Free Streaming Services | Where to Watch Free Movies and TV Shows
The number of paid streaming services has grown,
and each delivers more titles than any one person can watch. For many, the combined monthly cost for streaming services, plus any live TV add-ons, now matches or exceeds legacy cable bills. Exploring free content options is not just practical, it saves real money. Many users overlook this, even after years using platforms like Roku, Google TV, or Samsung’s Tizen.
Paid services often collect monthly fees whether you use them or not.
Many people hold accounts on Max, Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, cycling through rewatching old series or only using one service at a time. Subscription costs can slip by unnoticed, especially when multiple users in the same home pay for different services.
Ad-supported streaming makes a real difference. Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels offer content at no monthly charge. Ads support operational costs, but at least you don’t pay out of pocket, as you might for basic Netflix or Hulu plans that still show ads despite charging a fee.
Freevee is a strong resource for free content. Owned by Amazon, it pulls in many shows also featured on Prime Video: examples include Fallout, The Boys, Reacher, and Jack Ryan. While newer blockbuster films rotate on Prime, Freevee stocks mostly older titles. Still, the selection covers a wide range and it’s free to use. Ads are tied to Amazon’s ad network, often leading to very specific targeting.
Tubi also provides a free ad-supported movie library. Its strength lies in on-demand films, with enough quality options for most viewers. TV selections may not be as deep, but Tubi maintains options for live TV, usually limited to news or sports reruns.
Pluto TV stands apart with its live channel setup and range. Channels include categories like comedy, classic TV, westerns, news, and more. If the channel guide is overwhelming, viewers can use the on-demand menu. Creating an account unlocks basic features: save lists, resume watching, and parental controls like kids’ mode (protected by PIN).
YouTube has grown in importance for mainstream, on-demand content. Sports highlights, regular news clips, and analysis are available anytime. Networks and local content providers often upload segments directly. For niche interests, YouTube’s content range beats most other platforms.
The Roku Channel is no longer tied to Roku devices. It works on many smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. The platform includes live TV, sports, movies, and a wide selection of genres. Premier films like Sicario, The Equalizer, and Zero Dark Thirty appear in the rotation, with many other categories available.
Plex has changed over time. Once used only as a media catalog for personal files, it now offers an ad-supported free streaming option. Recent releases may be rare, but old favorites can be found in its on-demand and live TV offerings. Some channels focus on particular studios or franchises, such as a Miramax Movie Channel or dedicated series channels like the Walking Dead universe.
For families, PBS Kids offers a well-known selection of educational series, such as Arthur and Curious George. There’s also an option to stream your local PBS broadcast, based on your location.
The Lego app delivers kid-friendly series and shorts tied to franchises like Marvel, Jurassic World, and Star Wars. Short episodes make screen time easier to manage.
These free, legal platforms provide large libraries without monthly costs. Creating accounts adds convenience, like personalized watchlists and parental controls. Each service has its own strengths, so trying several may reveal more options suited to your tastes or household needs.
