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Of course, there is a plethora of subscriptions. streaming platforms out there with an endless selection of movies. But you don’t always have to shell out some cash to get access to some of the best movies, because there are a lot 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 capabilities so that it can get the apps it needs. The catch, of course, is that you’ll have to watch 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, from comedy to drama to horror. Availability is subject to change as services regularly change their selections.
Read more: Best Movies of 2021: I Care a Lot, Nomadland, A Quiet Place Part 2, more
Movies to stream for free now
Titanic (1997)
Paramount Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox
One of the most classic love movies tells about a forbidden love story on the Titanic before disaster struck.
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Parasite (2019)
Neon
This South Korean film stole the show at the 2020 Oscars, and for good reason. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite is a dark yet hilarious masterpiece that explores classroom issues while keeping viewers on their toes.
Where to watch: Kanopy
Back to the Future (1985)
In this sci-fi classic, teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally sent to the 1950s in a DeLorean who travels through time and meets young versions of his parents.
Where to watch: peacock
Eternal Sun of the Spotless Spirit (2004)
Focus Features
A beautifully told story of love and loss, this film follows a couple who undergo a procedure to erase memories of their relationship.
Where to watch: peacock
Django Unleashed (2012)
Sony photo output
Set in 1858, a freed slave goes on a mission to save his wife from a plantation owner in Mississippi. The Oscar-winning film directed by Quentin Tarantino stars Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson.
Where to watch: Pluto TV
The Great 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 truly entertaining, the subject matter can make your blood boil.
Train to Busan (2016)
Next entertainment world
A must-see for horror fans, this South Korean film follows a father and daughter who find themselves trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak. (The film is slated for an American remake, which has fans in his arms. I guess you’ll have to watch the original to decide for yourself what you think of it.)
Where to watch: peacock
The Founder (2016)
The Weinstein company
You may never be able to pass the golden arches of McDonalds again without thinking about the humble and tumultuous beginnings of the fast food giant. The founder tells the true story of how Ray Kroc turned the burger restaurant into a global giant, hard times and all.
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Moonlight (2016)
In an Academy Award finale that no one will likely 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 his sexuality.
Where to watch: Kanopy
Ladybug (2017)
Saoirse Ronan shines in this poignant story about the coming of age of a young woman who longs for adventure while continuing her high school education in Sacramento, California.
Where to watch: Kanopy
Downton Abbey (2019)
Airbnb
This 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 nothing less than drama and mayhem.
Where to watch: peacock
Ex Machina (2014)
DNA films
If you prefer your dark, sometimes disturbing, and very stimulating sci-fi, watch Alicia Vikander absolutely crush her as android Ava. Anyone who digs Black Mirror will almost certainly dig it, too. In fact, Ex Machina could easily join this archive of futuristic uplifting narratives. Same aesthetic, same atmosphere. (And Domhnall Gleeson was even in one of Black Mirror’s best eps, Be Right Back.)
Where to watch: Kanopy
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 father does – but not for the reasons you’d expect – in this utterly charming film.
Where to watch: Kanopy
Lucky Logan (2017)
Fingerprint release
Before Daniel Craig wowed 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 topple… a NASCAR race track.
Where to watch: Kanopy
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Crazy entertainment
This hilarious gore festival stars Taika Waititi, who also directed, and Flight of the Conchords vet Jemaine Clement. Finally a vampire movie that doesn’t take itself so seriously.
Where to watch: Kanopy
Stalag 17 (1953)
Paramount Pictures
It’s one of the best POW movies of all time (and the obvious inspiration for the Hogan’s Heroes TV series). 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 the thriller, leading to a truly surprising and satisfying conclusion.
Where to watch: Tubi
Upcoming movies in 2021 and 2022 from Netflix, Marvel, HBO and more
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