Try these free streaming services and watch the hottest 2020 movies

The streaming landscape keeps shifting, and free options now sit alongside paid platforms as reliable choices for catching movies and series without opening a wallet. Library partnerships and ad-supported models continue to expand access, giving viewers practical ways to fill an evening without another monthly bill. Some services lean into live channels while others focus on on-demand libraries, yet all of them keep the core promise of no-cost viewing intact.

Updates across several platforms mean older recommendations need a fresh look. Peacock no longer offers a free tier for new users, Vudu has rebranded, and former IMDb TV content now lives inside Prime Video. At the same time, Tubi and Kanopy remain strong, while newer arrivals like Pluto TV and The Roku Channel have become go-to destinations for ad-supported viewing. The result is a wider menu than the one that existed a few years ago.

Peacock

Peacock no longer extends a free tier to new sign-ups. Entry now begins with the Select plan at $7.99 per month, which includes ads and a limited selection of NBC titles. Stepping up to the Premium tier at $10.99 per month unlocks additional movies, live sports, and more current NBC programming. The Premium Plus tier at $16.99 per month removes most ads from on-demand viewing, though a few live events still carry commercial breaks. Viewers who already held free accounts before the change can continue using them under legacy terms, but anyone starting fresh must choose one of the paid options.

Kanopy

Kanopy continues to operate through library and university partnerships, offering ad-free access to curated films once a valid card or school credential is linked. The catalog still emphasizes indie titles, international cinema, documentaries, and a dedicated kids section. Some libraries have introduced temporary monthly limits because of high demand and budget constraints, so availability can vary by location. The service itself remains free for eligible users, and the focus on thoughtful, non-commercial viewing has not changed.

Vudu

Vudu now operates under the name Fandango at Home following its acquisition by Fandango Media. The platform still maintains a free-with-ads section alongside its rental and purchase options. Users can sign up through the website or link an existing Walmart account to browse the free tab. The ad-supported library includes a rotating mix of older studio titles, and the service continues to function as a digital counterpart to traditional video stores. Ownership and branding updates have not removed the no-cost tier that originally drew attention to the platform.

Tubi

Tubi remains one of the larger free ad-supported services, now owned by Fox Corporation and reaching more than one hundred million monthly users. Its library exceeds three hundred thousand titles and continues to emphasize action films and major studio releases. The platform offers both an app and browser access across phones, tablets, smart TVs, and game consoles. Advertisements appear between content, which many viewers treat as built-in breaks rather than interruptions. The service has grown in scale without altering its core model of wide availability at no charge.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV stands out for its combination of on-demand movies and hundreds of live linear channels. The service organizes content into themed stations that run continuously, covering news, classic television, sports, and feature films. Owned by Paramount, the platform has built a substantial free AVOD presence that appeals to viewers who prefer a traditional television experience without a subscription. Hundreds of curated channels sit alongside a rotating library of on-demand titles, and the service remains accessible through apps on most major devices.

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel has expanded into a major free destination, reaching roughly one hundred forty-five million households. It offers a mix of on-demand films, series, and live sports alongside curated channels that update regularly. Many Roku devices come with the service pre-installed, which lowers the barrier for new users. The platform does not require a separate subscription, though some premium add-ons exist for those who want them. Its reach and device integration have made it a default choice for households already using Roku hardware.

Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)

Fandango at Home continues the free ad-supported section that previously existed under the Vudu name. After the 2020 acquisition by Fandango Media, the service kept its rental and purchase options while preserving the no-cost tier. Users can browse the free library through the website or by linking a Walmart account. The selection rotates and includes a range of older studio titles alongside newer licensed content. The rebrand has not removed the ad-supported access that made the platform useful for budget-conscious viewers.

Amazon Prime Video Free Section

Content that once lived on IMDb TV and later Amazon Freevee now appears inside Prime Video as a free ad-supported tier. The section includes licensed movies, television series, and occasional originals, and it remains accessible with or without a Prime membership for select titles. Advertisements run during playback, similar to other free platforms. The integration means users already inside the Prime Video app can find the free content without switching services. This consolidation reflects the broader trend of folding standalone free tiers into larger existing apps.

Free streaming services continue to evolve as ownership changes, libraries expand, and new platforms enter the market. Viewers now have more choices than ever for ad-supported or library-linked viewing, and the options range from live-channel experiences to deep on-demand catalogs. Checking current access requirements and rotating libraries remains the most reliable way to find what is available at any given moment.