How to Watch Free Movies and TV on Roku - Full List of The Best Roku Free Channels

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A Roku is a device (made by the company Roku) that streams media (shows, movies, and even music) from the internet to your TV. It offers a practical and affordable way to add internet streaming or expand internet streaming options, to the TV and home theater viewing experience.

Roku requires minimal setup and connects to the internet the same way your PC does. Roku media streaming devices incorporate an operating system (OS) that allows users to access and manage internet streaming content.

All Roku products provide access to up to 4,500 channels (location dependent) of internet streaming content. Channels range from popular services, such as Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, Pandora, iHeart Radio, to niche channels such as Twit.tv, Local News Nationwide, Crunchy Roll, Euronews, and lots more. Even major networks, like NBC, have apps now. NBC's Roku app, by the way, allows you to live stream the Olympics and other major sporting events.

However, although there are many free internet streaming channels, there are also many that require an additional subscription or pay-per-view fees in order to access the content. To be clear, you buy the Roku device and you'll maybe still have to pay for things to watch.

In addition to internet streaming channels, Roku also provides additional apps that allow users to access video, music, and still image content stored on PCs or media servers that may also be connected to your home network.

For a complete channel and app listing, check out the Roku What's On Page. Beyond streaming, on most Roku TVs as well as select Roku boxes, the ability to playback video, music, and still image files stored on USB flash drives may be provided.

How to Find Roku Free Channels

There are lots of free channels in the Roku Channel Store, and it’s not too hard to find them. This step-by-step guide will show you how to find free Roku channels.

1. Press the Home Button

   Press the home button on your Roku remote to make sure you’re on the home screen.

2. Go to “Streaming Channels”

   Go to “streaming channels” and press “OK” on the remote. This is where you can browse all the Roku channels and filter them by genre.

3. Select “Top Free Movies & TV”

   Go to “top free movies & TV” and press “OK” on the remote.

4. Browse Through Roku’s Free Channels

   You’ll now see all the top free channels available on Roku.

You can browse through the free channel's library using the arrow buttons on your remote; press the “OK” button to view more details about any channel. If you find a channel you like, you can add the channel to your Roku.

How to Watch Free New Movies on Roku with 5 addons

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Roku is an awesome streaming device that lets you watch all your favorite movies, tv shows, tv channels in one place. Roku stick is gaining its user every day. But one of the main drawbacks with Roku is it comes under paid subscription over a period. The content provided by Roku is really worth the money. But the major issue is that you can’t directly watch movies in theaters on Roku. But don’t worry! Kodi app is available to help you. For that, you first need to install Kodi on Roku. Kodi is an open-source media player as well as a streaming application, which will let you watch anything you wish absolutely for free. Kodi does also support third-party addons which will bring more stuff for you to watch without a penny being spent.

There are several third-party add-ons on Kodi that will allow you to stream your favorite movies, tv shows for free. Exodus, covenant, FlexNet, Picasso, and much more. These are the most popular and most downloaded movie addons on Kodi. Let us see about them in detail.

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Top Best Free Roku Channels to Watch

There are lots of popular free channels on Roku, and although that’s great, it can take a while to browse through the whole library. Plus, the “top free movies & TV” genre lists only the top free channels, so you’ll need to do some digging using Roku’s search function to find others.

We aren’t going to list all free Roku channels. However, to give you a helping hand finding your way, we’ll list the best free Roku channels here, in no particular order, starting off with Roku’s own offering, The Roku Channel.

1. Peacock (free and subscription)

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Peacock is finally taking flight on Roku. NBCUniversal streaming platform launched in July on most major devices, excluding Roku. The companies have come to an agreement, though, and now Peacock is available as a Roku channel. Peacock comes in two tiers, Free (ad-supported) and Premium. Both offer thousands of hours of movies and television shows drawn from NBCUniversal's iconic brands. Watch 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Battlestar Galactica, and more with Peacock Free. If you want Peacock originals, you'll have to sign up for Premium ($4.99 with ads, $9.99 without).

2. The Roku Channel

When you're looking for free movies on Roku, the Roku Channel is a great place to start. Roku has put a considerable amount of effort into building an excellent standard channel for Roku users, complete with a library of free movies. These are real, Hollywood movies, but the selection tends toward older films.

The Roku channel's movie library is constantly growing and offering new options. While you shouldn't expect the latest blockbusters, you won't have any trouble finding something good to watch.

3. Crackle (free)

Crackle is one of the best Roku channels for watching free big-budget movies, provided you don't mind sitting through a few commercials. If you cut the cord on your cable subscription but still miss zoning out in front of cheesy action comedies, this app is for you. The selection at Crackle rotates frequently, but there are usually some memorable films, like Gattaca.

4. Netflix (subscription)

Netflix pioneered the art of the marathon TV watching session, which earns it an easy inclusion in our list of best Roku channels. Whether you want to watch newer hits like Black Mirror, or classics like The A-Team, Netflix has something to suit your tastes. Netflix also boasts some of the best-made and well-received original programming, from Marvel tie-ins Daredevil and Jessica Jones, to revivals of popular nostalgic shows like Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and Fuller House. Check out our guide to the best Netflix shows for a comprehensive view of the best of big red.

5. Disney Plus (subscription)

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Disney Plus brings Disney's massive library of content to the streaming scene. You've got animated princess movies, original Star Wars series, a good chunk of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a whole lot of weird mid-budget live-action movies that you half-remember from your childhood. The service costs only $7 per month, which makes it a fair bit cheaper than other streaming services, too. Of course, if you prefer not to give Disney any more of your money or attention, that's fair, too; it's become a bit hegemonic in recent years.

6. YouTube (free and a la carte)

YouTube is not a TV or movie channel in the strictest sense, but in terms of the raw amount of video it offers, this service is unsurpassed. You'll find a little bit of everything: original web shows, small clips from popular movies and TV shows, music videos, narrated playthroughs of popular video games and just about everything else, from paid movie rentals to much racier fare.

7. HBO Max (subscription)

HBO Max, the new version of HBO Go and HBO Now, has been great for more than just streaming past and current seasons of popular HBO shows, such as Succession, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones. On top of those series, comedy specials, and hit movies, HBO Max spent 2021 streaming big movies on their first day in theaters. Unfortunately, that's gone, but HBO Max keeps adding big titles such as the Harry Potter Reunion to make up for it.

8. Hulu (subscription)

Hulu is one of the best Roku channels thanks to deals with major networks, including Fox, NBC, The CW and ABC, and it uploads new episodes shortly after they air. The service has past seasons of popular shows on tap, and even hosts the entire runs of nostalgic series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Daria. A handful of decent Hulu originals, like Difficult People and Casual, sweeten the deal. Check out our guide to the best Hulu movies, shows, and more.

9. FandangoNOW (a la carte)

At first blush, FandangoNOW is extremely similar to Amazon Video. Roku's default movie and TV show streaming service is exactly what it claims to be: a way to buy and rent movies that are pre-installed on every Roku device. While the selection isn't drastically different from competing services, there's no reason not to try it, especially since it now provides a small selection of 4K films.

10. Popcornflix

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Popcornflix is another free streaming service dedicated to providing movies at no cost. Popcornflix is easy to navigate, but it isn't a project from a major movie studio, so most of the films aren't the top-grade Hollywood movies you'll find on some other channels. Instead, you'll find a lot of smaller-budget productions and B-grade sci-fi and horror.

11. Showtime (subscription)

Showtime has produced some of the most unusual and beloved shows on TV, including Shameless, Homeland, Billions and The Affair. If you get the channel as part of your cable or satellite package, Showtime Anytime allows you to watch the channel's TV shows, comedy specials, sports events and movies. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Showtime as a stand-alone service, with access to all of the same content.

12. Crunchyroll

Anime fans, rejoice! There's a great free option for you, too. Crunchyroll is one of the largest anime streaming services, and it has a large library of free anime movies and shows to access through your Roku.

Not everything on Crunchyroll is free, and there are ads, but don't let that discourage you. Its catalog is massive, and you're sure to find something great to watch.

14. Sky News (free)

Sky News provides live broadcasts for the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Although the organization originated in the U.K., it shares the news that the whole English-speaking world can use, and it doesn't cost a dime. In addition, to live reports, Sky News also offers cached feeds, allowing users to watch news highlights when it best suits their schedules. The channel provides live, 24/7 coverage.

14. Midnight Pulp

While Popcornflix edges into that pulpy B-movie territory with its library, Midnight Pulp doubles down and embraces it.

Midnight Pulp has everything cheesy, pulpy, and totally insane. With a huge library of sci-fi, horror, martial arts, and anime movies from just about every era of film, you can't possibly go wrong. Note that Midnight Pulp does have premium paid content.

15. Tubi

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Tubi partners with major film studios to bring you a variety of free movies. It's fairly similar to Crackle and the Roku Channel in what it offers. The films available have been out for a while, and there aren't many big-name titles.

That said, they're still real Hollywood movies, and Tubi TV's library is constantly changing and evolving. With a decent collection and no ads, there isn't any reason not to give Tubi TV a try.

16. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a free streaming service promising totally free TV, and it actually delivers. Movies are available, as well, as some of the channels Pluto offers air movies, just like the cable channels you pay for.

Pluto is genuinely free and doesn't require a subscription. It works a lot like paid streaming services such as Sling, with a similar guide interface. You can browse through the channels, see what's one, and maybe find a great movie you can watch on-demand.

17. Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video isn't technically free, but a lot of people are already paying for the Amazon Prime service and not taking advantage of the free videos that come with it.

The Prime Video channel gives you access to loads of movies that come with your Amazon Prime subscription at no additional charge. You can even browse specifically for free movies.

Amazon is always expanding its library, and that includes fairly recent releases and big-name films. If you're already paying for Prime, this one is free, and it easily offers the best selection.

18. Pandora (free or subscription)

You've almost certainly used Pandora before. Whether you want background music for your household tasks or the soundtrack for a party, Pandora delivers. The concept is simple: enter a bunch of artists or songs that you like, then Pandora will analyze their commonalities and create a radio channel that suits your taste. You can even create multiple stations to suit various moods, tastes and events.

21. PBS Kids (free)

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PBS has always prided itself on supplying quality programming without advertisements or cable subscriptions, and PBS Kids is no exception. The shows on the PBS Kids Roku app definitely skew toward a younger audience, with titles like Curious George and Sesame Street. Parents may be pleased to discover that classic shows they grew up with, such as Arthur and The Electric Company, are also present and accounted for.

22. Twitch (free)

If you prefer watching video games to playing them, Twitch is the channel for you. The popular network is the Internet’s first stop for live streams of video games, and you’ll see everything from Overwatch to Dark Souls to Pokémon. Whether you want Let's Plays, tips, and tricks or competitive play, Twitch has a streamer to appeal to both your skill level and your taste in personality.

23. The Weather Network (free)

While you're probably not going to get immersed in The Weather Network and watch it for hours on end, it's still pretty useful to know exactly what the weather is in your neighborhood, and how it's going to change over the course of the next few hours or days. The Weather Network is a free channel that shows you local weather, as well as conditions all around the world. You can check in with numerical information displayed up top, or watch full videos from meteorologists.

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