51 Essential Smart TV Apps For Free Movies: Your Guide & Comparison (2023)
Are you deeply longing to go on a movie binge, but worried about the costs associated with it? Do not worry anymore! Get rid of expensive subscriptions and get access to loads of FREE movies and shows, right on your Smart TV! In this comprehensive guide, I will share the best free Smart TV movie apps (2023), wireless streaming secrets, and wired connections, just so that you can avail endless entertainment—without spending a penny. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to turn your living room into a cinema paradise with the magic of free Smart TV movie apps!
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Free Movie Feast: Explore Top Smart TV Apps For Free Movies Marathon
- 2 2. Comparison Table of Free Smart TV movie Apps
- 3 3. Introduction to few best Free Movie Apps for your Smart TV
- 4 4. Go Wireless: Stream Movies From Your Phone Like a Pro (Wirelessly on Your Smart TV!)
- 5 5. Wired for Quality: Unleash High-Def Movie Power with HDMI (Connect to Your Smart TV!)
- 6 6. Hidden Gems for Movie Lovers: Explore Alternative Solutions (Beyond Smart TV Apps!)
- 7 7. Dive Deeper: Genre Gems and Hidden Features (Don’t Just Stick to Popular Smart TV Apps!)
- 8 8. Top FAQs for Smart TV Apps For Free Movies
- 9 9. Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Movie Maestro (Beyond Just Smart TV Apps!)
1. Free Movie Feast: Explore Top Smart TV Apps For Free Movies Marathon
Forget the troubles of a cable and stop worrying about sacrificing movie nights! An assorted list of free Smart TV movie apps awaits, each offering unique libraries and viewing experiences. Following are some top apps to kick-start your movie marathon, in a comparison table.
2. Comparison Table of Free Smart TV movie Apps
In order to save you time, I have compared the different apps that you can use to watch movies on your Smart TV. Many of the apps are FREE, while some offer subscription services. Overall, the majority are free, while the others could be an additional way for you to get some exposure to the services offered by the apps, if you feel like checking them out.
Feel free to explore the table below and use the different controls available for the table, such as the Search filter, Sorting, Horizontal scroll, Pagination, etc., in order to quickly find the information, you need.
Feature | Content Library Size | Content Highlights | Unique Features | Drawbacks | Sign-up Required | Ads | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CineLibrary | Medium (international cult & arthouse) | Cult classics, foreign gems, independent darlings | Focus on international & underground cinema, curated collections | Limited Hollywood content, subtitles often required | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Cineplex | Medium (mix) | International cinema, hidden indie finds, cult classics | Curated by film festivals and tastemakers, international focus | Limited new releases, smaller Hollywood selection | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Cineuropa | Medium (European cinema) | Award-winning and independent European films | Focus on European arthouse and world cinema, curated collections | Limited Hollywood content, subtitles often required | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Classic Cinema Online | Small (classic Hollywood) | Classic Hollywood films, documentaries | Educational resources, themed collections | Smaller library, technical issues | No | Ad-free | Free |
Crackle | Medium | Cult classics, Sony exclusives | Offline viewing, multi-device syncing (with Crackle Plus) | Smaller library, older titles | No (free option, Crackle Plus subscription) | Supported (free, ad-free with Crackle Plus) | Free (Crackle Plus subscription: $4.99/month) |
Criterion Channel | Small (curated classics) | Art house masterpieces, foreign gems, restored silent films | Monthly themed collections, exclusive interviews, in-depth features | Pricey compared to other free apps, limited library size | No (trial available) | Ad-free | Subscription ($10.99/month) |
Criterion Channel Collection: | Diverse (rotating selection of classic & contemporary masterpieces) | High-quality restorations, exclusive interviews, in-depth features | Curated by film critics and tastemakers, festival darlings | Requires new monthly subscription for each curated collection | No (free trial, then monthly subscriptions) | Supported (free trial) | Free (trial, then monthly subscription: varies per collection) |
Distrify | Diverse (independent & genre) | Offbeat indie films, cult classics, genre gems | Focus on unique titles, curated collections | Smaller library, less familiar titles | No | Supported (free) | Free |
DocuBay | Small (documentaries) | Award-winning documentaries | Subscription for additional content, ad-free | Limited movie content, niche appeal | Optional for additional content | Optional subscription for ad-free ($5.99/month) | Free (subscription optional) |
Docurama | Diverse (documentaries on science & technology) | Award-winning documentaries about science, technology, and innovation | Focus on cutting-edge research, in-depth exploration, educational value | Niche appeal, some documentaries require payment | No | Supported (free) | Free (some documentaries require purchase or rental) |
Fandor Docs | Diverse (cult & classic documentaries) | Cult documentaries, historical non-fiction, and classic docuseries | Focus on rare finds, hidden treasures, and historical perspectives | Niche appeal, older titles, some documentaries require payment | No | Supported (free) | Free (some documentaries require purchase or rental) |
FilmForever | Small (classic cult & horror) | Cult classics, B-movies, horror gems | Unique focus on niche genres, curated by genre experts | Smaller library, older titles, technical limitations | No | Supported (free) | Free |
FilmQuest | Small (cult & indie) | Obscure gems, hidden classics, festival darlings | Genre-specific curated collections, filmmaker spotlights | Smaller library, niche appeal | No | Supported (free) | Free |
FilmRise | Diverse (indie, docs, foreign) | Indie films, docs, foreign cinema | Educational focus, diverse library | Technical issues, smaller library | No | Supported (free, minimal with subscription) | Free (subscription optional) |
FilmRise Horror & Sci-Fi | Small (cult horror & sci-fi) | Cult classics, B-movies, independent horror and sci-fi films | Unique focus on niche genres within horror and sci-fi, curated collections | Smaller library, older titles, technical limitations | No | Supported (free) | Free |
FilmRise True Crime | Small (true crime) | True crime documentaries, docuseries, and investigations | In-depth and exclusive true crime content, original series | Smaller library compared to other true crime platforms | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Filmzie | Diverse (indie, cult, docs) | Curated films from independent festivals and micro-cinemas | Worldwide independent & arthouse films, festival darlings, hidden gems | Smaller library, niche appeal, older titles | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Gaia | Small (environmental & ecological) | Documentaries on nature, sustainability, environmental issues | Eco-conscious focus, diverse perspectives, educational value | Niche appeal, limited non-environmental content | No | Supported (free, some premium channels) | Free (premium channels: $4.99/month) |
Kanopy | Medium (independent & classic cinema) | Award-winning independent films, documentaries, and foreign gems | Partnership with libraries and universities, curated collections | Requires library or university affiliation | Yes (library/university credentials) | No | Free with library/university affiliation |
Kino Classics | Small (curated independent & classic) | International independent and classic films, curated by film historians | Emphasis on foreign and lesser-known gems, focus on restoration projects | Smaller library, less mainstream titles | No | Supported (free) | Free |
KweliTV | Medium (Black cinema) | Black independent films, documentaries, classic Blaxploitation | Diverse perspectives, focus on social justice themes | Primarily African American and diasporic cinema | No | Supported (free) | Free |
La Cineteca Pública | Large (Spanish-language & international cinema) | Extensive selection of Spanish-language films and international classics | Focus on arthouse cinema, curated collections, historical significance | Niche appeal, slower streaming speeds | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Microciné | Small (experimental & short films) | Experimental micro-budget films, short film premieres, and animation gems | Focus on avant-garde cinema, diverse voices, unique storytelling | Smaller library, challenging content, technical limitations may occur | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Mubi | Small (curated art-house) | International independent and classic films, rotating monthly selection | Curated by film critics, festival darlings | Limited library size, requires new subscription monthly | No | Supported (free trial) | Free (trial, then monthly subscription: $8.99) |
Mubi Library on Roku | Diverse (rotating curated world cinema) | Curated selection of international independent and arthouse films | Free access to select movies from Mubi's curated library on Roku devices | Smaller library compared to paid subscription, limited viewing window | No | Supported (free) | Free (Mubi subscription required for full library access) |
Newsy | Small (documentaries & newsreels) | Award-winning short documentaries and historical newsreels | Focus on current events, diverse perspectives, educational value | Limited feature-length content, niche appeal | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Plex (with free account) | Diverse (user-added content) | Personal media library access, streaming channels, curated free movies & TV shows | Integrates with personal media library, diverse content | Requires setup, limited free content beyond personal library | No (optional for premium features) | Supported (free, variable with premium) | Free (premium features optional, Plex Pass: $4.99/month) |
Pluto TV | Medium | Live movie channels, classic series | TV-style experience, no sign-up | Limited on-demand, repetitive programming | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Popcornflix | Large | Independent films, international | Free account benefits, curated selections | Older movie library, technical glitches | No (free account optional) | Supported (free, minimal with account) | Free (account optional) |
Popcornflix Indie | Small (independent cinema) | Award-winning and critically acclaimed indie films | Focus on emerging filmmakers, overlooked gems, curated collections | Smaller library, less mainstream titles | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Popcornflix Kids Classics & Indie | Small (classic children's films & indie) | Classic children's movies and independent family-friendly films | Nostalgia trip for parents, curated picks for young viewers | Limited newer content, some ads | No | Supported (free) | Free |
RetroCrush | Niche (80s/90s) | 80s/90s hits, nostalgia TV | Community requests, curated channels | Niche era, licensing limitations | No | Supported (free) | Free |
RetroCrush Anime | Medium (anime) | Popular and classic anime series and movies | Extensive anime library, dubbed and subtitled options, simulcasts | Limited non-anime content | No | Supported (free) | Free (some simulcasts require premium Crunchyroll account) |
RetroCrush Anime Classics | Small (classic anime & tokusatsu) | Vintage anime series and movies, classic tokusatsu shows | Deeper dive into anime history, rare and hard-to-find titles | Limited newer anime, older technical limitations | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Shout! Factory TV | Niche (cult classics, horror) | Cult classics, horror, originals | Ad-free with subscription, bonus features | Limited free content, niche appeal | No | Ad-free (subscription) | Subscription for full access ($4.99/month) |
Shout! Factory TV Kids | Small (kids-focused) | Classic animated movies and TV shows | Educational resources, parental controls | Smaller library, niche focus | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Shudder (Free Tier) | Small (horror & thriller) | Free horror & thriller movies & TV shows | Original series, curated collections, diverse subgenres | Limited library compared to paid subscription, older titles | No | Supported (free) | Free (premium features require Shudder subscription: $4.99/month) |
Silent Film Sunday | Small (silent film classics) | Curated selection of silent film classics, restored and accompanied by original scores | Unique focus on silent era cinema, educational value, live piano accompaniment | Smaller library, requires internet connection for live piano | No | Supported (free) | Free (donations encouraged) |
SpuFly | Diverse (micro-budget & short films) | Short films, web series, and micro-budget independent features | Focus on undiscovered filmmakers and diverse stories | Smaller library compared to mainstream platforms | No | Supported (free) | Free |
The Cinema Guild App | Small (independent & arthouse) | Curated selection of award-winning independent and arthouse films | Focus on groundbreaking voices, international cinema, social commentary | Niche appeal, limited mainstream titles, older films | No | Supported (free) | Free (rental fees apply to individual films) |
The Open Projector | Diverse (curated global documentaries) | Award-winning documentaries from around the world | Focus on social justice, activism, diverse perspectives | Niche appeal, limited feature films | No | Supported (free) | Free |
The Roku Channel Anime | Medium (anime) | Free and simulcast anime series and movies | Dubbed and subtitled options, simulcasts of new episodes, diverse genres | Limited non-anime content, requires Roku device | No | Supported (free) | Free |
The Roku Channel Originals | Small (originals) | Original movies and series produced by Roku | Fresh content, diverse genres, high production value | Limited library size, exclusive to Roku devices | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Tubi Español | Medium (Spanish-language) | Spanish and Latin American movies and TV shows | Diverse Spanish-language content, original series, classics | Limited English-language options | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Tubi Kids | Medium (family-friendly & children's) | Movies and TV shows specifically for children and families | Diverse selection of animated and live-action content, curated for different age groups | Limited adult content, parental controls recommended | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Tubi TV | Large | Hollywood hits, indie films, originals | Personalized recommendations, watchlists, parental controls | Limited new releases, intrusive ads | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Tubi TV Español | Large (Spanish-language movies & TV shows) | Extensive selection of Spanish-language films and TV shows from various countries | Diverse content across genres, original series | Primarily Spanish with limited English subtitles | No | Supported (free) | Free |
Viewster | Diverse (educational documentaries & films) | Educational documentaries and films on various subjects | Focus on learning and knowledge building, diverse perspectives | Limited entertainment content, some documentaries require payment | No | Supported (free) | Free (some documentaries require purchase or rental) |
Vudu Free Movies | Medium (Hollywood & indie titles) | Free Hollywood movies and TV shows alongside independent features | Mix of popular and lesser-known content, frequent rotations | Ads supported, limited selection compared to paid library | No | Supported (free) | Free (ad-supported, premium features require Vudu credits) |
YouTube Movies & Shows | Diverse, user-uploaded | Mixed bag, user-uploaded, shorts | Community-driven content, vast library | Variable quality, intrusive ads | No | Supported (variable) | Free |
YouTube Originals | Diverse (originals) | Original movies and series produced by YouTube | Fresh content, diverse genres, high production value | Limited library size, requires Google account | No | Supported (variable) | Free (some Originals require YouTube Premium: $11.99/month) |
I hope you will able to find the best viable option for your specific scenario from the above table.
Note: This table includes popular apps, but other options are available. Consider your preferred features and content when choosing an app.
3. Introduction to few best Free Movie Apps for your Smart TV
Check out the list below to see if anything suits your fancy:
- Tubi: Dive into a vast library of classics, cult favorites, and indie gems with frequent updates and curated collections. Think hidden horror treasures, cult comedy classics, and Oscar-winning dramas—all just a click away on your Smart TV!
- Pluto TV: Live TV channels galore await, from classic sitcoms and reality TV to news and sports. It’s perfect for those who miss channel surfing or want to catch a live movie premiere amidst familiar favorites on their smart TV.
- Crackle: Sony Pictures’ own streaming service boasts original content alongside Hollywood hits and cult classics. Action thrillers, family comedies, and even some documentaries—Crackle has a genre for every mood, right on your smart TV.
- Popcornflix: Indie cinema heaven awaits! Explore independent and foreign films across various genres, including hidden gems, festival darlings, and award-winning documentaries—all for free on your smart TV.
- YouTube: Yes, YouTube! While not strictly a movie app, its vast library of user-uploaded content often features full-length movies, documentaries, and classic TV shows. You might even discover hidden gems and forgotten favorites, all on your smart TV.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself! Explore each app, create personalized watchlists based on your taste, and enjoy the diverse offerings. Remember, many apps offer free trials of their premium versions, unlocking additional features and content for your free Smart TV movie marathon.
4. Go Wireless: Stream Movies From Your Phone Like a Pro (Wirelessly on Your Smart TV!)
You don’t need cables when you can seamlessly stream movies wirelessly from your phone to your Smart TV. Following are are two popular methods to do so:
- Chromecast: Use this handy dongle to plug it into your TV’s HDMI port and cast your phone’s screen. You can then easily stream movies, TV shows, music, and even play games directly from your phone to the big screen. You can enjoy all these from the comfort of your home by making use of the free apps on your smart TV.
- Miracast: A Miracast is a wireless mirroring technology and it is supported by most modern Android devices. Simply connect your phone and Smart TV, and enjoy seamless streaming without needing additional hardware. This is an easy way to watch free movies directly on your smart TV!
Bonus Tip: Netflix and YouTube are also casting apps and they often have built-in casting features. These features let you send content directly to your TV without the hassles of mirroring your entire phone screen. It’s another way to enjoy those free apps on your smart TV even more!
5. Wired for Quality: Unleash High-Def Movie Power with HDMI (Connect to Your Smart TV!)
If you are a movie lover longing for stunning visuals and crystal-clear audio, then the best option to for, is a HDMI cable. Simply connect your laptop, gaming console, or streaming device to your Smart TV and start enjoying the ultimate cinematic experience with free apps.
How to setup HDMI cable:
- Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your device’s HDMI port.
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your Smart TV’s HDMI port.
- Switch your TV’s input to the HDMI port you used (on your smart TV!).
- Voila! Enjoy high-definition movie magic on your smart TV, all for free!
Troubleshooting tip: If you’re facing connection issues, ensure your devices are compatible and check for any damage to the cable or ports.
You can also use the following alternative solutions to unlock hidden treasures for your movie marathon on your Smart TV:
- MHL Adapters: These adapters let you connect your phone to your TV and watch movies or play games directly on the big screen. This is really suitable for watching your favorite old shows or finding free content beyond popular Smart TV apps.
- External Hard Drive: Do you have a collection of your favorite movies in a hard drive? Simply connect your external hard drive to your Smart TV via USB, and enjoy your personal library without needing any streaming apps. This is another easy way to watch free movies on your smart TV, by directly accessing your own content beyond the limitations of free Smart TV apps.
- Borrow & Share: Feel free to ask your friends and family for movie recommendations or borrow their streaming subscriptions for a limited time. In this way, you can easily get access to more free content than relying solely on Smart TV apps!
Remember: There are many options out there and you just have to look! Start exploring, experiment to your heart’s content and find out works best for you. There’s quite literally a whole universe of free movies just waiting to be enjoyed on your smart TV, whether through popular apps, alternative solutions, or even shared content!
After you have become comfortable with the basics, you can then go in-depth and explore the treasure trove of hidden gems and genre-specific features within each app and beyond! Your smart TV offers more than just popular apps. Following are some examples to get you started:
- Horror Buffs: Crackle’s “Chiller Channel” offers a collection spooky classics and independent horror flicks, while Tubi’s “Terror Vault” provides you with cult favorites like “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” and lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. Just don’t get stuck to the horror genre on popular Smart TV apps! and continue exploring further.
- Anime Enthusiasts: Crunchyroll offers a vast library of simulcasts and dubbed classics, while Tubi features dedicated anime channels. Be adventurous and go beyond the typical limitations of popular Smart TV apps!
- Documentary Devotees: Pluto TV’s “Documentary Channel” offers fascinating nonfiction from history to nature, while YouTube delivers a wealth of independent documentaries and educational channels on niche topics. Explore more areas than the documentaries offered by most popular Smart TV apps!
- Classic Movie Lovers, Rejoice: Pluto TV’s “Classic Movie Mania” serves up timeless favorites like Casablanca and Singin’ in the Rain. On Crackle, dive into “Sony Pictures Classics” for hidden gems from cinema’s golden age. Skip the mainstream offered by many popular Smart TV apps!, rediscover treasures, and let the movie marathon begin!
Don’t just scroll! Each app has hidden gems beyond the main menu. Tubi’s “Surprise Me” button throws you into random movies for serendipitous discoveries. Pluto TV’s “On Now” section lets you join live movie premieres – no browsing needed! Your free Smart TV marathon just got more exciting.
8. Top FAQs for Smart TV Apps For Free Movies
- What are the best free movie apps for Smart TVs in 2023?
The article recommends top contenders like Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Popcornflix, and Youtube for their vast libraries and diverse content. Explore the comparison table for specifics! - Do I need a subscription for these free movie apps?
Most featured apps are completely free, relying on ads for revenue. Some offer optional premium subscriptions for ad-free viewing and additional features. - This whole free movie thing sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?
The main catch is ads. These apps rely on ads for revenue, and you might encounter commercials during playback. Some offer premium subscriptions for ad-free viewing, but the majority remain completely free. - How can I stream movies from my phone to my Smart TV wirelessly?
Chromecast and Miracast are two popular methods. Chromecast requires a dongle, while Miracast is built-in on many Android devices. Both let you seamlessly cast movies from your phone to the big screen. - What if I prefer high-definition movies? Can I use an HDMI cable?
Absolutely! Connecting your laptop, gaming console, or streaming device with an HDMI cable to your Smart TV unlocks stunning visuals and crystal-clear audio for your free movie marathon. - Where can I find hidden gems and classic movies beyond the main app menus?
Several features are tucked away! Try Tubi’s “Surprise Me” button for random discoveries, Pluto TV’s “On Now” section for live movie premieres, or explore genre-specific channels like Crackle’s “Chiller Channel” and Tubi’s “Terror Vault.” - Can I watch free movies on my Smart TV without an internet connection?
Yes, if you have an external hard drive! Connect it to your TV via USB and access your personal movie library directly, no streaming apps needed. - Are there any free movie apps besides the ones mentioned?
Of course! Explore alternatives like Crunchyroll for anime, Plex for streaming your own media library, and YouTube for independent documentaries and forgotten classics. - How can I avoid annoying ads on free movie apps?
Some apps offer premium subscriptions for ad-free viewing. You can also explore alternative solutions like casting movies from your phone (many phone apps have fewer ads) or borrowing subscriptions from friends and family for limited times. - Where can I download the featured apps like Tubi and Pluto TV?
Most Smart TVs have app stores, or you can find and download them directly from the app’s website on your device. The article even provides the website links for Tubi and Pluto TV! - My Smart TV is old; will these free movie apps work on it?
Check the app’s compatibility list or search online for specific models. Many popular apps cater to older TVs as well. - I keep getting buffering issues. What can I do?
Slow internet speeds can cause buffering. Ensure your connection is stable, or try casting content from your phone if it has a stronger signal. - Is it safe to download these free movie apps?
Stick to reliable app stores like your Smart TV’s official store or the developers’ websites. Avoid pirated apps or unknown sources to stay secure. - Do these free apps offer anything for kids?
Absolutely! Pluto TV has dedicated kids’ channels with cartoons and educational shows. Tubi also has a “Family” category with appropriate content. - I’m not into mainstream movies. Are there any independent films or documentaries?
Popcornflix is a haven for independent cinema, while YouTube hosts a treasure trove of independent documentaries and short films. Explore genre-specific channels for hidden gems. - Is it legal to watch movies for free on these apps?
Yes, the apps featured in the article are all legal and licensed to stream movies and shows. Be wary of pirated content circulating online. - I want to chat with other movie lovers using these apps. Are there any online communities?
Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and even Discord servers exist for fans of specific apps or genres. Explore online communities to discuss recommendations and share hidden gems. - Can I download movies from these apps for offline viewing?
Unfortunately, most free apps don’t allow downloads due to licensing restrictions. Consider alternative solutions like connecting an external hard drive with your own movie library. - I discovered a cool feature not mentioned in the article. Can I share it?
Absolutely! The comments section below is perfect for sharing hidden features, favorite channels, and unique tips you’ve found while exploring these free movie apps. - This whole free movie thing sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?
The main catch is ads. These apps rely on ads for revenue, and you might encounter commercials during playback. Some offer premium subscriptions for ad-free viewing, but the majority remain completely free.
9. Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Movie Maestro (Beyond Just Smart TV Apps!)
Enjoy Movies at zero cost! I hope this guide unlocked your Smart TV’s secret library of free cinematic adventures. Feel free to explore diverse apps, dive deep into genres, and unleash your inner movie maestro. Experiment, build watchlists, and conquer boredom – all without spending a dime. Grab your snacks, dim the lights, and let the movie marathon begin!
P.S. Share your favorite free movie apps, alternative solutions, and hidden gems in the comments below! Let’s build a community of movie-loving explorers and keep the movie marathon magic alive on our Smart TVs!
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Brigette Maka
July 30, 2024 at 5:53 am