17 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites No Sign Up Required 2021

Watching movies and TV shows on-demand is certainly a great way to unwind. However, combining several premium-priced streaming services can easily turn into a significant monthly expense. So, what about free movie streaming sites?

You’ll be surprised to know that a very nice selection of movie streaming sites offer their content completely free of charge. Some of those don’t even require you to sign-up. And even more importantly, many of those come with big-budget movies.

Therefore, if you think that free movie streaming sites only bring black-and-white movies, you’re quite wrong. Maybe they don’t have the latest blockbusters, but the situation has dramatically changed in the last couple of years.

We’ve set out to find truly the best free-of-charge movie-streaming websites. This means that we’ve tested a whole bunch of those, checked their libraries, made sure to check for any access restrictions, and more.

In addition, we’re also going to answer plenty of frequently asked questions.

Is It Safe & Legal to Use Free Movie Streaming Sites?

Yes, it’s legal to use free movie streaming sites. However, there’s a catch.

If you’re not careful enough, it’s quite easy to land on an illegal streaming platform. These can be very polished websites, trying to mask the fact that they’re bringing pirated content.  With this said, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re on the safe side of the law.

We’d also like to remind you that all of the recommendations found in this article are legal. This means you’re free to select any option and stream any movie that you find on those websites.

Can You Use Free Movie Streaming Sites Without Ads?

No, there’s no way to eliminate ads on free movie streaming sites.

As you probably know, ad-blockers exist to eliminate different kinds of online ads. However, using those on free movie streaming sites will break their playback functionality. That’s because their revenue comes from serving ads.

The only truly ad-free recommendation with freshly released movies is Kanopy. However, it isn’t available for everyone, as you need an applicable public library card or you need to a student of a university partnered with Kanopy.

What Not to Expect From Free Movie Streaming Sites?

Before we go ahead with listing the best free movie streaming websites, it’s crucial to set your expectations properly. So, let’s talk about what these websites don’t offer.

• The Latest Hollywood Blockbusters: As you can imagine, the latest blockbusters are reserved for premium-priced services. However, it’s not that you can expect old movies only. These streaming platforms come with highly attractive libraries, featuring relatively new movies, released only a few years ago. They also tend to feature plenty of classics – and we’re talking about both movies and TV shows.
• Daily- or Weekly-Updated Libraries: If you’ve used premium services like Netflix or Hulu, you know that they bring new content on a daily or weekly basis. The situation is a bit different when it comes to free movie streaming sites. They refresh their libraries on a monthly basis (typically). That’s why it’s a smart idea to combine several of those, so there’s always something new to watch.
• An Ad-Free Streaming Experience: Even free-of-charge streaming platforms need to generate revenue somehow. Therefore, many of those rely on ads. However, this is a very low price to pay for accessing their libraries, as these are typically 30-second ads.
• Unlimited Access From Anywhere: Even free streaming platforms need to respect licensing laws and restrictions. This is why many of the following options are restricted to certain countries. Still, this is something that a capable VPN will help you overcome. Here are the best VPNs for streaming, as per our hands-on tests.

17 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites No Sign-Up Required

The following 17 websites let you watch plenty of full movies online for free, and they don’t even require you to sign-up. Just click on a movie and start playing, as simple as that.

1. Sony Crackle (From the 1970s to the 2010s)

Now owned by Sony, Crackle is a completely free source of amazing movies and TV shows. Aside from bringing a highly polished UI, it features an exciting library of titles.

Even though you won’t find the latest blockbusters here, you’ll find several newer and older titles that definitely deserve your attention. Some of these are exclusive to Crackle, so you won’t find those anywhere else.

Aside from bringing almost every classic movie imaginable, newly-released content will appeal to those looking for recent cinematography creations. Just like with Netflix and other movie streaming services, keep in mind that the content can be available for a limited time.

And finally, this website is supported by ads, meaning that you can expect periodic interruptions during your stream – which aren’t that annoying, to be completely fair.

2. The Roku Channel (From the 1950s to 2020)

Several years ago, Roku launched its own media streaming platform. More precisely, we’re talking about a “channel” here, as Roku likes to refer to media platforms as channels. It features thousands of movies and TV shows, and it’s available completely free of charge.

What should be noted here is that you don’t need to have a Roku device to access The Roku Channel. It’s available on the Web as well, letting you stream its content without having to register for an account.

The Roku Channel gets its content from numerous high-profile partners, including Lionsgate, Paramount, MGM, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros, and Disney. It even has a range of non-traditional TV channels, focused on specific topics.

Finally, know that The Roku Channel often hosts big-budget movies that are only a few years old. Therefore, this platform is a true example of how the best free movie streaming sites can offer something other than classics and black-and-white movies.

3. Plex (From the 1960s to the 2010s)

In the world of home theater software, Plex is a well-known name. However, this is also a media streaming platform, offering plenty of content – completely free of charge! It allows you to stream movies, TV shows, live TV, Web shows, podcasts, and more.

Considering the platform launched in December 2019, it’s perhaps the youngest entry on our list of the best free movie streaming websites. However, it truly offers plenty. Right now, you’ll find titles such as Bad Roomies, Sex After Kids, The Age of Blood, The Border, and plenty more.

The truth is that Plex isn’t offering the latest blockbusters. However (and trust us on this), there’s always something new and interesting to watch. That’s because new titles appear on Plex on a regular basis, just like on premium-priced alternatives.

Another good news is that Plex works on pretty much any platform or device imaginable. This means that you can create your library of locally-stored content, and then add a free media streaming service on top of that. Also, keep in mind that Plex can be used on the Web, and this includes its free streaming content as well.

4. Tubi TV (From the 1970s to the 2010s)

No matter if you like to watch recently-released movies or older classics, Tubi TV will meet your needs. Upon opening this free movie-streaming website, you will be greeted by a highly polished interface. Some of the featured movies will be displayed right away, as well as sections like the most popular titles, comedy, and horror flicks.

Aside from movies, Tubi TV also has an interesting library of TV shows that have their roots in drama, comedy, crime, action, and documentaries. And when it comes to the available movies and TV shows, Tubi TV’s library spans from the ’70s all the way up to 2010s.

A large portion of this website’s library consists of independent movies and older classics. If that’s your thing, you will find that Tubi TV is the ultimate resource. It reportedly has more than 8,500 films gained through partnerships with Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Lionsgate.

5. YouTube (From the 1900s to 2020)

You might be surprised to see YouTube on our list of the best free movie streaming sites. However, YouTube is much more than just funny videos – this is a highly valuable vault of older and newer films that are freely available.

Aside from watching full movies on YouTube, you can use this platform to stay in the loop regarding the latest productions, watch trailers, and follow some excellent channels related to movies and TV shows.

As you can imagine, YouTube doesn’t exactly bring you the latest blockbusters. However, channels such as Timeless Classic Movies and Timeless Western Movies are excellent examples of what to expect. And between watching full movies, you can expand your knowledge by checking interesting stuff on CinemaSins, Screen Junkies, and Screen Rant.

6. PlutoTV (From the 1920s to the 2010s)

When it comes to on-demand content, you can find plenty of online sources. This is why we wanted to include something different, like PlutoTV. This free streaming service acts as a traditional television where you simply tune into what’s on air.

In other words, PlutoTV connects you to dozens of content providers, all from a single place – and without you having to pay a single dollar.

Once you open PlutoTV, you will get to see dozens of different channels. Click on a channel, and the chosen live-stream will begin to play. If you take a closer look, you’ll find channels dedicated to older movies, and you will find channels that cater to audiences looking for newer titles as well.

And of course, if you don’t want to watch a movie live, there’s a sizeable library of on-demand content that receives new titles regularly.

7. ConTV (From the 1960s to the 2010s)

Next, we have something quite different for our list of the best free movie streaming sites. Many of you have previously heard about Viewster, a popular destination for fans of anime, cartoons, comics, and similar. However, upon being acquired by Cinedigm, that platform was shut down.

All of Viewster’s content has been transferred to ConTV (also owned by Cinedigm). With this said, you already have a pretty clear idea of what to expect.

ConTV gives you a sizeable library of movies – many of which come from independent studios and individuals. Therefore, you’ll find a large number of lesser-known titles here, and trust us – these are not afraid to dive into controversial topics.

However, we also need to tell you that not all of its content is available for free. However, there’s plenty to watch even if you don’t create an account. Just visit the website, look for free titles (you’ll easily spot these as they’re clearly indicated), and start streaming.

8. Popcornflix (From the 1930s to the 2010s)

This is a long-standing free movie-streaming website that has recently gone through an overhaul, modernizing its online presence. Today, it brings a polished UI design that’s easy to use, and an extensive catalog of older movies and cult classics.

Popcornflix can be a perfect choice if you are looking for movies from the ’90s. There are newer titles as well, but they are mostly B-movies. In general, you can find titles from the 1930s up to 2010s.

Make sure to explore your way around this website as we are sure you’ll find at least a few dozen of interesting titles. This is also a good way to rediscover movies that might have gone under the radar. And let’s not forget that aside from films, Popcornflix also offers a nice selection of TV shows.

9. Internet Archive (From the 1900s to the 2010s)

The Internet Archive website is dedicated to preserving plenty of different types of online content, both old and new. This is where you’ll find e-books, audio files, software, images, and movies.

As you can expect, we’re talking about older films, many of which can be found scattered across numerous websites. Well, the thing about the Internet Archive site is that it gathers all those movies, organizes them in a nice way, and allows you to consume this content in any way you want.

To get to the movies section of the Internet Archive, click on the ‘Movies’ icon, found at the top of the page. You’ll be immediately presented with a list of prominent categories, such as Animation & Cartoons, News & Public Affairs, Television, Vlogs, and more.

As you’ll see, the Internet Archive platform brings more than just movies, as it gathers various types of video material. If you click on ‘All Video,’ you’ll get to a library of 25,000+ files. Then, feel free to browse the available movies by categories, and finally start streaming anything you’d like to watch.

10. Classic Cinema Online (From the 1930s to the 1970s)

A lot of beloved movies from the Golden Era of Hollywood are now publicly available for free. Unsurprisingly, you can find some high-quality movie streaming websites that specialize in this movie era. However, our favorite is ‘Classic Cinema Online,’ which provides a clutter-free experience, and it doesn’t serve annoying ads either.

As its name says, this free movie website is focused on older movies. These range from the 1930s to the 1970s and all of them are brought from different Internet sources – which are hosting them legally.

In general, this website relies on third-party streaming services. That’s why you’ll often see embeds from YouTube and similar websites. As long as those websites host the movie you want to watch, you can watch it without any issues.

There’s no registration required, and this website comes with a nice discussion panel where you can express your thoughts and impressions.

11. Movies Found Online (From the 1900s to 2020)

This website uses legal sources only, acting as a movie repository. In the majority of cases, you’ll get to watch movies posted on YouTube – which are completely legal and free of charge.

There are also plenty of public domain movies which are usually older titles with expired copyrights. Some of the available titles on Movies Found Online come from the 1900s, and many of them span all the way to freshly-released films.

Movies Found Online comes with an easy-to-use interface. You can browse different genres using the main navigation bar at the top. The homepage is also doing a good job of featuring recently added titles.

Users are free to give ratings and share their opinion. It means that Movies Found Online is not just one of the best free movie streaming sites, but a highly active community as well.

12. Free Movies Cinema (From the 1920s to 2020)

Even though it comes with a generic name, there’s nothing generic about this website. Free Movies Cinema is a curated collection of movies that comes with an often updated library.

It’s been around for several years now, and it managed to build a library of more than 600 films – so it’s clear that there’s plenty to watch.

As you open the website, you’ll see a list of featured movies. You’ll soon see that we’re talking about independent movies here, but there are also some well-known titles as well. Before pressing the play button, you can read more about each title, check its production year, see how many people have watched it, and more.

13. Retrovision (From the 1930s to the 2000s)

Next, on our list of the best free movie streaming sites with no sign-up required, we have Retrovision. It could be said that this is a niche website because it focuses on classic titles (from the ’30s to the 2000s), with a big highlight on British cinematography.

The homepage of Retrovision is filled with interesting suggestions on what to watch. Each movie or TV show title brings a short overview, so you can get to know them before watching. At the moment, you can use Retrovision to view titles such as Abbott and Costello, Bonanza, movies starring Lucille Ball, and more.

There’s also a helpful comment section if you want to share your opinion with other website visitors. The only downside is that Retrovision hasn’t been updated in a while. Still, plenty of fully-working titles await.

14. Veoh (From the 1900s to the 2010s)

Veoh started as a rather ambitious project a few years back, promising to bring the ultimate collection of valuable video files from the Web. However, facing a copyright lawsuit initiated by Universal Music, the platform struggled for a long time.

Even though Veoh managed to dismiss the trial in the end (being declared legal), it never quite managed to reach its full potential. Still, even though this isn’t the most polished website today, it’s worth noting that Veoh exists – and we recommend checking it out.

To get started with Veoh, make sure to click on ‘Movies’ using the website’s navigation bar. Then, you’ll be asked to select a genre, after which Veoh will present a series of movie clips.

However, make sure to check the length of each file via its thumbnail. Aside from bringing full-length movies, there are also plenty of clips available. So, to avoid getting frustrated, make sure that you’ve chosen to play a full-length one.

Aside from letting you stream movies, Veoh also brings all kinds of short video clips, music files, and there are even ‘channels’ available – which act as playlists. So, overall, Veoh is definitely worth your time, as you’ll find plenty of content here.

15. Open Culture (From the 1920s to the 2010s)

Created by Dan Colman, Open Culture is a rich source of Web-related resources. This website isn’t only about movies, as it brings audiobooks, courses, textbooks, e-books, and more (all of which is legal to download, of course).

We do feel this is one of the best free movie streaming sites due to its thoughtfully curated library, which includes movies from the 1920s all the way to the 2010s.

Upon accessing the movies section of Open Culture, you’ll see a list of featured films. They all come with short descriptions, and you can find curated collections as well. It’s clear that Open Culture was made by someone passionate about collecting free Internet sources. And as you can imagine, many of the films found here are actually links to other websites.

16. Documentary Heaven (From the 2000s to 2020)

Now, something for those who like thought-provoking content. Documentary Heaven simply had to find its place among the best free movie sites. The main reason for this lies in its content. Entirely dedicated to documentaries, this website features movies you won’t find anywhere else.

Even though documentaries aren’t a new format, they went through a fast development in the 2000s and 2010s – so you’ll find plenty of movies from those eras on Documentary Heaven. If you’re into the latest titles, you’re in luck since this resource specifically targets movies released in recent years.

We recommend taking a look at the ‘Top 100’ category. As you’ll see, this website collects media from all over the Internet. It means that some movies might not be available, but you shouldn’t stop there. A large portion of the library is fully functional, and you can stream the available content with no annoying ads.

17. Top Documentary Films (From the 2000s to 2020)

Very similar to our previous suggestion, Top Documentary Films is a repository of documentaries from all over the Internet. It relies on a huge number of sources and brings legal movies that you can stream. Many of those titles were released in the 2000s and 2010s, so plenty of new films await here (even some released this year).

You can browse numerous sub-categories or simply go for the most popular titles. We have tested close to a dozen movies, and all were playing without any buffering. Also, many titles are offered in HD, which was a nice surprise. And finally, there are no annoying ads, which is always an important benefit.

4 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites Sign-Up Required Online in 2021

And now, let’s check out some of the best free-of-charge movie streaming sites – that require you to sign-up. Don’t worry – they won’t ask for your payment information.

1. BBC iPlayer (From the 1950s to 2020)

BBC’s iPlayer is one of the most underrated media streaming platforms. One of the reasons for that is due to its limited availability, as it’s focused on the UK alone. However, this is a relatively simple obstacle, as a VPN can help you unblock a treasure trove of content.

This is where you’ll find a huge range of movies, TV shows, documentaries, cartoons, and plenty more. And the most important thing is, we’re mostly talking about brand-new content, which is available up to 30 days after its broadcast on BBC’s channels.

Of course, there’s plenty of titles that are available for more than a month. And since the BBC has plenty of licensing deals with American broadcasters, you’ll find movies and TV shows produced by Hollywood movie studios and well-known TV networks.

Another great thing about BBC iPlayer is that it’s available on the Web, and it has a really nicely designed website. However, you’ll also find native apps for plenty of platforms, including media streaming devices. All in all, it’s worth signing up for this one.

2. Vudu (From the 1950s to the 2010s)

Vudu was one of the first free-of-charge movie streaming websites to start bringing Hollywood blockbusters to its library. And as such, it acts as an example that you don’t have to pay to access great movies and TV shows. This is still the case, as Vudu is a highly active platform with new titles coming to its library on a regular basis.

An interesting thing about Vudu is that it brings a really wide range of titles. In other words, it’s not afraid to combine low-budget movies with the latest blockbusters, so you’ll need to spend some time browsing to get to the truly interesting stuff.

However, once you dig a bit deeper, you’ll be surprised by what Vudu offers. We’re not talking about only a handful of great movies. There are dozens of high-profile films at any given moment, with new ones just around the corner. Therefore, we’re sure you’ll keep coming back to Vudu in the future as well.

3. IMDb TV (From the 1970s to the 2010s)

When you set out to find any information about any movie released ever – you probably turn to IMDb. This Amazon-owned website has been the ultimate online destination for movie and TV show fans for a long time now. Therefore, it’s not as surprising to know that it also offers a media streaming service.

Called IMDb TV, this is a freshly released streaming platform that’s filled with well-known titles. In terms of movies, this is where you’ll find Hell or High Water, Crimson Tide, AustenLand, Godzilla, Alien, Taxi Driver, and more. And when it comes to TV shows, some of the most popular titles are Roswell, Client List, Lost, Boston Legal, and more.

If you’re after big-budget titles, know that IMDb TV should be your go-to destination. We were very surprised to see that a free-of-charge platform can have so many Hollywood blockbusters. And on top of that, we strongly recommend checking out IMDB’s original programming, especially if you’re into behind-the-scenes stories.

4. Kanopy (From the 2000s to the 2010s)

We’re going to end our list of the best free movie streaming sites with a highly interesting recommendation. Called Kanopy, this streaming platform is filled with big-budget titles, while bringing no ads whatsoever.  So, what’s the catch here?

Well, the catch is that Kanopy is a different kind of media streaming service. To access it, you need a library card or university login. However, the good news is that a huge number of libraries and universities across the USA have already joined Kanopy.

Before you get started with this platform, make sure to check the official list of libraries and universities that have partnered with Kanopy. Once you subscribe, you can access more than 30,000 titles and watch them on a range of TVs, phones, computers, and more.

Therefore, even though Kanopy isn’t for everyone, we’re sure that many of you are going to love it. So, why not take advantage of the benefits that your library or university bring?

Can You Watch Newly Released Movies via Free Movie Streaming Sites in 2021?

Yes, newly released movies can be watched via free movie streaming sites. Check this guide.

If you’re after commercial and independent movies, we highly recommend checking out BBC’s iPlayer, The Roku Channel, YouTube, Free Movies Cinema, and MoviesFoundOnline.

In terms of other types of content, both Documentary Heaven and Top Documentary Films feature titled released in 2020.

In terms of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, these are typically reserved for premium-priced platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video. If you don’t mind watching blockbusters released two, three, or more years ago, free platforms will meet your needs.

Related Content: Netflix Review / Hulu Review / Amazon Prime Video Review

Can You Download Full Movies & Episodes From Movie Streaming Websites?

No, you can’t download movies for offline viewing. After all, we’re talking about streaming here. However, there’s one exception.

At the moment, you can download movies from the Internet Archive. That’s where you’ll typically find older titles, which are copyright-free. Other free movie streaming sites are primarily focused on streaming, as this allows them to serve ads and generate revenue.

Still, know that there’s a handful of websites that allow you to download movies. These typically don’t let you stream movies, which is why we haven’t included them in this article. For more info, here are the best free movie download websites.

What Are the Best Movies to Stream via Free Movie Streaming Sites?

You will be surprised to know that websites such as Crackle, The Roku Channel, Popcornflix, and Pluto bring a huge selection of very interesting films. So, we’re going to give you our recommendations for each of those platforms.

• Crackle: You’ll find plenty of popular tiles here such as The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, About Alex, Cadillac Records, V/H/S, Dead Snow, and more.
• The Roku Channel: We recommend checking out movies such as Wrath of the Titans, Seabiscuit, Firewall, Something’s Gotta Give, Coriolanus, It Follows, and more.
• Plex: This platform currently features movies like Burnt, Vanishing on 7th Street, Shadow Dancer, Carol, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and The Two Faces of January.
• Tubi TV: Among the most popular titles are Empire State, Southpaw, Desperado, The Intruder, Knock Knock, The Gambler, Magic Mike XXL, and Apocalypto.
• YouTube: This treasure trove of content brings you titles like I Am Not Your Negro, Europa Report, Hunter, With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story, and more.
• PlutoTV: The most popular titles on PlutoTV are Harlem Nights, Carriers, Vacancy, Above the Rim, Rat Race, Ultraviolet, Project Almanac, and plenty more.
• Popcornflix: Plenty of interesting movies await on this platform, including Bel Canto, Train to Busan, Mr. Nobody, Drinking Buddies, The Void, and Patriot Games.
• BBC iPlayer: We highly recommend watching The Revenant, The Shining, Interview with the Vampire, Apocalypse Now, Poltergeist, Short Term 12, and The Dutchess.
• IMDbTV: Both new and classic titles await, like Taxi Driver, Whale Rider, Donnie Darko, Memento, Cube, Austenland, Crimson Tide, and Godzilla.
• Kanopy: When it comes to high-profile titles, we recommend Moonlight, Colette, Captain Fantastic, Lady Bird, Amy, Leave No Trace, and 20th Century Women.

What Are the Best Free Streaming Sites That Require a VPN Service?

The best geo-restricted streaming sites (that come free of charge) are Crackle, The Roku Channel, Popcornflix, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Vudu, and YouTube (USA), among others.

The truth is that by getting a VPN subscription, you get to unlock a whole new world of entertainment. And yes, we understand that VPNs come at a price (an affordable one, though). However, this is a wise investment that helps you save plenty in the long run.

Once again, our strong recommendation would be to use ExpressVPN. We’ve tested a huge number of VPNs, and this is the only that helps you unblock just about any platform out there, including any of the websites we’ve mentioned in this article. Here’s how to try ExpressVPN for up to 30 days (for free).

Why Are Free Online Movie Streaming Sites Restricted to Certain Regions? What Should You Do to Access Them?

Free-of-charge streaming sites are obliged to respect licensing deals. This is the reason why they either serve region-based libraries or are available in certain countries only.

The only way to overcome this obstacle is to use a VPN service. These applications are designed to change your IP address and encrypt your Internet connection. And that’s all you’ll ever need to unblock websites.

Once you download a VPN on your device, launch it, and connect to a server in a country where the desired website is available. From there on, you’ll get to use the Web as if you’re physically in that specific country.

Can VPNs Really Keep You Safe When Using Free Streaming Sites?

Yes, VPN services can keep you perfectly safe, no matter if you’re streaming movies, browsing the Internet, or doing any other online activity.

That’s because VPNs are designed to encrypt your Web traffic, hiding anything you do online from anyone else on the Web, so even your ISP (Internet Service Provider) won’t know what you’re doing online.

However, don’t make a mistake thing that every VPN is the same. Only a handful can help you unblock new types of websites while making sure that your privacy is protected. With this said, the best VPN money can buy today is ExpressVPN (don’t worry, it’s affordable).

This is where we conclude our article on the best free movie streaming sites in 2021. In case there’s anything you’d like to say or add, make sure to post a comment below. And of course, don’t forget to share this article online. Thank you!