You don't need another subscription to find something good to watch tonight. A handful of free, fully legal apps offer thousands of movies and TV shows, paid for by ads — or, in some cases, by your local library. Here's our ranking, based on library size, quality of titles, how many ads you'll see and how easy the app is to use.
Libraries rotate every month, so the exact titles on each app will change. All apps below are available in the US.
1. Tubi — the biggest free library
Tubi has one of the largest free catalogs anywhere: tens of thousands of movies and episodes, from classics and cult favorites to recent hits and a growing lineup of originals.
- Best for: browsing a huge variety of movies
- Ads: yes, shorter breaks than cable
- Account: optional (needed to save a watch list)
2. Kanopy — ad-free films through your library
If your public library or college supports Kanopy, you can stream acclaimed movies, documentaries and classic cinema with no ads. You sign in with your library card, and each library sets a monthly play limit.
- Best for: award winners, indies and documentaries
- Ads: none
- Account: library card required
3. Pluto TV — free "channels" like cable
Pluto TV feels like flipping through cable: hundreds of live, themed channels — movies, comedy, true crime, news — plus an on-demand library.
- Best for: background TV and channel surfing
- Ads: yes
- Account: optional
4. The Roku Channel — not just for Roku owners
The Roku Channel offers free movies, shows, live channels and Roku originals. It works on Roku devices, the web, phones and many other devices.
- Best for: a polished mix of movies and live TV
- Ads: yes
- Account: optional on many devices
5. Plex — free movies plus your own media
Beyond its famous personal-media server, Plex offers a free library of ad-supported movies and shows and hundreds of live channels.
- Best for: people who also want to organize their own videos
- Ads: yes on free content
- Account: free account recommended
6. Hoopla — library movies, TV and more
Another library-powered app, Hoopla lets you borrow a set number of movies, TV episodes, audiobooks and comics each month, ad-free.
- Best for: families who also want audiobooks and comics
- Ads: none
- Account: library card required
7. Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels — built into your TV
If you own a Samsung or LG smart TV, you already have hundreds of free live channels built in. Samsung TV Plus is also available on some other devices and the web.
- Best for: zero-setup free TV
- Ads: yes
- Account: none
8. YouTube — free movies with ads
YouTube carries a selection of full-length movies free with ads, plus official channels that post complete episodes and classic films. Look for the "Movies & TV" section.
- Best for: quick finds and classics
- Ads: yes
- Account: optional
Quick comparison
| App | Library size | Ads | Needs library card | Live channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Huge | Yes | No | Some |
| Kanopy | Medium, high quality | No | Yes | No |
| Pluto TV | Large | Yes | No | Hundreds |
| The Roku Channel | Large | Yes | No | Yes |
| Plex | Large | Yes | No | Hundreds |
| Hoopla | Medium | No | Yes | No |
| Samsung TV Plus / LG Channels | Channels only | Yes | No | Hundreds |
| YouTube | Small movie section | Yes | No | Some |
How to stay safe with free streaming
- Stick to official app stores. Download apps from your TV's or device's app store only.
- Avoid "free everything" sites and unofficial apps. They're often illegal, packed with malware and pop-ups, and can disappear overnight.
- Set up parental controls on apps kids use — our parental controls guide shows how.
Combine these apps with a free antenna for local channels — see how to watch local channels without cable — and many households find they need only one paid subscription, or none at all.
Frequently asked questions
Are free movie streaming apps legal?
Yes, the apps on this list are fully licensed. They make money from ads or through public libraries, so you can watch without paying.
Which free streaming app has the best movies?
Tubi has the largest free movie library, while Kanopy offers the most critically acclaimed films if your library supports it.
Do I need an account to use these apps?
Most ad-supported apps work without an account, though signing up lets you save a watch list. Kanopy and Hoopla require a library card.
Can I watch free movies on my TV?
Yes. All of these apps are available on popular streaming devices and smart TVs, and Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels come built into those brands' TVs.
