoopla system, you just need your library card to sign up.
Once you’re in, you can stream movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and even comics.
It’s seriously a one-stop shop for free entertainment. The movie selection is pretty decent, with Hollywood films, indie picks, and family-friendly titles. It’s all legit—no weird ads or shady links.
You do have a borrowing limit per month (set by your library), but there’s no cost at all.
It’s perfect if you want free movies without sitting through ads every 10 minutes. The app works on iPhone, Android, smart TVs, and even web browsers.
If you love getting the most out of your library, Hoopla is an absolute gem.
9. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is one of those no-nonsense free streaming apps that does exactly what you expect: it lets you watch movies without paying anything.
It’s fully ad-supported, so you’ll get commercial breaks, but that’s the tradeoff for free access to a decent-sized library.
What I like about Popcornflix is the variety.
You’ll find older Hollywood movies, cult classics, indie films, action flicks, comedies—it’s a bit of everything. Don’t expect brand-new blockbusters, but there are plenty of fun options if you just want something to watch on a chill night in.
It’s also really simple to use. No need to create an account if you don’t want to—just open the app and start watching. Works on iPhone, Android, Roku, Fire TV, and smart TVs.
If you’re looking for a completely free, no-frills way to watch movies legally, Popcornflix is always worth having installed.
10. Xumo Play
Xumo Play is perfect if you’re craving that live-TV feeling without the cable bill.
It’s completely free and ad-supported, offering hundreds of live channels you can just flip through—plus a good library of on-demand movies and shows.
For movies, Xumo has a solid lineup of older Hollywood hits, genre favorites, and some nice surprises you wouldn’t expect for free.
It’s not going to replace Netflix for new releases, but it’s great for casual watching without paying a cent.
What I really like is the experience: you can channel-surf just like old-school TV or pick a movie on demand.
The app is super easy to use and available on basically everything—iPhone, Android, Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, even some built-in TV platforms.
If you want free streaming that feels like having cable back (but free), Xumo Play is an underrated gem.
11. JioCinema
JioCinema is an Indian streaming app that’s hugely popular there, kind of like their version of Hulu or Netflix—but with a free option.
It’s made for customers of a major Indian mobile company called Jio, so in India, millions of people get access for free or bundled with their phone plan.
Why should you care in the U.S.? Because if you use a VPN to set your location to India, you can unlock this massive library of movies without paying anything.
Expect a ton of Bollywood hits, regional Indian films in different languages, plus a good chunk of Hollywood movies (some in English, some dubbed).
It’s 100% legal in India and ad-supported, but geo-restricted.
So you’ll need a VPN to even open it here. If you’re curious about international cinema or want way more free options than you’ll find on typical U.S. apps, JioCinema is worth checking out with a VPN.
12. Disney+ Hotstar
Disney+ Hotstar is Disney’s streaming service in India, but it’s a bit different from what we get here in the U.S.
In India, it has a free, ad-supported tier that gives access to a rotating selection of movies, shows, sports highlights, and even live events like cricket.
Most of the library is Bollywood and Indian regional movies, but there’s also a decent selection of Hollywood movies in English (or dubbed), especially big Disney and Marvel titles when they’re included in promos.
It’s geo-restricted to India. To use it from the U.S., you’ll need a VPN set to an Indian server.
It’s 100% legal there, fully ad-supported, and feels like a mix of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN rolled into one.
If you’re curious about international content or want free Disney-owned movies you can’t get here for free, Hotstar is an interesting option with a VPN.
13. MX Player
MX Player started as a super popular video player app in India but has turned into a massive free streaming service there. Think of it like an Indian version of Tubi, but with even more regional variety—and yes, it’s 100% free because it’s supported by ads.
For a U.S. user, it’s geo-restricted, so you’d need a VPN set to India to use it.
Once you’re in, you get access to tons of Bollywood movies, regional-language films, and even a decent chunk of Hollywood movies (some in English, some dubbed).
They also produce MX Originals—exclusive series and movies you can’t watch elsewhere.
The app itself is well-designed and easy to browse, with categories for drama, action, comedy, and more.
If you want to explore a truly huge library of free international films (and don’t mind using a VPN), MX Player is a solid pick to add to your list.
14. Zee5
Zee5 is another big streaming service from India that’s a lot like their version of Hulu or Netflix, but with a free tier (ad-supported) available in India.
It offers a massive library of movies and TV shows in multiple Indian languages, with Bollywood blockbusters, regional cinema, and plenty of drama series.
For a U.S. user, here’s the important part: it’s geo-restricted, so you’d need a VPN set to India to access the free content.
Once you’re in, you’ll find a surprising number of Hollywood movies as well—some available in English, others dubbed.
The app is polished and pretty easy to use, with curated categories for movies, shows, and even news.
If you’re someone who loves exploring cinema beyond the usual Hollywood fare—or just want way more free movies than you’ll find on typical U.S. apps—Zee5 is definitely worth checking out with a VPN.
15. Voot
Voot is a free, ad-supported streaming app that’s hugely popular in India, kind of like their version of Peacock or Hulu with a strong local flavor.
It’s backed by Viacom18, so it has a big library of Bollywood films, regional-language movies, and tons of Indian TV shows and reality series.
For someone in the U.S., you can’t just download it and start watching—it’s geo-restricted.
You’d need a VPN set to India to get in. Once you do, you’ll find plenty of free movies, with some Hollywood titles included (either in English or dubbed).
The app is clean and easy to browse, with sections for drama, comedy, kids’ content, and more.
It’s totally free with ads in India. If you’re curious about exploring more international options, want to see Bollywood hits, or just want more free choices beyond U.S. apps, Voot is worth adding to your VPN-friendly list.
16. BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is the BBC’s official streaming service in the UK, and it’s completely free for UK residents who pay the TV license.
It’s famous for having top-notch content—think BBC dramas, documentaries, comedies, and yes, a rotating selection of movies (often in English, naturally).
For someone in the U.S., though, you can’t just sign up and watch.
It’s geo-restricted to the UK, so you’d need a VPN set to a UK server to access it.
Once you’re in, you’ll find a well-curated library with British films, classic Hollywood titles, indie favorites, and the kind of high-quality programming the BBC is known for.
It’s all 100% legal in the UK, ad-free, and really polished.
If you’re looking to expand your free movie options with critically acclaimed British and international films—and don’t mind setting up a VPN—BBC iPlayer is a fantastic addition to your watchlist.
17. SBS On Demand
SBS On Demand is Australia’s public broadcaster’s free streaming service, and it’s honestly one of the best-kept secrets for movie lovers.
It’s 100% free and ad-supported, with a surprisingly deep catalog of movies in English and other languages (always with subtitles).
From Hollywood classics to indie festival hits and international films you won’t see anywhere else, the selection is genuinely impressive.
It’s designed to showcase diversity, so expect everything from big-name titles to niche gems that critics rave about.
The catch… It’s geo-restricted to Australia.
If you’re in the U.S., you’ll need a VPN set to Australia to unlock it. But once you’re in, it’s completely free—no subscription needed.
If you’re tired of the same old options and want to watch something different, SBS On Demand is 100% legal, easy to use, and a great way to expand your movie horizons.
18. ITVX (formerly ITV Hub)
ITVX is the UK’s free streaming app from ITV, one of the country’s biggest broadcasters.
It’s totally free with ads and offers a big mix of content—hit TV shows, classic British dramas, reality series, and yes, a rotating selection of movies, mostly in English.
For U.S. users, there’s a catch: it’s geo-restricted to the UK.
You’ll need a VPN set to the UK to watch it here.
Once you’re in, you’ll find movies ranging from older Hollywood titles to indie gems and British classics. It’s not just random filler—they often have curated collections with genuinely good films.
The app itself is modern and easy to use, with categories for genres, trending picks, and even live TV.
If you’re looking to expand your free movie options beyond what’s available in the U.S., ITVX is a solid, 100% legal choice to explore with a VPN.
19. ABC iview
ABC iview is Australia’s public broadcaster’s completely free streaming service.
Think of it like Australia’s version of PBS, but with a slicker app.
It’s 100% free, with no subscription fees, and supported by public funding—so no annoying ads in most cases.
For movies, iview offers a curated, rotating selection.
You’ll find Australian-made films, UK and U.S. indie titles, and some Hollywood classics—all in English.
It’s not a massive catalog, but it’s high-quality, with lots of festival favorites and critically acclaimed options.
If you’re in the U.S., you can’t just download and watch—it’s geo-restricted to Australia.
You’ll need a VPN set to Australia to access it. But once you’re in, it’s totally legal and free.
If you’re someone who loves exploring international cinema without paying extra, ABC iview is a fantastic, underrated option to add to your VPN-ready streaming lineup.
20. Channel 4 / All 4
Channel 4’s All 4 app is the UK’s free, ad-supported streaming service that’s really popular over there—and for good reason.
It’s 100% free (just with ads) and offers a big library of TV shows, documentaries, and, importantly, movies.
Their movie selection rotates but typically includes classic Hollywood films, indie hits, festival favorites, and plenty of British cinema, all in English.
It’s curated with that smart, UK-public-broadcaster vibe, so you’ll often find gems you wouldn’t see on typical U.S. free apps.
But here’s the catch for U.S. users: it’s geo-restricted to the UK.
To watch, you’ll need a VPN set to a UK server. Once you’re in, the app is polished and easy to navigate.
If you’re ready to expand your free streaming options with something a little more sophisticated (and don’t mind setting up a VPN), All 4 is absolutely worth checking out.
21. RTE Player
RTE Player is Ireland’s national broadcaster’s free streaming service, and it’s kind of like their version of PBS or BBC iPlayer.
It’s completely free with ads and offers a mix of Irish TV shows, news, live events, and—yes—a selection of movies, all fully legal.
The movie library isn’t giant, but it has some solid picks: older Hollywood classics, indie films, and plenty of Irish cinema in English.
It’s a great way to discover movies you won’t see on most U.S.-based free apps, especially if you’re into exploring international stories with familiar language.
For U.S. users, RTE Player is geo-restricted to Ireland.
You’ll need a VPN set to Ireland to access it. But once you’re in, it’s completely free and easy to use.
If you’re curious about Irish films or just want more legit, free streaming options, RTE Player is a cool addition to your VPN-ready lineup.
22. CBC Gem
CBC Gem is Canada’s official streaming service from their public broadcaster, and it’s completely free with ads for anyone in Canada.
It’s like their version of PBS but with a modern, easy-to-use app that includes movies, TV shows, news, and live events.
What’s great is the movie selection. You’ll find Canadian films, indie favorites, festival darlings, and a solid lineup of Hollywood movies—all in English.
It’s well-curated, with lots of options you won’t see on typical U.S. free apps.
The catch for U.S. users? It’s geo-restricted to Canada.
You’ll need a VPN set to Canada to access it from here. But once you’re in, it’s 100% legal and free.
If you’re looking to expand your streaming library without paying extra, and want to discover films with a more Canadian or international flavor, CBC Gem is a fantastic, legit option to try.
23. TVNZ+
TVNZ+ is New Zealand’s free, ad-supported streaming service from their national broadcaster, kind of like their version of PBS or BBC iPlayer but with its own Kiwi vibe.
It’s completely free for users in New Zealand—no subscriptions or hidden fees, just occasional ads to keep the lights on.
Their movie catalog rotates but includes Hollywood classics, indie hits, New Zealand-made films, and even some Australian cinema—all in English.
It’s surprisingly broad, with enough variety to keep things interesting, especially if you’re looking for something different from the usual U.S. options.
For viewers in the U.S., you’ll need a VPN set to New Zealand to access the app or website, since it’s geo-restricted.
But once you’re in, it’s totally legal and free to use.
24. YouTube
I know, I know—YouTube might seem too obvious to even mention, but hear me out.
It’s actually one of the easiest ways to watch movies for free legally if you know where to look.
Lots of studios and official channels offer free movies with ads, and YouTube itself has a dedicated “Free to Watch” section packed with rotating titles.
You’ll find older Hollywood classics, indie films, documentaries, and even some surprising mainstream hits—all 100% legal because it’s ad-supported. No sketchy downloads, no weird APKs, just the occasional commercial break like regular TV.
Plus, it’s available everywhere: iPhone, Android, smart TVs, Roku, game consoles, or just in your browser.
If you’re looking for one app everyone already has that can seriously expand your free movie options, don’t sleep on YouTube.
Sometimes the best free streaming app is the one you’re already using.
My Final Take
Alright, that’s the full list—23 apps that can help you watch movies for free without falling down a rabbit hole of sketchy sites or illegal streams.
I know not every app will be everyone’s thing.
Some have ads, some need a library card, and some need that VPN setup.
But they’re all real, legit ways to save your money and still get a movie night in.
If you try any of these (or find other hidden gems), let me know. I love finding new ways to watch movies for free without the hassle. Now go grab your popcorn and enjoy.
