Watch Movies Online For Free: Best Websites & How to Access Globally

Reading time icon 5 min. read


Readers help support VPNCentral. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help VPNCentral sustain the editorial team Read more

watch movies online free

Watching movies online for free isn’t as easy as it sounds. Most streaming platforms require subscriptions or rental fees.

But there are some free options – the only drawback is they’re only available in a few regions. I’ll show you how to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions and unlock a wide range of free movies from around the world.

How to Access Free Movies with a VPN

  1. Choose a VPN: Select a VPN provider that suits your needs and subscribe. Surfshark and ProtonVPN are excellent starting points.
  2. Install the VPN: Download and install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a Server: Choose a server in a country where your desired streaming service is available. For instance, for CTV – pick Canada, or for BBC iPlayer, pick the UK.
  4. Start Streaming: Navigate to the streaming platform and enjoy a vast selection of movies for free.

What websites let you watch movies for free

Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular free movie streaming apps:

Streaming ServiceAvailabilityHighlights
CracklePrimarily in the U.S., unlocks with VPNMovies, TV shows, and original content, including Hollywood films like “Snatch” and “Joe Dirt.”
TubiU.S., Canada, Australia, unlocks with VPNThousands of titles from major studios, with a vast selection of Hollywood movies
Pluto TVUK, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Austria, unlocks with VPNLive TV, movies, and internet channels across different categories, featuring Hollywood movies on dedicated channels.
KanopyUS, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, unlocks with VPNFocuses on critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, indie films, and some Hollywood classics like “Moonlight” and “Lady Bird.”
IMDb TVU.S., unlocks with VPNCurated collection of movies and TV shows with fewer ads, including Hollywood hits like “La La Land” and “Gravity.”
Peacock TVU.S., unlocks with VPNFree tier includes movies, TV shows, live sports, and Hollywood films such as “Jurassic Park” and “The Bourne Identity.”
VuduU.S., unlocks with VPN“Movies on Us” section offers free Hollywood movies and TV shows in HD, including titles like “The Last Samurai” and “School of Rock,” ad-supported.
PopcornflixU.S. and Canada, unlocks with VPNDedicated platform for free movies and TV shows across genres, featuring Hollywood movies like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Buffalo Soldiers.”
BBC iPlayerUK, unlocks with VPNOffers a range of movies in addition to TV shows, with some Hollywood films. Requires a UK IP address. Content varies.
7plusAustralia, unlocks with VPNCatch-up TV service offering popular TV shows, movies like “The Bourne Ultimatum,” and live sports. Focuses more on TV content.
RaiPlayItaly, unlocks with VPNItalian broadcaster Rai’s platform, offering TV shows, movies, live broadcasting, and occasionally international films. Content mainly in Italian.
CitytvCanada, unlocks with VPNMix of TV shows, local news, movies, and reality TV, occasionally including Hollywood films and series like “Black-ish.”

Why Do You Need A VPN to Watch Free Movies Online?

You need a VPN to watch free movies online because most streaming apps that don’t charge are only available in a few select locations. With a VPN, you can access them worldwide. It also protects your privacy, prevents ISPs from slowing down your internet, and can be more cost-effective than subscribing to a premium streaming app: with one VPN, you can access all free blocked platforms.

Rather than juggling multiple subscriptions, a single VPN service can grant you access to a vast array of free, legal streaming content.

If you don’t want to spend one cent, you can use a free VPN.

How to unblock movies with a VPN

To watch movies online for free with a VPN is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these simple steps and you will enjoy as many movies online as you like.

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN. I’ll use Surfshark for this demonstration.

  2. Install the VPN on your device.

  3. Enter your login details in the client and connect to the VPN.

  4. Choose a server of your choice. I’ll pick the UK because I want to watch BBC iPlayer.

    surfshark uk servers

  5. Access your streaming platform of choice and start watching movies for free.

    BBC iPlayer working with Surfshark VPN

Best VPNs to Watch Free Movies Online

Since saving money is our goal here, I picked a free and a very cheap option:

ProtonVPN

  • Offers a robust free tier with servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands; paid plans start at $4/month for enhanced speeds and more server options.
  • Perfect for securely accessing geo-limited content at no additional cost.
  • Unlimited bandwidth on the free tier, ensuring streaming without data caps.

ProtonVPN

Sign up today and enjoy unlimited bandwidth on the free tier!

Surfshark

  • Highly competitive, starting at $2.29/month on a 2-year plan
  • Perfect for families or individuals with multiple devices seeking diverse global content.
  • Access to 100+ countries.
  • Ideal for streaming movies across various platforms under one subscription.

Surfshark

Get started now and enjoy affordable plans with unlimited device connections!
Check price Visit website

Both are reliable for streaming, but the premium tier is usually better if you plan to access movies from a lot of different countries and watch for a long time.

Conclusion

If you want to watch free movies online from anywhere, you have to use a VPN. They not only secure your connection and hide your online activity but also allow you to overcome geo-restriction.

This approach not only provides access to a wealth of movies and TV shows but does so in a way that’s both cost-effective and privacy-conscious.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic film, a contemporary blockbuster, or an intriguing documentary, these platforms—when unlocked with a VPN—ensure you’re never short of something to watch.

User forum

2 messages