Want to watch movies on your phone or tablet without spending a dime? You’re in luck! There are tons of awesome movie apps out there that offer free content. But with so many choices, finding the best one can feel overwhelming. As a friendly guide through the world of streaming, I’m here to help you discover the best free movie apps available right now.
Before we dive in, let’s be clear about something: “free” sometimes comes with a catch. Some apps are truly free and supported by ads, while others might offer a limited selection of free movies to entice you to subscribe later. It’s also really important to make sure any app you download is safe and legal. Downloading movies from unofficial sources can be risky for your device and might even get you into trouble. We’ll only be looking at safe, legal options here.
Top Free Movie Apps You Should Check Out
Here are some of the best free movie apps currently available, with a focus on what makes each one stand out:
Tubi
Tubi is a popular choice because it has a huge library of movies and TV shows. You’ll find everything from classic films to newer releases, spanning tons of different genres. The app is supported by ads, so you’ll see commercials during your viewing experience, but it’s a small price to pay for free access to so much content. Tubi also makes it easy to find movies you’ll like with categories like “Trending,” “Most Popular,” and “Not on Netflix.”
The Roku Channel
Even if you don’t own a Roku device, you can still use The Roku Channel app! It offers a selection of free movies and TV shows, including Roku Originals. The content changes regularly, so there’s always something new to discover. While the free section might not be as massive as some other apps, it’s a solid option, especially if you enjoy Roku’s original programming.
Crackle
Crackle is another ad-supported streaming service with a decent selection of free movies and TV shows. It’s owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, so you can often find some heartwarming and family-friendly content. Crackle also produces its own original programming, which can be a big draw. They also have some classic movies that are hard to find anywhere else for free.
Vudu
While Vudu is primarily a platform for buying and renting movies, it also has a section called “Movies On Us.” This section contains a selection of movies you can watch for free with ads. The selection rotates, so keep an eye out for new additions. It is an excellent place to find some hidden gems you never knew about.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a bit different from the other apps on this list. It’s more like traditional television, offering live channels that stream movies, TV shows, news, and more. While you can’t pick and choose specific movies like on Tubi or Crackle, Pluto TV is great for when you just want to flip through channels and see what’s on. They have dedicated movie channels that play films back-to-back.
Safety First: Tips for Using Free Movie Apps
It’s important to stay safe while using free movie apps. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Only download apps from official app stores: Stick to the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS). This helps you avoid downloading malicious apps.
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Read reviews before downloading: See what other users are saying about the app. If there are a lot of negative reviews or complaints about security, it’s best to steer clear.
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Be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions: Pay attention to the permissions the app requests. If an app that streams movies is asking for access to your contacts or location, that’s a red flag.
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Keep your device’s operating system and security software up to date: This helps protect your device from malware and other threats.
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Use a VPN if you are concerned about privacy: A VPN can help protect your online activity. This isn’t always necessary, but it can add an extra layer of security, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
What to Expect From Free Movie Apps
It’s important to have realistic expectations when using free movie apps. Here’s what you can generally expect:
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Ads: Most free movie apps are supported by ads. This means you’ll have to watch commercials during your movies. The number and length of ads can vary from app to app.
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Limited selection: The selection of movies on free apps is usually more limited than on paid streaming services. You might not find the latest blockbusters or popular TV shows.
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Lower video quality: Some free movie apps might offer lower video quality than paid services. This is usually done to save on bandwidth costs.
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Geographic restrictions: Some apps might only be available in certain countries. If you’re traveling, you might not be able to access your favorite free movie apps.
Alternatives to Free Movie Apps
If you’re not satisfied with the selection or quality of free movie apps, you might want to consider some alternatives:
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Free trials of paid streaming services: Many paid streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, offer free trials. This can be a great way to watch a lot of movies and TV shows for free for a limited time.
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Library streaming services: Many libraries offer free streaming services, like Kanopy and Hoopla. You’ll need a library card to access these services, but they offer a surprisingly good selection of movies and documentaries.
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Free, ad-supported streaming services with optional subscriptions: Some services offer a free, ad-supported tier, but also have a paid subscription option that removes ads and unlocks additional content. Peacock is a good example of this model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free movie apps legal?
Yes, the free movie apps mentioned in this article are legal. They have obtained the necessary licenses to stream the movies and TV shows they offer. However, it’s important to avoid using unofficial apps that offer pirated content, as these are illegal and can be risky.
Can I download movies from free movie apps to watch offline?
In most cases, no. Free movie apps typically don’t allow you to download movies for offline viewing. This is because they rely on ad revenue to support their services. Allowing offline downloads would make it easier for people to skip the ads.
Do free movie apps track my data?
Like most apps and websites, free movie apps collect some data about your usage. This data is typically used to improve the app, personalize your viewing experience, and serve you relevant ads. However, you can usually control the amount of data collected by adjusting your privacy settings within the app and on your device.
Which free movie app is best for kids?
If you’re looking for a free movie app for kids, Tubi Kids is a good option. It offers a wide selection of kid-friendly movies and TV shows, and it has parental controls to help you manage what your children can watch.
Conclusion
There are several great free movie apps available that can provide you with hours of entertainment. Remember to prioritize safety by downloading apps only from official app stores and reading reviews before installing. While free movie apps may have some limitations, like ads and a smaller selection, they’re a fantastic way to watch movies without spending any money. Explore the options mentioned above and discover your new favorite free movie app!