Watching Movies at Home
Search Youtube. Youtube's specialty is, of course, short videos uploaded by users. But there are now a number of full-length movies available to stream on Youtube as well. While Youtube has been expanding into the online rental realm (which requires a fee), there are still some movies (that have been legally uploaded) which you can watch for free on the website. The number of films available may change from time to time, but you can search for a current list of free movies streaming on Youtube. Classics like Night of the Living Dead, Nosferatu, and House on Haunted Hill tend to be consistently available to watch in their entirety for free.
Use an ad-supported website. There is no shortage of subscription-based websites (like Netflix), but these services charge a monthly fee that can still put a strain on a tight budget. Fortunately there are a number of free services, which generate a profit by selling ad time during online viewings. Two of the most popular ad-supported movie sites are Hulu (which is free to use unless you upgrade to Hulu Plus) and Crackle. These sites are free to use, and often have paid subscription options to cut out commercials or expand the available viewing options.
Get a free trial to subscription sites. If ad-supported websites don't have the movies you're looking for, try getting a free trial to a subscription-based site. Many of the biggest subscription services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, offer free trial periods (usually lasting around 30 days). It's not a permanent solution, but it can get you a free month of commercial-free access to some of the biggest online movie streaming services. Just be sure to cancel before the trial period is up, or you will get billed for a subscription. Amazon Prime's free 30 day trial includes access to over 1,500 movies on Prime Instant Video, as well as other Prime perks like free one-day shipping on all purchases through Amazon. Be aware that in order to enroll in a free trial subscription, you will need to have a credit card to put on file so that the website can begin billing you once your free trial ends. Take note of the subscription site's method of cancellation . You may be able to cancel your subscription through the site or you might have to contact someone from customer service, depending on the site. You may want to cancel it a couple days before your free trial is up just to avoid getting billed.
Finding Other Ways to Watch Free Movies
Borrow from the library. When you think of your local library, you probably think of the stacks of books and reference periodicals that line the walls. But many people forget that libraries have other forms of media, like CDs and DVDs, to rent for free as well. And while your library will probably have a section for documentaries and informational videos, they also have a full range of old and newer releases in every genre, from comedy to sci-fi to action/adventure. Some libraries shorten the amount of time you can borrow media like DVDs and CDs. Whereas a book rental is usually around two weeks, DVDs may be around one week or shorter (depending on your library's policies). Be aware that late fees still apply to DVDs, and they tend to be slightly higher than the late fees you'd pay for an overdue book. But even with a day's worth of late fees, you'll still pay less than if you'd rented the movie from a video store or purchased it outright. Some libraries in larger cities may grant cardholders free access to digital collections online. In addition to e-books and music downloads, these online collections may include instant video streaming. Check with your library to see if they participate in these services.
Search for free previews. Some film promoters put out free "sneak previews" of new forthcoming films a day or two before they premier. You'll have to search online to find out about these offers and how to get in for free, but it may be well worth your time to see a brand new movie for free before it's released to the general public. You can find information about upcoming free screenings in your area by searching online at https://www.gofobo.com/main/local_screenings. Just enter your zip code for a comprehensive list of upcoming screenings near you.
Find free local screenings. Depending on the time of year, your city probably offers free movie screenings. It may not be a brand new release (though sometimes it is), but many cities offer movies in the park, for example, or other free outdoor/indoor movie showings. It's a great way to get out into your community, meet other people, and treat yourself to a picnic while watching a classic or newer-release film for free.
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