Can’t pay for Netflix? No problem. Free video streaming services are a welcome relief for budget-conscious consumers, but don’t expect top content or the latest conveniences. There is a scurry of free video streaming services on the net. Out of them all, we have selected four excellent ones that are available in all regions. And with the lockdown and COVID-19, what better time to enjoy free movies?
Tubi
Tubi is a free and well-designed video streaming service with a large, frequently changing library of movies and some shows. Home to thousands of free commercial movies (though definitely not commercial-free), Tubi TV offers content from studios including Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount. Its resolution limitations and ads are a small price to pay for all the free content it offers. To help separate the wheat from the chaff, check out these two categories: Highly Rated on Rotten Tomatoes and Not on Netflix.
Plex
Plex is best-known for its intuitive media server software, but it also has a library of on-demand movies you can watch without the need to host them. The Plex app offers an admirably simple portal to news, podcasts, web shows and other content as well.
Crunchyrolls
Crunchyroll’s massive library of anime and strong simulcast support is likely to make its niche anime streaming audience forgive its rough edges.
Classic Cinema Online
Classic Cinema Online is a dream for lovers of vintage cinema. If you’re a fan of silent films or lost Charlie Chaplin movies, you’ll want to check out this website.
You don’t need to sign up to use the service. You will able to access the streams using servers in both the UK and the US. However, rather than hosting the movies, the website provides links to where they can be found.
Some contents are only accessible through torrents, while others require that Flash be enabled. You’ll need a little patience to use this site, but the hidden and forgotten gems included in its catalog are worth the effort.
There’s also a handful of free TV shows available.
Movie Services Compared
| Tubi | Plex | Crunchyrolls | Classic Cinema Online | |
| Logo |  |  |  |  |
| Ratings | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Price | Free | Free | Free trial ($7.99/mo) | Free |
| Concurrent Streams | Unlimited | 2 | ||
| On-demand Movies and TV Shows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Original Programming | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Live TV | No | No | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Anime | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| The Good | *Has quality popular movies. *Lots of genres to find movies (like a “Not on Netflix” section). *Subtitles can be enabled. | *Capable free version. *Intuitive apps on many platforms. *Easy setup. *Growing library of on-demand video streaming content. *Dedicated podcast section. | *Expansive anime library. *All tiers support HD streaming. *Many stimulcast shows. *Some original series. *Manga and apparel store. | *Download movies for free. *No ads. *Subtitle option. *Quality adjuster available. |
| Downsides | *Ads are shown throughout the movie. *There isn’t a comment section below the films like most movie streaming websites have. | *No HTPC Support. *Lacks official interface themes. | *No offline downloads. * Relatively few dubbed shows. *Some interface clutter. | *Not available on mobile app. *Poor quality with old movies. *Buffering on poor network connection. |
