A quick disclaimer before I start this list: I did not include any piracy websites. It’s not like I’m morally against them or anything, but rather, it felt a little lame to create a list like this and only include the sites where, after every single click, you get sent to either a gambling or a “hot singles in your area” ad. I hope you check these places out! All of them are great and stuff I can thoroughly recommend :-)

5. Kanopy

Kanopy is a streaming service that works through signing in with either your local or university library. It really rocks because there are TONS of really great movies, short series and documentaries available. It is also THE place to watch all of the great/mainstream Criterion Collection films for free… if you can access it. Kanopy is not available in all places and is completely reliant on you possessing a library account, which not everyone has access to (especially a university one). It is really good if it is available to you though, and I recommend seeing if it is available for you.

4. The Internet Archive

It works very well if you have a specific old movie in mind, but the search engine often includes a lot of stuff that isn't what you're looking for. I think the best way to find stuff on the internet archive would be to go on your browser and search either “*Insert movie* watch online free” and scroll until you see a link from the internet archive or just search up “*insert movie* internet archive” or something along those lines until something comes up. It’s not a perfect method though. It's absolutely amazing when you can find what you’re looking for however, as its completely ad-free.

3. Youtube

A great site to use if you, like me, prefer to watch weirder, more underground stuff, because you are not at all likely to find any big film or hollywood blockbuster. Truly great if you just want to watch something completely new. Also, tons of people create playlists of movies and tv shows available so it’s easier to find stuff.

2. Tubi

Tubi can only be described as ‘the greatest of all time’ when it comes to free ways to watch stuff, I’d even argue that it’s better than Netflix. I especially love how Tubi has access to all of the strange movies and tv shows you wouldn't usually see on all of the more normal (i.e. lame) streaming services. Literally any and all of the strange and avant garde movies I’ve wanted to see that I can’t find in the usual ways (On demand, then on Netflix, then my local library, then my university library, then Kanopy and THEN any of those fishy piracy sites), I am somehow always guaranteed to find it on Tubi. IDK if there is any other way I can hype up Tubi even more. You need to cehck it out NOW, it's that good!!

1. The Library

A very cool public institution that I believe should be supported as much as possible. Firstly, because they are a treasure trove of easily accessible information. Secondly, because you get access to so much free stuff!!! BOOKS! MOVIES! CDs! And a lot of the time, other things as well!!!!! They are also a great example of ‘third spaces’; they are a completely free area where people can converse and connect without needing to pay for anything. Currently, I’ve been seeing a big push (mostly in the US), of governments and (weirdo) citizens attacking libraries because the material libraries make accessible (specifically media made by marginalized groups) go against their moral standards. The best way to protect libraries from harm is to support your local library!!! Being aware of their existence–and therefore their importance–means you have more of a reason to defend libraries when governments try to do stuff like defund them. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!!!