Best Free Movies on YouTube 2024
Did you know there are free movies on YouTube? And no, I’m not talking about poorly ripped, illegal cam versions recorded under the radar in the theater. YouTube actually maintains its own list of completely free movies, all totally legal and often high-quality.
These are free for everyone; YouTube Premium is not required (although, subscribers can enjoy ad-free movies). There is a catch, though. There are lots of movies to sift through. So, to save you loads of time, we’ve done all the searching for you.
Below are the absolute best free movies on YouTube right now, taken from YouTube’s official collection. Watch them online or through the movie streaming app. Grab them before they expire!
1. The Truman Show (1998)
Genre: Comedy/Sci-fi
Director: Peter Weir
Synopsis: One of the best movies streaming on YouTube, The Truman Show follows the entire life of Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a man who unknowingly lives his whole existence within a meticulously crafted, artificial world. From his birth, every aspect of Truman’s life is broadcast to a global audience, turning his daily routine into the ultimate reality television show.
2. My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Genre: Horror/Crime
Director: Marc Meyers
Synopsis: My Friend Dahmer delves into the formative years of infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, played by Ross Lynch. The film unfolds during Dahmer’s high school days, focusing on his interactions with a small group of friends who unwittingly witness the early signs of his disturbing behavior.
3. The Illusionist (2006)
Genre: Mystery/Romance
Director: Neil Burger
Synopsis: The Illusionist is a story in old-time Vienna. Eisenheim, played by Edward Norton, is a mysterious magician who amazes everyone with his shows, catching the eyes of both regular people and fancy rich folks.
4. Donnie Darko (2001)
Genre: Sci-fi/Thriller
Director: Richard Kelly
Synopsis: Donnie Darko is a mind-bending journey into the perplexing life of a troubled teenager named Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal). Plagued by hallucinations of a sinister, six-foot-tall rabbit named Frank, Donnie grapples with the blurry line between reality and delusion. Set in the late 80s, the film explores his struggles with mental illness, existential angst, and premonitions that seem to pull him toward a mysterious destiny.
5. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Director: Ron Howard
Synopsis: The Da Vinci Code is about Robert Langdon, played by Tom Hanks, solving a mystery after a curator is killed. Langdon and Sophie Neveu work together to uncover ancient secrets and stop a revelation that could change religious history, all before time runs out.
6. The Fifth Element (1997)
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Director: Luc Besson
Synopsis: The Fifth Element takes you on a wild and visually stunning ride through a futuristic, vibrant universe. Set in the 23rd century, Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a former special forces operative turned cab driver, unexpectedly becomes the key player in a quest to save Earth from impending doom originating in deep outer space.
7. Click (2006)
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Director: Frank Coraci
Synopsis: Click takes you through a magic-like journey through the life of Michael Newman (Adam Sandler), a workaholic architect searching for a universal remote control. But this isn’t just any remote—it has the power to manipulate time itself.
8. A Walk to Remember (2002)
Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Adam Shankman
Synopsis: Set in a small town, the film revolves around the unexpected romance between Landon Carter (Shane West), a popular high school student with a rebellious streak, and Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), a quiet and compassionate minister’s daughter. As their worlds collide, Landon is transformed by Jamie’s unwavering faith and kindness. Facing personal challenges and societal expectations, the couple navigates the complexities of young love, ultimately discovering the profound impact one person can have on another.
9. The Patriot (2000)
Genre: War/Action
Director: Roland Emmerich
Synopsis: The Patriot is a movie about Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) who goes from a farmer to a fighter in the American Revolutionary War. Faced with personal tragedy, he becomes an important part of the war, going through tough battles and making personal sacrifices for freedom.
10. Star Trek (2009)
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Director: J.J. Abrams
Synopsis: Star Trek revamps the classic sci-fi series with a young cast led by Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. Packed with exciting space battles, the film honors the series while offering a fresh take on familiar characters.
11. Godzilla (1998)
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Director: Roland Emmerich
Synopsis: Godzilla unleashes a reimagined and colossal version of the iconic monster in a modern setting. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the film follows a group of experts, led by Matthew Broderick’s character, as they attempt to stop the destructive rampage of the gigantic creature wreaking havoc in New York City.
12. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Genre: Adventure/Action
Director: Steven Spielberg
Synopsis: The Adventures of Tintin brings Hergé’s comic book character to life in a visually stunning animated adventure. The movie follows fearless young reporter Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell), his loyal dog Snowy, and the salty Captain Haddock (voiced by Andy Serkis) as they embark on a globe-trotting quest for sunken treasure.
13. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Synopsis: Rise of the Planet of the Apes charts the evolution of a new era as intelligent apes take center stage. Dr. Will Rodman (James Franco) inadvertently triggers a revolution when his experimental Alzheimer’s cure enhances ape intelligence. A chimpanzee, Caesar, becomes the catalyst for a primate uprising against human oppression.
14. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Genre: Adventure/Comedy
Director: Ben Stiller
Synopsis: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty takes you on an imaginative journey through the life of Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), a daydreamer who escapes his mundane reality by delving into vivid fantasies. When he embarks on a real-life adventure to recover a lost photograph, Mitty discovers courage, purpose, and the extraordinary in the ordinary.
15. Good Burger (1997)
Genre: Comedy/Family
Director: Brian Robbins
Synopsis: When a rival restaurant threatens to overshadow their establishment, duo Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell assemble a series of hilarious schemes to save the day.
16. Hook (1991)
Genre: Adventure/Family
Director: Steven Spielberg
Synopsis: Hook invites you to rediscover the magic of Peter Pan in a unique twist on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale. The film explores what happens when Peter, played by Robin Williams, grows up and forgets about Neverland. Drawn back into the fantastical world to rescue his kidnapped children, Peter must confront his past to thwart the nefarious Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman).
17. Planet 51 (2009)
Genre: Sci-fi/Comedy
Director: Jorge Blanco
Synopsis: Planet 51 is an animated sci-fi comedy that turns the tables on the alien invasion trope. When an American astronaut (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) lands on Planet 51, he discovers the inhabitants fear he’s the alien invader. The film explores themes of fear, prejudice, and friendship as the astronaut teams up with a teenager to navigate the misunderstandings that arise.
18. Arrival (2016)
Genre: Sci-fi/Drama
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Synopsis: The story revolves around linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) who’s enlisted to communicate with mysterious extraterrestrial visitors. As humanity grapples with the implications of the alien arrival, Louise races against time to decipher their complex language and unravel the purpose behind their visit.
19. The Time Machine (2002)
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Director: Simon Wells
Synopsis: Adapted from H.G. Wells’ classic novel, and directed by his great-grandson, The Time Machine combines adventure and science fiction as Hartdegen (Guy Pearce) hurtles through different eras, encountering both wonders and dangers.
20. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Genre: Drama
Director: Lasse Hallström
Synopsis: Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) juggles responsibilities while caring for his mentally challenged brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio).
21. We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Genre: Drama/Family
Director: Cameron Crowe
Synopsis: Starring Matt Damon, the film follows a widowed father who, in a bid for a fresh start, purchases a dilapidated zoo. With a blend of humor and emotion, the story revolves around the challenges of zoo ownership, family bonds, and the transformative power of taking a leap of faith.
22. Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Director: Victor Salva
Synopsis: Siblings Trish and Darry, played by Gina Philips and Justin Long, encounter a mysterious and malevolent supernatural entity during a road trip. The creature, called The Creeper, becomes fixated on them, leading to a terrifying game of survival.
23. Hercules (1997)
Genre: Animation/Adventure
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Synopsis: This animated musical comedy follows Hercules, the son of Zeus, on a journey to become a true hero.
24. Fat Albert (2004)
Genre: Comedy/Family
Director: Joel Zwick
Synopsis: Fat Albert is a live-action comedy based on the animated series created by Bill Cosby. The movie brings Fat Albert (Kenan Thompson) and his friends from the animated world to the real world. When they help a teenage girl facing challenges, they discover the impact they can have on the lives of those they encounter.
25. The Good Shepherd (2006)
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Director: Robert De Niro
Synopsis: In this spy thriller, follow Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) as he navigates the early history of the CIA, exploring the moral complexities and personal sacrifices of espionage during the Cold War.
26. The Girl Next Door (2004)
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Director: Luke Greenfield
Synopsis: This coming-of-age film follows a high school senior’s unexpected connection with his troubled next-door neighbor.
27. Grease 2 (1982)
Genre: Musical/Comedy
Director: Patricia Birch
Synopsis: Set in the 1960s, this musical romantic comedy sequel follows the love story between a new student, played by Maxwell Caulfield, and a Pink Lady, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. Filled with catchy songs and high school antics, the film provides a fun and energetic continuation of the Grease universe.
28. Point Break (1991)
Genre: Crime/Action
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Synopsis: Starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, the film follows an FBI agent who infiltrates a gang of adrenaline-seeking bank robbers.
29. The Cobbler (2014)
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy
Director: Tom McCarthy
Synopsis: A magical cobbler, played by Adam Sandler, discovers he can step into other people’s lives by wearing their shoes.
Other ways to get free movie streams
YouTube is an awesome source for free movies, but it’s pretty limited when you compare it to other streaming services, especially ones that cost like these Netflix alternatives. You just can’t match those video libraries, which often include TV shows, brand-new movies, and live TV.
That said, if you’re interested in only the best free movie sites, we highly recommend Amazon Freevee, Vudu, and Crackle. And if you like the open-source Kodi home theater software, you’ll be interested in Kodi add-ons for movies.
