the Top Destinations to Stream Movies for Free Online
If you like comedies, mysteries, documentaries, or any other genre, there is a wide range of movies available for free streaming online.
In this article, I will examine twelve of the top websites 123movies and sources for streaming free movies online. I have personally visited each website mentioned below and have evaluated multiple videos to ensure high quality, check for advertisements, and determine what content is available for free.
Where To Watch Free Movies Online
As you begin your search for free movies on the internet, it won't take much time before you encounter websites that are not trustworthy. Some of these sites may ask for payment or subscriptions, while others may offer access to illegal content. However, there are numerous legal options available, such as Crackle, The Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee (previously known as IMDb TV), Tubi, and Vudu, where you can watch movies and TV shows for free.
If you're searching for a comprehensive list of methods to watch movies without paying, you won't likely discover it here. However, I have assembled a compilation of 12 legally permitted ways to watch movies online for free, with most of them including advertisements. It is important to note that the level of inconvenience caused by ads, known as "Ad Pain," is ranked from minimal to significant depending on the duration and frequency of ads.
If you desire a completely ad-free experience, make sure to explore Kanopy or Hoopla, platforms supported by educational institutions.
If you decide to visit one of these websites or download the applications, it is possible that you will need to sign up for a free account in order to proceed. However, it is not necessary to download anything or provide any payment details to access the free content. In some cases, you may be asked to disable your ad blocker if you are watching online.
Here are comprehensive details about distinct locations where you have the legal option to stream movies and free live tv streaming without any cost.
Categories: Classic movies, comedies, dramas, documentaries, independent films, and international cinema.
Ideal for: Documentaries and educational material
Available on multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and TV, the platform can be accessed through mobile apps, web browsers, or by casting on a television.
Kanopy collaborates with numerous public libraries and universities to offer shows and movies without advertisements. To access the content on your television, mobile phone, tablet, or online, you can utilize your library card or school email address. I inputted my library card number and afterwards, used my name and email address to establish a Kanopy account.
After logging in, you have the ability to view a specific amount of videos each month. The exact number of videos you can access is different for each library. At the top-right section of the screen, you will find a numerical value that tells you the remaining "credits" or programs you can watch for the month. However, in the Kanopy Kids section, you can enjoy an unlimited number of plays.
Besides offering free movies, Kanopy also grants users access to free documentaries centered on various topics like culture, the arts, business, education, global studies, and health, among others. While going through the options, I didn't come across many familiar titles. Nonetheless, the extensive array of independent films, documentaries, and international cinema was sufficient to keep me engaged, prompting me to browse through multiple pages.
After discovering a movie of your interest, you can click on its title to access extra details, related movie suggestions, and comments which might provide useful recommendations. Additionally, most videos come with ratings, subtitles, and transcripts.
Kanopy can be used on iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire devices through its mobile app. Additionally, Kanopy has a TV app that can be accessed on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Telstra TV, and Chromecast. If you don't have any of these devices, you can still watch Kanopy on your TV by connecting your computer to it using an HDMI cable.
- Pros:
- There are no advertisements.
- If you are searching for documentaries or educational films, you will discover a vast array of subjects to explore.
- Cons:
- Each library sets a specific monthly limit on the number of videos you are allowed to watch.
- Content is not downloadable.
- To be able to stream, you must either sign in or make a new account.
Categories: Action and adventure, Children's, Comedy, Documentary, Family, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thrillers.
Ideal for: No commercials, watching without an internet connection
Platforms available for accessing the content include mobile devices (such as phones and tablets) through the app, computers through the website, and televisions through either the app or casting.
Hoopla, the digital platform owned by Midwest Tape, is a renowned distributor of entertainment and media to public libraries in North America. Within Hoopla, users can access a wide range of digital content such as movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, e-books, and other materials from over 8,500 libraries.
Hoopla functions similarly to a public library, allowing you to borrow digital movies instantly at any given moment by using your library card. If you do not have an account yet, you can easily register for free online. Logging in is necessary in order to access and borrow any items.
After logging in, users can view highlighted titles, their borrowed items, recommended titles based on their borrowing history, popular titles, and their favorite items. They can also navigate through the top of the screen or use the search bar to find specific titles.
After selecting a title that catches your interest, you can view the movie's information, description, and ratings given by other Hoopla users. When you are ready to borrow the movie, simply click on the "Borrow" button. A message will inform you of the duration of your access to the title, usually 2-3 days, and whether it can be streamed, downloaded, or both. The title will be automatically "returned" once the borrowing period expires.
After borrowing a watch movies, you have the liberty to watch it at any given time without any interruptions from advertisements. Furthermore, subtitles are usually offered for better understanding. Apart from offering free movies and TV shows, Hoopla also grants access to complimentary audiobooks, e-books, music, and other forms of entertainment.
Hoopla can be accessed through any internet browser or on Apple/Android devices. Additionally, you have the option to stream content from Hoopla using your Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, or Roku device.
- Pros:
- There are no advertisements shown during television programs and films.
- Once you have checked out, you can download certain content.
- There is a diverse range of content available on various forms of media.
- Cons:
- To access and borrow films, you must either log in with your library card or create a complimentary account.
- There is a limited amount of time in which you can borrow each title.
Amazon Freevee (Formerly IMDb TV)
Click on the provided link to access the freevee section on Amazon's website. The link contains a tag associated with connect-day Main Site.
Types of films: Comedies, puzzles and suspense, action and excitement, romance, documentaries, science fiction, family, drama.
Best For: Top Hollywood hits
Platforms available for accessing the content include the app designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, the website accessible on computers, and the app that can be cast onto a TV screen.
In order to access free Amazon Freevee content, you will need to sign in, but creating an account is free. Another option is to sign in using your Amazon, Facebook, Google, or Apple account. Once you are logged in, you can stream movies and shows, add videos to a watchlist, and save your progress if you need to pause and resume watching at a later time or on another device.
Regardless of your login method or device, it should be noted that videos on Amazon Freevee cannot be bought or downloaded for offline viewing. This implies that you will need to endure a few advertisements. The image below showcases a 90-minute movie with six ads.
While viewing a show or movie, you have the choice to activate the "X-Ray" function. This feature displays small pop-ups containing intriguing information related to the current scene. Additionally, you can also utilize the other side of the screen to modify closed captions, video quality, audio, and screen size according to your preference.
During my visit to Amazon Freevee, I came across various well-known titles in the "Recently Added" category such as "Murdoch Mysteries," "Everybody Hates Chris," "Change-Up," and "The Guardians." Apart from popular TV shows and Hollywood blockbusters, Freevee also offers its own original content and a dedicated section for lesser-known but noteworthy movies and series called "Hidden Gems."
- Pros:
- You will discover both well-known and lesser-known books.
- You have the ability to modify the video resolution, increasing it to high definition.
- The "X-Ray" feature in films allows you to observe fascinating details.
- Cons:
- The selection is limited.
- Content is not downloadable.
- In order to stream, you will need to either sign in or make a new account.
Note from the editor: The author previously reviewed this service under the name IMDb TV. Any mentions of IMDb TV have been revised to reflect its new name, Amazon Freevee.
Categories: Anime encompasses various genres including action, adventure, comedy, drama, and thriller, among others. Similarly, drama includes a wide range of options such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more.
Best For: Anime
new movies streaming now on multiple platforms including mobile devices (phones/tablets), computers (websites), and televisions (TV apps/casting).
Crunchyroll, a subsidiary of Funimation, offers anime streaming services in over 200 countries and territories. If you are an anime enthusiast, this platform is your go-to destination for free streaming. It provides a vast collection of popular titles as well as exclusive Crunchyroll originals at no cost.
I came across numerous episodes of popular anime shows while scrolling through Crunchyroll. Specifically, I noticed over 1,300 episodes of "One Piece," more than 151 episodes of "Black Clover," and more than 250 episodes of "My Hero Academia." Crunchyroll also offers other well-known titles such as "Attack on Titan" and "Naruto," among many others. Most of the content is presented in Japanese with English subtitles, although there are a few shows available with English dubbing.
You are not required to sign up for an account to watch content on Crunchyroll, but you will be shown ads that encourage you to subscribe for a premium membership. With this membership, you can enjoy unlimited shows without ads, access new episodes shortly after they air, and download shows to watch offline. However, it's still possible to stream for free online with advertisements. Just keep in mind that the latest episodes might not be immediately available.
Once you select a video, you can immediately start streaming it online without the need to log in. However, if you wish to save the video for later viewing, you will have to create a free account. It was not necessary for me to deactivate my ad blocker in order to begin streaming, and advertisements only appeared a few times throughout a 23-minute episode.
- Pros:
- Throughout the content, you will come across occasional, brief advertisements.
- Creating an account is not necessary in order to stream.
- In addition to movies, there are also options to enjoy shows, manga, and games.
- Cons:
- Only premium members have access to the latest releases.
- You need to have a premium subscription in order to download the content.
Categories: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Kids and Family, Horror, Crime, Mystery, Animation.
Best For: Variety
Available platforms include mobile apps for phones and tablets, a website accessible on computers, and television applications or casting options.
Rather than using a media player and directly streaming videos on Yidio.com, you have the option to search for titles on different platforms such as Tubi, Vudu, Crackle, The Roku Channel, and many others.
Although you will come across videos from streaming services that require payment such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and more, you have the option to refine your search to specifically display free movies or TV shows.
On Yidio, you can watch the majority of video links using various methods such as through a web browser on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, by using a streaming media player or game console. For a convenient guide on which devices support specific streaming services, refer to the resource provided by Yidio.
Creating an account is not necessary for using Yidio, but you can sign up for free if you want to keep a record of your favorite videos. If you come across a video that you wish to watch, click on its title to find out where it can be accessed for free.
As an illustration, when I selected "The Shining," I discovered that it is accessible on various paid subscription platforms and can be rented on Amazon, Vudu, and other sites. However, I noticed that it is also completely free to watch on Amazon Freevee. After clicking on the play button, I was directed to Amazon Freevee's website where I could enjoy the movie without any charges.
If you already have a particular movie in mind, Yidio is an excellent tool to use to find out if it can be watched for free on the internet.
- Pros:
- There are numerous movies available from various sources, with many of them being free.
- Using Yidio does not require an account.
- Cons:
- Yidio does not offer movies directly, so you will need to visit another website to access them.
- Not all movies are available for free.
Different categories available in the English language include action, classics, comedy, drama, thriller, reality, original, and documentary.
Ideal for: Timeless series, comedic films, beloved movies featuring famous actors.
Various platforms are available for users to access the content, including mobile devices (both phones and tablets) through the app, computers via the website, and televisions through the TV app or casting option.
Crackle, which is operated by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, is a streaming platform that offers original content in addition to free movies and TV shows obtained from different companies.
There is a wide range of old and new shows/movies available on Crackle, covering various genres. These include both lesser-known talented individuals and popular names like The Rock, John Travolta, Ashton Kutcher, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gene Wilder, Chevy Chase, and more. Crackle offers something for everyone with its numerous featured categories such as "Broken Vows," "What Just Happened?," "The Wave," "Hats Off to Christmas!," and "The War Within."
This entertainment network, which is free to use, can be accessed on various popular platforms such as web browsers, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Roku, Android, and Apple devices. To see the complete list of supported devices, please visit the website.
When using Crackle, no account is necessary to begin streaming content. However, if you wish to save movies for later viewing, logging in is required. Creating an account is a simple and free process, as you just need to click "sign in" on the homepage to begin.
Regardless of whether you sign up for a free account or begin watching immediately, you will still be required to endure a few commercials. This implies that you must deactivate any ad-blocking software before streaming content online. As per the website, featuring advertisements with accessible shows enables Crackle to sustain their free service.
Types of movies and television shows include comfort movies, sitcoms, TV dramas, action films, comedies, dramas, family-friendly content, and independent films.
Best For: Live TV
Available across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and television, the platform is accessible via an app on phones and tablets, a website on computers, and an app or casting feature on TVs.
Pluto TV offers a wide range of television channels and movies that you can access for free. This internet TV service provides both live TV and on-demand content, all supported by advertisements.
You have various options to access Pluto TV online including through your computer, iOS or Android device. Additionally, you can stream Pluto TV on different devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung, and Vizio. Personally, I accessed the website online using my computer.
Upon arriving on the website, I selected the option "Watch Free Now" to begin. This led me to a screen where I could choose between "Live TV" or "On Demand". The "On Demand" section offers various categories, including the aforementioned genres, as well as popular movies, top TV series, new movies, and more. If you are interested in live TV, you will find a wide range of free channels to choose from.
In English language, here is the paraphrased version of the given paragraph: By selecting different categories such as featured, movies, news, reality, comedy, classic, sports, kids, and more, you have the option to explore live channels. Within these categories, you will come across numerous popular television networks like TV Land, MTV, CSI, and Comedy Central.
In both the live channels and on-demand content, you will encounter occasional advertisements similar to regular television. Based on my personal experience, ads typically appeared approximately every eight minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for free online movies, it is recommended to visit each of these websites.
If you want to find well-known names from Hollywood and successful TV shows or movies, you can explore Crackle or Amazon Freevee. If you possess a library card, you can enjoy an ad-free experience by visiting Hoopla or Kanopy. Crunchyroll is an excellent platform for streaming free anime shows and movies, while Tubi and YouTube offer a wide range of movies suitable for families and children.
To watch Live TV, you can use Pluto TV and The Roku Channel. If you prefer independent films and lesser-known movies, you might find something you like on Popcornflix or Vudu. Lastly, if you have a particular title in mind, you can check Yidio to see if it's available for free on any of these websites.
It is important to ensure that you are watching free movies online in a legal and secure manner, regardless of the platform you choose. While you may need to disable your ad blocker or provide your email to create a free account, there should be no requirement to download anything or enter any payment details on your computer.