7 (Legal) Places to Stream Movies for Free (or Really Cheap!)

When subscribing to Netflix or Hulu isn’t enough to reduce your cable tv expenses, you can also stream movies for free. Or, you can also stream movies for only a few dollars. Although paying $10 a month for a streaming subscription is still a bargain, you still have to watch several movies each month to justify the cost. If you only watch one or two movies a month, these streaming alternatives are a better option. You can also find movies and tv shows that aren’t in the Netflix catalog too.

Where to Stream Movies for Free

There’s nothing better than watching the same movies free that others pay money to watch.

Although you won’t find every movie on these websites, you will be surprised by the selection.

Tubi

Tubi has one of the largest catalogs of movies and tv shows. It’s completely free, and you don’t have to create an account or watch commercials. There are more than 7,400 titles to stream with new releases and your old favorites.

You will find content from more than 200 studio partners including:

  • Lionsgate
  • MGM
  • Paramount
  • Starz

It’s possible to stream on any smart tv, mobile device, or computer with Tubi.

Popcorn Flix

You can also give Popcorn Flix a try too. Every movie and tv show they offer is free. You won’t necessarily find the newest releases, but you can find recent releases and other classic films. They also have a wide selection of documentaries, foreign films, and even Hollywood-produced movies dubbed in Spanish.

Popcorn Flix can be streamed on smart devices, mobile devices, and computers.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is probably a better way to stream movies and tv shows currently broadcasting on cable tv. There is a dedicate Pluto TV movies channel that lets you watch feature films including The Kite Runner, Into the Wild and A Mighty Heart.

You can also watch a few other cable tv channels for free too.

Crackle

If you own a Roku device, you most likely know about Crackle already. It’s a free way to watch Sony Pictures movies and tv shows, but you will have limited commercial breaks. You can also find exclusive original programming on Crackle similar to the Netflix-only movies and tv shows.

Stream Movies Online for a Few Dollars

If you want access to more titles, you need to pay a few dollars to stream hit titles. This can still be more cost-effective than paying for Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Even if you continue to use these services, you may still have to “rent” a movie online periodically if it’s not carried in the catalog.

Vudu

You can rent or buy movies on Vudu in 4K HD or SD. New releases can cost $5.99 for HD streaming and $4.99 for SD streaming rentals. Other movies can be as low as $2.99 per rental. If you plan on watching the movie more than once, you can buy the digital version for $14.99 or less.

It’s still possible to stream movies for free on Vudu with their “Movies on Us” option. These movies and tv shows can be old or new, but you it’s nice to know you can still have a free movie night! These movies will most likely have limited ads, while paid rentals are ad-free.

YouTube

YouTube needs little introduction. Although you can find free versions of movies, the uploader usually has to adjust the playback speed, volume, or coloring to avoid copyright infringement. In most cases, you can rent a movie for $2.99. This is the standard rental rate for most movies. New releases cost $4.99 to stream.

Redbox

Skip rushing out to return your movie before 9 pm to avoid next-day rental charges. Redbox now streams new releases and other movie buff favorites in SD or HD. You will pay $4.99 to stream new releases in SD and $5.99 for HD rentals. Older releases start at $2.99 to rent.

When you purchase a rental, you have 30 days to begin watching the movie. Once you start watching, you have 48 hours to finish watching or re-watch a second time.

Since Redbox has a rewards program, renting movies on Redbox can help you get free movie rentals in the future. You don’t have this luxury with the other streaming services.

How Else To Save Money Watching Movies and TV Shows

Free movies are one legit way to save money in your entertainment budget, but here are a few other tips too.

Cancel You Cable TV Subscription

In addition to streaming free movies online, you should also consider canceling your cable tv subscription and streaming cable tv instead. It’s possible to get the same channels for only $25 a month.

Lower Your Internet Bill

You need fast home internet access to stream movies and cable tv. The Trim Financial Manager can negotiate a lower internet, bill, and cell phone bill on your behalf. If you’re tired of calling in every year to get the newest teaser rates, Trim does everything for you. They will even cancel your unwanted subscriptions free of charge too!

Get an OTA Antenna

Some people keep their cable tv because they still want to access the local channels. Maybe you can make a one-time investment by getting an OTA Antenna that mounts on top of your tv or in your attic or rooftop to access local channels. Between this antenna and the free movie websites, you may never have to pay to watch movies again!

Summary

You’ll be surprised how many movies and tv shows you can watch online for free! Most free websites now integrate with smart TVs and mobile devices, so you don’t have to huddle the entire family around the computer screen either. If it’s been a few years since you last watched a movie online, try again!

What’s your favorite free streaming site? Will you cancel your cable tv or Netflix subscription now?