Watch free movies online: List of virus-free & legal movie streaming sites‍

TL;DR & Summary

In today's digital age, streaming movies and TV shows online has become a part of our daily routine. However, popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video often come with a hefty price tag.

Luckily, there are a several free movie websites that offer a vast collection of films from different genres. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best free movie websites to watch movies online without spending a dime. The free movie sites listed are legal, ad-supported and virus free. All this for free.

Best websites to watch movies: The Top picks

1. Best overall: For this category, we think YouTube is the best option as it offers a wide range of movies across various genres and categories. It also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find what you are looking for.

2. Best for popular titles: Crackle is the best option for popular titles as it has a large collection of well-known movies and TV shows. It's also free to use, which is a big plus.

3. Best for variety of movies: Tubi has a great selection of movies that covers a wide range of genres, including cult classics and indie films. It also offers a variety of TV shows, making it a great option for those who want more than just movies.

4. Best for finding movies from around the web: Yidio is a unique streaming service that aggregates content from a variety of other platforms, making it a great option for those who want to find movies and TV shows from multiple sources all in one place.

5. Best for high-quality movies: For high-quality movies, Vudu is the best option as it offers a large selection of movies and TV shows in HD and 4K quality. However, Vudu is not completely free and you may need to pay to rent or purchase certain titles.

6. Best for TV experience: The Roku Channel is the best option for a TV experience as it offers a variety of TV shows and movies that can be streamed on a TV using the Roku device. It also has a great user interface that makes browsing and searching for content easy.

What's free, what isn't with free movie websites?

Free movie websites often offer a variety of movies and TV shows to stream without charging any fees. However, not all content available on these sites is legal or authorized for free distribution. Some sites may host pirated content, which can result in legal consequences for both the website and the user.

Furthermore, some free movie websites may require users to sign up or provide personal information in exchange for access to content. It's important to be aware of the risks and potential consequences of using free movie websites and to make informed decisions about which sites to use.

The benefits of using free movie websites

Using free movie websites can have several benefits, including access to a wide range of movies without any subscription fees. These websites often allow users to stream movies without any advertisements, making for a more seamless viewing experience.

For those who may not have the budget to pay for multiple streaming services, free movie websites provide a great option for watching movies without breaking the bank.

They also offer the convenience of being able to watch movies on-demand, at any time and from any location with an internet connection. Finally, free movie websites can be a great way to discover new movies and explore different genres.

The legality of free movie websites

Free movie websites have been a popular destination for movie lovers who want to watch movies for free. However, the legality of these websites is a topic of debate. While some of them are legal, many operate in a gray area and violate copyright laws.

In some cases, these websites may even contain harmful malware that can damage your device. It's important to be aware of the risks associated with using free movie websites and to take precautions to protect yourself.

Explanation of copyright laws

Copyright laws are important to be aware of when watching free movies online, as some websites may offer pirated content. These laws protect the rights of the creators and owners of the content, such as the writers, directors, and studios. Unauthorized distribution or sharing of copyrighted material is illegal and may result in legal action.

It's important to use reputable websites that have obtained the necessary licenses to stream movies legally. Additionally, users should be aware of their own country's laws regarding online piracy, as penalties can vary. It's always best to be on the side of caution and choose legal options for watching movies online.

Top websites to watch free movies online

#1 Crackle

Crackle is a free-to-use streaming platform that offers movies, TV shows, and original content. It is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and is available on various devices including smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers.

Pros:

• Crackle is completely free to use without any subscription fees or hidden charges.

• It offers a wide range of movies and TV shows including some popular titles.

• The platform has an easy-to-use interface and navigation is simple.

• Crackle is available on multiple devices making it easily accessible.

• It offers some exclusive content that cannot be found on other streaming platforms.

Cons:

• Crackle is ad-supported, which means there are frequent ads during content playback.

• The platform has a limited library compared to paid streaming services.

• The video quality is not as high as some other streaming platforms.

• Some users may experience occasional buffering or lagging.

• There is no option to download content for offline viewing.

#2 Freevee

Freevee is a free movie streaming platform that offers a wide range of movies and TV shows to its users without any subscription fee. It is one of the newer entrants in the free movie streaming market.

Pros:

• Freevee is completely free to use and does not require any subscription fee or registration.

• It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and search for movies.

• It has a good collection of movies and TV shows, including some popular titles.

• It allows users to create their own watchlists and save movies to watch later.

• It is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and smart TVs.

Cons:

• The movie and TV show selection is not as extensive as some other free movie streaming platforms.

• The platform is ad-supported, and the frequency and length of ads can be a bit annoying for some users.

• The quality of the streaming can sometimes be inconsistent and may depend on the user's internet connection.

• Freevee is not available in all regions, which may limit its accessibility for some users.

• The platform does not have any original content, which may make it less appealing for some viewers.

#3 YouTube

YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform where users can upload and watch videos on a wide range of topics. In addition to user-generated content, YouTube also offers a variety of movies and TV shows for rent or purchase.

Pros:

• Huge selection of videos on various topics

• User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate

• Ability to upload and share your own videos with a large audience

• Wide range of movies and TV shows available for rent or purchase

• Free to use, with optional premium features for a monthly fee

• Ability to interact with other users through comments and messaging

Cons:

• Some videos may not be suitable for all audiences, and there is limited moderation of content

• Ads can be intrusive and disruptive to the viewing experience

• Some premium features, such as ad-free viewing, require a monthly subscription fee

• Quality and availability of movies and TV shows for rent or purchase can vary depending on your location and device

• Limited offline viewing options for rented or purchased content

• Some content creators may engage in questionable practices or promote misleading information

#4 Popcornflix

Popcornflix is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a wide range of movies and TV shows. The platform offers a mix of popular movies and lesser-known titles, along with a selection of classic TV shows.

Pros:

• Free streaming with no subscription fees.

• Large selection of movies and TV shows, including classic titles.

• Available on a variety of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs.

• No need to create an account to start streaming.

• User-friendly interface with easy navigation and search functionality.

• Offers a Kids section with age-appropriate content.

Cons:

• Advertisements can be frequent and disruptive.

• Limited selection of newer releases.

• Video quality can be inconsistent, with some titles available only in lower resolutions.

• May not have as many original titles as paid streaming services.

• Does not offer live TV or sports content.

• Limited availability in certain regions.

#5 Yidio

Yidio is a free online streaming platform that offers its users a wide range of TV shows and movies to watch. It provides a platform that aggregates content from various subscription-based streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many others. This means that you can search for your favorite shows or movies across various streaming services using Yidio.

Pros:

• Yidio offers a wide range of movies and TV shows to choose from, including popular and current titles.

• The platform is free to use and doesn't require any subscription fees.

• Yidio is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.

• You can sort movies and TV shows by genre, rating, and streaming service provider.

• The site has an active community that reviews and recommends TV shows and movies.

• It provides alerts when new episodes of your favorite shows are available to watch.

Cons:

• Yidio is not a streaming service in itself, but only a content aggregator. This means that you need to have subscriptions to the streaming services that Yidio aggregates content from to watch.

• Some users have reported that not all content is available for free on the platform and requires a paid subscription.

• While Yidio allows you to search for movies and TV shows, it doesn't have its own recommendations or curation system, which means you may have to sift through irrelevant results to find what you're looking for.

• The platform may have ads that interrupt your viewing experience.

• Some users have reported difficulty in accessing Yidio's website, as it may redirect to other sites or show errors.

#6 Tubi

Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a vast library of movies and TV shows. It is available on a variety of devices and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and streaming devices.

Pros:

• Offers a vast library of movies and TV shows for free

• No subscription fees or hidden costs

• Available on a variety of devices and platforms

• User-friendly interface and easy navigation

• Allows users to create a watchlist and resume playback across devices

• Provides personalized recommendations based on viewing history

• Features a dedicated section for award-winning films

Cons:

• Advertisements interrupt the viewing experience

• Not all content is available in HD or with subtitles

• Limited selection of new releases or original content

• Content library varies by region and may not be available in all countries

• No option to download content for offline viewing

• Some users may find the interface to be cluttered or difficult to navigate.

#7 Vudu

Vudu is a digital media service that provides access to movies and TV shows. It was acquired by Fandango in 2020, and is available on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Pros:

• Large selection of movies and TV shows

• High-quality streaming, with some content available in 4K UHD

• Option to rent or purchase individual titles

• No subscription required for most content

• Ability to watch content offline by downloading titles

• Parental controls available for families with children

• Vudu also offers a selection of free content, including movies and TV shows

Cons:

• Advertisements are included with some free content

• Some titles are only available for purchase, not rental

• Limited selection of original content compared to other streaming services

• Not available outside of the US and Canada

• Vudu does not offer live TV streaming, unlike some other services

• Some users have reported issues with playback and streaming quality

• Vudu has faced criticism for its digital rights management practices, which have been described as overly restrictive

#8 Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a free streaming service that provides access to live television channels and on-demand content. It offers a wide range of channels, including news, sports, and entertainment, and is available on a variety of devices.

Pros:

• Pluto TV is completely free and doesn't require a subscription.

• It offers a large selection of channels and content.

• The service is available on many devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

• Pluto TV has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find and watch content.

• The service has a range of genres including movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more.

• There are multiple language options available for viewers.

Cons:

• As it is a free service, there are ads that interrupt the viewing experience.

• Some users may find that the content library is not as extensive as other paid streaming services.

• The video quality may not always be as high as other paid streaming services.

• The user interface may not be as customizable as some users may like.

• There is no option for offline viewing, so an internet connection is required to use the service.

#9 The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a free movie streaming website that offers a vast collection of movies and TV shows. The platform provides content from major Hollywood studios and has a user-friendly interface. The Roku Channel is accessible on various devices such as mobile, tablet, smart TV, and gaming consoles.

Pros: The Roku Channel is entirely free and has no subscription fees. The website features a vast collection of movies and TV shows, including many popular titles. It has a user-friendly interface and is accessible on multiple devices. The Roku Channel also offers personalized recommendations based on users' viewing history.

Cons: The Roku Channel is ad-supported, and users may encounter several ads while streaming content. The platform may not have the latest movie releases as compared to paid streaming services.

#10 Plex

Plex is a media player system and software suite that allows users to manage and stream their media content from one platform. It can be used to stream TV shows, movies, music, and photos, as well as to manage and organize media libraries.

Pros:

• It is available for free with some premium features available for a subscription fee.

• Plex supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

• Plex is highly customizable, allowing users to add plugins and customize the user interface.

• It has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it simple to manage and stream media content.

• Plex allows users to access their media library remotely, meaning they can access their content from anywhere in the world.

Cons:

• Some of the more advanced features, such as the ability to record live TV, require a paid subscription.

• Setting up and configuring Plex can be complicated for some users, especially those who are not tech-savvy.

• In order to use Plex, users need to have their own media content or access to a media library.

• While Plex supports a wide range of devices, it may not be compatible with all devices or operating systems.

• Some users have reported issues with buffering or lag when streaming content through Plex.

#11 Redbox

Redbox is a popular DVD rental and streaming service in the United States. It offers both physical DVD rentals and digital rentals via its website and app. The service is available on a range of devices including Roku, Smart TVs, and mobile devices.

Pros:

• Redbox offers a vast selection of new and classic movies and TV shows for rental or purchase.

• The service is very affordable compared to other streaming platforms, with rental prices starting at just $1.80 per night for DVDs and $2.00 for Blu-rays.

• Users can reserve movies online and pick them up at any Redbox kiosk, making the process very convenient.

• Redbox has a loyalty program called Redbox Perks, which offers rewards such as free rentals and discounts.

• Redbox has a good user interface that is easy to navigate and search for movies and TV shows.

Cons:

• Redbox does not have its own exclusive content, which means users will not find original movies or TV shows on the platform.

• The selection of movies and TV shows available for streaming is limited, as the service is primarily focused on physical DVD rentals.

• Redbox does not offer a monthly subscription service, which means users have to pay for each rental or purchase individually.

• The service does not offer the ability to download movies or TV shows for offline viewing, which can be inconvenient for users with limited internet access or on-the-go.

• While Redbox offers a vast selection of movies, the availability of specific titles can vary depending on location and demand.

#12 Kanopy

Kanopy is a free video streaming service that is offered by many public libraries and universities. It features a diverse selection of movies, documentaries, and educational content that can be accessed with a library card or university login. Kanopy has partnerships with many of the world's leading film studios and content providers, allowing users to access high-quality, award-winning films and documentaries.

Pros:

• Large selection of educational and independent films

• User-friendly interface

• Available through many public libraries and universities

• High-quality video and sound

• Can be streamed on a variety of devices

• No ads or commercials

• Option to create personal watchlists

Cons:

• Limited selection of mainstream Hollywood movies

• Availability may vary depending on the library or university's subscription

• Requires a library card or university login to access

• Streaming quality may depend on internet connection speed

• Limited number of monthly views (varies by library/university)

• Some titles may not be available for streaming in certain regions.

#13 IMDB TV

IMDb TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service from IMDb, the popular movie and TV show database owned by Amazon. It offers a variety of TV shows and movies, including some original content, that can be streamed on demand.

Pros:

• Free streaming service: IMDb TV is completely free, with no subscription or rental fees.

• Access to popular TV shows and movies: The service has a decent collection of popular titles, including some recent releases.

• IMDb integration: The service is integrated with the IMDb database, so users can easily access information about the movies and shows they're watching.

• Original content: IMDb TV offers some original content, such as the show "Alex Rider" and the movie "Moment of Truth."

• Availability: IMDb TV is available on a variety of platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, iOS, and Android.

Cons:

• Ads: Like many free streaming services, IMDb TV is ad-supported, so users will have to sit through ads during their viewing experience.

• Limited selection: While IMDb TV has some popular titles, the overall selection is more limited compared to paid streaming services.

• Limited availability outside the US: The service is only available in the United States, so international viewers won't be able to access it.

• No original movies: While IMDb TV does offer some original TV shows, it doesn't have any original movies at this time.

• No ability to download content: Unlike some other streaming services, IMDb TV doesn't allow users to download content for offline viewing.

Why paid streaming services are worth it?

Paid streaming services are worth it for several reasons. First, they offer a wider selection of movies and TV shows, including the latest releases and popular titles.

They also typically have higher-quality video and audio, with options for HD and 4K streaming.

The paid streaming services usually have a better user interface and more features, such as personalized recommendations and the ability to download content for offline viewing.

Paid services also tend to have better customer support and security measures, ensuring a smoother and safer streaming experience.

Lastly, by paying for streaming services, you support the content creators and help ensure the continued production of high-quality movies and TV shows.

Best practices while watching free movies online

1. Use a reputable website: Stick to well-known and reputable websites to avoid scams and malware.

2. Use an ad-blocker: Install an ad-blocker to prevent annoying pop-ups and potentially malicious ads.

3. Avoid downloading: Avoid downloading movies from free movie websites as they may contain viruses or malware.

4. Be cautious with personal information: Do not enter personal information like credit card details or social security numbers on these websites.

5. Check the legality: Make sure the website is operating legally and not infringing on any copyright laws.

6. Use a VPN: Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your identity and prevent any unauthorized access.

7. Keep your antivirus software updated: Keep your antivirus software up to date to ensure it can detect and remove any potential threats.

8. Watch out for scams: Be wary of any website or offer that seems too good to be true.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch movies for free?

You can watch movies for free on websites like Crackle, Freevee, YouTube, Popcornflix, Tubi, Vudu, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, Redbox, Kanopy, and more.

What is 123movies called now?

123movies, which was a popular illegal movie streaming site, has gone through various name changes and is currently known as 123movieshub, GoMovies, and FMovies.

What is the most trusted free movie site?

The most trusted free movie site can vary depending on personal preferences, but websites like Crackle, Tubi, and Kanopy are reputable and legal options for free movie streaming.

Where can I watch free movies legally?

You can watch free movies legally on websites like Crackle, Tubi, Kanopy, and IMDB TV, which offer ad-supported movie streaming.

Is 123movies legal in India?

The legality of 123movies and other illegal movie streaming sites varies by country, but in India, accessing and using 123movies is illegal.

Is GoMovies safe to use?

GoMovies, which is a renamed version of 123movies, is an illegal movie streaming site that poses potential risks like malware and phishing attacks to users who visit the website.

Is freevee free with Amazon prime?

Freevee is free but with Amazon prime video subscription. Here's everything you need to know.

How to watch Amazon Freevee?

You can stream freevee titles on Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV Prime Video and on your web browser via Freevee channels.