20th century fox
Of course, there are a plethora of subscriptions streaming platforms there with an endless selection of movies. But you don’t always have to shell out the cash to access some of the best movies, because there are plenty of sites that offer totally free movies.
All you need is an internet connection and your phone, tablet or TV, ideally equipped with Fire TV or Roku functionality so it can get the necessary apps. The catch, of course, is that you’ll have to go through ads — unless you’re streaming from Hoopla or Kanopy, which are ad-free but require a library card from a participating library.
Here are some of our top picks ranging from comedy to drama to horror. Availability is subject to change, as services regularly change their selections.
Read more: All the best movies of 2021: James Bond, Coda, King Richard and more
Movies to stream for free right now
Die Hard (1988)
20th century fox
In this hugely popular action flick (Christmas slash movie?), a New York police officer finds himself fighting to save a group of hostages from foreign terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper.
Where to watch: Peacock
Parasite (2019)
Neon
This South Korean movie stole the show at the 2020 Oscars, and for good reason. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite is a dark but hilarious masterpiece that explores class issues while keeping viewers on their toes.
Where to watch: Kanopi
The Big Short (2015)
Paramount Pictures
If you think it’s utterly impossible to make an entertaining film about the 2008 financial crisis, watch The Big Short. The cast alone should convince you: Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling. Note, however, that while the film is indeed entertaining, the subject matter may make your blood boil.
Where to watch: Kanopi
Train to Busan (2016)
Next World of Entertainment
A must-have for horror fans, this South Korean film follows a father and daughter who become trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak. (The film is slated for an American remake, which has fans in its arms. Guess you’ll have to watch the original to decide for yourself what you think.)
Where to watch: Peacock
Moonlight (2016)
In an Oscar ceremony finale no one is likely to forget, Moonlight was named Best Picture of 2017 (sorry, La La Land). The film follows the story of a young black man struggling with his identity and sexuality.
Where to watch: Kanopi
Lady Bird (2017)
Saoirse Ronan shines in this poignant coming-of-age story of a young woman yearning for adventure as she struggles through high school in Sacramento, California.
Where to watch: Kanopi
Downton Abbey (2019)
Airbnb
This feature film adaptation of the popular British drama series continues its story. It is set in 1927 and follows a visit by the King and Queen to the Crawleys, which turns into drama and chaos.
Where to watch: Peacock
Ex Machina (2014)
DNA movies
If you prefer your dark, sometimes disturbing, and deeply empowering sci-fi, watch Alicia Vikander absolutely crush it as the android Ava. Anyone who digs Black Mirror will definitely dig it too. In fact, Ex Machina could easily join that archive of futuristic cautionary tales. Same aesthetic, same vibe. (And Domhnall Gleeson was even in one of Black Mirror’s best eps, Be Right Back.)
Where to watch: Kanopi
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Bleecker Street
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live off the grid? That’s what Viggo Mortensen’s devoted dad does – but not for the reasons you might expect – in this utterly charming flick.
Where to watch: Kanopi
Logan Lucky (2017)
Fingerprint release
Before Daniel Craig delighted audiences with his southern charms in Knives Out, he honed his skills in this underrated heist film. Call it a poor man’s Ocean’s 11, because instead of robbing Vegas casinos, this hapless crew (which includes Adam Driver and Channing Tatum) sets out to flip…a NASCAR race track.
Where to watch: Kanopi
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
crazy entertainment
This hilarious gore-fest stars Taika Waititi, who also directed, and Flight of the Conchords vet Jemaine Clement. Finally a vampire movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Where to watch: Kanopi
Stalag 17 (1953)
Paramount Pictures
It’s one of the greatest POW movies of all time (and the obvious inspiration for the TV series Hogan’s Heroes). Someone in the barracks is a German spy, and all signs point to William Holden. Is the one ? The film – part comedy, part drama – does a great job of stretching out the thriller, leading to a truly surprising and satisfying conclusion.
Where to watch: tube
Movies coming in 2022 from Marvel, Netflix, DC and more
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