It’s easy to stream your savings away on subscriptions to Netflix, Max, Peacock, Prime Video, and other paid streaming platforms, but if you’re on a budget, you can save your dollars and sign up for accounts on free streaming services. Services like Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Amazon Freevee require nothing more than your email address to get started, and Kanopy only asks for your local library card info. Once you’re in, these platforms allow you to watch anything in their content library on demand and completely free of charge—though you should be prepared to sit through a few ads on all of the services except Kanopy.To save you some time and trouble, we have hand-picked the best movies from each platform. Everything in this list is available on the first of the month unless otherwise noted.
The Best Free Streaming Services
Big Mood (Tubi)
Nicola Coughlan (of Derry Girls and Bridgerton) plays half of a best-friend duo whose friendship is trying to survive her going off her medication for bipolar disorder. This six-episode series is currently also airing on the other side of the pond.The Matrix Resurrections (Freevee)
At the end of The Matrix Revolutions, it was pretty clear that Neo was destined to come back. But who knew it would take almost 20 years? The Matrix Resurrections picks up with Neo and Trinity once again having no idea of what’s transpired in their lives but déjà vu brings them back.Micmacs (Tubi)
If you loved the subversive moments in Amelie and wish they were given more play, then Micmacs is built for you. This movie was also directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and has a very similar feel, but instead of being concerned with the love life of a young Parisienne, it’s about a group of people on the fringes of French society who are determined to take down two arms manufacturers.Absolutely Fabulous: Season 1 (Kanopy)
Patsy and Eddie live for the world of fashion in London but they are also some of its top terrors. If you haven’t gotten to know them or if you want to spend time with them again, the hilarious first season starts streaming on April 12. Bewitched (Roku)
By some magic, the classic series is available to watch in its entirety. Samantha and Darrin (both Darrins), try to fit into 1960s suburbia despite Samantha’s witchy abilities and her wacky family members who pop in.Get Out (Tubi)
Jordan Peele’s first foray into horror is still his best. Daniel Kaluuya plays a Black man in an interracial relationship who has concerns about meeting his white girlfriend’s family, but does it anyway. When he arrives, things end up being far, far worse than he ever could’ve anticipated.
Recommended by Our Editors
Chicago (Pluto TV)
When you need a little razzle dazzle, throw on Chicago. Roxie (Renée Zellweger) and Velma (Catherine Zeta-Jones) Fosse it up while they wreak havoc on men in 1920s (you guessed it) Chicago.Jumping the Broom (Freevee)
After making mistakes in love, Sabrina (Paula Patton) thinks she’s finally found the one. That is, until their families meet on Martha’s Vineyard for their wedding and nothing goes smoothly.Just Shoot Me! (Roku)
There are seven fantastic seasons of this show (148 episodes) if you need something that is consistently funny and will provide hours of entertainment. It’s a workplace comedy that takes place at a fashion magazine and stars George Segal, Laura San Giacomo, David Spade, Wendy Malick, and Enrico Colantoni.Joyride (Kanopy)
A distraught 13-year-old steals a taxi and finds a woman and her newborn inside, both of whom might need more help than he does. While it might start out sad, this film is ultimately a feel-good one about finding family. It streams starting on April 5.
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