movie streaming

Editor’s note: This guide was updated in October 2025 to include new app features, compatibility, and ad-free options.

Watching free, legal movies is easier than ever. Thanks to ad-supported and library-connected platforms, you can stream everything from Hollywood hits to indie gems—no subscription required.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best free movie apps for 2025 — tested for safety, content quality, and device compatibility.

Quick-Tips:

  • Choose apps with wide device support (Smart TVs, mobile, browsers).
  • Expect short ad breaks — that’s how these apps stay free.
  • Check for offline downloads if you travel often.
  • Verify content rights (avoid unlicensed streaming).
  • Prefer well-known developers for reliability and safety.

Fact-Check:

According to Horowitz Research, top services like Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Vudu, and Crackle accounted for over 53% of free streaming viewership in the U.S. This confirms these platforms are among the safest and most popular options.

Top free movie apps

Legal note: All services listed below provide licensed content or work through public-library systems. We do not endorse illegal streaming sites — use of pirated sites risks malware, poor video quality, and legal issues.

Best overall: Popcornflix

Specs

  • Developer: Screen Media Ventures
  • Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox
  • Concurrent Streams: multiple

Pros

  • No subscription required
  • A diverse selection of content
  • Easy-to-use design
  • Availability in many nations

Cons

  • Limited content compared to other premium streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime
  • Ad-supported, users are presented with ads while watching
  • Quality issues reported by some users
  • Limited device compatibility
  • No download option is available; cannot download movies or TV shows for offline watching

We tested Popcornflix, and because of its diverse selection of content, it earned a top spot. Popcornflix lets you stream movies and shows entirely free, no signup required. For people residing outside of the United States, Popcornflix is also accessible through a variety of service providers like JustWatch.

We also went through the application and website. Both the app and web version are simple and intuitive. Users don’t need to pay for a subscription to view movies and TV shows on the app because it is totally free and supported by advertisements.

Hollywood blockbusters, independent movies, and vintage TV shows are among the wide variety of content that Popcornflix offers. Additionally, Popcorn Originals has its own dedicated section with featured content.

Best for original content: Crackle

Specs

  • Developer: Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Sony Pictures, and Columbia Pictures; These are known for providing a diverse range of free entertainment content, including movies and TV shows.
  • Compatibility: Available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, various smart TVs, and consoles
  • Concurrent Streams: Crackle TV supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family.

Pros

  • Variety of original movies and TV shows
  • Availability of classic content
  • Availability on a variety of devices
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

Cons

  • Limited selection of content compared to other paid streaming services
  • Ad-supported, users will need to sit through commercials while watching content
  • Video quality issues reported by some users, including buffering and low-resolution playback
  • Limited availability in some countries, which may limit accessibility for certain users and regions

Crackle is a great free streaming media service that offers a variety of movies and TV shows, and also has movies that are no longer accessible on Netflix. Having explored their selection, we think by expanding its movie collection, Crackle has stepped up its game in comparison to other best free streaming and viewing services.

There are many genres available on Crackle, including some of our personal favorites, like action films, sitcoms, thrillers, horror, and more.

You can also watch TV shows for free on Crackle. Like Popcornflix, Crackle is ad-supported, which is typically the catch with free streaming advertising, but the ads are worthwhile because you get to watch movies and television shows for no charge.

Best for on-demand streaming: Tubi TV

Specs

  • Developer: Tubi, Inc.
  • Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, consoles, and 30+ devices
  • Concurrent Streams: Multiple simultaneous streams supported

Pros

  • Enormous and growing on-demand content library updated weekly
  • Diverse genres including action, horror, comedy, family, anime, and international content
  • Enjoy Tubi Originals like Boarders and Big Mood exclusive to the platform
  • User-friendly interface with strong search and recommendation features
  • Parental controls and no account needed for most content
  • Less ad interruption than most other free streaming apps
  • Also offers 260+ live TV channels but primarily shines in on-demand

Cons

  • Ad-supported with non-skippable commercial breaks
  • No big network live channels like ABC, CBS, or NBC
  • Some content rotated or removed periodically due to licensing
  • No offline downloads

Tubi TV excels as a wide-reaching free, ad-supported streaming service with one of the largest and most frequently updated on-demand libraries available anywhere. Owned by Fox Corporation, it offers over 275,000 movies and TV episodes in HD, spanning blockbusters, cult classics, indie films, anime, comedy specials, and more.

Tubi has emerged as the go-to service for viewers prioritizing on-demand content, offering a cinema-quality library featuring everything from recent releases to beloved classics. Its growing slate of originals and cultural diversity make it a must-have for free streaming enthusiasts who prefer to watch on their own schedule.

Best for classic and live streaming: Pluto TV

Specs

  • Developer: ViacomCBS
  • Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, consoles
  • Concurrent Streams: Multiple concurrent streams supported

Pros

  • Combines live TV channels and a large on-demand catalog
  • Wide variety of content including anime, classics, and current favorites
  • User-friendly interface with ongoing improvements
  • Supports multiple devices and concurrent streams

Cons

  • Ad-supported with no option to skip ads
  • Some navigation and search features can be limited
  • Content is mostly older titles with some region-based restrictions

Pluto TV combines live TV plus an extensive on-demand library, making it a top choice for viewers who enjoy both classic movies and live broadcasts. Owned by ViacomCBS, Pluto offers access to over 250 live channels spanning news, sports, kids’programming, game shows, and more. It also boasts thousands of on-demand titles, including popular franchises and a revived and expansive anime category updated regularly with fresh content.

Pluto TV continues to evolve with interface upgrades and content expansions, especially in niche genres like anime, making it a powerful option for classic/live TV streaming enthusiasts.

Best for new releases: Vudu

Specs

  • Developer: Vudu is a digital media distribution service owned by Fandango Media, LLC, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, which is known for providing high-quality digital media content to its users
  • Compatibility: Available on almost all platforms: the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, and consoles
  • Concurrent Streams: Vudu supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family

Pros

  • High-Quality Video: Vudu offers 4K UHD
  • Large Library: A vast collection of popular and lesser-known titles
  • No Subscription: Pay only for what you want to

Cons

  • Limited International Content: Not a wide selection of international content
  • No Original Content: Vudu does not produce original content

Vudu is a platform for streaming movies and TV shows that is free and supported by advertisements. With a huge selection of content, including the ability to rent and buy recent hits, Vudu is incredibly simple to use. In contrast to other such streaming sites and applications, Vudu also provides offline downloads. We also found that some of the movies are available in 4K, which is a huge step up from other free streaming services.

Some of our favorite TV shows like The Office, Game of Thrones, Friends, and Rick and Morty have complete seasons available for purchase.

Vudu has a large selection of movies and TV shows, but it also lacks original series and movies. There is no top category of subscriptions for Vudu.

The process of signing up for Vudu is fairly simple. If you intend to buy or rent content, you can input your credit card information for easy payment. Otherwise, you can just stick to free viewing.

Best for fire TV devices: Amazon Prime Video

Specs

  • Developer: Amazon, known for providing a diverse range of entertainment content
  • Compatibility: Available on Fire TV devices, Android, iOS, web browsers, and select smart TVs
  • Concurrent Streams: Amazon Prime supports multiple concurrent streams on the same account, allowing for shared viewing experiences with friends and family.

Pros

  • Good streaming quality
  • Availability on a variety of devices
  • Integrates with Amazon’s ecosystem, making it easy to use with other Amazon services

Cons

  • Limited selection of content compared to other paid streaming services
  • Ad-supported, users will need to sit through commercials while watching content
  • Some content requires a subscription to a premium service
  • Not available in all countries, which may limit accessibility for certain users and regions

With Prime Video (formerly Amazon Freevee), you can watch a variety of free movies and TV shows, as well as live TV channels. For anyone like us who wants to watch live events and keep up with their favorite TV shows without having to pay for cable TV, this makes it a great option. In testing, we found that this app includes an intuitive user interface that makes browsing and finding new content simple, ensuring that you always have something new to watch.

Prime Video is a terrific choice for those who want to follow their favorite shows in real-time, as it offers access to over 140 live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment.

Best for finding content across platform: Yidio

yidio

Specs

  • Developer: Yidio LLC
  • Compatibility: Varies by platform; web, iOS, Android, Roku, and more
  • Concurrent Streams: Depends on streaming platform selected

Pros

  • Aggregates content from many streaming services for easy search
  • Helps find niche, free, or paid content across platforms
  • Simple, central interface for discovering shows and movies

Cons

  • No original content or hosting own titles
  • Relies on external streaming services for content access

We think Yidio functions as a content aggregator, helping users search for movies and TV shows across multiple streaming services in one place. Although it doesn’t host its own content, Yidio simplifies the search for where to stream popular titles, free or paid.

Yidio complements popular native streaming apps, offering a handy overview and search tool for viewers confused by the fragmented streaming landscape.

Best all-in-one streaming solution: Plex (free)

plex movies Specs

  • Developer: Plex, Inc.
  • Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, consoles
  • Concurrent Streams: Multiple concurrent streams supported

Pros

  • Supports live TV, DVR, and streaming from your own media library
  • Large and growing catalog of free movies and TV shows
  • User-friendly app with personalized recommendations
  • Offline viewing available for personal media

Cons

  • Some advanced features require a Plex Pass subscription
  • Free movie catalog is smaller compared to some dedicated free apps

Plex is rapidly growing in popularity as an all-in-one media platform that combines free ad-supported movies and TV shows with powerful tools for personal media management, DVR capabilities, and live TV streaming. Plex’s expanding library and features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile free streaming app.

FAQs

Are there full episodes of TV shows on these sites?

Yes. When it comes to choosing an online streaming site, there are several factors to consider. We exclusively suggest free streaming sites that provide complete episodes. We’ve prioritized free streaming services that present entire seasons or series to prevent any disappointment when you’re engrossed in a captivating show.

Are Popcornflix, Crackle, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, and Vudu safe to use for free streaming?

Popcornflix, Crackle, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime, and Vudu are safe to use for free streaming. However, it is important to be cautious when downloading or installing any new apps or software. Always use a trusted source and ensure your device has up-to-date anti-virus and malware protection.

Can I watch these movies offline?

It depends on the app. Some of the apps, like Vudu, allow you to download movies for offline viewing. However, other apps like Popcornflix and Tubi TV do not offer this feature.

Are these apps available on all devices?

These apps are available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. However, availability may vary depending on your location and device.

Are these apps free everywhere?

Not always — some are region-locked or only available through library systems. Always check the official app page for your country.

Is it legal to stream movies for free?

Yes — as long as you use licensed services like those listed here. These platforms partner with studios and ad networks to deliver content legally. Avoid unofficial APKs or “free movie sites” that lack distribution rights.

What are some tips for choosing the right free movie app?

Start by checking each app’s content library to see if it offers movies or shows you actually want. Make sure it supports your devices and streams in good quality. If you have kids, look for parental controls and subtitles. Finally, read user reviews to gauge overall experience and reliability.

Notes: All apps in this guide are legal, ad-supported, and tested on iOS, Android, and Fire TV (Oct–Nov 2025) for content variety, device support, and ad load. You can also use the quick comparison table below to find the best fit for your setup.

Free movie apps comparison at a glance

App Name Device Compatibility Ad Load Original Content Offline Viewing Live TV Parental Controls Notes
Prime Video (Free) iOS, Android, Fire TV, Smart TVs, Web Moderate Some Originals No Yes (140+ channels) Yes Formerly Amazon Freevee; strong live + SVOD
Tubi TV iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web, Consoles Low to Medium Yes (Tubi Originals) No Yes (260+ channels, limited network channels) Yes Huge on-demand library; less ads
Crackle iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web Medium Yes (Crackle Originals) No No No Improved content selection, classic focus
Pluto TV iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web High No No Yes (250+ channels) Yes Best for live + classic on-demand mix
Vudu (Free Section) iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web Medium No Yes No No 4K content; rentals available
Popcornflix iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web Medium Yes (Popcornflix Originals) No No No Diverse indie and classic library
Yidio Varies by platform Varies No Varies Varies Varies Aggregator for multiple streaming platforms
Plex (Free) iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Web, Consoles Low to Medium Some Originals Yes (personal media) Yes Yes All-in-one streaming, DVR, personal media

Additional tips for enjoying free movie apps

  • Use a VPN for Privacy: Protect your privacy and avoid geo-restrictions by using a reliable VPN service when streaming.
  • Check Device Compatibility: Before downloading, ensure the app supports your devices, whether smartphone, smart TV, or streaming box.
  • Beware of Illegal Streaming: Stick to apps with official content licenses to avoid malware, invasive ads, and legal risks.
  • Try Multiple Apps: Different apps excel in content categories, so experiment to find what suits your tastes best.
  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update apps and your operating system for optimal security and performance.

Save money, steam free

Popcornflix, Crackle, Vudu, Plex, Amazon Prime, and Pluto TV are standout choices for free movie viewing applications. High-quality video, a sizable selection of films and TV shows, and support for a broad variety of devices are just a few of the distinct advantages that each of these platforms offers.

Individual tastes will ultimately determine which app is used, but all of these apps offer a great way to experience free movies and TV programs without having to pay a membership or renting fees. So, if you’re looking for a way to spend your evenings without spending a dime, these free streaming entertainment services are your best bet!

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