You can watch movies and TV at home, on a plane, in line at the grocery store — virtually anywhere and on any platform you like. But it will cost you.
Big-name video streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video require you to pay monthly subscriptions. Luckily, they aren’t your only options.
The following top free streaming sites are completely legal and don’t require a paid subscription.
Most of these services are free because they are supported by ads, meaning you can expect to see commercials as you do on YouTube videos.
1. Comet
Comet is a free television channel dedicated to science fiction shows like “Stargate SG-1” and “The X-Files.” It also offers a selection of free movies, including thrillers, horror films and science fiction classics.
You can stream Comet’s content online free of charge at comettv.com, on cable, on a Roku device or on Apple TV.
2. Court TV
Need real-life trials and dramas? Check out Court TV.
It can be seen on cable, satellite and over-the-air, and it is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Court TV online and streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, SiriusXM, YouTube TV and Apple TV.
3. Hoopla
Hoopla says its passion is “the public library patron.” It provides libraries across North America with movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, e-books and comics through its site and mobile app.
With a library card, you can instantly watch free Hoopla content on your computer and mobile device, and with Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Chromecast or Roku. The collection includes a great number of movie titles and television shows.
4. HBO Max
HBO Max — formerly known as Max — offers some content for free, letting you “sample new and fan-favorite original series,” such as “The Pitt” and “The Gilded Age.” No subscription or credit card information is required.
5. Kanopy
By partnering with public libraries and universities, Kanopy aims to provide thought-provoking entertainment like documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos — without ads. That’s also why you need a library card or university login to view Kanopy’s collection.
You can search for your local library or university on Kanopy’s site to find out if it partners with Kanopy.
6. Documentary+
Whether you like documentaries short, feature-length or as a series, Documentary+ has got you covered with docs in numerous categories.
The service is available for streaming on Apple devices, Roku, and through several other services.
7. Pluto TV
Stream movies and TV online free of charge with Pluto. You do not need to create a username and password to get free content on Pluto TV.
Pluto has hundreds of channels and thousands of on-demand free movie options. Get it with Pluto TV’s mobile app, internet browser or Windows desktop app.
On-demand movies include “Braveheart” and other classics. You can also view episodes of “Cops” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” to name a couple, in addition to live TV access. View the daily lineup at pluto.tv/live-tv.
8. Popcornflix
Popcornflix gets straight to the action, making movies and series available in just a couple clicks without any sign-up.
Its offerings span many genres, including action, sci-fi, comedy, horror, documentary and drama.
9. Sling Freestream
Sling, the internet television service owned by Dish Network, has made some of its content free on mobile devices and internet browsers. No subscription is required to watch thousands of on-demand TV shows and movies, including full seasons of “Forensic Files” and “Iron Chef.”
10. Stirr
Stirr is a free streaming service that offers on-demand movies and TV shows as well as live channels such as QVC and TBN. Advertising is also part of the mix.
11. Tubi
This free streaming service boasts more than 275,000 movies and TV shows and 300 exclusive originals.
Tubi is available on Android and Apple devices, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, as well as some smart TVs and video game consoles.
12. Fandango at Home
Fandango at Home is a pay-per-use streaming service owned by Fandango. Rentals typically cost between $3.99 and $5.99, but many movies and TV shows are free with ads.
13. Xumo
Free online movie and TV streaming sites like this one, run by cable companies Comcast and Charter, offer live and on-demand access to more than 300 channels. Visit the Xumo Play page to see lists of available channels.
14. Amazon Freevee
Amazon describes Freevee as “a premium free streaming service” with thousands of movies and shows, including originals and live TV channels. It’s available on mobile devices, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, plus some smart TVs and video game consoles.
15. ViX
ViX is a Spanish-language streaming service with free and premium shows and movies, including original content.
16. Fawesome
Fawesome — a combination of “free” and “awesome” — offers a vast collection of movies and shows available instantly. It’s available through mobile apps, and on Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV.
17. Haystack News
Haystack News is “a free newscast made just for you,” including live coverage. It’s available online, through mobile apps, smart TVs and other common devices.
18. Plex
The free offerings on Plex include thousands of titles on more than 600 channels, including movies, shows, sports and live TV. You can stream from “just about any phone, tablet, smart TV, gaming consoles, or PC.”