Finding websites where you can stream movies and TV shows for free online is one of the best things about browsing the internet. There is alot of content available, including recent episodes of the top shows on television as well as classic films.
However, not all of the content you can access for free online is safe or legal. Unauthorized video streams and torrents carry a variety of risks, including as viruses and legal repercussions for copyright violations.
I should be clear up front that I do not support or in any way condone any sort of piracy before continuing. It is your duty to verify the legality and copyright status of the content you access when searching for streaming websites.
The good news is that using a VPN allows you to securely and legally access top-notch free movie and TV streaming. Your private information is protected against hackers, con artists, and phishing assaults with the help of a reliable VPN, which encrypts your connection and eliminates bothersome adverts and trackers.
I’ll introduce you to the top streaming services where you may watch free TV episodes and movies. I’ll also demonstrate how to use a VPN to unblock geo-restricted streaming content and stream freely.
Why You Need a VPN to Stream Films & TV Episodes and How to Choose the Best
Many of the top streaming websites are geo-restricted, which means that you can’t access them if you’re not in the area where the video is meant to be seen. There are several reasons why content is geoblocked, but broadcast rights are typically the main factor.
With a VPN, you may connect to servers all around the world while concealing your true location. You can access a larger selection of services and information by shifting your virtual location. For instance, all you need to do is connect to a US server to access video sites hosted there.
A VPN also protects you from the cybersecurity risks that come with free streaming websites.
I carefully examined a few of the most well-liked free streaming websites. I was alarmed to learn that many well-known free streaming websites are unsafe, leaving you open to invasive trackers, dubious adverts, and even harmful malware.
It is nearly impossible for anyone to see who you are, where you go online, or what you do there when you use a VPN to encrypt your communications and conceal your location. This stops anyone, not even your ISP, from gathering your data, selling it to the highest bidder, or putting you under duress with personalised adverts.
Furthermore, your VPN shields your computer from online threats and hackers, enabling you to enjoy your preferred TV shows and movies without being concerned about unsecured connections.
Best Free Streaming Sites for Movies and TV Shows
I searched the internet for sites where I could watch movies and TV series for free and legally. You can locate a site on this list that hosts your preferred content because each of the sites on it has a different advantage.
1. IMDb TV
You may view hundreds of films and television programmes from a variety of genres on IMDb’s own streaming service, which it established. There are new movies added every week, so there is always something new to see.
The platform is logically set up so it’s simple to search your favourite titles and get personalised recommendations based on your browsing habits.
You must set up an account in order to access it. Additionally, you may do this to make a watchlist and rate each movie after you’ve viewed it. However, accessing it without a VPN is only possible since it is geoblocked for US users.
IMDb doesn’t impose any adverts and is free to access. But if you’re not in the US, I suggest you acquire ExpressVPN so you can enjoy all of its features.
2. Crackle
You get access to the full Sony back catalogue because Sony owns Crackle. In every category, there are hundreds of titles, both traditional and new. There is always something new to view on the website because it rotates its contents.
Finding interesting TV episodes and movies, both well-known and obscure, is simple thanks to the website’s intuitive navigation. Titles, actors, and genres can all be searched for.
Although registration is not required to see videos, it does provide you access to watch lists. To access Crackle from anyplace else as it is only available in the US, you must use a VPN with US servers.
The presence of advertisements on the site is its lone drawback. However, this is not a problem if you use a premium VPN like CyberGhost, which includes an ad blocker.
3. Popcorn Flix
Popcorn Flix provides films and TV series in a variety of genres. The catalog’s titles don’t feature any brand-new releases, but they do include timeless films, vintage TV shows, and some potentially best-forgotten B-movie cult favourites.
The website is divided into sections for TV shows and movies according to genre. A simple search tool is available to locate particular television programmes or films.
Popcorn Flix doesn’t require registration, but like the majority of the websites on this list, it does contain advertisements. Make careful to utilise a VPN with ad blocking and malware protection, like CyberGhost, as some of the embedded adverts are quite dubious.
I was able to access every title I tested when I connected through US servers. Each time, the playback was superb.
4. Vudu Movies on Us
A large selection of both free and pay-to-view movies and TV series are available on Vudu Movies on Us. In its free collection, there are hundreds of titles to pick from in every imaginable genre. There is no problem with quality since video may be streamed in up to 1080p.
It is quickly obvious which movies are rentals and which are free thanks to the website’s excellent organisation. If you’re looking for something specific, there is a basic search option.
You do need to register for the service, but it just takes a few seconds and requires your name, email address, and password.
The website’s ability to offer so much free content is made possible by the advertisements that are displayed before each title. To view the titles I selected, I had to establish a VPN connection with a US server.
5. Tubi TV
Only being able to access Tubi TV within the US is not a problem if you use a VPN with US servers. It provides a wide selection of content, even just two-year-old releases.
You must provide your name, birthdate, and email address in order to register. Use a legitimate email address because you’ll be asked to confirm it while registering.
The website is simple to use, although each title is, of course, accompanied by an advertisement. However, each movie I chose played well, and using a high-end VPN like CyberGhost means that advertising aren’t a problem.
6. Pluto TV
Pluto TV provides live TV, movies, sports coverage, and children’s programming. Its low ranking is primarily attributable to the fact that it requires much more effort to use than the streaming websites mentioned above.
The playback, though, is superb once you’ve mastered the navigation and located the programme or film you’re looking for.
From the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, you can access Pluto TV. An error message will prevent you from connecting if you’re doing so from another place.
Your location affects the material you can access and the range of devices that are compatible. I advise using a US VPN server to connect for convenience since it enables the service to operate straight on the majority of devices.
7. CONtv
This streaming service is what you need if you enjoy horror, science fiction, and cult movies.
You must connect to a US-based VPN server in order to view CONtv, which is only available in the US. To serve as a resource for the Comic-Con community, Cinedigm and Wizard World built the website.
While sci-fi is the service’s primary genre, there are many other genres worth looking into as well, such as fantasy, video games, superheroes, and martial arts. Even Comic-Con events can be seen online.
The website has a search feature and is simple to explore. To stream, you must register, but no financial information is required.
Video playback is in high definition, but since advertisements start playing before each video, it’s a good idea to use a VPN with an ad blocker, like CyberGhost.
8. Classic Cinema Online
Fans of classic movies will adore Classic Cinema Online. You should visit this website if you enjoy lost Charlie Chaplin movies or silent cinema in general.
The service doesn’t require registration, and I was able to access the streams using both US and UK servers. The website, however, gives links to places where the movies might be found rather than hosting them.
I learned that some stuff can only be accessed through BitTorrent and that some requires Flash to be activated. As a result, using a VPN is very necessary because you’ll be linking to unidentified third-party websites.
Although using this website will take a little patience, the forgotten treasures it contains are well worth the time.
9. Veoh
You have access to nearly 7,000 movies on Veoh, along with a variety of TV shows and other entertainment.
While it’s not necessary to register in order to view videos, it is necessary in order to upload content. There is no need to provide any payment information.
You should utilise Veoh with extra caution because it offers user-uploaded content in addition to a sizable collection of ancient classic movies. You can explore new stuff without being concerned about your safety if you use a VPN.
You may search using a variety of different parameters thanks to the intelligently built search feature and the well-organized content. The videos I checked had good playback, and I discovered several amazing old films as well as enjoyable user-uploaded hits.
10. YouTube (USA)
Without YouTube, no list of free streaming websites is complete. The platform is rife with trackers and advertisements, but you can escape them by using a VPN like CyberGhost that filters them.
Again, connect to US servers using a VPN to access a wider range of content. YouTube does, of course, include a tonne of free content, but the most well-liked films and TV shows are only accessible via pay-per-view.
Although you don’t need an account to use YouTube, having one gives you the ability to submit videos, make playlists, and get alerts when your favourite channels publish new content.
The Best Free Premium Streaming Sites You Need a VPN to Access
You’ll be relieved to learn that some of the top TV networks and studios in the world now have fantastic free premium streaming channels of their own if you’re concerned about safely streaming movies and TV.
These provide access to decades’ worth of great TV series, live streaming, new TV episodes as soon as they air, and much more. Even better, everything is entirely legal and secure and assures high-quality streaming.
However, several only allow viewers in their home nations to access their content. You will require a VPN to view these free premium channels if you are not a citizen of the US, the UK, Canada, or the host nation for the content.
You can use a VPN to connect to a server in the nation you want to access in order to view a particular channel, such as the UK server to access BBC iPlayer without paying any fees.
The safest and most practical way to view some of the world’s top films and television shows is by far this. Here is just a sample of the top free premium streaming services that a VPN will allow you to use.
The UK
BBC iPlayer – The largest broadcaster in the UK, BBC, makes practically all of its back catalogue available to UK citizens for free online. You can watch all of the magnificent David Attenborough wildlife documentaries you’ve ever wanted to binge.
ITV Hub – ITV Hub is the best guilty-pleasure TV the UK has to offer, with everything from reality series to vintage soap operas.
All 4 – Strange comedies, thought-provoking documentaries, and ground-breaking dramas from both sides of the Atlantic: this is TV you won’t want to miss.
The US
NBC – On its streaming channel, NBC provides free access to fresh episodes of its late-night talk shows, classic series, and much more. NBC is home to some of the most well-liked primetime TV in the United States.
ABC Go – ABC offers streaming of classic films like The Lion King in addition to popular TV programming.
Disney Now – Disney Now may keep your kids (and possibly you) engaged for hours because it gathers several of their favourite shows in one location.
Fox – Obtain access to the most popular Fox network channels and programmes. Everything, including news, commentary, sports, and reality TV, is available for free streaming.
Canada
CBC Gem – A collection of the top television shows and films from Canada and around the world. You get access to every programme, sporting event, documentary, and movie on CBC Gem.
Australia
ABC iView – You have access to every show aired on the network’s channels, both domestically and abroad, through iView. The entire family is amused for free thanks to news, the arts, comedy, children’s programming, and more.
SBS OnDemand – Some of the biggest international sporting and prestige TV events are held there. The top dramas, live sporting events, vintage films, and comedies from Australia, the US, the UK, and more are all available for free on SBS OnDemand.
FAQs
Are there any free VPNs that work for streaming TV shows?
It’s important to note that all free VPNs have a catch, and regrettably the majority of restrictions and limitations are to features that enhance streaming. Nevertheless, there are free VPNs that may be used to unblock well-known services like Netflix as well as stream movies and TV shows online.
We suggest ExpressVPN if you want unrestricted access to numerous servers, lightning-fast streaming, and top-notch security measures.
Is it illegal to use VPNs to access geoblocked streaming sites and services?
While connected to a VPN, streaming any content from reputable services to which you have a subscription is completely legal.
While utilising a VPN is prohibited in some nations, most of them permit its usage for a variety of activities. Read our article, “Are VPNs Legal?” Where are they prohibited? for further details on the matter.
What else is a VPN good for, besides accessing Netflix and other streaming services?
A VPN is a multifunctional identity protection and device security technology that can do much more than simply unblock streaming websites and services.
To prevent hackers from accessing your sensitive data via keylogging techniques, premium VPNs include military-grade encryption. ISPs, governmental organisations, and marketers cannot trace your real location or browsing behaviour when using a VPN.
1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN on the market
Number of servers: 3,000+ | Speed: Up to 630Mbps | VPN locations: 160 in 94 countries | Maximum devices supported: 5 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
- Rock-solid privacy features
- Apps for just about everything
- Superb for torrenting
- Class-leading 24/7 support
- Slightly more expensive, but well worth it
2. NordVPN: Streaming VPN that is hot on security
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Server locations: 80+ in 59 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Maximum devices supported: 6
- Unparalleled security smarts
- Reliable unblocking
- High-speed NordLynx protocol
- Great value subscription options
- User experience could still be improved
3. SurfShark: Excellent, great value VPN
Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,200 | Server locations: 100+ | Countries: 65 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Eye-catching prices
- Covers unlimited devices
- Excellent unblocking
- Apps can look a little complicated
- Below-par OpenVPN speeds
The Bottom Line
If you know where to look, there is a variety of streaming video that is free to access online. You may watch your old faves and find new binge-worthy material with the fantastic free streaming services on this list.
Just keep in mind that using a trustworthy VPN to protect oneself from malware and eavesdropping is essential.
You’ll observe the myriad of additional advantages a VPN may provide, like as protection from hackers and access to material from all over the world, if you use one to connect to your preferred streaming website.
Because ExpressVPN easily exceeds the minimal requirements for using streaming services safely, I suggest it for viewing free movies and TV episodes online.
