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List of British Movies and TV Shows on Free Services

Chernobyl (2019)

Sherlock (2010)

Broadchurch (2013)

The IT Crowd (2006)

Luther (2010)

Fleabag (2016)

Fargo (1996)

The Fall (2013)

The Pianist (2002)

The Fifth Element (1997)

Doctor Who (2005)

Misfits (2009)

Hell on Wheels (2011)

Line of Duty (2012)

Wind River (2017)

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Taboo (2017)

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Slow Horses (2022)

Platoon (1986)

Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)

The Man in the High Castle (2015)

Dances with Wolves (1990)

All Creatures Great and Small (2020)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Taskmaster (2015)

The Diplomat (2023)

The Founder (2016)

A Discovery of Witches (2018)

Peep Show (2003)

Ghosts (2019)

Troy (2004)

The Third Man (1949)

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

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Home » Magazine » Entertainment » Video Streaming » Best free streaming services 2024: Where to watch shows and films without paying in the UK

Best free streaming services 2024: Where to watch shows and films without paying in the UK

(Image: Karolina Grabowska)

In a crowded world of streaming services, we introduce UK viewers a budget-friendly option — a plethora of free platforms. Catering to diverse tastes, from Pluto TV’s extensive channels to Rakuten’s classic and contemporary mixes, we’ve shortlisted the top 13 free streaming services. Dive in and discover quality entertainment without spending a penny.

Update 24/04/2024, 15:03

We’ve added all the latest information to our comparison of the top free streaming platforms so you can compare the likes of Pluto TV, BBC iPlayer and more.

The best free streaming services 2024

Crunchyroll, other on-demand free streaming services, bbc iplayer, channel 4+ / all4, using a vpn to access further free streaming channels, the roku channel, a comparison of the top free streaming services, free streaming services faqs.

With Netflix’s prices on the rise and anti-password-sharing measures coming into place, it’s the perfect time to consider using a free streaming service in 2024. Even though you might not have heard of them before, there is actually a great range of platforms where you can watch many a well-loved series or blockbuster movie . That’s not to mention that most also have a free live-streaming TV option where you can choose from various channels of live content.

We have a great video summarising all of the best free video streaming services on our YouTube channel, see above to check it out. Now let’s get to our top picks for free TV and movie streaming:

Pluto TV , a premier free streaming service from the US recognised globally, has made extraordinary strides since its launch. This completely free , ad-supported television service is owned by Paramount and is available in the UK , providing a unique offering to its viewers.

Pluto TV offers over 250 live TV channels with a diverse mix of genres that range from news, sports, movies, and series, to documentaries . It even hosts dedicated channels for popular shows such as Doctor Who and Antiques Roadshow UK . It ranks highly amongst free live streaming websites .

The platform’s selling point is its online accessibility , simply by searching for it on Google. Pluto has a great user-friendly interface , designed just for viewers desiring an old-school television experience. Unlike traditional streaming platforms, you don’t have to handpick programmes for viewing – simply tune in to a channel and enjoy the ongoing show. Pluto TV UK undoubtedly recreates the nostalgia you get from flipping through channels, all the while providing a modern, high-quality streaming experience .

Compatible with all standard devices – from smart TVs, computers, and smartphones to tablets, the streaming service dexterously balances high-quality viewing with zero subscription charges. Furthermore, it provides On Demand content, allowing viewers to watch their favourite shows and movies at their convenience. You can watch online or use the Pluto TV app .

In summary, the Pluto TV free platform offers a throwback TV viewing mode while showcasing a diverse and entirely free entertainment catalogue. Consequently, it’s a noteworthy contender in the evolving video streaming industry.

Pluto TV review

Completely free-of-charge

Extensive range of channels (250+)

Diverse content (news, sports, movies, series, documentaries)

No sign-up necessary

Lots of ads

Limited control over what you watch

New content can take time to be added

Streaming quality isn’t the best

What is Freevee ? It is Amazon’s free streaming service, offering a wide range of quality content to viewers across the UK. By gathering free-to-air channels and digital sources in one place, it’s a refreshing platform for streaming.

The Freevee app offers viewers an impressive mix of conten t without any subscription costs . It appeals to a broad demographic with its diverse library of content, spanning free-to-air Freevee TV, movies, documentaries, sports, music , and more. Amazon Freevee UK guarantees there’s something for everyone with its range of current hits to timeless classics .

Whether you’re a movie buff favouring hits like Paddington , Good Will Hunting , or Get Out , or you’re an avid series follower seeking indulgence in Neighbours or MadMen , you’re sure to find something to watch. There are also some curated exclusives, like Freevee originals .

One thing that does stand out is the fact that Freevee UK delivers its intelligent curation , neatly aggregating content from various free channels and digital sources. It doesn’t stop there; it allows viewers to customise their viewing based on personal preferences. This innovative feature assures that you’re always in control , and can binge-watch your favourite shows at your leisure.

To sum it up, Freevee is ideal for those appreciative of diverse, high-quality entertainment choices without the constraint of subscription charges. Its unique curation and customisation features add to its appeal, while the requirement for specific devices and potential ad interruptions may warrant second thoughts for some.

Freevee review

No subscription fees

Unique curation and customisation features

Wide variety of content

Exclusive content

Binge-watching is possible

Ads play during streaming

Must have an Amazon account to watch

Not available online, must watch via an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Tablet or certain other devices

Kanopy is a unique , lesser-known free streaming platform that collaborates with universities and public UK libraries to provide viewers with a wide range of films and series. It offers ad-free streaming and Kanopy movies include an extensive collection of documentaries, indie films, classic cinema titles and educational content . Whilst this service does require users to have a library card or be a student and prove so before being able to access its catalogue, Kanopy TV is a great streaming option that is free to use .

Users can watch on various devices and even access a dedicated Kids section . However, there are limitations on the number of films that can be streamed each month, and the platform caters to a more specific audience, particularly students .

Delving further into Kanopy’s vast offerings, the platform has some really great content , the likes of which are hard to find elsewhere for free. The range on offer extends far beyond typical on-demand films and series that are often available to stream for free. Kanopy immerses viewers in niche genres and topics. 

Distinguishing itself further, Kanopy’s ad-free commitment enhances the viewer’s experience, allowing uninterrupted playing of whatever content takes their fancy. For an added personalised touch, the platform endorses creativity , allowing users to craft their own clips or playlists , thereby fostering a more involved viewing journey.

Film enthusiasts will relish the selection of classic and indie movies , while academics can utilise a plethora of educational material . Iconic blockbusters such as The Theory of Everything and Lady Bird as well as plenty of kids shows too.

True to its nature, Kanopy pulls viewers in with the lure of ad-free streaming , a vast collection fondly housing educational content , and the charm of niche genres. Ultimately though, Kanopy emerges as a unique forward-thinking streaming platform not just for students.

Kanopy review

Ad-free streaming

Extensive collection, including educational content

Niche genres such as Indie, Classic Films, World Cinema, and more

Great resource for students and researchers

Restrictions on streaming, users given a limited number of streaming credits per month

Niche educational content doesn’t appeal to everyone

Not many mainstream or popular movies and TV shows

Need a library card or student ID

Rakuten TV is a great free streaming service available on a variety of platforms , including web, mobile, and smart TV apps. Although it includes ads, Rakuten TV offers a diverse catalogue of new and classic titles divided into categories, in a similar format to Netflix. 

The platform can be accessed without logging in on the smart TV app, but an account is required for online streaming. Whilst Rakuten TV is available for free with ads , some premium titles are available to rent and purchase, similar to other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.

Beyond its core catalogue, Rakuten TV elevates its offering by including a number of Live channels to the mix. These channels span a broad spectrum of content that includes movies , TV shows , documentaries , and even music . This feature adds another layer of versatility to the platform, catering to varied tastes and interests of viewers.

Some notable titles available on Rakuten TV include acclaimed films such as The Big Short and popular TV shows like Kitchen Nightmares . This blend of various types of content, paired with the free access, positions Rakuten TV as a strong contender in the realm of streaming platforms.

Yet, it’s worth noting that the user experience does come with its share of ads – a necessary trade-off for the otherwise free access to the host of content available. Therefore, Rakuten TV is an attractive option for those seeking diverse streaming options without bearing significant costs, albeit coupled with the periodic interruptions of ads .

Rakuten TV review

Free access to a diverse catalogue of new and classic titles

Available on multiple platforms, including web, mobile and TV apps

Convenient streaming on the smart TV app without the need to log in

Free live channels

Significant number of ads

Some titles may require additional payment for viewing

Device compatibility is limited

Premium content is expensive

The free version of Crunchyroll offers access to a vast range of anime, manga, concerts, and dorama (Japanese TV drama), although not all content available on the platform is accessible with this tier. Users can watch content and read select manga titles with intermittent ads . The selection of anime is huge and pretty much incomparable to other streaming platforms, but it is worth bearing in mind that there isn’t much other non-anime content available.

One important limitation of the free version is that new episodes of current anime series are not typically available immediately after their release in Japan – there is usually a delay of about a week for free users , while premium users get access to new episodes within hours of their original broadcast.

The free tier also does not support HD streaming ; the video quality is limited to 480p . Furthermore, while you can stream on various devices, free users may not be able to access all of the platform’s features across all devices. 

There is the choice to subscribe to Crunchy Roll premium for £5.99 a month and there is even a 14-day free trial available . In essence, the free version of Crunchyroll is a robust option for casual anime fans who don’t mind waiting for the latest episodes and enduring occasional ads . 

Crunchyroll review

Unique content hard to find elsewhere

Loads of episodes to stream

Plenty of choice on the free version<br>

Access to fresh anime content.

Selection of free content has gotten smaller and will likely continue to decrease

Gives you access to only a couple of episodes of some series, must subscribe and pay to finish the series<br>

Lots of ads as with all free platforms

Limited subtitle language options, but many audio options

No discussion on free video streaming would be complete without at least mentioning the free online streaming services for major TV channels . Although they technically aren’t free as live TV streaming on all these platforms and streaming any content at all on BBC iPlayer requires a TV License .

Of course, the content on these platforms is limited to mainly the shows and movies that the channels air or have the rights to. Nevertheless, for anyone looking to watch something, you’re sure to find one of your favourite shows on there, be it old or new.

These well-loved video-on-demand streaming services are great options for free video streaming, offering high-quality content that’s safe and easy to access . There’s no need to use a VPN for example or go out of your way to find a device on which you can use to stream one of the many free streaming services. The most you will have to do is sign up and create an account for free to access the platform.

For BBC iPlayer , the BBC also requires users to have a valid TV Licens e but their very thorough check is limited to checking a box, so I will leave it at that. BBC iPlayer allows live TV viewing as well as offering pretty much all of the shows and movies it has aired. If you’re looking to binge every episode of Gavin & Stacey or Eastenders (although that might take a few years) then look no further! 

Not only does the BBC have content from its main BBC One channel but also its 11 other channels , including content for kids from CBeebies and CBBC too. BBC iPlayer is available online as well as an app for mobile devices and on a TV. A big bonus of the BBC is there are no ads , none at all.

ITVX is a personal favourite, it’s got all of the classics and newer programmes too. As well as streaming both ITV1 and ITV2 live there’s a whole host of TV series and movies available. How do I watch Harry Potter for free? I hear you ask, well ITVX currently has all of the movies as well as Fantastic Beasts too. That’s not to mention all of the other TV shows and movies that you can find on there too. 

If you want to binge-watch all 10 series of Love Island then go ahead, nothing’s stopping you. Viewers can watch ITVX via the app on a TV or on mobile devices , some TVs even come with it pre-installed. There’s the option to pay for ITVX Premium to get rid of the ads and get access to hundreds of other shows and films. It comes in at £5.99 a month or £59.99 a year which is pretty decent. Users can make the most of a free 7-day trial of the premium version.

With All4 again there’s not much difference from the others, obviously, the content is mostly limited to live and on-demand content found on Channel 4 and its 11 other channels . You can find a great selection of comedies on this platform since the channel tends to be a bit more adventurous in its programming there are shows like Friday Night Dinner and The Inbetweeners and much more. 

If you wantp to stream The Great British Bake Off for free then simply log on to All4 and you can find all 6 series that were aired on Channel 4, ready to watch. All4 can be accessed online or via the app , there’s also the option to upgrade to Channel 4+ if you don’t want ads. It also gives you access to 1500 shows and movies for £3.99 a month or £39.99 a year. There’s even a 7-day free trial , so you can test out the paid version of All4 and see if it’s worth paying or not.

If you have a VPN subscription then you have access to a whole new world of free streaming . There is a wide range of mostly American streaming services that offer great catalogues of content completely free of charge . To access these, we recommend the following reliable VPN services and their listed offers:

• NordVPN  

Let’s get to business. We’ve put together a list of our favourite free streaming services while using a VPN that offer the best content as well as being easily accessible for UK viewers .

Tubi is an ad-supported , free-to-stream platform that allows UK viewers to enjoy movies and TV series with a VPN, across various genres. Despite being free , it has a very sleek design which definitely adds to its appeal as a streaming service you would regularly use. 

Tubi’s archive is complete with numerous TV shows and movies, including productions from renowned studios like Lionsgate , Paramount , and MGM . It’s a fusion of well-known TV series, classic and indie movies , along with some unique alongside niche gems . 

This platform does not demand any credit card details or urge you to subscribe, and it’s designed to customise content based on users’ viewing habits. A distinctive feature is Tubi Kids , a dedicated section offering child-appropriate content.

Ideally suited for movie enthusiasts , families desiring child-safe content , and those appreciating free , legal media , Tubi ranks highly amongst the range of free streaming services. 

Tubi review

No subscription required

Wide range of movies and series

Tubi Kids for family content

Great design with categories and genres making browsing easy

Contains ads

Latest or in-season shows may not be available promptly

Some content may be region-specific and unavailable in the UK

Need a VPN to access

Vudu , owned by Fandango Media , is a streaming service combining rentals , purchases , and free streaming , granting UK viewers with a VPN a rich selection of content to match varied viewing habits.

Some of Vudu’s content is ad-supported and free , the expansive library also houses content available for either rent or purchase . Moreover, it provides an innovative option to convert tangible DVDs into digital copies . Vudu also maintains a marketplace , often garnering new releases for rent or purchase ahead of other services.

Vudu is a great choice for viewers who appreciate want a free streaming service with a medley of rental, purchase, and free ad-supported options . Unlike other platforms, you aren’t likely to catch all of the latest releases here for free, but there is still a wide selection of content to choose from.

Vudu review

Wide range of viewing options (rent, buy, free, originals)<br>

High-quality streaming up to 4K UHD<br>

Early access to new releases

Some great options for TV and films

Free content comes with ads

Not all content is free; renting or purchasing can add up

No original content unlike other platforms

Doesn’t have a huge selection for kids

Xumo delivers a great variety of entertainment to viewers with a VPN. Through a partnership between Viant Technology and Panasonic , the service provides over 160 channels of live and on-demand content, traversing various genres. This broad offering includes news, sports, family-friendly viewing , numerous films, and TV shows.

Distinct features such as a live TV experience and the option to bookmark channels enhance viewing customization. While the ad-supported nature of Xumo may lead to sporadic interruptions , its extensive and varied content, combined with zero-cost access, positions it as an interesting option among free streaming platforms for those who like watching live TV.

Xumo review

Free of charge

Boasts a wide array of 160+ channels

Includes sports streaming, unlike most other platforms

Allows personalised viewing via bookmarking

Ad-supported model can interrupt viewing

No option to skip or fast-forward through content

Content selection can seem less comprehensive compared to other free services

Lack of recent content

The Roku Channel , by Roku Inc., offers UK viewers with a VPN a collection of free, ad-supported streaming content , easily available through the widely popular Roku streaming devices. The platform boasts accessible streaming through the web or the dedicated Roku app .

The Roku Channel caters to a wide array of viewers with an easy-to-navigate interface and simple tools that make the user experience intuitive. One of the attractive features it boasts is a Live TV option, bringing news broadcasts and select events right to your screens. 

The Roku Channel is particularly beneficial to Roku device users , as it adds to their streaming library at no additional cost . It also plays a strong supplementary role for those already subscribed to other streaming services.

The Roku Channel review

No subscription fees, free, and easy to use

Varied content from multiple platforms and original content

Streams first episodes of some new shows live

User-friendly and straightforward interface

Not so much more recent content

Certain features limited to Roku device owners

Must pay for some premium content

Under the ownership of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment , Crackle is a hub for free, ad-supported streaming content, delivering an array of movies, TV series, and unique original programming .

Crackle’s versatile catalogue spans different genres, studded with exciting Crackle Originals , providing viewers with an engaging mix of content. It also keeps its content selection diverse by frequently updating its library each month .

One feature that sets Crackle apart is its emphasis on original content , it also allows users to stream without demanding account registration . Furthermore, the platform is widely compatible across multiple devices , ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

Although Crackle does lack content in comparison to other platforms it still has a lot to offer . Crackle sits perfectly with viewers who enjoy original narratives and people who don’t mind occasional ad interruptions for free content .

Crackle review

Unique content

No account registration needed or any subscription commitments

Refreshing, dynamic content owing to a rotating catalogue

Original content

Viewing experience interrupted by ads

Streaming quality might lag behind that of paid services

Fewer content options compared to its paid counterparts – but, hey, it's all free!

Lacks child-friendly content

Our top free streaming picks would be Tubi and Kanopy . Tubi is an American site so requires a VPN to access. Kanopy has some great recent releases and requires a library card or student ID to access it.

No, new users cannot sign up for a free Peacock account anymore. Only existing users can make the most of a free account.

Kanopy offers some great new films for free such as Ladybird, Colette and Moonlight. While most free streaming services don’t tend to offer the most recent releases for free they do still offer a great selection of films. 

Yes, Pluto TV is free to use so viewers can stream content such as Hell’s Kitchen for no cost at all.

ITVX has all the Harry Potter movies for free , you’ll have to watch the occasional advert but you can watch all 19 hours and 40 minutes of the beloved wizarding world and you don’t have to pay a penny.

Check out our video streaming page for all the latest streaming discounts available right now. If you’re thinking of paying for streaming services be sure to check our in-depth comparison of Netflix, Prime Video and more.

This article contains partner links. Clicking on them will take you directly to the provider. If you decide to make a purchase there, we may receive a small commission. The price will not change for you. Affiliate links have no influence on our reporting.

I'm Peter Carr, editor for the hotukdeals Magazine. I first played computer games on my dad's ZX Spectrum and have had most major consoles since. Growing up gaming has given me decades of entertainment, I want to share that with you.

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How to watch movies free: the best free streaming sites for movies and TV today

No subscription? No problem

It used to be so easy – just switch on your TV and pick a channel. Now, although we've got a far wider range of movies and TV to pick from, it seems like you've got to pick between dozens of expensive services just to watch a single show. 

It's not all bad, though – there are actually tons of 100% legal free streaming sites for movies and TV out there if you know where to find them. It is worth noting, however, that not all of these free streaming sites are available worldwide, so if you're outside of your home country and want to access the free movies you're used to, you may have to use a VPN .

But, no matter where you are, there are plenty of totally free options. So, if you're wondering how to watch movies free online, all you need to do is take your pick from the following choices.

How to watch movies free anywhere

Our top-rated VPN for watching geo-blocked content is ExpressVPN . Not only does it provide excellent privacy and security, but it's the most reliable for unblocking just about any streaming site, including paid-for options like Netflix and Prime. Now, TechRadar readers can claim three months free on a 12-month plan – and you'll also be covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Which free streaming site you choose to use is likely to be decided by where you live – for example, Americans will be more likely to head over to Peacock than BBC iPlayer.

However, if you're outside your home country and want to watch movies free on the sites you're used to, you'll likely notice that the website is blocked. There's a quick and easy way to get around that, though.

Using a streaming VPN is the simplest way of getting access to your favorite sites when you're abroad. All you need to do is select a server in a country of your choice, connect, and start watching.

We recommend ExpressVPN thanks to its unparalleled streaming performance and wide range of locations, and it's great for accessing the free streaming sites below.

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So if, for example, you wanted to watch Peacock and you're currently outside the US, all you need to do is connect to a US VPN server and head over to the site. It's as simple as that.

• Check out all of the best streaming services

The best free streaming sites for movies and TV

1. BBC iPlayer

When it comes to a free streaming services, BBC iPlayer is arguably the very best available. With a huge repository of BBC content and an ever-changing catalogue of both modern and classic movies, whatever your mood there's bound to be something that will take your fancy.

Series currently on offer are the excellent I May Destroy You, the Ridley Scott-produced The Terror, and the only motoring show worth watching, Top Gear. Plus, there's also a wide range of kids TV, and even live streams of the terrestrial BBC channels.

Movies on offer are also strong – we've seen the likes of Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Dunkirk and loads more out-and-out classics on there in recent times. The best ones tend to leave after 30 days, but there's usually something pretty great ready to replace them.

There's often a bit of a Brit slant to the content, but if you want to watch movies free online, it's a great place to start. Do note, though, that viewers should be licence fee payers to watch.

BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, so if you're currently out of the country, you'll need to use an iPlayer VPN – and in our testing, ExpressVPN came out on top . Sign up now to claim your three free months.

It probably comes as no surprise, but NBC's Peacock is one of the best free streaming sites around. Launched in 2020, Peacock gained huge popularity for having a comprehensive ad-supported free library, and it's now one of the most-watched streaming services in the US.

An obvious draw is the most-streamed series of all time, The Office, but Peacock also delivers with a huge range of feature-length classics.

In Bruges, Drag Me To Hell, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Deer Hunter, the first three Harry Potter movies... All of these and more are available for absolutely free, and while there's an even greater selection if you sign up to the premium plan , there's plenty to go around.

Again, though, if you're currently outside the US you won't be able to watch Peacock. But if you use one of our best Peacock VPN choices, you'll be able to change your location back home and watch free movies anywhere. 

3. Sling TV Free

While Sling might be best known for its great-value paid plans, it also offers a free tier that's competitive with the very best .

Unlike many of the US services on this list, Sling offers free streams of live news (something those in the UK will take for granted), so if you want to stay up to date on what's happening in the world, you might want to head over to Sling.

What's more, there's absolutely no sign up required – all you need to do is head over to the site and start watching. You'll get over 5000 episodes of favorites such as Hell's Kitchen, the original Johnny Depp-starring 21 Jump Street, select episodes of Rick and Morty, and all 11 seasons of the original UK Shameless.

Of course, you can upgrade and fully cut the cord for just $25 a month – but if you're just a casual watcher, you may well get away with going for the free plan. 

Again, though, if you're outside the US, you'll need to use a VPN to get access to all this great free content.

Second only to BBC iPlayer when it comes to British streaming, All4 is Channel 4's online streaming service. Known for being a little 'edgier' than the BBC, Channel 4 produces some of the most compelling TV in the UK – and it's all free.

Plus, thanks to its close links with Film4, All4 has a huge range of both blockbuster and more arthouse feature-length content.

Much like iPlayer, the films available come and go. But at the time of writing movies to check out included Irvine Welsh adaptations Trainspotting and The Acid House; Nico, 1998, which details the later years of the singer's life (well after her time with the Velvet Underground); entertaining Danny Dyer flick The Business; and historical drama Peterloo.

Like iPlayer, All4 is only available to those in the UK, so if you're out of the country, a VPN will be necessary to watch .

With a crisp, clean interface and absolutely no sign-up required, Tubi is a great place to watch movies free online.

With some surprisingly big features like World War Z, Madagascar, Interstellar, Battle Royale, and Ghost in the Shell to name a few, there might be more on offer here than you bargained for. 

The full Tubi catalogue is only available to those in the US, so if you fancy exploring what's on offer, you need to change your location to the states with a VPN.

Previously part of Sony and now owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul, Crackle is a slightly less-known free streaming service that boasts a host of excellent free movies and TV shows.

With A-list movies like The Hurt Locker and The Grudge, and some somewhat lower-brow offerings like Big Ass Spider!, the selection is somewhat hit and miss, but it's definitely worth a browse to see what's on offer.

Available in the US, Canada, and a variety of Latin American countries, Crackle has good coverage. However, if you're out of the Americas in Europe or elsewhere, you'll need to fire up your VPN.

Mo Harber-Lamond is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide, and contributor for TechRadar. He focuses on cybersecurity content for Tom's Guide, and creates insightful content across the board to help readers make informed buying choices.

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Best free streaming services in September 2024: movies, TV shows, docs and more

There's no need to pay to enjoy TV

Best free streaming services

Alternative free streaming services.

While the big streaming services make you pay a monthly or annual fee to use their library, you can actually watch movies, TV shows and documentaries online without paying, and that's through the rapidly-growing market of free streaming services.

These are streaming services that, as the name suggests, don't cost you anything to access — instead, they're ad-supported, so you'll be shown commercials throughout your stream. 

That's not ideal, but it saves you from paying top dollar for the best streaming services or having to hunt around for streaming deals and offers like the Apple TV Plus free trials in order to watch movies on a budget.

These free movie and TV streaming services are particularly great for watching classic, indie or older movies and TV shows that aren't on the big streaming services, and also new indie films that may not even release in theaters. In other words, they're great for people who don't want to stick to the modern release schedule.

Here at What to Watch, we love free TV streaming services, as a way to catch up on decades-old classics or just find somewhere new. So to help you on your quest to save money while streaming, we've compiled this list of our go-to options, so you can dive into the library and find something to watch.

You won't have to pay a penny to watch from these sites: no subscription fees, no money spent on specific hardware and no streamers which require you to pay a license fee. All you need to pay for is whatever screen you'll use, your internet plan and the popcorn. They're all legal too: you 'pay your way' by watching ads before and during the video, as these are 'FAST' or 'Free Ad-Supported Television' plans. 

We've omitted UK broadcaster sites because you have to pay a license fee to watch legally, so they're not free. Plus, this is for movies, TV shows and documentaries, so we're not going to include websites like TikTok, YouTube or Instagram.

Countries: US & UK | Content : some live channels and many movies and box sets| Best for: binge-able TV and originals

Prime Video's free sibling is Freevee , formerly IMDb TV, is the best free streaming service right now — its library is so large that you'd be forgiven for thinking that it's not actually free! Here at What to Watch we love the platform for its movies since there are barely any ads interrupting the story (compared to some rivals).

Freevee has loads of movies, including older classics, modern dramas and loads of gory horror and sci-fi. It's also great for factual entertainment and documentaries.

However, Freevee's strongest suit is in its TV, as it's chock-full of box sets for some of the biggest and most beloved TV shows of all time. The exact library depends on your region but expect binge-worthy comedies, nail-biting dramas and plenty of reality TV.

Unlike many alternatives on this list, Freevee also puts out original content, thanks to its Amazon money. The new Neighbours reboot, Bosch: Legacy, Jury Duty and Judy Justice are some noteworthy picks to catch.

Find Freevee here.

2. Pluto TV

• Countries: US & UK | Content: live & on-demand movies, TV shows and reality | Best for: recent and classic TV

Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, is a fantastic free streaming service with a large library and many live TV channels.

That's because, unlike many of the entries lower on this list, its library includes a huge number of modern TV shows and movies, so you can use it to stream videos made since the turn of the century. There are older movies and shows too of course.

Pluto has plenty of live TV channels across a wide variety of genres and also many dedicated to airing specific shows, with non-stop episodes of Judge Judy, various CSI versions, Unsolved Mysteries, Baywatch, Mission Impossible Justified and more.

There's no denying that Pluto is better for TV, and while there are a few movies too, there are better options in this regard.

Find Pluto TV here .

• Countries: US & UK | Content: live & on-demand movies and TV shows| Best for: horror movies

Tubi is the biggest free streaming service in the US, and it's slowly starting to launch in other countries too.

We love Tubi because it's a great place to find modern movies to watch, with the streamer beloved particularly by horror fans for its huge selection (which includes a huge number of original movies).

This isn't just a streaming service for movies though, with a decent selection of TV series available. There are lots of documentaries offered too, with many true crime, celebrity and investigative pieces.

Find Tubi here .

• Countries: US & UK | Content: live & on-demand movies and TV shows, plus streaming service directory| Best for: movies

If movies are your thing, Plex is a fantastic streamer to check out — as long as you make sure to familiarize yourself with how it works.

You see, Plex is both a library and a directory. If you search for a movie in its library, you'll be able to find it, and if it's not on Plex, the service will let you know how you can watch it. This is useful, but it's easy to mistakenly think something's on Plex when it isn't.

One you've found your way to the free movies & TV part of the website, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised by the number of videos on the site, particularly movies. Plex has lots of options including modern and mid-00s hits, but lots of older classics too, from directors like Sergio Leone, Akira Kurosawa, John Carpenter Oliver Stone and Darren Aronofsky.

There are a fair few TV shows, though not quite as many as on other services, and Plex is definitely better for movies. You can also find some live TV channels, mainly ones dedicated to specific shows like 21 Jump Street, Mythbusters, Deal or No Deal or The Ed Sullivan Show .

Find Plex TV here .

5. The Roku Channel

• Countries: US & UK | Content: movies, TV shows & originals | Best for: original programming

The Roku Channel is a bit different from the other free streaming services on this list, in a way that might call the 'free' part into question a little bit.

That's the fact that you need to own a Roku-enabled streaming device or TV in order to watch The Roku Channel, and not every TV will work with it (in the UK, Sky Q and Now TV also offer it). But if you do have access to TRC, it's one of the best free streaming services out there.

The Roku Channel has a big list of movies, TV shows and documentaries, including older ones and more modern additions. But the real draw is the Roku Originals, which include musical biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story , Die Hart 2 and Toast of Tinseltown . Roku is quickly gaining a name for itself with its originals, that can only be watched on The Roku Channel.

• Countries: US & UK | Content: classic movies | Best for: classic movies

Classix does what it says on the tin: it's for classics.

In the Classix library you'll find plenty of classic movies, and we're talking about 'classics' from yesteryear, so expect plenty of black-and-white and much older pictures. It's great for people looking to catch up on their movie history.

There are a few stipulations though. Firstly, Classix isn't available on most devices, as it's only on Apple TV, iPhones or iPads, severely reducing the number of people who can access it.

Secondly, while Classix is completely free, there is a paid tier. This costs $7.99 or equivalent, and it's a one-off payment instead of a subscription. After this you get access to a much wider library of movies, and also some TV shows and live TV channels. Plus, you have to pay if you want to download to watch on the go.

So Classix isn't for everyone, hence its placement this low on our list, but if you tick all the boxes then Classix could be great.

Find Classix here.

7. Rakuten TV

• Countries: UK | Content: loads of movies, as well as live TV and some TV shows | Best for: recent movies

Rakuten TV is one of the various entertainment offerings from Japanese tech giant Rakuten, and it's a decent alternative to Tubi in the UK.

The streaming service has plenty of movies, with lots of period, war and action films that you can watch for free, including a surprising number of Sly Stallone ones. It also offers select TV box sets, with a good few reality ones in particular.

There are a few live TV channels on Rakuten, mainly themed ones like 'Movies', 'Mystery TV' or 'Tennis Channel'. That's not as many as some of the rival services, but nothing to turn your nose up at.

You can actually use Rakuten TV to rent or buy movies as well, including ones straight out of the cinema, but if you make sure to find the 'Free' category you'll find a huge number of blockbuster movies that don't cost anything.

Find Rakuten TV here.

We've listed some of the biggest and best free streaming services above, but there are a few other honorable mentions that we should make. Here are some others you might want to check out if the above aren't right for you, or if you have a particular interest:

• Crunchyroll : a dedicated home for countless hours of anime, Crunchyroll is beloved by fans of this animation genre. Its free selection is a little limited though.
• YouTube : in the US, YouTube Movies & TV is an official account that lets you watch movies. Most are paid but there are a select few ad-supported ones that you can hunt around for.
• Runtime TV : Another free ad-supported service, Runtime is full of what we'll affectionally dub 'b-movies'. Expect lots of low-budget horror, action and comedy from around the world, with few big titles but potential undiscovered gems.
• Crackle :  This long-standing streamer has a changeable but reliable selection of movies and TV shows, as well as a few exclusives.
• Popcornflix: This final pick has a few big movies on it and lots of smaller ones too, so it's a fine back-up plan if you can't find something to watch.

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Tom is the streaming and ecommerce writer at What to Watch, covering streaming services in the US and UK. His goal is to help you navigate the busy and confusing online video market, to help you find the TV, movies and sports that you're looking for without having to spend too much money.

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9 great streaming services that won’t cost you a penny

Cancelling Netflix? Try these free alternatives

As the cost of living crisis bites, a lot of people are naturally wondering if they really need all those streaming subscriptions. Recent research by Kantar Worldpanel suggests that nearly a million Brits have given up on paying for streaming services this year. 

Luckily, there are other options. Netflix is already joining other streaming services in introducing cheaper subscription tiers that feature advertising . In the UK, that works out at just under a fiver per month.

But if the outlay still seems too steep, or you’re just on the hunt for a new source of films to watch without dishing out for another subscription, there are some excellent freebie options out there. The big TV networks – BBC, ITV, Channel 4 – all have their own platforms, and with the exception of the BBC iPlayer, they offer ad-serviced streaming. And there are other options available, too – most accessible via the usual channels (Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox et al), as well as online. Here are the best free film streaming sites to keep an eye out for in the UK:

Channel 4’s streaming platform offers a close approximation of the viewing experience on the telly, with regular ads and sponsorships. But the library itself is fab, and as you’d expect with Film4 – the TV channel and the production company – to draw from, there’s an emphasis on exciting new British cinema (‘Rocks’, ‘Saint Maud’ and ‘The Last Tree’ are all streaming now). Plenty of recent crackers, the odd black-and-white classic and some great international films (‘Parasite’ and ‘Memories of Murder’ for a perfect Bong Joon-ho double bill).   

For £3.99 a month, you can also access the content ad-free – although we’re about the free stuff here, so moving on… Best films currently streaming : ‘Rocks’, ‘Hell or High Water’, ‘The Mist’, ‘Memories of Murder’, ‘Animal Kingdom’, ‘The Orphanage’

BBC iPlayer

Not exactly free – there’s that license fee to be paid, of course – but certainly hella good value, iPlayer is a reliable and expertly curated source of movies. The content is downloadable, so while you can’t access iPlayer overseas, you can still watch the films when you travel. The films usually toggle on and off the iPlayer in a month, ensuring a constantly replenished source of new watches. 

Best films currently streaming : ‘After Love’, ‘Paddington’, ‘The 39 Steps’ (1935), ‘Don’t Look Now’, ‘Bringing Up Baby’

For reasons of copyright law we’re not really qualified to explain, a number of classic films are now freely available in the public domain. And one of the best places to find them is YouTube, which is not just a good place to watch Taylor Swift videos and honey badgers cutting loose, but a brilliant repository of hard-to-find works from the cinema canon. If you’re on the hunt for silent masterpieces, gritty old noirs or ’70s curios, give it a whirl. 

Best films currently streaming : ‘Safety Last!’, ‘The Hitch-Hiker’, ‘The Witchfinder General’. Heck, here’s a handy list of 25 of them .

Another ad-financing streaming service, this Swiss-owned platform was rebranded and relaunched in April with big plans ‘to be the main provider of curated free films, television and sports across the world’. It’ll probably need to ramp up its movie library to achieve the film part of that mission statement, but a mixed bag mainly comprising of obscure actioners and throwaway crime thrillers, has some really good stuff too. A dig around will be rewarded.

Best films currently streaming : ‘Two Days in Paris’, ‘Shattered’, ‘Ghost World’, ‘The Good, the Bad, the Weird’, ‘Once, ‘Half Nelson’

Born from the dying embers of IMDb TV, Amazon’s new, ad-supported VOD offering has the strongest selection of free movies out there – as you might expect, with Amazon’s financial might behind it. You can access it via the Freevee app or the Amazon Prime Video site – you just need an Amazon account, though not necessarily a Prime subscription – and dig into a formidable catalogue of films (and TV series).

Best films currently streaming : ‘Eden’ (2015), ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Ginger Snaps’, ‘La Dolce Vita’, ‘Cinema Paradiso’, ‘Mean Streets’, ‘Ugetsu’

A handy way to aggregate all your media – films, audio, photos – in one place, Plex also has a free VOD library where you’re able to access entirely new content. Something for everyone, then, especially if you’re into festive guilty pleasures (the current Christmas movie selection is formidable) and classic Westerns. There’s some timeless British telly comedies on there, too. 

Best films currently streaming : ‘Django’, ‘There Will Be Blood’, ‘Man of the West’, ‘Metropolis’, ‘Whip-It’, ‘The Harder They Come’, ‘Youth in Revolt’

Similar to All 4, the film bit of ITV’s user-friendly streaming platform asks you to watch a few ads every hour, and its movies come with wrap-around sponsorship (you will find yourself hankering after a Domino’s at some point). But if you’re cool with that – and it’s always nice to see Ian Wright on the telly – there’s a deep and varied selection of movies on the platform. 

Best films currently streaming : ‘Anomalisa’, ‘13 Assassins’, ‘Black Dynamite’, ‘Belleville Rendez-Vous’

As the name indicates, this is the freeview bit of Japanese-owned streaming platform Rakuten TV follows the standard model of ads during the movies. The selection isn’t earth-shattering – you’ll need to subscribe or rent from the wider Rakuten library – but there’s a tonne of rom-coms and one or two classics to stumble upon.

Best films currently streaming : ‘The Big Short’, ‘Begin Again’, ‘Imperium’, ‘The King of Comedy’

The ‘break glass in case of emergency’ choice, Channel 5’s streaming platform offers a very Channel 5-y selection of films. It’s a small line-up and mostly worth swerving, but there are usually one or two pearls among the straight-to-DVD stuff. Again, it’s an advertising model but there’s not too many to sit through. 

Best films currently streaming : ‘The Sixth Sense’, ‘Edge of Tomorrow’

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Where to watch movies online for free in the UK

By Author Pete Chatfield

Posted on Last updated: 08/02/2024

If you’re a bit of a film buff, then I’m sure you’re always on the lookout for new material to watch without paying through the nose for it. Well, you’re in luck. Here’s a complete list of sites for you to enjoy movies online, completely free.

The best UK sites to watch movies online for free

I remember years ago, I used to complain about the cost of my Sky subscription and how much time I spent haggling with them to get a better price. But at least all of my movies and sport were all in one place. But with so many streaming services now on the market, including Netflix, Disney and Amazon Video, it becomes quite an expensive business if you want access to a decent catalogue of films.

But fortunately, there are plenty of sites out there that will allow you to watch a whole range of movies for free. And I’m not talking about ‘those’ sites. You know the ones. They ask you to download a VPN, shower you with pop-ups and probably install a virus onto your device.

No, the sites I discuss in this post are all from legitimate sources. And don’t think they only show silent films from the 1920’s. A lot of these providers play some recent and exclusive content, and there’s a good chance you can find some real gems.

Why do companies offer free films?

In most cases, streaming services will show adverts when they show content, which earns them money. Or they hope that you will see the kind of programmes they have on offer, which will encourage you to sign up for a paid subscription.

And in some few cases, the movies have no real value, so they’re happy to give them away for free.

Where can you watch these free movies online?

This depends on your chosen provider and the devices you own. Nearly all these sites allow you to stream straight to your computer or phone.

However, if you have a more recent television, you can download your provider’s app straight to your TV.

So, let’s take a look at the best services on offer.

BBC iPlayer

You may know that iPlayer shows a lot of recent BBC content, but it also has a whole range of films too. From classics to thrillers to comedies, there’s an extensive selection. As with most streaming sites, the content you can watch changes regularly. But some examples on there as I write this post include The Jackal, Boyz n the Hood, Stan & Ollie and Shakespeare in Love.

How can you watch BBC iPlayer?

• Stream directly to your computer or mobile device
• Download the iPlayer app for your phone, tablet or compatible device
• Download the app to your smart TV

ITVX has improved quite a lot over the years, and it offers a fairly decent number of movies. We’re not talking about the latest blockbusters, but I’ve seen films like Austin Powers, Die Hard, Paul Blart and The Cable Guy. Many of these depend on what’s been shown recently on the main ITV channels.

How can you watch ITV movies?

• Download the ITVX for your phone, tablet or compatible device

Channel 4/All 4

Channel 4 has been making its own films since the early 80’s and has built up quite an impressive back catalogue. Like iPlayer, the list of movies you can watch will change regularly. And you need to remember that, unlike the BBC, using the service also comes with ad breaks.

At the moment, there are 44 movies on offer to watch, including Withnail & I, Rocketman and John Wick: Chapter 3.

How can you watch Channel 4 movies?

• Download the All 4 app for your phone, tablet or compatible device

And to complete our list of mainstream TV channels and their movies comes My5. With over 40 movies to watch, there’s something there for almost everyone. Although some of these films are a straight-to-TV affair, there are some blockbusters, including Dances With Wolves and The Fifth Element.

How can you watch Channel 5 movies?

• Download the My5 app to your phone, tablet or compatible device

Rakuten offers access to TV channels and films, with a mixture of free and paid-for content. You’ll find lots of popular Hollywood movies, although the latest releases are generally only available if you rent or buy. But there are some good options available for free, such as The Heist, The Little Vampire and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

How can you watch Rakuten TV?

• Download the Rakuten TV app to your phone, tablet or compatible device

Internet Archive

This is a non-profit library that shares not only movies but also music, software, and books. There are over 83,000 movies listed, although most are ones you will never have heard of. But they’re separated into categories, so if you’re looking for a bit of a surprise, then this site is ideal.

How can you watch movies on Internet Archive?

• Stream to your computer or mobile device
• Download the file

Plex allows you to stream over 130 channels for free and has over 20,000 free on-demand movies and shows from Warner Brothers, Lionsgate and MGM. There are some popular films there, including Lord of War, Zulu and Stakeland. The US version of Plex has far more movies to offer, so hopefully, they will soon become available in the UK too.

How can you watch films on Plex?

• Download the Plex app to your phone, tablet or compatible device

Pluto TV is similar to Sky. You have access to over 100 channels of television, which you watch live with adverts. But there is also on-demand content, including TV shows and movies. These aren’t blockbusters but generally films you’ve heard of and never bothered to watch.

How to watch free movies on Pluto TV

• Download the Pluto TV app to your phone, tablet or compatible device

This site brings you sports, TV and movies, all for free. Like Pluto TV, you won’t find many mainstream films, but with over 500 titles, there is still plenty of choice.

How to watch Wedotv

• Download the Wedotv app to your phone, tablet or compatible device

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel brings you movies, as well as entertainment TV and kids’ shows. It even makes its own original shows. The content is always changing, and although you won’t find the biggest films on Roku, there’s still a good choice.

How to watch The Roku Channel

• Watch the Roku channel or Hisense TV, SkyQ or NowTV

Filmzie brings you plenty of TV shows as well as movies. These generally aren’t major films but those made by independent makers. They claim to treat all content equally and provide recommendations based on viewer preferences. So there’s a good chance that you could find some great, lesser-known movies here.

How to watch Filmzie

• Download the Filmzie app to your phone, tablet or compatible device

Top Documentary Films

If watching a man visiting his wife at Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve or watching dinosaurs eating goats isn’t your thing, then perhaps you’re looking for something a little more highbrow. Well, you can’t go wrong with a documentary.

With arts, sports, politics, history, science and many more topics covered, there should be something there to pique your interest. Most of the films are actually listed on YouTube, but the site points directly to them.

How to watch Top Documentary Films

UK Film Channel

Another site that features British indie films. You’ll find both full-length movies and shorts, and there’s also an option to pay a small rental fee for some of their movies. Like Top Documentary Films, Uk Film Channel streams most of their movies straight from YouTube.

How to watch UK Film Channel

And I thought it was just a place for funny cat videos. Although it’s not the easiest to search through, type in ‘movie’ and change the filter to over 20 minutes, and you will see a list of films you can watch. And there are some decent ones too.

How to watch YouTube

• Download the YouTube app to your phone, computer or compatible device
• Download the YouTube app to your smart TV

So, which is the best service to watch free movies on?

This mainly depends on the type of film you want to watch. If you’re looking for well-known and more recent films, then take a look at Rakuten and Plex. But don’t discount BBC iPlayer and All 4.

If you want to watch something away from the norm, look at Filmzie for some great indie content.

Popular Movies and TV Series – JustWatch UK

We are glad you're here! With JustWatch UK you can find where to watch your favourite movies & TV series on streaming services in the United Kingdom. Use our filters to find the best movies streaming online, including filters for release date, age rating, price and many more.

JustWatch is easy and effective: select your favourite streaming providers in the WatchBar below and see what’s on Netflix , Now TV , Amazon Prime Video , BBC iPlayer and many more.

We also offer an overview of new movies and TV shows , where you can browse through the latest titles on services such as Netflix , Amazon Prime Video and Now TV .

What streaming services can you watch for free?

The best streaming services you can watch for free and if they’re worth cancelling Netflix for

Best free streaming services UK

Best free streaming services us.

With the cost of living hiking up everyday prices, including energy bills and weekly food shops, many of us are trying to cut down on products and services that we don’t need. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify the price of non-essential purchases and subscriptions and unfortunately, streaming services fall under this category.

If you have more than one streaming service, this can really add up monthly and annually so if you’re trying to save money, you might want to consider pressing the cancel button. However, all is not lost as there are plenty of free streaming services that have plenty of TV series, films, documentaries and other content to choose from.

Before you take the plunge and cancel your paid-for streaming services, below is a full list of free streaming services from the UK and US. Most of the streaming services mentioned in this post can be found in both the UK, US and other countries but there are specific US streaming services that aren’t yet available in the UK, but we’ll explain all of this in more detail.

BBC iPlayer BBC iPlayer is run and owned by the BBC, and has access to hundreds of TV series, films and documentaries available to watch live or on-demand. All BBC channels including BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC 3, BBC 4, CBBC, CBeebies, S4C, News, Alba, Parliament, Scotland and Radio 1 are available. There are also plenty of old classics and new movies to watch, and there are tons of TV series too, including Peaky Blinders, Normal People, Conversations With Friends, Line of Duty, Silent Witness, Pretty Little Liars and more. For more details, here are 3 reasons why you should consider cancelling Netflix for BBC iPlayer .

ITV Hub Similar to BBC, ITV Hub has access to all TV series, films and documentaries shown on ITV. The most popular shows you can find on the ITV Hub are reality shows like Love Island, Britain’s Got Talent, The Only Way Is Essex and The Masked Singer. Classic 2000s TV shows are also available to watch in full, including The OC and One Tree Hill. You can also watch BritBox ad-free on ITV Hub too. 

All 4 All 4 has access to live and on-demand TV series, films and more from Channel 4, More 4, Film 4 and E4 channels. There are tons of box sets to watch from and some of the most popular shows you can find are Derry Girls, Made In Chelsea, The Big Bang Theory, The Inbetweeners, ER, Smallville and Charmed.

My5 The final free streaming service that’s from a TV network provider is My5. Channel 5 is well known for its soaps like Neighbours and Home and Away, and documentaries like Police Inspectors, Inside the Force 24/7 and The Yorkshire Vet. All of the streaming services mentioned above are available to watch and stream via the app, which can be found on your TV, phone or tablet.

Freevee Previously named IMDb TV, Freevee is the new free streaming app from Amazon Prime . You don’t have to pay for Amazon Prime to watch it and you don’t need a subscription, but you will have to watch a few ads. There are plenty of series and films to watch, including Bosch: Legacy, Alex Rider, The West Wing, Hell’s Kitchen and more.

Pluto TV Pluto TV is a US streaming service that’s owned by Paramount and is free to users in the UK, US and other countries. With over 100 channels and thousands of movies and TV shows to watch live or on demand for free, you can find tons of series, films and more on Pluto TV . You can also watch it on the Pluto TV apps and other devices like Roku, LG, Chromecast, Samsung, Apple TV, Fire TV and PlayStation.

Reelgood Reelgood is a free streaming service that gives streamers access to Netflix, Disney+, BBC, Prime Video, NOW TV and 20+ others all in one app. TV shows and movies are available on demand and Reelgood has rental options and notification updates for new episodes.

Plex Plex is a free website that you can watch anytime and with no subscription required. It has over 50,000 free and on-demand films and TV shows, and 250 live TV channels. There are plenty of indie and old films as well as new and modern films. If you upgrade to Plex Pass, you get more content but you will have to pay £3.99 a month.

Kanopy Another on-demand streaming video service is Kanopy. Kanopy partners with universities and public libraries to bring users ad-free films and series that you can watch on your TV, phone, tablet or online. You can watch documentaries, classic cinema, indie and foreign films and educational videos and programmes.

Xumo Xumo is a free streaming service that almost acts like a TV. It has access to 180+ premium channels, including live news, sports, events, TV series, cartoons and viral videos. It can be accessed on many different platforms and devices and is a great way to catch up on news and sports throughout the day.

Most of the free streaming services mentioned above can also be used in the US but there are a few apps and platforms from the US that can’t be accessed yet in the UK. However, you can use these services if you have a VPN – see our best streaming VPNs for more.

Roku While you can pay for Roku for more premium subscriptions and channels, there’s no Roku subscription and you only pay extra if you subscribe to a specific channel or service. There are thousands of free channels to watch, including Roku, Peacock, TED, Crackle, Pluto TV, Tubi and more. See the best Roku deals .

Crackle On Crackle, you can watch free TV shows, movies and other content, although you’ll have to watch a few ads here and there. There’s a huge amount of content on offer, plus Crackle is one of the few free services that make their own original programming.

Peacock There are multiple options for Peacock streaming, including free, premium with ads and premium ad-free. The free version of Peacock features over 13,000 hours of content and you only have to put up with watching five minutes of ads an hour. Peacock is also available through Sky subscriptions and you can access the Peacock app on Apple and Android devices.

Sling Free Like Peacock, there are both paid and free versions of Sling TV. Sling Free has access to both live and on-demand TV series and channels, including AMC, ABC News Live, CBSN, Discovery, IFC, Showtime and more.

Tubi The best streaming site for free movies, Tubi is owned by Fox and has a large library of films and some series that rotate regularly. You don’t need to register for an account to watch Tubi, but you will have to sit through some adverts and the resolution is slightly lower than other services.

For more money-saving hacks, check out the best streaming service deals for this month and how to save money on streaming services .

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Beth is Home Editor for T3, looking after style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to what strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations! She's also in the know about the latest deals and discount codes from top brands and retailers.

Having always been passionate about writing, she’s written for websites, newspapers and magazines on a variety of topics, from jewellery and culture, to food and telecoms. You can find her work across numerous sites, including Wedding Ideas Magazine, Health & Wellbeing, The Bristol Post, Fashion & Style Directory, TechRadar, CreativeBloq and more. In her spare time, Beth enjoys running, reading, baking and attempting craft projects that will probably end in disaster!

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Explore archive films.

See shorts and features, showing the best from the BFI, national and regional archives - including 120 years of Britain on film

What we're watching

Archer's Target Archer's Target

Current affairs 1979 2 mins Location: Grampound

Determined archer hits the target.

Superted Superted

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1975 9 mins

Don’t tell the Spotty man but Superted has a new friend. A stop motion predecessor of the superhero teddy idea

The Photographs Are Watching The Photographs Are Watching

Government sponsored film 1944 2 mins

‘Keep on saving’ – A plea to avoid waste during the Second World War.

The Wheelchair Olympians The Wheelchair Olympians

Documentary 1983 25 mins Location: Cleckheaton

With the Paralympics even more marginalised than today, these athletes show great determination, dedication, camaraderie and humility.

Topical Budget Ham Spray September 1929 Topical Budget Ham Spray September 1929

Amateur film 1929 3 mins Silent Location: Ham Spray Ho

Bloomsbury Group antics at the Wiltshire home of Dora Carrington and Lytton Strachey.

Wenvoe and District Agricultural and Flower Show - September 8th Wenvoe and District Agricultural and Flower Show - September 8th

Amateur film 1948 11 mins Silent Location: Penllyn

Ladies who ensured the smooth running of the Bath & West Show, which took place in Cardiff in 1948, are treated to afternoon tea at Penllyn Castle, Cowbridge, home of Capt. Homfray.

NHS on Film

Celebrating the National Health Service

The British Way of Health The British Way of Health

Documentary 1973 27 mins Location: London

A portrayal of the NHS which shows off the “marvellous” system to audiences around the world.

Back to the Community Back to the Community

Documentary 1986 29 mins Location: Bolton

Local authorities trial the Thatcher government’s new ‘care in the community’ initiative.

Tracing the Spread of Infection Tracing the Spread of Infection

Documentary 1949 23 mins

Doctors undertake forensic-style detective work to identify the origins of outbreaks, in the fascinating film from the early days of the NHS.

The Strange Case of Penny Allison The Strange Case of Penny Allison

Government sponsored film 2002 18 mins

Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie as you've not quite seen them before: in a comedy training video for Britain’s National Blood Service.

Organ Donor Card: Organ Box Organ Donor Card: Organ Box

1993 1 mins

An urgently filmed appeal for organ donation.

You and Your Health You and Your Health

Documentary 1979 22 mins

The Community Health Council of Wales blows its own trumpet in myriad ways, including animation, to draw attention to their NHS advisory service.

Stop Motion

Reality and fantasy collide to extraordinary effect when you bring the inanimate to life, one frame at a time. 

South Sea Sweethearts South Sea Sweethearts

Advert 1938 6 mins

Say aloha to a Technicolor cinema ad for Horlicks from the master of the Puppetoon, George Pal

Short Tribute From Blues To You Short Tribute From Blues To You

Amateur film 1989 2 mins Silent Location: Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Model music men - an unusual appreciation of some legendary figures of rock.

Damaged Goods Damaged Goods

Animation & Artists Moving Image 2008 9 mins

A tragic story is played out by porcelain figurines residing in a bric-a-brac shop.

Animated Putty Animated Putty

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1911 4 mins Silent

Long, long before Wallace met Gromit filmmakers performed malleable magic to bring clay to life

Animation & Artists Moving Image 2018 6 mins

A short stop-frame animation following a lonely Inuit who struggles to survive after an oil tanker leaks oil off the coast of Alaska, killing all the wildlife in the area.

Bob in the Pound Bob in the Pound

Advert 1943 2 mins Silent

Fun-filled singalong savings ad with a dangerously catchy theme tune.

Sweethearts Forever Sweethearts Forever

Musical 1945 34 mins

Feast your eyes on a bewildering barrage of forgotten British variety turns in this strange low-budget novelty short from 1945.

Cabaret Cabaret

Musical 1945 10 mins

Set during rehearsals for a cabaret show, this short film features singer Rosalind Melville.

Five Guineas a Week Five Guineas a Week

Musical 1956 33 mins

1950s song and dance revue set in a colourful world of boarding houses and coffee bars

Devil's Rock Devil's Rock

Drama 1938 51 mins Location: Bangor

Will new open-air microphone technology give Richard Hayward the chance to silence his critics? Watch as Cushendun and Bangor steal the show.

Co-operette Co-operette

Advert 1938 15 mins

See silly slapstick, music, mayhem and a daffy dance-off between a carrot and an onion in this lively colour film advertising Co-op stores.

Featured collections

Football on Film

Football and film: two giants of 20th century spectacle. Born just a few years apart, film and the professional game have grown up together, as this fascinating collection shows.

Before Windrush

Precious glimpses and surprising rediscoveries: snapshots of black Britain in the decades before the great postwar migrations.

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