10 Best Free Movies on YouTube: Must-Watch Classics

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free movie on YouTube. Whether you’re into cult classics or Hollywood hits, you can watch some of the best movies on YouTube for free.
There’s no need to fret that network restrictions – like those at work, school, or in your local coffee shop – will get in the way, either. Simply use PIA VPN. It encrypts your connection so you can stream the best free movies on YouTube smoothly and securely on any network.
Quick Guide: How to Stream Free Movies on YouTube with PIA VPN
- Get PIA VPN and install the app on your favorite streaming device.
- Connect to a PIA VPN server.
- Grab the popcorn and press play.
Table of Contents
How to Find Recent Movies for Free on YouTubeOther Ways to Find Free Movies on YouTube
The 10 Best Free Movies on YouTube: Cinematic Classics
Fix Common Streaming Issues with a VPN
Why Choose PIA as Your VPN for Streaming?
FAQ
How to Find Recent Movies for Free on YouTube
Did you know that Youtube has a free section called Free with Ads in the Movies & TV category? It’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look, but once you know where it is, it’s simple to find a list of full free movies on YouTube. It’s the best place to watch recent blockbusters on YouTube, but most films don’t stay free for long, so if you find a movie you like, watch it quickly.
Keep in mind that the free movies on YouTube Movies & TV are only available in the US. If you’re traveling abroad and don’t want to miss out on movies you’re planning to watch, get PIA and connect to one of our VPN servers in the US
How to Find Free Movies on the YouTube Website
- Open the YouTube website in your browser.
- Navigate to the left-hand menu.
- Under “Explore,” click on Movies & TV.
- Click on the “Free with ads” tab under the “Movies & TV” heading.
- Browse available titles to watch.
How to Find Free Movies on the YouTube App
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap on your profile icon in the bottom right-hand corner.
- Scroll down to find “Your movies and TV.”
- Tap on the “Free with ads” tab.
- Browse the free movie selection and stream your favorite.
Other Ways to Find Free Movies on YouTube
Finding other free movies on YouTube is easier than you might think. The platform is home to a wide array of films that you can legally stream for free. Loads of classic movies are now in the public domain because their copyrights have expired.
You’ll also see a ton of independent (indie) films for free on YouTube. This is often because the creators have released them into the public domain to reach a broader audience, build their reputation, or generate a buzz for future projects.
The easiest way to find these films is to use a search engine to find movies that are in the public domain. Once you’ve found one you want to watch, search the title, followed by “full movie” on YouTube. You can add a filter for video length (20 minutes+ is the best option) to your search to narrow down the results.
Another option is to explore YouTube Channels like Timeless Classic Movies, Cult Classics, Popcornflix, Movie Central, or Killer Bean. If you’re in the US, YouTube’s own Movies & TV section has plenty of free movies, though the selection of titles is constantly changing.
The 10 Best Free Movies on YouTube: Cinematic Classics
We’ve curated this list of the top 10 free movies on YouTube that you can stream to get your fix of fantasy, horror, drama, and comedy.
1. Charade (1963)
When recently widowed Regina Lampert discovers that her late husband had pilfered money from the coffers of some dangerous men, she finds herself entangled in a web of crime. As the threats mount, Regina turns to the charming Peter Joshua for help. But his true identity is as much a mystery as the missing money.
Often touted as the best Hitchcock movie not made by Hitchcock, Charade is a must-watch for anyone who loves twist-filled mysteries. Starring Audry Hepburn (Regina) and Cary Grant (Peter), and with many scenes set in Paris, the film is brimming with clever twists, snappy dialogue, and classic Hollywood glamour.
2. Gulliver’s Travels (1939)
One of the earliest feature-length animations, Gulliver’s Travels brings Jonathan Swift’s iconic tale of the same name to life with vibrant visuals. The film’s unique art style and classic soundtrack make it one of the best free animated movies on YouTube for fans of vintage cartoons.
The story follows Lemuel Gulliver, a sailor who finds himself shipwrecked on the shores of Lilliput, a kingdom inhabited by tiny people at war with a neighboring village. Gulliver’s imposing size initially terrifies the Lilliputians, but they soon discover he might be the key to resolving their conflict.
3. The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
The Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy-horror that follows Seymour, a hapless florist who discovers a strange and exotic plant with a gruesome secret: it thrives on human blood. As Seymour struggles to keep up with the plant’s growing appetite, chaos ensues, leading to both hilarious and horrifying consequences.
Featuring plenty of eccentric characters, over-the-top humor, and a cameo from a young Jack Nicholson, this cult classic is a must-watch for fans of absurd horror movies. The Little Shop of Horrors tops the list of the best free horror movies on YouTube for anyone looking for a mix of funniness and frights.
4. The Kid (1921)
The Kid is a classic Charlie Chaplin film and one of the most successful movies of the silent era. Starring as the iconic Tramp character, Chaplin stumbles upon an abandoned baby and decides to raise the child as his own. The two form an inseparable bond as the boy grows and the duo navigates life’s ups and downs together.
The Kid is a masterful blend of slapstick comedy and deeply emotional storytelling. It showcases the filmmaker’s knack for tapping into the audience’s emotions without the need for a single piece of dialogue.
5. His Girl Friday (1940)
Walter Burns (Cary Grant) is the best newspaper editor in the business, but he’s let his greatest scoop slip through his fingers: star reporter and ex-wife Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell). When Hildy shares her plans to leave journalism and remarry, Walter devises a series of schemes to lure her back into the newsroom and back into his arms.
At the time of its release, His Girl Friday was celebrated for its groundbreaking gender dynamics. Its clever script and timeless humor ensure its place among the best Hollywood movies on YouTube – free for you to enjoy whenever the mood strikes.
Are you struggling to access YouTube at work or school? Your network administrator may have blocked streaming sites. PIA VPN can help – it uses robust VPN encryption to hide your online activity. This lets you unblock websites and skirt restrictions on any network.
6. The Last Man on Earth (1964)
Dr Robert Morgan is the lone survivor of a devastating plague that’s transformed every person on Earth into vampire-like creatures. He roams the desolate streets of once lively cities hunting the infected and searching for supplies, haunted by the memories of his lost family.
This adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend is a poignant post-apocalyptic film that has influenced countless others in the sci-fi horror genre. It’s a standout story if you’re looking for the best free scary movies on YouTube.
7. Detour (1945)
This classic film noir tells the story of Al Roberts, a down-on-his-luck nightclub pianist who becomes entangled in a web of death and deceit when he hitches a ride from New York to Los Angeles with a stranger.
Although it was almost completely overlooked upon its release, the gritty, suspenseful storytelling has since seen Detour become a cult classic. Expect to be on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the 68-minute runtime.
8. The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Set in the grand Paris Opera House, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who lives in the Opera House’s catacombs. As he grows obsessed with a beautiful soprano, the Phantom manipulates events to make her a star, but his love soon turns dark and dangerous.
The film is renowned for its stunning set design, which perfectly captures the majestic beauty of the opera while immersing viewers in the silent era’s unique storytelling style. It’s a great watch for fans of classic cinema and timeless tales of love and obsession.
9. My Man Godfrey (1936)
My Man Godfrey is a screwball comedy that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. The story follows a ditzy but kind-hearted socialite, who hires a homeless man named Godfrey as her family’s butler. Godfrey’s natural charm quickly endears him to the eccentric Bullock household, but it turns out there’s much more to him than meets the eye.
This 1936 classic has been celebrated for its witty dialogue, stellar performances, and satirical take on class disparities. Nominated for six Academy Awards, it’s a highlight of Hollywood’s Golden Age and stands out as one of the best comedy movies on YouTube for free.
10. The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1972)
Legendary sailor Sinbad embarks on a swashbuckling adventure to find the Fountain of Destiny after discovering a mysterious golden tablet. His epic journey will transport you to a world of magic and monsters filled with jaw-dropping (for their time) visual effects and stop-motion animation.
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is filled with high-sea escapades, making it one of the best free action movies on YouTube and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys heroic tales filled with mythical battles.
Fix Common Streaming Issues with a VPN
Some streaming platforms show different content in different countries, which means the movies or shows you watch at home might not be available when you’re traveling abroad. Get a VPN and avoid scouring the web for your favorite movies when you’re away from home. It masks your IP address with one from your home country, so you can access your watch list as usual.
You can also use a VPN to access movies and other streaming content on restricted networks at school or work. A VPN encrypts your connection and lets you unblock streaming sites without any hassle.
VPN encryption also helps you stream safely, which is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi. A VPN secures your connection to keep your data safe, so you can watch whatever you like without worrying about snoops and cybercriminals.
Why Choose PIA as Your VPN for Streaming?
PIA is a fast VPN with an extensive network spanning 91 countries. The network includes streaming-optimized servers in the US that work with YouTube and other streaming platforms, so you can reliably access content without running into error messages.
With blazing-fast speeds, you can expect flawless streaming quality, even in the highest resolution available. PIA has native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, and Apple TV so you can stream with a VPN on your preferred device.
Whether you’re a seasoned VPN user or it’s your first time using this technology, PIA is easy to set up. That said, if you have any questions about streaming with a VPN, our customer support team is always available to help.
FAQ
YouTube’s own Movies & TV channel has a selection of free-to-watch movies that are available to viewers in the US. Other ad-supported channels, including Popcornflix, Maverick Movies, and FilmRise, are more widely available. Together, these channels give you access to the best movies on YouTube for free.
YouTube still offers free, ad-supported movies to viewers in the US, which you can find on the “Movies & TV” channel. When you’re traveling abroad, connect to a VPN server in the US to get a US IP address and maintain access to these films.
It’s safe to watch movies on YouTube, as long as you’re viewing content from official channels or legitimate sources. Be cautious of unauthorized uploads, which may be illegal and could link to sites containing malware.
Tubi is one of the best free movie sites. It’s an ad-supported platform that offers a large selection of films and TV shows. Other notable free streaming platforms include Crackle, Popcornflix, and Pluto TV. Each of these has a broad range of genres and content.
Tubi, Crackle, and Pluto TV are great alternatives to YouTube for free movies and shows. These services offer a wider selection of professional content, including full-length films and TV series, with minimal ads. Each has its own app and is available across multiple devices.
To watch movies for free, use legal streaming services like Tubi, Crackle, or Pluto TV, which offer ad-supported access to a wide variety of films. Alternatively, some public libraries offer free streaming services like Kanopy or Hoopla with a library card.
PIA is the best streaming VPN. Its lightning-fast servers give you reliable connections to all your favorite streaming platforms – even if you’re traveling abroad. You can stream as many movies and shows as you want with unlimited bandwidth and no VPN data caps. PIA has apps for home-based and mobile streaming devices and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I use a VPN to watch content from a different country’s streaming catalog?
Some VPN users may use a server in another country to watch content that a streaming service hasn’t made available in their own country. While we cannot see what you are doing online due to our no-logs policy, this goes against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
PIA VPN puts your privacy first and we don’t track our users’ activity. That said, you should always comply with relevant laws, including copyright.