illegal websites to watch movies online

The 57 Best Free Online Movie Streaming Sites in Mar 2024

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Here in this article, we list the best free streaming sites based on our extensive research and vigorous tests. Watch your favorite movies and TV shows free online safely.

Watching your favorite movie without spending a dime is pure bliss. That’s why free streaming websites are popular. However, content consumers should not forget the legal implications of copyright and licensing agreements. While watching movies or TV shows for free is not a crime, violating copyright policies is a legal issue. Therefore, users should practice responsible behavior when accessing free streaming websites , including the ones listed below. Since most unofficial sites can host malicious content and malware, users must use a VPN to enjoy safe streaming.

Nowadays, a lot of entertainment content is available online, from classic films to newly released movies and popular TV shows. Yet, finding suitable and reliable free movie streaming sites is a challenge.

Although there may seem to be a lot available, not all are good enough and safe . That is why we have compiled this list of the 57 best free online movie streaming sites (after testing hundreds). It’s a frequently updated list to ensure you never face trouble watching your favorite media for free.

Let’s get started.

Before moving any further, we’d like to highlight that we at PrivacySavvy do not endorse or encourage piracy at any level or in any form . While looking for streaming websites, all the responsibility falls on you to check the copyright and legal status of the content(s) you access. Additionally, PrivacySavvy will not be liable for hacked/infected devices, data breaches, or ISP logging if you use an unverified third-party application or streaming source.

A quick list of top free streaming websites

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• NordPass Review
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• Samsung Password Manager
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• Avast Password Manager
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• Norton Password Manager

31 Free Streaming Sites to Watch Movies and Online TV Shows

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There are many sites where you can stream the latest TV shows and movies online, like Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Videos, but it’s not free. Since these giant players are in the market, they won’t let any free streaming sites chance to survive longer.

Another issue why these sites can’t survive iscopyright notices and illegal content, which is why it’s highly recommended to use the fastest streaming VPNs to access geo-blocked streaming channels and hide your IP.

However, a few free online streaming sites are still working, and you can use them to stream freely. Here is a quick list of the best sites to watch movies and tv shows for free.

• 123 Movies   – It is best for watching movies but also has a large library for anime, TV shows, and cartoons.

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VPNoverview.com Unblock Streaming The 45 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites in March 2024

The 45 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites in March 2024

There are plenty of free streaming sites out there, some better than others. Free movie websites can offer a wide range of content that doesn’t just include recent movies, but also TV shows and old classics that are difficult to find today.

To help you find free movies online from the distant past and the present for a cozy night in or a movie night with friends, we’ve compiled a list of the 45 best free movie streaming sites:

• Crackle : The best overall free movie website including films from Sony Pictures
• Peacock TV : Great free website for users who already have a subscription
• Tubi : A legitimate streaming experience with minimal ads
• SolarMovie : Free movie website with the best personalization options
• IMDb TV : Reliable movie website with good titles
• Vudu : An up-and-coming legitimate free movie streaming platform
• AZMovies : Popular website with an extensive collection of free movies
• MyBundle.TV : Your directory for free movies online
• FlixTor : Updated library with several free movies in HD
• StreamM4u : One of the few movie sites that offers a completely ad-free experience
• Music HQ : Great search functionality to help you discover the best movies
• YouTube : Most popular streaming platform in the world with a great collection of old titles
• YesMovies : A great overall free movie streaming website
• Internet Archive : The best free movie website to watch classics
• Afdah : Large collection of high-definition movies with few ads
• Pluto TV : The best option to watch movies and shows from the Viacom network
• Yify TV : Your best bet to find obscure movie titles
• GoStream : A great option to watch the latest hits in 720p
• Xumo Play : Watch live TV in addition to free movies
• Bounce TV : A free streaming website that focuses on Afro-American content
• Yidio : A streaming platform aggregator
• Popcornflix : User-friendly website that works across devices
• TinyZone : A YouTube clone for free movies and TV shows
• Movies Found Online : Good variety of free movies and TV show streams
• Kanopy : Excellent choice for users with a library membership
• FMovies : Free movie streams in 4K and 1080p
• MoviesJoy : A streaming platform with Google-like simplistic movie search functionality
• StreamLord : Quick and easy access to high-quality streams
• The Roku Channel : The best legal site to watch free content across devices
• PrimeWire : Simple streaming website with an extensive library of free movies
• CONtv : The best streaming site for Comic-Con fans
• Crunchyroll : The best site for anime content
• Vumoo : Ideal for changing playback resolution
• Plex : Smooth playback with media player features
• MyFlixer : Varying resolution with numerous categories to choose from
• WatchFree : Watch the latest releases in high-definition
• SFlix : A new free movie site that lacks filters
• HiMovies : A free movie streaming site with Chromecast support
• 1HD : An impressive new entry with an impressive UI
• LosMovies : Broad variety of big–name movies and family content
• Freevee : Amazon’s free movie streaming site
• SBS On Demand : Free movies from Australia
• FilmRise : A place to catch classic movies
• Filmzie : Support lesser-known filmmakers
• Rakuten Viki : A treasure trove of Asian movies and TV shows

Note that watching movies for free online can be risky if the site you’re using doesn’t have distribution rights for the content you want to enjoy. We recommend you only stream copyrighted content from legitimate distributors . Additionally, always make sure you use a VPN to protect yourself and to unblock free streaming sites that aren’t available in your country.

Wondering what the best VPN is for watching movies on free streaming sites ? Our answer is NordVPN (currently with a solid discount). It’s fast, reliable, and has dedicated features for streaming.

Read the article below to find out more about the best free streaming sites, as well as which ones are legitimate.

Watching movies online and subscribing to popular streaming platforms may seem affordable, but quickly adds up! That’s why many people prefer to watch movies for free online instead.

We’ve tested and ranked the 45 best free movie streaming sites . Anyone can access these free movie sites, and you don’t have to pay a cent!

To ensure you stay safe online when accessing these sites, we recommend using a VPN. Our No.1 choice for streaming is NordVPN , which comes with a great deal!

The Best Free Movie Websites in February 2024

In the list below, you’ll find the best free movie streaming sites that are active right now.

1. Crackle: Features free movies from Sony Pictures

What We Liked

• No illegal content
• A varied library with lots of categories
• Low ad intrusion

What We Didn't Like

• No subscription plan
• Outdated interface

Crackle is our number one pick among the best free movie sites. It’s also sometimes referred to as “ Sony Crackle ” (since Sony bought it in 2006). Crackle is one of those relatively unknown free movie websites with great content. This is a shame because it’s completely legit and has a varied library , which is why we have included it at the very top of our best free movie streaming sites list.

Crackle is perfect for watching movies online. It features free movies and TV series from popular studios like Lionsgate , MGM , Sony Pictures , and DreamWorks .

As far as free streaming sites go, Sony Crackle looks great, and we found it easy to navigate. Compared to other free movie websites, which are normally operated on a shoestring budget, the difference is clear.

We found a huge list of fan favorites, like The Office . Crackle also has shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine , so while you won’t find the latest releases, it’s not just limited to decades-old content.

Crackle doesn’t have a subscription model , but the ads on the platform aren’t too bad. You can enjoy Sony Pictures movies , from classics to newer releases, completely for free.

2. Peacock TV: The best overall free movie streaming website

• Legitimate streaming platform
• Decent pricing for paid subscriptions
• Impressive library of movies and TV shows
• Perfect for watching new movies free online
• Unavailable outside the US

Peacock is a platform we’ve written about a lot, because it is an amazing place to watch new movies for free online. There are ways to access Peacock wherever you may be on the planet, and it’s one of the few sites where you can watch free movies without breaking any laws .

There is a small caveat, however, that made Peacock land a second place instead of a first one: Peacock has an impressive library of free movies and TV series that is now only available for people who already have a free account. Those users can watch for free, as long as they’re fine with viewing advertisements .

New users, however, can no longer sign up for this free subscription. They will be forced to subscribe to Peacock TV instead.

Keep in mind that Peacock is only available in the US and limited other countries. People located in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy can access the service as part of a paid TV subscription with Sky or NOW TV .

If you want to access Peacock abroad, you’ll need to change your IP with a VPN. This way, the streaming provider will believe you’re accessing it from the United States. NordVPN is the best option for unlocking free streaming sites in the US and masking your true location, therefore keeping you hidden.

3. Tubi: A legitimate streaming experience with minimal ads

• Distribution rights
• Access to content from Fox Corporation
• Decent library
• More ads than its competitors

Tubi comes in third on our list of best free movie streaming sites, since it owns broadcasting rights for all its content. You can watch free movies on Tubi without breaking the law . This platform is owned by Fox Corporation and has been around since 2014 . It features media from big names in the entertainment industry , like Paramount, MGM, and Warner Bros.

Just like Peacock, however, Tubi is only available in the US , so you’ll need to use a VPN to change your IP to a US IP address if you want to access this free movie website. You can use NordVPN to access thousands of free movies and TV shows on Tubi.

Unlike Peacock, you can’t subscribe to a premium account and get rid of the ads on Tubi. If you use Tubi, you’ll have to view the ads.

4. SolarMovie: Free movie website with the best personalization options

• Strong personalization options
• Good categorization
• Features the latest releases
• The interface can be overwhelming at times
• A lot of ads
• Doesn't have distribution rights for content

Like Cineb, SolarMovie is a new player in the scene of free streaming sites, but it’s gaining a lot of popularity thanks to its personalization options. Users will appreciate just how easy it is to sort media based on genre , country, and launch date, with several categories to choose from, including anime, fantasy, mythological, and sci-fi.

But this can sometimes be a double-edged sword. The strong personalization and categorization of free movies and TV shows mean that SolarMovie’s interface seems a bit overwhelming in the beginning . Not to mention, ads on the platform can get annoying. Even so, it’s a decent website for anyone interested in free streaming .

Right from the offset, we found the homepage to be packed with the latest releases , including Scream VI and even Avatar: The Way of Water ! Both launched and streamed in a high-resolution mode without trouble, though we did have to close three pop-up adverts just to get started.

Already a fan of SolarMovie but looking for something different? Make sure to check out our list of the best SolarMovie alternatives for more streaming options.

5. IMDb TV: Reliable movie website with good titles

• Legitimate platform
• Quick-loading media player
• Contains lots of information about motion pictures
• Not a huge collection of movies and TV shows
• Unavailable outside the US without a VPN

If you’ve ever googled a movie, TV show, director, or actor, you’ve probably already heard of IMDb . It’s a directory of information about any motion picture that can help you find good movies to watch.

IMDb TV is the service’s free streaming platform – yes, we were shocked to discover its existence, too! Like Peacock or Tubi, it allows users to watch movies online for free in a completely legal manner. Since its acquisition by Amazon, IMDbTV is not on its own site anymore, but users can still enjoy its library on Amazon .

Just because IMDb TV is owned by Amazon doesn’t mean that the content variety is as large as you’ll find on Amazon Prime. It has a considerably smaller collection of movies and TV shows, allowing it to be available for free.

However, IMDb TV is only available in the US, so you’ll need a VPN like NordVPN if you want to access it anywhere else. NordVPN has over a thousand servers in the US , so you should have no problem finding one that will give you a smooth streaming experience and fast speeds.

6. Vudu: An up-and-coming legitimate free movie streaming platform

• Legitimate and free streaming site
• Buy and rent content
• Stylish site that could pass for a premium streaming service
• Small library
• Not a lot of recent releases

Vudu is a good, legitimate alternative to MovieStars, which recently went offline. Unfortunately, while testing the site, we found that it doesn’t have a vast library , and you probably won’t be able to find the latest releases here as soon as they hit other streaming platforms . Even so, it’s still one of the best free movie streaming sites that only show openly available content.

It’s a great way to watch free movies online without constant interruption from ads. Not all content on Vudu is free to watch, but you can use Vudu to buy or rent individual movies and TV shows for very low prices.

7. AZMovies: Popular website with an extensive collection of free movies

• Popular platform with a large library of movies
• Relatively low ad intrusion
• No TV shows
• Blocks a number of VPNs

AZMovies is one of the most popular free movie sites out there, and it’s been around for quite a while. It features thousands of movies and has a huge following of people tuning in every month. Unfortunately, it features no TV shows.

We recently revisited this website to assess how it has changed. Ads on the site used to get pretty annoying , but AZMovies has made changes. There are now far fewer adverts. We selected a movie, hit play, and it started streaming without a single pop-up.

However, many of the VPNs we used were blocked . AZMovies didn’t allow us to access movies with Proton VPN. Free VPNs weren’t the only problem, as the site also blocked Intego Privacy Protection, for example. We were able to bypass these blocks using the browser extension for NordVPN .

We don’t recommend accessing free movie websites without a VPN, as that can be unsafe. If you do want to check out AZMovies, use NordVPN with its browser extension, as it will encrypt your traffic. We advise using this VPN with Google Chrome for the best experience.

8. MyBundle.TV: Your directory for free movies online

• Big directory of movies and TV shows
• Easy to find HQ streams
• Quick overviews of streaming options
• No content available on the platform
• Not all sources are free

MyBundle.TV is a very different streaming platform compared to what we’re used to. It doesn’t host its own videos. Instead, it’s one of the free streaming sites that help you find a platform where you can enjoy particular TV shows and movies. It’s like a directory or listing site for free movie streaming .

People use this service to find the best source for the content they’re looking for. Essentially, it’ll tell you where to watch movies free online and how to access them. With a huge directory like MyBundle.TV, visitors are guaranteed to find the motion picture they’re looking for in 4K!

We put MyBundle.TV to the test, searching for a range of movies stretching from the 1980s to the present day. Whether it was Back to the Future or Black Adam , the website had recommendations for everything we could think of . We were impressed!

Just keep in mind that not all movie sources displayed on the site are free . For example, if you search for “Black Widow,” it’ll only display Disney+ as an option, which is not a free streaming site . On the flip side, it’ll tell you exactly how much you can expect to pay if you want to watch a movie or TV show.

9. FlixTor: Updated library with several free movies in HD

• High-quality files
• A huge library
• Ads can appear malicious

FlixTor is one of the best free movie websites to find the latest movies for free. We’ve actually written about it before in our piece on how FlixTor works and whether it’s illegal (it is in most jurisdictions!).

FlixTor has a smooth interface. It has an immense library of high-quality movies and TV shows. If you search for any title on FlixTor, you’re almost guaranteed to find it in high definition.

The ads aren’t too intrusive either, though you’ll want to watch out for any adverts that claim your device is infected: don’t click on those! Also, we found that FlixTor often offers to install an app version on your device . We advise you to remain on your browser . Don’t install software recommended by free movie websites.

Contrary to popular belief, FlixTor isn’t a legitimate streaming platform . Watching your favorite piece of media on it can be considered piracy , so we recommend using one of the legitimate alternatives on this list instead.

10. StreamM4u: One of the few movie sites that offers a completely ad-free experience

• No pop-up ads whatsoever
• Clunky interface
• R-rated adverts

StreamM4u lands a spot on our list of the best free movie websites thanks to its ad-free library . It doesn’t have the biggest selection of free movies, it’s not the prettiest, and not all files are high quality. Suffice it to say, it’s not anyone’s first option when looking for free streaming sites . But it’s free, so people still use it.

The homepage offers a global search that lets you find specific movies. There are also tabs for recommended movies, new movies, and new TV shows. Unfortunately, navigation between these sections isn’t seamless. In our experience, the tabs disappear when choosing one.

While there aren’t too many adverts and no pop-ups, the ones we did find were quite explicit. We saw a lot of adult content in the banner and sidebar adverts . Don’t want to deal with those ads? NordVPN offers a useful ad blocker that will make StreamM4u a lot more bearable!

11. Music HQ: Great search functionality to help you discover the best movies

• Filter by country and genre
• No pop-up ads
• Strong search engine
• Still features banner ads

Despite what the name might suggest, Music HQ is not a music streaming site. It’s a free movie and TV show streaming site with a very good search engine and a Night Mode option.

The best part is that it doesn’t have any pop-up ads , just the occasional banner. When you add it all up, Music HQ stands out among free streaming sites thanks to its great user experience.

We found the filters on this website to be quite useful. We filtered by country, allowing us to find niche titles from more than 35 different countries . You can also search by genre.

12. YouTube: Most popular streaming platform in the world with a great collection of old titles

• The largest video streaming platform on the internet
• A great selection of older titles
• Exclusive content from indie developers
• Quite pushy with their ads
• No new releases

We’d be very surprised if you haven’t heard of YouTube before. It’s the most popular video streaming platform on the Internet. You might not expect to find movies for free on YouTube. However, we found that the website often features full-length movies and TV shows , which makes it a great contender in our list of the best free movie streaming sites.

You’ll have more luck looking for older, more obscure titles on the platform. That’s because streaming rights for these shows have largely expired, making them fair game. Shows like The FBI Files have entire seasons available in various playlists on YouTube . We also found a lot of exclusive content from indie developers, like the Fool’s Day short.

Pro tip: Remember to manage your privacy settings on YouTube , as the service provider will use your personal information to push ads on you.

13. YesMovies: A great overall free movie streaming website

• Great navigation
• Enormous library
• Options for personalization
• Riddled with ads

If YesMovies was a legitimate movie website, it’d be a treat. During our testing, we found that it has a friendly interface, good navigation, and an enormous library with thousands of free movies and TV series. It’s a popular free movie website for streaming, and it even has personalization features , like a favorite list.

Apart from that, it’s relatively easy to search for titles. There’s a search bar to type what you’re looking for. Compared to the market standard — a page loaded with various titles — this is refreshing to see. We recommend using the Filter button to switch between TV shows and movies . The interface seems to prioritize TV shows, and we found it difficult to locate movies without filtering first.

The only downside is that YesMovies is extremely intrusive with its ads . We were closing pop-ups left and right before you could enjoy our favorite show or movie on it. One wrong click, and you might be downloading a computer virus onto your device.

If you want to protect yourself from potential malware on free movie streaming sites, you can use NordVPN’s Threat Protection. This is a free tool included in Nord’s VPN subscription, which is now running a special deal.

14. Internet Archive: The best site to watch classics

• A special library of classic movies, likely unavailable anywhere else
• Completely legal
• No releases outside the public domain

Are you passionate about golden-age media productions? Then the Internet Archive is one of the free streaming sites for you. All content on the site is authorized, featuring classic movies that are in the public domain , so no distribution rights are needed.

If you’re looking for the latest summer blockbuster, there’s nothing on the Internet Archive for you. On the other hand, if you love classic movies, give it a shot. Need more convincing? Keep in mind that the Internet Archive is also one of the few free movie websites that have no ads , and it’s completely free to access for everyone.

The Internet Archive contains much more than just movies. On it, you’ll find millions of multimedia productions with historical value, plus books, audio recordings, news, and much more!

15. Afdah: Large collection of high-definition movies with few ads

• A substantial library
• Cluttered user interface

Note : This free movie website is now called Afdah 2, but the content is still very much the same.

Keeping the low ad intrusion trend going, Afdah is one of the best free online movie streaming sites and is very popular among streamers. It has a substantial library, offering high-definition quality for all of its movies and TV shows, and only features the occasional pop-up ad. While the name might be harder to remember, the experience on the platform isn’t lackluster .

Across the top of the page, we could filter by genre . Down the right-hand side, we could also filter by year of release . Oddly, Afdah duplicates the genre filters here, making the interface feel a bit cluttered.

When accessing free movie streaming sites, it is best to ensure that your personal data is encrypted to keep it away from prying eyes . Afdah, generally, can be a safe site to use for streaming, but taking precautions is also important.

Therefore, consider using NordVPN to watch free movies online on Afdah, as it has excellent security features and top-notch encryption to keep your data hidden.

16. Pluto TV: The best option to watch movies and shows from the Viacom network

• Great library of content from popular distributors
• Legally operated
• Ad timing is bad (in the middle of your content)
• No paid subscription options

Pluto TV is another platform owned and operated legally by a major broadcaster. It’s part of the ViacomCBS family and lets you watch the best movies and TV series from companies like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, which is why we have included it in our list of best free movie streaming sites.

It doesn’t have a subscription model, so you can only enjoy Pluto TV for free. The good thing is that it has very few ads . You will need to suffer the occasional break during your content, but there are no pop-ups and no banners.

At first, we couldn’t access the site from the Netherlands. That’s because it’s geo-locked for viewers outside of the US. If you’re not from the US, you’ll need a VPN like NordVPN to access Pluto TV. NordVPN is an unblocking powerhouse that will help you bypass online restrictions on Pluto TV within minutes.

17. Yify TV: The best bet to find obscure movie titles

• A large library
• Intuitive navigation
• Dedicated subtitles available
• Horrendous ad intrusion
• Majority of ads are adult-themed

Yify TV is one of the free movie websites that has a substantial library and a very simple interface. It also has subtitles available, which makes it a good entry on our best free movie sites list . Other than that, however, it’s an ad-filled mess.

When we opened Yify TV, we were met with banners and pop-up ads. The pop-up ads reappeared after being closed when we loaded a stream. Then, we faced embedded ads within the video feed. We also found the majority of ads to be pornographic or related to gambling.

People usually steer towards Yify when the title they’re looking for isn’t available on other free streaming sites. Given the high ad intrusion, we can understand why. Besides exclusive movies or free TV shows, there’s little incentive to choose Yify TV over an alternative .

18. Xumo Play: Watch live TV in addition to free movies

• Operated legally
• Shows live content as well as on-demand
• Available on multiple devices
• Confusing interface at times

Xumo Play is another legal, free movie site . It used to be known as Xumo TV but was rebranded in 2022 after Comcast created a new joint venture with Charter Communications.

This streaming platform offers both VODs and live content. While testing Xumo TV, we noticed that you can choose from an array of free movies and TV shows. Just don’t expect much in terms of content variety .

Xumo Play is available on a suite of devices that is not so common for free movie websites. First-time users may find its interface pretty confusing . It automatically displays the live content streaming at the moment when you visit its site.

Unfortunately, Xumo is one of the free streaming sites that is only available in the US . If you want to access it from outside the States, you’ll need to use a VPN to get a US IP address. We recommend NordVPN for this.

19. Bounce TV: A free streaming website that focuses on Afro-American content

• Focused on a specific niche
• High definition available
• Only available in the US

Bounce TV is a US-based free movie website targeting the African-American community. It features shows and movies with a diverse cast and has a very specific niche .

It’s free to access, has high-definition media quality , and the ads are not really annoying, which is why it is very deserving of a spot on our list of the best free movie streaming sites.

Not in the US at the moment? No problem. You can easily access Bounce TV by connecting to an American NordVPN server. Enjoy your movies!

20. Yidio: A streaming platform aggregator

• Large directory of media sources
• No content available on the site itself
• Not all options are free

Yidio is not your average free movie site . Much like MyBundle.TV it’s a directory where you can find the sources for any movie or TV show.

Although Yidio doesn’t host content on its servers, it still made our list of the best free websites. The sources for media can sometimes offer movies for free, and Yidio itself is always free.

The only difference between Yidio and MyBundle.TV is that Yidio’s interface is a bit outdated . Other than that, both sites feature pretty much the same links to content on free streaming platforms.

21. Popcornflix: User-friendly website that works across devices

• Library with many TV shows
• Small movie collection

Popcornflix is a free movie streaming site that’s easy to navigate . It’s also extremely easy to use on a variety of devices, which is rare for free streaming sites. As the name suggests, it is also one of the most popular Popcorn Time alternatives out there.

This free movie website focuses mostly on TV shows, so movie buffs won’t be blown away by it. When we tested Popcornflix, we couldn’t find any of the latest blockbuster releases .

However, it’s still not riddled with ads, so it’s a pleasant choice for people who want to catch the latest episodes of their favorite show, especially if you want to enjoy them on the go.

22. VexMovies: A great option to watch movies without any ads

• Decent library size
• Lots of HD titles
• Potentially malicious ads

VexMovies is a free movie website that provides free access to a lot of HD titles, both movies and TV shows. It has a collection of new and old content. VexMovies has no ads and a pretty massive library, so it’s still a good pick for the best free movie streaming sites list .

However, it wouldn’t be our first choice to watch free movies online. While some ads can be annoying, others are just downright dangerous. When we visited VexMovies, a potentially malicious advert opened in a new tab. It encouraged us to download an “antivirus.”

Never download these kinds of files , especially when prompted to do so by an unverified website or advert. Also, it is always wise to use the best antivirus software when visiting any streaming site. In reality, that pop-up ad on VexMovies will almost certainly install malware .

If you want to have peace of mind when accessing content on VexMovies, it is best to get NordVPN for your device . With its Threat Protection feature, you don’t have to worry even if you accidentally click on something you shouldn’t have, as it safeguards you against malware like keyloggers that record your keystrokes and then pass on this information to hackers.

23. TinyZone: A YouTube clone for free movies and TV shows

• Great loading time
• An extensive collection
• Easy to navigate
• Tries to enable spammy desktop notifications

While it’s clearly ripping off YouTube’s interface, TinyZone is a free movie streaming site . It’s easy to navigate , not too intrusive with its ads, and it boasts an extensive collection of both movies and TV shows.

Add to that the fast loading time and little to no buffering , even on slow connections, and you can see why we chose to include TinyZone among the best free movie sites . This website also allowed us to create a favorites list, and we appreciated that the quality of each title is clearly listed under the stream.

Some ISPs may block access to free movie websites, including TinyZone, as was the case when we tested this website. You can unblock TinyZone with a VPN like NordVPN to gain unrestricted access.

24. Movies Found Online: Good variety of free movies and TV show streams

• Good content quality
• Variety of free movies
• User-friendly
• Public domain movies
• Tons of ads

The next free movie streaming site on our list of free movie platforms is Movies Found Online . We found that it has a decent library of free movies ranging from old cult classics to newer independent films. The site even offers animated shorts and films, documentaries, stand-up comedy, and TV series.

Because of the range of content it offers, we thought it would make a great addition as one of the best free movie streaming sites. It’s not higher on our list because ads on free movie sites aren’t just a small annoyance . When they’re so abundant, it’s difficult to enjoy even the best movie, TV show, or standup comedy act. It also exposes users to adware and other malware.

If you want to watch Movies Found Online without fearing for ads and viruses, make sure to use NordVPN! This VPN includes an adblocker and Threat Protection to keep you safe while streaming.

25. Kanopy: Excellent choice for users with a library membership

• Completely legitimate ad-free platform
• A great option for users with library memberships
• Allows simultaneous streaming
• The content library is fairly limited

Kanopy is one of the more interesting options to watch free movies online. For starters, you’ll need a library card to access the movies on this website . This can be a library card from your university or even a public library. Once you sign up using the card, you get free access to some of the latest movie titles.

The best part about Kanopy is that it’s totally legit and completely ad-free . It also works beyond the US, so you’ll be able to use it as long as the platform accepts your library or university card.

Keep in mind, though, that this is one of the free movie websites where the overall selection of movies is pretty limited, which is typical of ad-free free movie sites.

26. FMovies: Free movie streams in 4K and 1080p

• Large and updated content library
• Clean and simple interface
• High-quality streams are available
• Search results aren't well-prioritized

FMovies is also among the best free movie streaming sites out there. It attracts more than a million users every month and owes its popularity to its vast and updated collection of movies. The titles on the site are available in 1080p HD , and some even in 4K .

There are, however, a couple of drawbacks to using FMovies. The first is that we had to navigate through several ads before getting our movie stream. The second is that the search doesn’t prioritize movies well . For example, when we searched for The Avengers , we had to scroll through several rows of releases to find the latest movies in the Marvel series.

Moreover, FMovies is blocked by some search engines. If you find that this is the case, there are plenty of FMovies alternatives out there, including lots of sites on our list.

A VPN will add an extra layer of protection when streaming content with FMovies, especially since there are lots of ads on the site that may include some carrying malicious software. Along with its Threat Protection function, NordVPN has a special feature called a kill switch, which will disconnect you from the internet if the VPN malfunctions. Therefore, you will always be protected if you use NordVPN when using FMovies .

27. MoviesJoy: A streaming platform with Google-like simplistic movie search functionality

• User-friendly Google-like interface
• HD streams for most movies
• Ads are not intrusive
• Aggressively pushes a premium plan

If you’re looking for a simple free movie website with better search functionality than FMovies, then MoviesJoy is the best option for you. The free streaming site has a minimalist design with a powerful search tool . You can find the latest blockbusters as well as older classics on the website. Movie streams are also available in HD.

While you will see ads on MoviesJoy, they’re not too intrusive . Moreover, the site doesn’t feature pop-ups .

However, the biggest drawback we found was that MoviesJoy tried to push a premium plan. When we tried to stream Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , we were served a 60-second ad for their premium subscription. We couldn’t start streaming until the ad had disappeared.

28. StreamLord: Quick and easy access to high-quality streams

• Very few ads
• Easy-to-use website
• No login or sign-up required

StreamLord is another great free movie website. It features high-quality streams of some of the latest flicks and TV shows. When testing the website, we found it easy to use, though it didn’t sort movies by genre or year of release.

StreamLord’s biggest plus point is that it’s virtually ad-free . We didn’t encounter a single ad while using it despite not having created a free account. You should be able to watch the movie of your choice within a few clicks of landing on StreamLord.

If you do come across an advert on Streamlord, however, you should be careful . These can be malicious, as is the case on other free movie websites, including VexMovies. An ad might open in a new tab and offer to install an antivirus, for example. Never click on these!

29. The Roku Channel: The best legal site to watch free content across devices

• Legitimate ad-supported platform
• High-resolution videos
• Provides free live TV streams
• Site layout makes it difficult to discover new titles and shows
• The library is limited in comparison to other free streaming websites

The Roku Channel is an ad-supported movie streaming platform that allows you to watch Roku originals, movies, and TV shows for free . You can access the website from your web browser or even add The Roku Channel to your streaming device.

The streams are high-quality and buffer really quickly. You can also use The Roku Channel to watch free TV. The content library of this free movie website is limited compared to others. Also, the site doesn’t sort movies into any categories , which can make exploring new films and shows a challenge.

30. PrimeWire: Simple streaming website with an extensive library of free movies

• Large repository of high-quality free movies
• Basic but effective and efficient interface
• Mirrors change frequently
• Lots of ads

PrimeWire is one of the original free movie websites. It’s been around for a while and continues to be one of the best free movie streaming sites for users due to its up-to-date and extensive collection of movies .

The site design is pretty basic, but you can easily find the movies you want without difficulties. Most streams that we tried were available in HD , but some of the latest releases were CAM-rips.

Much like Putlocker and other free streaming sites, PrimeWire also functions through copies and mirrors . To avoid getting your device infected with unwanted malware , it’s probably a good idea to learn how to use PrimeWire safely .

31. CONtv: The best streaming site for Comic-Con fans

• Completely legal website
• No sign-up or sign-in required to watch most movies
• Perfect for watching Comic Con-related content
• Site can be a little buggy
• Available only in the US

CONtv is a unique movie streaming site that appeals to fans of Comic Con. It’s dedicated entirely to movies, TV series, and other content that is popular among Comic Con fans . This includes anime, cult films, and classic martial arts films.

The site is completely free to use , and you don’t even need to create an account to start watching your favorite movies. However, we found that the CONtv website isn’t the easiest to use and can be a little buggy. But hey, it is a free service !

CONtv is available only in the United States . So, if you’re trying to access it from elsewhere, you’ll probably need to use a VPN . We recommend using NordVPN to watch CONtv from abroad as it has almost two thousand US servers, making it easier and faster to stream your content.

32. Crunchyroll: The best site for anime content

• Extensive library of anime content
• Legal and free
• Works on several devices
• Ad-based free movie site
• Some content is only available with a subscription

Anime is one of the most popular genres among the younger generation today, and Crunchyroll is by far the best free movie streaming site for anime films and TV shows online . It features classic titles, such as Naruto Shippuden, in addition to mangas, news, and even games.

While streaming on the website is free, you will encounter ads. If you want to get rid of these ads entirely, you can opt for a premium subscription to access the Crunchyroll website . The premium subscription also lets you watch the latest shows and movies a day after their release in Japan.

33. Vumoo: Ideal for changing playback resolution

• Offers different resolutions for each movie
• The site is quick and responsive
• User-friendly platform
• Potentially malicious adverts

Vumoo is one of the best free movie websites , because it allows users to pick from multiple different resolutions to watch free movies online. This free streaming site is pretty clean and runs smoothly as well. You can watch countless popular TV shows on Vumoo.

Again, watch out for potentially malicious adverts on this website. You may see pop-out adverts in a new tab that offer antivirus or other cybersecurity software. Installing software from ads like these can infect your device with malware , so make sure to turn on NordVPN’s Threat Protection!

34. Plex: Smooth playback with media player features

• Built-in media player features
• Good compatibility with a range of devices
• A really clean, feature-rich interface
• Supported by advertisements
• Limited content compared to other sites with free movies

Plex Media Server allows you to stream movies for free . You can also watch several TV shows , and you’ve even got access to live TV. Plus, you don’t need to create an account, either.

This service works with a VPN, and while you’ll have to withstand the usual advertisements , the interface and media server playback are really good for a free movie website .

However, content on this platform is limited compared to the other platforms on our list of best free movie sites .

35. MyFlixer: Varying resolution with numerous categories to choose from

• You can stream in high-definition
• A good, clean UI, despite the ads
• More content than some free movie sites
• A lot of adverts

MyFlixer doesn’t just give you movies for free; you can also choose your preferred resolution on this free movie site, and the user interface is pretty slick .

Aside from free movies, it also has a ton of TV shows to choose from, and this is one of the main reasons it has made it to our list of the best free movie streaming sites. You can select the Top IMDb category to get the best-rated movies, in case you’re not sure what to watch.

We did have to click away quite a lot of adverts before we could start streaming. But otherwise, we could add movies and shows to our favorites and “turn off the lights” for a better, dimmed experience.

36. WatchFree: Watch the latest releases in high-definition

• Has the latest Hollywood releases
• Very slick and simple user interface
• Loads of pop–up ads that open in new tabs

The first thing that struck us when testing WatchFree is that it’s pretty ad-heavy . We saw two ads pop out in new tabs when trying to click the search bar. We got another when clicking on an Insidious: The Red Door stream and a fourth when we tried to play the movie. After that, it was smooth sailing – and the movie was perfect quality.

Navigation is simple. There are different categories, like “Trending Movies,” and each entry has handy tags that help you choose a stream. We could see, at a glance, the movie’s runtime, quality, year of release, and a star rating.

Really, save for the ads, it’s a very user-friendly platform. You can take care of those annoying ads with an ad blocker. NordVPN’s built-in ad blocker is perfect because you’ll get the protection of the best premium VPN at the same time!

37. SFlix: A new free movie site that lacks filters

• Simple user interface that just works
• Numerous servers to choose from
• A lack of filters can make searching difficult
• Supported by adverts

SFlix is pretty new to the scene, but its interface is highly familiar. The website follows the tried-and-tested method of displaying horizontal reels of movie posters, making it easy to find what you’re looking for – provided it’s a new release. There’s a serious lack of filtering options, though you can view movies by genre.

Adverts can get annoying on SFlix. When we tested the site, every other click on a menu or movie launched an ad within a new tab. We recommend using one of the best ad blockers to avoid frustration.

These teething issues aside, SFlix is a solid new addition to the free movie streaming scene, in our opinion. Clicking a movie gives you more information on the title and a choice of server to stream the movie , reducing the chance of dud links.

38. HiMovies: A free movie streaming site with Chromecast support

• Supports Chromecast – watch on your TV!
• Up-to-date content library
• Very few, small pop-up adverts
• Some streams didn't load

HiMovies is one of the more recent additions to the free movie streaming scene, and it’s a new entry on our list. While testing the site, we had a smooth experience. We were able to load an HD movie quickly after accessing the site, and we only saw two adverts .

That said, and perhaps it’s because the site is newer, we saw some broken links . Some streams and adverts simply displayed a message that the image could not be loaded.

One of the best things about HiMovies is that it is one of the free movie websites that supports Chromecast . So, you can stream HD content directly on your TV if you own a Chromecast device. Check out our guide to using a VPN on Chromecast to stream content with the protection of a VPN.

We confidently recommend NordVPN for Chromecast because of its vast server network , fast streaming speeds , and effective unblocking features .

39. 1HD: An impressive new entry with an even more impressive UI

• Minimal advertising
• Crisp, slick UI that rivals major streamers
• You can download content
• "Latest movies" feed makes finding new content harder

You’d be forgiven for thinking that 1HD is a fully licensed streaming platform. It’s not – but with minimal adverts and a super–slick user interface, we were surprised to come across this new entry to the free movie scene, so we thought to include it in our best free movie streaming sites list.

As huge horror buffs, we tested a Nun II stream. It was a CAM–quality link, but we knew what we were getting into, thanks to the resolution labels . There’s plenty of other information about each movie, too, once you select a stream.

Our only complaint was that the “Latest Movies” feed includes any recently added titles. It quickly becomes cluttered with older movies that have just been added , making it harder to find newer flicks. But that does make for a very broad content library that’ll give you heaps of options!

40. LosMovies: Broad variety of big–name movies and family content

• Minimal adverts
• Broad variety of content
• Numerous server mirrors prevent dud links
• Russian–hosted website

LosMovies is a pretty great movie information resource, besides being a good free movie streaming site. Each entry includes details like movie ratings, cast, genre, directors, and so on. The library features everything from Hollywood blockbusters to kids’ movies .

LosMovies offers numerous servers for most of the content it hosts. When we tested an Oppenheimer stream, the website gave us four server options to make sure we weren’t impacted by dud links. The stream launched in high definition, too, with zero adverts .

Make sure you use a VPN if you’re going to visit LosMovies. You should always connect to a VPN on free movie streaming websites, but particularly, given world events, when you’re visiting a Russian–hosted website. Get NordVPN for complete protection.

41. Freevee: Amazon’s free movie streaming site

• Safe, secure website (Amazon-owned)
• Watch free movies legally
• Snazzy user interface
• Lacking content compared to other free movie sites

Freevee is a place to watch free movies online as long as you’re willing to put up with adverts . Since this free streaming belongs to Amazon, you don’t have to worry about watching illegal content. Also, the website is safe and secure for movie streaming, which makes it one of the best free movie websites.

The only drawback is that there’s not much content on Freevee compared to other free movie sites.

42. SBS On Demand: Free movies from Australia

• Free movie on-demand service
• New content is added regularly
• Official, legal website
• Content only scales to 720p
• Must create a (free) account
• Requires an Australian VPN

Much like Freevee, SBS On Demand is an official website that operates within the law. It belongs to SBS, an Australian broadcaster. That means that you’ll need to use an Australian VPN server to change your IP address to an Australian one and watch free movies.

SBS On Demand is regularly updated, so there’s always a good library of content to choose from . And while it doesn’t have an extensive list of free movies as on other sites, you might find some hidden gems that aren’t seen elsewhere.

The downside here is that all content on SBS On Demand is capped at 720p , which isn’t full HD. Still, you won’t have to worry about breaking the law when you watch free movies here!

Looking for a good VPN with servers in Australia so you can try SBS On Demand for yourself? NordVPN offers the perfect solution and has a big discount sale running!

43. FilmRise: A place to catch classic movies

• Both free and legal to use
• A good place to catch classic movies
• May be blocked in some countries – use a VPN
• Lacks the latest blockbuster titles

FilmRise is a breath of fresh air in that the website hosts free content while remaining legal , and it doesn’t sacrifice usability, so we thought it was worth mentioning in our list of the best free movie streaming sites. There are tens of thousands of titles to find, with a whole range of movies from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

Navigating the FilmRise platform is easy. We could choose to catch a film or watch the latest TV shows from the homepage. Each of these menus breaks down into submenus with categories, allowing you to quickly find your favorite content. We did see some ads , but they’re not intrusive .

We were surprised to find that FilmRise is one of the free streaming sites that offer an app, too . Right now, you can choose to download FilmRise to your iPhone or Android smartphone. You can also install FilmRise on a Roku, Firestick, Android TV, and more.

44. Filmzie: Support lesser-known filmmakers

• Works great on mobile, plus other devices
• Entirely free but still legal
• Support budding filmmakers in the industry
• Requires you to create an account
• VPN needed to access Filmzie in some countries

Filmzie is a free streaming site (like FilmRise) that offers ad-supported movies and TV shows. And, like FilmRise, it also offers an app that’s compatible with a whole host of devices. We tested Filmzie on our iPhone , and everything felt really easy to use. Categories are filtered into easy scroll bars, a little like Netflix.

While Filmzie is one of the free movie websites that offer some mainstream content, it’s a good platform for aspiring filmmakers. You can find movies here that you won’t find anywhere else . This does, of course, mean that you might find some content that isn’t up to the same production quality as Hollywood flicks. But it’s also a good way to find hidden gems!

45. Rakuten Viki: A treasure trove of Asian movies and TV shows

• Fast and responsive navigation
• Unique shows not seen elsewhere
• No cluttering from adverts
• Some content requires a subscription
• No Western movie or TV show content

Rakuten Viki is one the best free movie websites if you’re interested in focusing on Asian TV shows and movies . We found a whole range of content directly from countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. While you can use the website for free, some content is paywalled at $4.99 per month .

The website is well-designed and easy to use. Rakuten Viki uses the side-scrolling categories layout that’s become popular with big platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix. This made it very simple for us to see what kinds of genres were available and dive straight into fresh content that we’ve not seen anywhere else!

While you do have to pay to access some content on this free streaming site, that was all clearly labeled, too. Look for the “ Watch Free ” tag to find the content you can access on the free streaming service. Anything that requires payment is tagged as “ Standard .”

To access this platform, you’ll need to get a US IP address. You can do this by signing up with NordVPN.

Are There Any Risks to Using Free Movie Sites?

The existence of free streaming sites is not illegal , and visiting these free movie websites is also legal. Many of the best free movie websites listed here are legitimate streaming platforms that own the distribution rights for the content they share.

Others operate in a shadier area, offering a place to watch movies free online, even though they don’t have the relevant permissions. These sites might contain pirated content . Most anti-piracy authorities focus on the owners of pirate sites , not users. Still, there’s a risk.

There are other dangers involved in watching free movies online, too. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Free streaming websites can infect your device with malware if hijacked by a malicious third party.
• Adverts on free movie sites are prolific – and malicious ads can also target your device with malicious software.
• In some countries, your ISP may try to terminate your internet connection if you engage in piracy .
• You may be contacted by a third party with a cease and desist . While uncommon, this can result in serious fines .

The legal consequences can depend on where you live. Eastern Europe, for example, is infamous for a lack of action against piracy. However, consuming copyrighted content is still illegal in many countries , and we urge you to avoid it.

At the very least, you should always be using a VPN on free movie sites. A VPN will protect you from cyber threats when accessing potentially unsecured websites. It’ll also stop your ISP from seeing and logging your browsing history. NordVPN offers robust protection against data snooping and malware attacks. Don’t visit a free movie site without it.

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Free Movies Online

We’ve already touched on how a VPN can protect you from free movie sites and the potential risks of using them. But there’s another benefit of VPNs . Some free streaming sites are geo-blocked, meaning you can’t use them from every country, but a virtual private network can help you bypass these restrictions.

To summarize, in using a VPN to visit free movie websites, your location is protected , your activity is hidden , and you’re safer from malware attacks . You will also be able to access blocked sites from anywhere.

If you’re new to the VPN scene, we’ll give you a helping hand in getting started. We tested every free movie site on this list with NordVPN – the absolute frontrunner in online security and unblocking.

How to watch free movies with NordVPN: Step–by–step guide

Save big with up to 69% off a two-year subscription!

• Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
• Perfect for privacy and streaming
• Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
• Download the software onto the device you want to stream with. You can use it with desktop and mobile devices, as well as on your TV for the optimal streaming experience!
• Install NordVPN and log into your account.
• Connect to a US VPN server to unblock most websites. Others might require a specific IP address in another country (like Australia for SBS On Demand).
• Visit your favorite free movie website and benefit from NordVPN’s stellar online protection!

You can check out our top five VPN recommendations right now for more choices. But personally, we prefer NordVPN when we’re free movie streaming. The provider also gives you the chance to test its enhanced security features for free for 30 days through its money-back guarantee.

Just remember: Using a VPN doesn’t mean you’re immune to prosecution if you engage in illegal activities online. Depending on where you live, it is better to check the legality of VPNs in your country.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself While Streaming Free Movies

Users from all over the world need VPNs to access legal, free movie sites like Pluto TV, Bounce TV, or Vudu due to rising costs. With our list, you can stream free movies no matter where you are , even if you’re on a budget or if they’re unavailable in your country.

We encourage you to use a VPN if you choose to access the best free movie sites. It’ll help unblock geographically restricted content , so you can enjoy all the entries on our list without trouble. In addition, using a VPN can also protect you against malware and prying eyes on sites that have more lax security.

NordVPN is our No.1 service provider because of its robust unblocking features and enhanced security. It also offers affordable subscription plans and some great deals!

We hope you’ve managed to find a few new movie streaming websites that you love! If you’re a movie buff and want to enjoy movies and TV shows online, don’t forget to check our other articles on the topic:

• The Best Video Streaming Services
• The Best Viaplay Alternatives to Stream Sports and Movies
• The Best Free Anime Streaming Services

Streaming movies and TV shows online for free is fun, but it can also be tiring to find the best site. If you want straightforward answers to questions about the best free movie sites, check our FAQ section below.

Crackle tops our list of the best free movie streaming sites. It has one of the most varied, legitimate libraries for movie and TV show buffs out there. It’s all free, provided you can sit through their ads.

Streaming movies and TV shows for free online can be legal, depending on a few factors. If the platform streaming said content has distribution rights for it, then yes, it’s legal. The best free streaming sites in this category include Pluto, Vudu, and Crackle.

However, if the platform streams content without distribution rights, then that content could be illegal, and it might be considered piracy depending on your location. Famous sites in this category include FlixTor and AZMovies.

Whether you get in trouble for watching free movies online will depend on where you live. While this is illegal in most parts of the globe, copyright laws are not uniformly enforced.

In a worst-case scenario, you can be throttled by your ISP, receive a fine, or be sent a cease and desist letter for illegally watching movies while accessing free movie streaming sites.

Yes, you need a VPN  when accessing free online movie streaming sites for two reasons:

• Some sites, like Vudu and Peacock TV, are available only in select locations. You’ll need a VPN to overcome these restrictions.
• Sites like Putlocker and PrimeWire are illegal in many countries as they host pirated content. It’s best to use a VPN to change your IP address when accessing these sites to avoid potential legal scrutiny.

Theodor Porutiu Author

Senior journalist.

Theodor is a content writer passionate about the newest tech developments and content marketing strategies. He likes privacy-friendly software, SEO tools, and when he’s not writing, he’s trying to convince people they should uninstall TikTok.

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so i tried so many websites some are good but there are some websites that don't work our can not watching outside the usa an the one website i always look for to watch my free movie the have problems we get always error like Fmovie losmovie so you have to good looking for an good website that working good an without buffering also some website don't find an movie if you search for it

Hi Daniel! It can indeed be tricky to find a good, legitimate, working website. If you run into the issue that a website cannot be accessed outside of the US, however, we have a very simple solution for that. Simply use a VPN like NordVPN and connect to a server in the US! You'll be able to access the site anyway! You can follow this guide if you need some help setting that up. Happy watching!

some of the website don't work good our have many problems i watching all verylong to free movie some are good some most login our sing up and so on but i know all most of this free stream website i am from belgium and it is not so easy to find some good free stream mostly there all from the usa

Hi daniel! The quality of free streams can indeed vary greatly. If you want access to a free stream from the USA, however, you can easily do so from all over the world with a VPN. Simply get NordVPN , for example, and connect to a server in the USA before you head to the stream. Enjoy!

What do you think about Movies.do site?

Hi Marijane, Thank you for your question. By having a first look at the site, we noticed that it is immediately asking you to sign up for an account. In our experience, this is one of the ways sites can collect your data and potentially target your email to send you ads. Therefore, it is better to opt for a site we recommend in this article.

Need vpn :( to assess most of them and so many ads

Yes, most of these websites will use ads to make money, since the content on them is free. But using a (free) VPN (like the free versions of PrivadoVPN or ProtonVPN) and an adblocker will already make the sites much more usable! You can have a look at our best adblocker article for some (free) suggestions!

Prime Wire has been busted now it is just a trailer page

It seems to work fine for us! Have you tried the link listed in this article? That will lead you straight to the right page.

Fmovies does *NOT* stream anything in 4k, and as of today they've disabled the site for anyone using any type of ad block and it is completely unusable. You can't click on any movie of show because of all the overlay ads. Site is dead unless they stop blocking ad blockers.

Looking for a VPN?

Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Extensively tested by our experts.

How-To Geek

The 12 best free movie websites (that are legal and safe).

You don't need to pay a cent to watch tons of great movies online.

Quick Links

The roku channel.

The landscape of free movie streaming sites has massively expanded in recent years, with more sites popping up all the time. If you're looking to watch free movies online, here are our picks for the best options.

It's hard to argue with the vastness of Tubi's library of free movies online, which includes everything from well-known classics and box-office hits to cult movies that sometimes are unavailable to stream anywhere else. Tubi provides an unprecedented opportunity for independent filmmakers to share their work, which means you can find a variety of micro-budget movies that otherwise might never be seen. Tubi has also branched out into original productions, although the quality of those films vary.

Since selections on free movie streaming sites change frequently, it's helpful that Tubi has dedicated sections both for movies that are newly added and movies that are leaving soon. The sheer volume of content can be a bit overwhelming, but Tubi breaks down selections by genre and into specialty collections that make the experience more manageable. The ad breaks are not excessive, and the countdown to each one makes it less jarring when the movie you're watching is interrupted.

• Huge selection of movies and TV shows
• Lesser-known films not available anywhere else
• Useful warnings about ad breaks
• Sheer volume of content can be overwhelming

Pluto TV is a pioneer in the popular free ad-supported TV (FAST) space, offering up a range of linear-style channels. That means you don't have to scroll through a library of titles if you just want to sit back and watch TV. Put on a channel devoted to a movie genre like drama or horror, or a niche interest like Godzilla movies or Hallmark, and Pluto will offer up an endless supply of programming. There are on-demand options, too, and if something on a FAST channel catches your interest, you can pause or start from the beginning.

Thanks to Pluto's Paramount Global corporate ownership, there's often premium content from Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, CBS, and Showtime cycling through the service's offerings, along with news from local CBS affiliates. The on-demand library is a little tougher to navigate than the live channels, and Pluto's interface always has some video auto-playing, which means you can change or mute the channel, but you can't turn it off while you browse.

• Wide selection of live channels
• Content from Paramount Global brands
• Large on-demand library
• Constant auto-play video

Previously known as IMDb TV, Freevee is Amazon's home for watching free movies online. That means it's fully integrated into Amazon Prime Video, so if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber searching for something to watch, you'll find Freevee offerings alongside Prime Video's library. That can be convenient because it expands the selection of what's available, but it can also be frustrating when Prime Video users click on a movie or show only to discover that it features ad breaks.

For users who aren't Amazon Prime subscribers, though, Freevee offers a convenient way to watch free movies, including some Prime Video original programming that's offered through Freevee on a limited basis. Freevee has also delved into original programming with movies like the romantic comedy Love Accidentally and series like crime drama Bosch: Legacy and Emmy-nominated reality/scripted hybrid comedy Jury Duty . With the resources of Amazon behind it, Freevee has become one of the most prominent free movie websites.

Amazon Freevee

• Integration with Amazon Prime Video
• Large selection of content
• Original programming including popular titles
• Can be confusing to distinguish from Prime Video selections

Hoopla is one of two major free movie websites available to anyone with a library card from many libraries across the country. Depending on the individual library's policies, cardholders can stream a limited number of free movies online every month, without subscription fees or ads. Hoopla's film library includes an assortment of classics as well as many of the same fare available on free ad-supported streaming sites. It can sometimes be tough to find new releases, but Hoopla often carries movies that have just been released for VOD rental and aren't available on any other ad-supported or subscription-based streaming services yet.

Hoopla's borrowing limits also apply to its other available formats, including e-books, graphic novels, music, and audiobooks, so it can be tricky for dedicated library patrons to balance those different types of media. Hoopla sometimes offers "bonus borrows" of content that doesn't count toward monthly limits, and it also offers BingePass, with unlimited access to similar content like Hallmark programming or Curiosity Stream documentaries for a set period of time.

• Completely free with no ads
• Selection of movies including exclusive new releases
• Available to anyone with a library card
• Limited number of streams per month
• Movies and TV counted along with other media borrows

Like Hoopla, Kanopy is a way to watch free movies online for patrons of many libraries, as well as for university students. While there's plenty of overlap between selections on both Hoopla and Kanopy, Kanopy is more focused on foreign films, documentaries, and arthouse releases. Like Hoopla, Kanopy offers a limited number of free movies online depending on the individual institution that provides access. Unlike Hoopla, Kanopy is entirely devoted to movies and TV, so users don't have to split their credits among different types of media.

Selections on Kanopy may differ depending on licensing agreements for each sponsoring institution, so not every movie is available for every user. In general, Kanopy features a wide range of vintage and modern films, including movies from popular indie distributors like A24, which signed a long-term deal to provide content to Kanopy. That gives Kanopy a more diverse lineup of films than many subscription streaming services.

• Impressive selection of arthouse and foreign films
• Selections differ depending on the sponsoring institution

No, you don't need to own a Roku device in order to watch the Roku Channel . That common misconception may have kept some people away from one of the most reliable free movie websites. While the Roku Channel is integrated into Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs, it's also available as a standalone app on other streaming devices and as a website, where it features a selection of free ad-supported movies.

The Roku Channel also offers more than 350 live FAST channels, from cable brands like Ion and Court TV and franchises like The Walking Dead and Power Rangers . The Roku Channel has also delved into original programming, picking up all the shows from short-lived streaming service Quibi and producing original movies like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story . Ad breaks are relatively unobtrusive and usually cluster toward the first two-thirds or so of a movie, so the most involving part can run uninterrupted.

• Available without a Roku device
• Hundreds of live channels
• Popular original programming
• Roku integration limits usefulness elsewhere

Initially launched in 2004, Crackle is one of the oldest free movie streaming sites, and it's undergone various changes in ownership and content over the years. One thing that's remained consistent is its position as a go-to site to watch free movies online, and its current ownership under Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment gives it access to a shared library of content with corporate sibling Redbox. You can find many of the same movies on both sites, with a range of genres, from classics to modern blockbusters, along with TV series including anime and British imports.

Crackle also hosts original content, including numerous romance and action movies, and TV shows like Chosen starring Milo Ventimiglia and the series adaptation of Guy Ritchie's Snatch . Although its original productions aren't as elaborate as they've been in the past, it's still a reliable destination for on-demand ad-supported movies, just as it's been for nearly two decades.

• Longtime destination for free content
• Robust library of movies and TV series
• Scaled back original content

Although Vudu is mainly known as an outlet for digital purchases and rentals, it's also a destination for watching free movies online. Vudu's selections include certain movies that are available to stream for free with ads, alongside movies for rental or purchase. That can make things a bit confusing, especially when a movie's page lists both a rental price and a free option, but if you know what you are looking for, you can find plenty of options to watch free movies on Vudu.

There's a dedicated section on Vudu's site for free movies, so users don't have to sort through paid content in order to find something to watch for free. Vudu's free selections include movies and TV series in a variety of genres. Browsing through genres pulls up both free and paid offerings, so users can find something to watch for free as an alternative to a rental or purchase. It provides a good balance as long as you pay attention to how each selection is labeled.

• Free content integrated with rentals and purcahses
• Dedicated section for free offerings
• Can be difficult to differentiate free and paid selections

People may be more familiar with Redbox for its physical kiosks outside places like grocery stores and drugstores, which offer DVDs for rent, but the Redbox website is a destination for digital purchases and rentals as well as a place to watch free movies online. There's a much wider selection of movies at Redbox online than at the kiosk, although info about movies available for physical rental comes up in search results alongside digital availability. That's handy for finding all options to see a particular movie you want to watch, including the option to watch for free with ads.

You can also browse only the free selections, although they're a little buried on the site's home page. In addition to on-demand selections, Redbox also features FAST channels for a variety of movie genres and TV series, as well as news, music videos, and more. It's not as extensive as the FAST selections on some other sites, but it offers a decent sampling of what Redbox has to offer.

• Wider selection of movies than Redbox kiosks
• Extensive lineup of live channels
• Free offerings integrated with paid rentals
• Free section is somewhat difficult to navigate

Plex is so much more than just a place to watch free movies online, although it has plenty of free options available if that's what you're looking for. It's designed as a one-stop destination for all your movie-watching needs, so you can organize your personal collection of digital movies or build watch lists for various subscription streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Alongside those functions, Plex also includes plenty of movies to watch free with ads, which can be integrated with the rest of your movie library.

If you'd rather not sign up for an account, you can still easily just stream movies and TV shows for free with ads, and Plex features a similar range of selections as other sites that focus solely on free offerings, with more than 20,000 titles available. Plex also offers various FAST channels to complement its free on-demand lineup.

• Integrated service for digital movie library and watchlist
• On-demand selections and free live channels
• Free selections only a small part of the service

The free movie streaming site for boutique film distributor Shout Factory, Shout TV focuses on genre fare and cult classics, along with a range of other free selections. It's home to FAST channels for cult favorites like Mystery Science Theater 3000 and ALF , as well as on-demand episodes of those and other offbeat TV series. The movie selection is heavy on horror, martial arts, sci-fi, and other cult genres. While Shout may not offer the breadth of other free movie websites, it's more expertly curated.

One thing available on Shout that even most subscription streaming services don't offer is commentary tracks, which are now mostly found only on DVD and Blu-ray releases. If you want to hear director John Carpenter talk about his horror anthology Body Bags , director Larry Cohen talk about cult monster movie Q: The Winged Serpent , or other filmmakers and actors comment on their work, then Shout is the free movie website to check out.

Shout Factory TV

• Curated focus on cult and genre fare
• Commentary tracks
• Smaller selection than other services

Everyone knows YouTube as the top place for video content online, with literally hundreds of millions of user-uploaded videos of every type. But YouTube also functions as a free movie streaming site, with an official selection of movies available to watch with ads. Given YouTube's sometimes chaotic free-for-all of content, it may be tough to find a particular movie to stream for free. It's possible to browse a list of YouTube's free movies online, but that listing isn't easy to locate from YouTube's home page.

YouTube's official free offerings are far from the only free movies available on the site, though, and there are dozens of legal YouTube channels that offer free movies, from public-domain selections to small independent films looking to find an audience. If you can wade through the reams of content and wrangle your way through YouTube's algorithm, it's possible to find plenty of hidden gems along with the more popular free selections.

• Free mainstream movies with ads
• Public domain and indie films uploaded by users
• Volume of non-movie content makes curation difficult

Illegal Streaming Sites Your Child May Be Using

Rebekah Pierce

Illegal streaming sites—the online underworld where piracy doesn’t take a day off—are an ever-growing concern for parents.

With the ease of access to these sites, children can find themselves in serious legal trouble, not to mention the alarming amount of obscene content rampant on these platforms. From Chitram TV to the Pirate Bay, there are all kinds of illegal streaming sites out there that your kids should avoid.

But no worries. We’ve got some helpful tips to help you dodge this bullet—and keep your kids as safe as possible.

What Are Illegal Streaming Sites?

The dangers of illegal movie websites, top illegal streaming sites to watch out for, how to talk with your kids about illegal streaming sites, ways to keep your child safe online, how to watch free movies online.

Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock.com

Illicit streaming or illegal streaming sites are platforms or websites that allow users to watch movies, TV shows, and other copyrighted content without the permission of the content owners.

Some examples of illegal streaming sites include Putlocker, Popcorn Time, and 123Movies.

People are often tempted to use such sites because they offer easy access to content that might otherwise be difficult to find or expensive to legally acquire. In addition, many illegal streaming sites offer a wider range of content than mainstream streaming services, which can be enticing to users who are looking for more options.

However, it’s important to note that using illegal streaming sites is against the law and carries significant risks . These sites often expose users to cybersecurity threats, such as malware and viruses, which can compromise personal information and lead to identity theft. In addition, using illegal streaming sites can result in fines and legal consequences for copyright infringement.

We’ll take a closer look at some of these risks below.

Ground Picture/Shuttertock

While it may sound like a bargain at first glance, the reality is that these sites are illegal and can put you (and your children) at risk of serious consequences.

Malware and Viruses

First and foremost, using illegal streaming sites puts you at risk of contracting malware and viruses. These sites are often hosted on shady servers and can contain dangerous software that can infect your computer or mobile device.

You don’t want to risk having your personal information compromised, so it’s best to avoid these sites altogether.

Deterioration in Content Quality

Illegal streaming sites also pose a threat to the entertainment industry. By accessing content without paying for it, you are depriving creators of the revenue they rightfully deserve. This can ultimately hurt the quality of the content you enjoy and make it less likely for new films, shows, and music to be produced.

Legal Repercussions

Finally, it’s important to note that there are penalties for using illegal streaming sites. While they may seem like a harmless way to get your entertainment fix, the reality is that you could face legal repercussions for doing so. Fines and even imprisonment are possible outcomes if you are caught using these sites.

Annie Spratt/Unsplash.com

First on the list is Putlocker. This website has been around for over a decade now and has gained extensive popularity among movie enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that Putlocker is not a legitimate streaming site and has been flagged by multiple authorities for its illegal activities.

Next up is 123Movies. This site is known for its vast collection of both old and new movies. While it may seem like a convenient way to watch your favorite shows, accessing this site is against the law, and using it can expose your device to malware and viruses.

Another site we advise you to avoid is Fmovies. Similar to the other two sites, Fmovies has a vast collection of the latest movies and TV shows to choose from. However, it operates illegally and is known for exposing users to harmful content that can damage your device or, in some cases, steal your personal information.

This is a short list of other illegal streaming sites popular today:

• MediaBox HD
• The Pirate Bay
• Simple IPTV Services
• Roja Directa

Read also The List of 65+ Inappropriate Websites to Block for Kids .

DimaBerlin/Shutterstock.com

From smartphones to tablets to laptops, our children have access to a vast array of digital content and information, some of which may not be appropriate for their age. In recent years, the rise of illegal streaming sites has made it even more challenging for parents to monitor their children’s online activity.

The first step in keeping your child safe online is having an open and honest conversation about the risks associated with illegal streaming sites. Explain to them that accessing copyrighted content without permission is illegal and can result in severe consequences.

Encourage your child to speak to you if they come across any suspicious content on the internet, and ensure that they know how to identify and report any online bullying or inappropriate behavior.

The internet can be a dangerous place for our children, but as parents, we have a responsibility to protect them. Talking with your child about illegal streaming sites is a great place to start, but here are some other tips to keep your child safe online.

One effective way to protect your child online is by using parental control apps like Kids360 . This app allows parents to monitor their child’s activity and set specific limits on what content they can access.

Kids360 app

With Kids360 , you can block inappropriate apps and services and even set a time limit for your child’s usage of digital devices. This app provides parents with peace of mind, knowing that their child is safe online.

Download the Kids360 app for free right now to keep your child safe online!

Educate Yourself

To effectively protect your child online, you’ve got to educate yourself on the latest internet trends and threats. Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), which your child may use to bypass parental controls.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with popular streaming sites and know which ones are legal and which are not. This knowledge will help you better understand your child’s online activity and protect them from any potential dangers.

Set Rules and Boundaries

Another way to keep your child safe online is by setting clear rules and boundaries regarding their digital device usage. Limit their screen time and encourage them to take regular breaks to give their eyes a rest.

Ask your child to use their devices in a communal area rather than in the privacy of their bedroom and encourage family time without any technology. These rules will help your child develop healthy digital habits and reduce their exposure to unsafe content online.

Be a Role Model

Finally, it’s essential to be a role model for your child. Show them how to use technology in a safe and responsible manner and avoid engaging in unsafe online behavior.

Most importantly, avoid streaming illegal content yourself. Our children learn by example, so setting a good example will teach them to be responsible digital citizens.

Emily Wade/Unsplash.com

First and foremost, there are quite a few streaming services out there that offer free movies. Some of them are ad-supported, meaning you’ll have to sit through some commercials, but hey, it’s a small price to pay for free entertainment.

One of the most popular options is Vudu , which offers a selection of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free, with ads. Another option is Crackle , which is owned by Sony and offers a rotating selection of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free, with no ads required.

If you have a library card, you might be able to access a service called Kanopy . Kanopy is a streaming platform that partners with libraries to offer free movies and documentaries. Some libraries offer a set number of monthly films, while others offer unlimited access. The selection is generally more niche than what you’ll find on other streaming services, but it’s a great way to discover new films.

Another option is to check out YouTube . While you won’t find current blockbusters on there, you’ll find a plethora of classic films that have fallen into the public domain. This means that the copyright protections have expired and they’re now free to watch. Some examples include Night of the Living Dead, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

If you’re into documentaries, there are a few streaming services that offer them for free. One of them is Documentary Heaven , which offers a wide variety of documentaries on everything from politics to science to true crime.

The Takeaway

YanLev Alexey/Shutterstock.com

As parents, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s online activity and monitor the sites they’re visiting. While illegal streaming sites might seem like a harmless way to watch their favorite movies or shows, they come with a myriad of risks.

Aside from the legal consequences, these sites can expose your child to harmful content and downloads that can damage your computer or phone. Plus, let’s not forget that by using these sites, you’re taking money away from the hardworking creators behind the content your child loves.

So let’s all do our part to support ethical viewing habits and subscribed streaming services. After all, nothing beats a guilt-free movie night with the fam!

Are free streaming sites illegal?

The distribution of copyrighted material without permission is illegal, and these streaming sites are no exception. In fact, streaming copyrighted content without paying for it is essentially stealing from the artists and creators who worked hard to produce it.

Is it okay to watch illegal streams?

While it’s true that you may not face the same legal consequences as the site owners, you are still contributing to the problem by consuming the content. Plus, there’s always the risk of viruses and malware when using shady streaming sites—not exactly worth the risk.

Is it illegal to use FMovies?

Using FMovies to stream movies and TV shows for free is, in fact, illegal. Many of these sites operate overseas to avoid legal repercussions, but that doesn’t make what they’re doing any less illegal.

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9 Legal Ways to Watch Movies Online for Free

There are many illegal options. Want to stay within the law? Here are several legal ways to watch movies online.

Gone are the days when Netflix was the sole player in the media streaming space. Nowadays, there are plenty of on-demand streaming services available to the average consumer.

The only catch is that most of them are paid. To make matters worse, all these platforms try to secure deals with studios to get exclusive streaming rights. It means that you have to subscribe to multiple services in order to enjoy the greatest variety of content.

However, there are some free streaming services that let you watch all the movies you'd ever want, all while remaining on the correct side of the law. Here are the best free legal movie streaming services.

Unlike other free streaming services, Tubi has a huge collection of new movies. This is mainly due to its partnership deals with major production houses such as Warner Bros, MGM, Paramount, and Lionsgate.

Tubi also allows you to stream movies from anywhere and on any platform. It boasts Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV support.

Related: Chromecast vs. Roku: Which One Is Best For You?

Tubi is free and legal because it displays ads in the middle of your streams. That said, the number of ads is quite low, and it's a small price to pay for their stellar collection of films.

All of us turn to IMDb when we want to gauge how good a film or TV series is, but did you know that IMDb also has a free streaming service called IMDb TV?

The service allows you to stream a huge collection of movies and TV series for free. Being a big name in the film industry, IMDb TV offers the best movies in all genres. The service is supported by ads, so you don't have to pay a subscription fee.

You can access IMDb TV on any device including PlayStation 4 and Xbox Series X/S. The only shortcoming is that it's only available to users in the US.

Vudu is a great resource if you're looking for classic films, alongside indie or lesser-known releases.

The site generates income by displaying ads in between your stream. You can also buy movies on Vudu and watch them without ads. There are some movies that can only be accessed by paying. These are usually newer or more well-known films.

The best part about the service is available worldwide and can be accessed on any device via the Vudu website.

Bought by Sony in 2006, Crackle offers an impressive collection of films and TV for users to watch. All for free.

Unlike other websites on the list, Crackle also has some excellent originals available for streaming. Anime lovers can also rejoice because the service has exceptional anime titles that can be streamed for free.

Crackle can be accessed by users in the USA, Australia, and 18 other Latin American countries. Alternatively, you can make use of some fast VPN services to access Crackle from anywhere in the world.

5. Popcornflix

Popcornflix is another major ad-supported streaming service. The service contains a huge library of films for you to choose from. Additionally, the platform also pushes out originals from time to time.

Popcornflix contains one of the best collections of Asian films that make it unique to the free streaming space. The website can be accessed in all countries and supports all devices.

Founded in 2015, and free to use globally, CONtv has a wide array of films and TV series available across all genres. However, take a quick look through their catalog and you will observe that they mostly promote horror content.

Another striking feature of CONtv is its beautiful user interface that makes browsing through movies highly enjoyable. As a bonus, the website also has its own collection of comics that can be accessed via the CONtv website itself.

If you're looking to consume avant-garde cinema and TV, Kanopy is the place. Though it's not free for everyone, you can access it using your public library or university card.

The service contains a huge collection of the best films ever made. From black and white classics to Oscar-winning modern flicks, you'll find everything on Kanopy.

The user experience is second to none, provided you meet the sign-up criteria. Kanopy also has its own mobile and TV apps.

8. Mediaverse by Plex

Plex started out as a service that allowed users to access their personal media library worldwide. It now has its own streaming service called Mediaverse.

Mediaverse by Plex mainly contains classics, but the occasional new film does pop up from time to time.

Mediaverse is completely free and can be used worldwide. The website can be accessed via a browser or its official app.

Related: Plex Tricks and Tips You Really Need to Know

9. Pluto TV

With more than 36 million active users, Pluto TV has grown quite substantially since it launched in 2013. This is mainly due to its large library of films and TV, coupled with it being available in more than 20 countries.

The service is completely free to use and contains on-demand video and live channels. The website functions more as a cable TV replacement than a streaming service like Netflix, but still, it gives you access to a lot of free and quality content.

There's No Shortage of Free Streaming Platforms

As is evident by the entries above, there are many options available to you if you don't want to spend money on a streaming service.

Using these services, you can completely eliminate the need for paid subscription-based platforms, while still enjoying quality content.

In fact, most popular platforms do not have as many classic films as these free streaming services do.

Illegal film streaming sites thriving under lockdown

Links to illegal streaming sites with recently released films have trebled during the pandemic

With more people stuck at home as a result of lockdown orders, visits to illegal streaming sites have increased significantly over the past few months according to new research from FACT.

The UK's intellectual property protection organization revealed that links to illegal streaming sites doubled between February and April. However, links to recently released films trebled during the same period.

CEO of FACT, Kieron Sharp explained to the BBC how this increase in illegal streaming could prevent new films from being financed in the future, saying:

• Surge in traffic to piracy websites could turn into flood of malware-ridden PCs
• Microsoft just revealed another reason not to download movies illegally
• Keep your devices protected with the best antivirus software

"It's essential to remember that the only legal way of watching films is through the official providers. Every pirated link that we detect denies the rights holder of revenue they are entitled to, and also threatens investment in future content."

Illegal streaming

While FACT did not reveal the names of the recently released films that were streamed illegally online in large numbers, the organization did encourage people to report any illegal streaming sites to Crimestoppers.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, more users have turned to illegal downloading and streaming sites. Back in March for instance, the piracy-tracking firm Muso revealed that traffic to illegal streaming and download sites rose by almost 60 percent. However, just as demand for online piracy grew, so too did demand for legal online streaming services with Netflix adding a record 15.8m subscribers during Q1 2020. 

When it came to illegally streaming new releases, the Oscar-winning film Parasite saw demand rise by 240 percent at the start of the pandemic. The 2011 film Contagion , about a virus outbreak, also saw a rise in illegal streaming visits of 151 percent.

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Downloading or streaming films and TV shows illegally not only hurts the companies that make them, it can also lead to your PC or Mac being infected with malware. For instance, Microsoft recently warned of a new malware campaign that installs cryptominers on the computers of users who download films on torrent sites.

• These are the best VPNs for torrenting

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

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