Streaming has become an essential part of our daily lives, but with numerous platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, keeping up with subscription fees can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, there are many free sites like Netflix that provide a wide variety of content—from classic movies to original content, family-friendly options, and even exclusive content. These platforms may not have the latest blockbusters, but they have a vast collection that suits many tastes, allowing you to enjoy a range of content for free.

Here’s a list of 14 great streaming services that are free, safe, and legal. Whether you love documentaries, action-packed movies, or family-friendly content, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Tubi

The Best General Alternative to Netflix

Tubi is one of the most popular free sites like Netflix, offering a wide selection of movies and TV shows across different genres. From classic movies and cult classics to blockbuster movies and indie films, Tubi delivers a huge library of movies for free. It is supported by ads, but the ads are generally less intrusive compared to traditional cable TV.

Tubi’s content is divided into easily searchable categories like comedy, drama, family, documentaries, and more. It’s available on mobile devices, streaming devices, and web browsers, making it accessible wherever you are.

• Signup required? Yes
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: All major devices, including mobile and streaming platforms

2. The Roku Channel

Great for a Mix of Live and On-Demand Content

If you have a Roku device, you’re in luck. But even if you don’t, you can still access The Roku Channel on your computer or phone. This channel features a wide range of content, including popular movies, TV shows, live news channels, and even some live events. It offers a clean user interface that makes browsing simple and convenient.

The Roku Channel also features content from various other channels, meaning that you can stream a huge selection of movies and shows without the need for additional subscriptions.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, web browsers

3. Vudu

A Solid Option for Movie Lovers

Vudu offers a mix of paid and free streaming options. Its free library contains a large selection of movies, including a mix of blockbusters, family movies, and classic films. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a diverse collection of movies, though it does include ads.

One of the highlights of Vudu is that it frequently updates its library with fresh titles, offering a huge selection of both new and older content, making it a viable alternative to paid streaming services.

• Signup required? Yes
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile devices, smart TVs, streaming apps

4. IMDb TV

The Runner-Up for Free Streaming Platforms

IMDb TV, owned by Amazon, offers a broad library of movies and TV series. Its content for kids, classic TV series, and original series make it an excellent option for a variety of viewers. The library features a mix of popular hits and lesser-known gems, so you’re likely to find both mainstream and niche content.

• Signup required? Yes
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, Amazon Fire TV

5. Pluto TV

A Live TV Experience with On-Demand Content

Pluto TV is unique in that it blends live TV with on-demand content. You can flick through different live channels just like on cable, with channels dedicated to genres like true crime, sports, classic films, and more. Pluto also provides a range of content for on-demand viewing, making it a great alternative to cable TV.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, streaming devices, web browsers

6. Crackle

Crackle is another fantastic free alternative to Netflix, with a wide variety of movies and original series. Its library of content includes action, drama, and comedy, all supported by ads. Crackle’s selection of content is updated regularly, giving viewers something new every time they visit the site.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, streaming platforms

7. Hoopla

Hoopla is a unique streaming service that partners with local libraries to offer an extensive collection of movies, TV shows, and even audiobooks. You need a library card to access the content, but once you’re in, it’s completely free.

Hoopla offers a wide selection of genres, including educational content, classic films, and family-friendly content. It’s available on a variety of devices and offers an ad-free experience.

• Signup required? Yes (Library card)
• Ads? No
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, streaming devices

8. Classic Cinema Online

Classic Cinema Online is perfect for fans of timeless classics. As the name suggests, it focuses on classic films from different genres, ranging from romance and drama to horror. The site’s library of content is large, though limited to older films, making it ideal for cinephiles looking to relive some classics.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Web browsers

9. PopcornFlix

If you’re a fan of independent movies or cult classics, then PopcornFlix might be the platform for you. It offers a huge selection of indie films, documentaries, and even original content produced by PopcornFlix itself. It’s ad-supported, but with a simple signup, you get access to a variety of movies and TV shows.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, smart TVs

10. PBS Online

PBS Online offers a great selection of high-quality documentaries and educational programs, along with some classic TV series. Their children’s section, PBS Kids, is ideal for family-friendly content that is educational and engaging.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? No
• Supported devices: Web, mobile, streaming devices

11. Locast

Locast is ideal for viewers who want to access local TV channels without a traditional antenna. This is particularly useful for keeping up with current events, local news, and sports events.

• Signup required? Yes
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, streaming devices

12. Viewster

Viewster specializes in niche content, with an emphasis on anime, Korean dramas, and other lesser-known series. It’s supported by ads, but the array of content offered is unlike most mainstream streaming platforms.

• Signup required? No
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, smart TVs

13. Paramount Plus Free Plan

Paramount Plus offers a free tier that allows you to stream select shows and movies from the Paramount Pictures library. It provides a decent selection of shows and movies, making it a good addition to your list of free sites like Netflix.

• Signup required? Yes
• Ads? Yes
• Supported devices: Mobile, web, streaming devices

Conclusion

When it comes to watching movies and TV shows online, you don’t always have to pay hefty subscription fees. There are numerous free sites like Netflix that offer a wide selection of content for you to explore. While they may include ads or require signups, they still provide an opportunity to enjoy entertainment without the cost.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic films, educational content, or family-friendly entertainment, these platforms have something to offer. Diversifying your streaming services can help you cut down on costs while still enjoying your favorite genres and titles.

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