Top 5 Free and Legal Websites to Watch HD/4K Movies in the US (Latest Guide)

Jenny Lee February 07, 2026 | 07:29

Discover the best free and legal movie streaming websites in the US offering HD and 4K quality without subscriptions.

Top 5 Free and Legal Websites to Watch HD/4K Movies in the US (Latest Guide)

5 best free legal movie streaming sites in the US

Watching movies online for free does not have to mean piracy, malware, or low-quality streams. In the United States, several fully licensed platforms legally offer movies and TV shows in HD and, in limited cases, 4K, supported by ads or public institutions.

Below is an updated, practical guide to the top 5 free and legal websites to watch movies in the US. Each platform is safe, widely used, and compliant with US copyright law.

1. Tubi

Tubi
Website: https://tubitv.com

Tubi is one of the largest free streaming platforms in the US, owned by Fox Corporation.

Key details

Price: 100% free
Ads: Yes (short ad breaks)
Video quality: Mostly HD (720p–1080p), no native 4K
Account required: No (optional)
Devices: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox

Content focus:
Hollywood movies, cult classics, action, horror, comedy, family films, and TV series.

Best for:
Viewers who want a large catalog with minimal friction.

Limitations:
No brand-new theatrical releases; ads cannot be skipped.

2. Pluto TV

Pluto TV
Website: https://pluto.tv

Pluto TV is a free streaming service owned by Paramount Global, combining live TV channels with on-demand movies.

Key details

Price: Free
Ads: Yes
Video quality: HD on most on-demand titles; no consistent 4K
Account required: No
Devices: Web, mobile apps, Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV

Content focus:
Classic films, older Hollywood movies, franchise-based channels, and niche genres.

Best for:
Users who like a traditional cable-TV feel mixed with on-demand viewing.

Limitations:
Live channels cannot be paused; on-demand library rotates frequently.

3. Crackle

Crackle
Website: https://www.crackle.com

Crackle is a long-running, legal ad-supported streaming platform in the US.

Key details

Price: Free
Ads: Yes
Video quality: HD available on many titles, no 4K
Account required: No
Devices: Web, mobile, Smart TVs, streaming devices

Content focus:
Hollywood films, crime series, action movies, and selected originals.

Best for:
Viewers looking for recognizable movie titles without subscriptions.

Limitations:
Smaller catalog than Tubi; fewer updates.

4. Kanopy

Kanopy
Website: https://www.kanopy.com

Kanopy partners with US public libraries and universities to offer free, ad-free streaming.

Key details

Price: Free (with library card or university login)
Ads: No ads
Video quality: HD standard, select titles available in 4K
Account required: Yes (library-based)
Devices: Web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs

Content focus:
Independent films, documentaries, foreign cinema, classic films, educational content.

Best for:
Film lovers who value quality, curation, and no advertising.

Limitations:
Monthly viewing limits; limited mainstream blockbusters.

5. YouTube (Official Free Movies)

YouTube
Website: https://www.youtube.com/movies

YouTube offers a rotating selection of official, licensed full-length movies for free.

Key details

Price: Free
Ads: Yes
Video quality: HD widely available, 4K available on selected titles
Account required: No
Devices: All major devices and platforms

Content focus:
Rotating movie library from major studios and distributors.

Best for:
Casual viewers who want instant access without installing apps.

Limitations:
Availability changes often; free titles must be clearly marked.

How Free Legal Streaming Works in the US

Most free platforms operate under the AVOD model (Advertising Video On Demand). Short ads fund content licensing, allowing viewers to watch legally without subscriptions or payments.

Public services like Kanopy are funded by libraries and educational institutions, not advertising.

Sites to Avoid

Websites such as 123Movies, FMovies, Putlocker, and similar clones are not licensed in the US. They often carry malware risks and violate copyright law. They are not recommended.

Jenny Lee

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