Want to watch a movie whenever you want? Simply download it to your device and watch it later, even if you don’t have an internet connection. This is called “streaming it locally.” The best part about downloading a movie is that it’s always ready for you, no matter where you are!
Most legal movie downloads are for public domain titles, but there are other ways to watch movies offline legally if you know where to look. Be careful when searching for “free movies” online, as many of the results might be illegal. But don’t worry—I’ve already found the best and safest places to legally download free movies. These options are carefully chosen to avoid any shady sites, so you can enjoy without worry.
There are many sites for free streaming and downloading, but remember, some are legal while others might offer pirated movies, which is illegal and unfair to creators. It’s important to choose the right options to stay on the safe side.
You can also try legal services like Hulu and Netflix, which offer free trials to explore their huge selection of movies and shows. If you’re looking for more legal ways to watch, there are plenty of options out there!
11 Best Free Movie Download Sites for 2024
In the mood for a movie marathon but strapped for cash? Check out these top 11 best free movie download sites to find your next cinematic adventure! But remember, safety first – be cautious and legal when downloading movies.
PublicDomainMovie.net
PublicDomainMovie.net is a great source for public domain films. These movies are free to watch and download because their copyright is no longer held by any individual. This means you can enjoy them legally.
The site offers a variety of genres, and each movie page includes the film’s cover image, release date, synopsis, and cast list. You can also stream the movies directly from the website for a preview before downloading. However, the website has many ads, though they are not in the videos themselves.
What We Like:
- Several genres to choose from
- Downloading is straightforward
- Most movies can be streamed as well
- No payment necessary
What We Don’t Like:
- Only older movies
- No search or sort options
- Too many website ads
Visit: PublicDomainMovie.net
The Public Domain Review
The Public Domain Review offers a similar selection of films as PublicDomainMovie.net, but with the added benefits of no ads and excellent filtering options. You can search by century, genre, theme, and type.
All movies can be streamed, and download links are at the bottom of each page.
What We Like:
- Useful filtering options
- Includes a search function
- Ad-free website
What We Don’t Like:
- Solely older films
- Fewer than 200 movies
- Rarely updates with new additions
- Some dead links
Visit: The Public Domain Review
Internet Archive
Internet Archive is a vast repository of digital information, including movies, software, web pages, and books. The Feature Films section alone has tens of thousands of free movies in various languages. The site offers powerful filtering options by language, creator, year, topic, and more.
What We Like:
- Stream before downloading
- Filter by year and topic
- Huge listings, all free
- Free from ads
What We Don’t Like:
- No newer films
- Strange categorization methods
Visit: Internet Archive
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress provides a small but curated collection of public domain movies from the National Film Registry. The site is ad-free, and you can download movies in formats like MP4 and MOV.
What We Like:
- Stream before downloading
- No ads, and nothing costs
- Multiple file format options
What We Don’t Like:
- Only older films
- Tiny collection
- Updates once a year
Visit: Library of Congress
Netflix
Netflix allows subscribers to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing. Downloads are available through the Netflix app on iOS, Android, and Windows.
What We Like:
- Movies and TV shows included
- Big library, updates often
- Browse just downloadable movies
What We Don’t Like:
- Must be a paying user
- Ad-supported plans don’t include downloads
- Must download from the app (not the website)
- Not all titles can be downloaded
- Downloads are automatically removed after a set time
Visit: Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video allows you to download movies from the same screen where you can stream them. Downloading works for rented and purchased titles, with some restrictions on subscription titles.
What We Like:
- Download purchased, rented, and subscription titles
- Purchased movies can be saved to up to four devices
- Includes a section for just downloadable content
- Filter by genre
What We Don’t Like:
- Must use the app to save movies
- Not all films are available for download
- Subscription and rented movie downloads expire after a set time
Visit: Amazon Prime Video
YouTube
YouTube allows offline viewing for purchased or rented movies through its mobile app. Just open the video, tap Download, and choose the quality and audio track.
What We Like:
- Download movies you’ve purchased or rented
- View comments, ratings, and trailers
What We Don’t Like:
- Can’t download free titles
- No filtering options
- Only works from the mobile app
Visit: YouTube
Fandango at Home
Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) allows you to download purchased and rented movies through the official mobile app. The app offers sorting options by most watched or release date and a “Fresh” movie filter from Rotten Tomatoes.
What We Like:
- High-quality movies
- Download purchased and rented movies
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires the mobile app for downloading
- Free movies can’t be saved
- Generic genres for sorting
Visit: Fandango at Home
Hulu
Hulu offers legal movie downloads through its app on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Amazon Fire devices. However, downloading is only available on specific plans like Hulu (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV.
What We Like:
- Easy to find downloadable titles
- Up to 25 downloads on five supported mobile devices at one time
What We Don’t Like:
- Ad-supported plans don’t include movie download support
- Not all movies can be saved offline
- Requires a supported mobile device
- Must renew expired downloads occasionally
Visit: Hulu
Disney+
Disney+ allows downloading movies through its mobile app for certain plans. Subscribers can download movies on up to 10 devices and enjoy suggested similar movies.
What We Like:
- Download the same movie on up to 10 supported devices
- Includes movie trailers
- Suggests similar movies
What We Don’t Like:
- ‘Basic’ subscribers can’t download movies
- Downloads removed if offline for more than 30 days
- Some titles may not be available for download
- Few genres to pick from
Visit: Disney+
iTunes
If you use iTunes to buy movies, you can easily download movies via the iTunes Store by selecting “Download” after you make a purchase. You can also download movies on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
There is a great list of genres to choose from when downloading a movie. You can find Classics, Made for TV, Music Documentaries, Regional Indian, Short Films, and more. Other popular categories include comedies, musicals, Westerns, and thrillers.
What We Like
- You can download movies on your computer, phone, or tablet.
- There are helpful categories to find the right movie to purchase.
What We Don’t Like
- Downloaded movies can only be played in an approved app
Visit: iTunes
There Are Few Legal Movie Download Sites
There are very few free and legal movie download sites available. I check this list every month to find any new sites to add, but there aren’t many. If you do a Google search for ‘movie download site,’ you will see many options, but not many of the legal sites will appear on the first page.
Here’s why:
- Most websites offering movie downloads do so illegally.
- Many “movie download” sites are actually just movie streaming sites.
The terms streaming and downloading are different. Many top sites labeled as download sites only let you stream movies, and the movies are often new releases still in theaters, which is a big sign the site isn’t legal. Movies from these sites are usually unauthorized copies, shared without permission from DVDs or Blu-rays.
If a movie isn’t in the public domain or doesn’t have permission from the creator, it’s illegal to download it. The few sites listed above are legal because they offer public domain films or have agreements with movie studios for authorized downloads.
Consider Streaming Movies Instead
Instead of downloading, consider streaming movies. There are many more options available on free movie websites. While you can’t keep the movies, you can often stream them in high quality as many times as you like.
If you want to watch movies on your phone or tablet, using a free movie-watching app might be better. These apps have the same movies as the websites but are designed for smaller screens, making them easy to use on the go.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, finding legal free movie download sites is essential for enjoying movies without worrying about legal issues. The sites we covered, such as PublicDomainMovie.net, The Public Domain Review, and Internet Archive, offer a wide range of free movie downloads from various genres and eras. While some, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, require subscriptions, they provide reliable and high-quality content.
Using these free movie download sites, you can safely download movies to watch offline, anytime and anywhere. Always choose legal options to support the creators and avoid any risks associated with illegal downloads.
Best Free Movie Download Sites for 2024 – FAQs
Are these best free movie download sites legal?
While the sites listed offer free movie downloads, it’s crucial to note that some may operate in a legal grey area. Users should exercise caution, adhere to copyright laws, and consider using legal streaming services to ensure a safe and legal cinematic experience.
Which site is best for downloading movies for free?
The best site for downloading movies for free is PublicDomainMovie.net due to its wide selection of public domain films and straightforward downloading process.
How can I download full HD movies for free?
To download full HD movies for free, use legal sites like Internet Archive or The Public Domain Review, which offer high-quality public domain films.
What free movie site is safe?
The Public Domain Review is a safe site for free movie downloads, offering an ad-free experience and a legal selection of films.
Is there a site for free movies?
Yes, PublicDomainMovie.net is a site where you can download and stream free movies legally.
