Watching movies on your smartphone has never been easier, with a plethora of apps and websites offering free, legal streaming options. However, with the abundance of content available online, it’s important to ensure you’re accessing these movies through legitimate means. This article lists 15 apps and websites where you can watch movies for free on your mobile device legally, along with tips on how to avoid illegal streaming sites.
1. Tubi TV
Link: Tubi TV
Tubi TV is a well-known platform offering a vast library of free movies and TV shows. It’s completely ad-supported, which means you’ll have to watch a few commercials, but the trade-off is access to a large selection of content from genres like drama, comedy, action, and more. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Key Features:
- Regularly updated content
- No subscription required
- Family-friendly content available
2. Crackle
Link: Crackle
Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle offers a solid collection of movies and original programming. The app’s content is free to watch with ads, and it covers various genres, including action, comedy, and drama. Crackle is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Mix of older and newer movies
- Original programming and TV series
3. Popcornflix
Link: Popcornflix
Popcornflix provides free streaming of movies and TV shows, with a library that includes everything from blockbusters to indie films. It’s an ad-supported platform, so you’ll need to sit through commercials, but it’s a small price to pay for free content. Available on both iOS and Android.
Key Features:
- No sign-up required
- New titles added frequently
- Separate section for family movies
4. Vudu
Link: Vudu
While Vudu is primarily known for renting and buying movies, it also offers a selection of movies and TV shows for free with ads under its “Movies On Us” section. The app is available on both iOS and Android, and it provides good quality streaming with a variety of genres to choose from.
Key Features:
- High-definition streaming available
- Wide selection of free movies
- Easy navigation and user interface
5. Pluto TV
Link: Pluto TV
Pluto TV combines the experience of live TV with on-demand movies. It offers a range of channels that broadcast content around the clock, along with a substantial library of on-demand movies. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is completely free.
Key Features:
- Over 250 live channels
- No registration required
- Wide range of genres
6. YouTube
Link: YouTube
YouTube is not just for user-generated content; it also hosts a selection of free movies. These are usually available in the Movies & Shows section and are ad-supported. The selection may not be as extensive as other platforms, but it’s completely legal and easily accessible from any mobile device.
Key Features:
- Wide range of free movies
- User-friendly interface
- Accessible from anywhere
7. IMDb TV
Link: IMDb TV
IMDb TV, owned by Amazon, offers a decent selection of movies and TV shows for free with ads. It’s available through the IMDb app or as a channel on Amazon Prime Video. The content is updated regularly, making it a great option for legal, free movie streaming on both iOS and Android devices.
Key Features:
- Easy access via IMDb app or Amazon Prime
- Regularly updated content
- Free with ads
8. Hoopla Digital
Link: Hoopla Digital
Hoopla Digital partners with libraries to provide free access to movies, audiobooks, eBooks, and more. All you need is a library card to log in and start watching. It’s available on iOS and Android devices, and the selection includes everything from blockbusters to indie films.
Key Features:
- Borrow movies as you would with library books
- No ads
- Easy access to a wide range of content
9. Kanopy
Link: Kanopy
Kanopy offers free movie streaming with a library card or a university login. It’s known for its high-quality, thought-provoking content, including documentaries, classics, and independent films. Kanopy is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Key Features:
- Ad-free experience
- High-quality educational and indie films
- Available through libraries and educational institutions
10. Plex
Link: Plex
Plex is known for its media server capabilities, but it also offers a library of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, and it’s a great way to watch a mix of classic and newer titles without paying a dime.
Key Features:
- No subscription needed
- Large selection of movies
- Integrated with personal media server
11. FilmRise
Link: FilmRise
FilmRise is a streaming platform offering a wide array of free movies and TV shows. The app provides access to content across various genres, including classics, documentaries, and horror. Available on iOS and Android devices, FilmRise is ad-supported, but the commercials are usually short and unobtrusive.
Key Features:
- No sign-up required
- Diverse range of movies and TV shows
- Regularly updated content
12. Roku Channel
Link: Roku Channel
Even if you don’t own a Roku device, you can still access the Roku Channel on your mobile device via their app. It offers a wide selection of free movies and TV shows, all ad-supported. The app is available on both iOS and Android.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Exclusive content alongside free movies
- No Roku device needed
13. Sony Crackle
Link: Sony Crackle
Sony Crackle (also just called Crackle) offers a variety of movies and TV shows, all available for free with ads. The app is user-friendly and offers a good mix of older titles and some recent releases. Crackle is available on iOS and Android devices.
Key Features:
- Variety of genres
- Some original content available
- Regularly updated library
14. Peacock TV
Link: Peacock TV
Peacock TV, owned by NBCUniversal, offers a free tier that includes a selection of movies and TV shows. While it’s ad-supported, the free content is substantial and regularly updated. Peacock TV is available on iOS and Android devices.
Key Features:
- High-quality streaming
- Mix of classic and recent movies
- Regularly updated content
15. Yidio
Link: Yidio
Yidio is an aggregator app that helps you find free movies across various streaming services. While Yidio itself doesn’t host content, it directs you to where you can legally watch movies for free. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
Key Features:
- Aggregates free content from multiple platforms
- Easy-to-use interface
- Personalized watchlist feature
Tips to Avoid Illegal Streaming Sites
While it’s tempting to click on any site promising free movies, it’s crucial to avoid illegal streaming sites for several reasons:
- Legal Issues: Streaming content from unauthorized sites is illegal and could lead to legal consequences.
- Security Risks: Many illegal streaming sites are rife with malware and viruses that can harm your device.
- Poor Quality: Content on illegal sites is often of low quality and can be abruptly removed without warning.
Here are some tips to help you avoid illegal streaming sites:
- Stick to Well-Known Platforms: If a site or app is widely recognized and mentioned by trusted sources, it’s likely legitimate.
- Check for Ads Overload: Illegal streaming sites often have excessive ads, pop-ups, and redirects. If a site seems too aggressive with ads, it’s best to steer clear.
- Look for HTTPS: Legitimate sites use HTTPS for secure connections. If a site doesn’t have this, it could be risky.
- Read Reviews: Before using a new app or site, read reviews from other users. If many people mention scams, malware, or poor quality, avoid it.
- Use Trusted App Stores: Download apps only from trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to avoid malicious software.
With these 15 legitimate apps and websites, you have a wide range of options to watch movies for free on your smartphone without breaking the law. Whether you’re into classic films, indie movies, or the latest blockbusters, there’s something for everyone. Remember to always use trusted sources to avoid the risks associated with illegal streaming sites. Enjoy your movie-watching experience, knowing you’re doing it safely and legally.