Say goodbye to expensive streaming services and hello to YouTube, the ultimate destination for totally free entertainment. Hold on to your seats because YouTube is so much more than simply a website for short videos! We are here to take you on a cinematic journey by telling you about the best free movies on Youtube that you can enjoy with your family without breaking the bank.
The library may not be the largest, but don’t worry—we’ve already done the hard work. After thorough scrutiny of Youtube’s digital shelves, we have handpicked some free films for all you budget-savvy moviegoers. YouTube has everything, from heartwarming romances to adrenaline-pumping action thrillers and tear-jerking dramas to belly-laugh-inducing comedies. Grab your favourite snacks, settle in, and let YouTube be your one-stop destination for unrestricted access to films. It’s now time to splurge on cinematic treats without spending a dime!
20 Top Movies On Youtube To Start Your Movie Marathon
1. Skiptrace (2016)
Jackie Chan plays Hong Kong investigator Benny Chan in the high-octane comedy-thriller “Skiptrace” (2016). Chan, renowned for his amazing martial arts prowess and comedy timing, gives an exhilarating performance as he strives to exact revenge for the murder of his partner.
In order to bring the murderer to justice, Chan’s character teams up with Johnny Knoxville’s portrayal of American gambler Connor Watts. The funny and exciting ride “Skiptrace” is available for free on YouTube. The movie is directed by Renny Harlin and stars Fan Bingbing. Don’t miss Chan and Knoxville’s dynamic pair as they go out on an exciting trip.
2. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
A masterpiece of cinema, “The Best Years of Our Lives” (1946), explores the experiences of World War II soldiers as they deal with the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. This picture had a fantastic cast, including Teresa Wright, Dana Andrews, Myrna Loy, and Fredric March, with a 97% rating from critics. It gives a compelling representation of the successes and tribulations endured by veterans while also reflecting the larger American experience. This American epic drama film is one of the best free movies on Youtube.
The movie was directed by William Wyler. Dana Andrews’ characters Fred, Al, and Homer, who struggle to transition to civilian life after the war, are followed throughout the narrative. A must-watch movie, “The Best Years of Our Lives”, is a timeless masterpiece to watch on Youtube. It simply enthrals the viewers with its moving examination of the difficulties experienced by returning combat veterans.
3. Lone Star
The intelligent and compelling movie Lone Star stands out as a highlight of 1990s independent filmmaking and a high point in writer-director John Sayles’ career. The movie, which is set in the border town of Frontera, Texas, centres on Sheriff Sam Deeds (Christopher Cooper), who discovers the past while looking into a murder.
Lone Star is a must-watch for anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience, thanks to Sayles’ great narrative and a talented cast that includes Elizabeth Pea, Joe Morton, and Ron Canada. This movie, which was directed by John Sayles, is a genuine gem that never ceases to mesmerize viewers with its compelling story and interesting characters.
4. The King of Comedy (1983)
The critically praised picture “The King of Comedy” (1983), which was widely misinterpreted when it first came out, is now appreciated for its unsettling prescience. The movie stars Robert De Niro as the failing comic Rupert Pupkin plays a celebrity in his own misguided mind. De Niro gives a great performance as a weirdly likeable sociopath.
With Jerry Lewis, Sandra Bernhard, Diahnne Abbott, and Martin Scorsese in the lead roles, “The King of Comedy” is a must-see for its darkly humorous perspective on celebrity, obsession, and the human psyche.
5. Detour (1945)
This is a gritty gem that has left its mark on the noir genre with its lean and mean 68-minute runtime. Shot in just six days, this Poverty Row production is a testament to the artistic economy, delivering a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat and questioning the darker corners of human nature.
Edgar G Ulmer’s classic is a rough-edged masterpiece and certainly one of the best free movies on Youtube, with an amoral fizz that lingers long after the credits roll. Tom Neal shines as the luckless hitchhiker who takes a fateful turn when he steals a car from a dead man, only to encounter the enigmatic and dangerous Ann Savage. Like its antihero, Detour is a haunting and unforgettable experience that will leave you with a jolt of adrenaline and will leave you cynical about the world around you.
6. Witchfinder General (1968)
In the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Cromwellian England, Vincent Price mesmerizes as a malevolent witchfinder, his twisted motives hidden behind a facade of authority. With a chilling aura that sends shivers down the spine, Price’s performance as the corrupt old sadist who preys on the vulnerable is truly spectacular. As he roams the misty lanes of East Anglia, Ian Ogilvy’s valiant Roundhead soldier, armed with a sharp wit and unwavering resolve, becomes the witchfinder’s formidable adversary. Directed by Michael Reeves, the film is a mesmerizing blend of tavern-based bawdiness and bone-chilling violence, drawing parallels to the legendary “Wicker Man” in its depiction of British folk horror.
7. Minnie and Moskowitz (1971)
In a wild and whimsical twist on the traditional romantic comedy, John Cassavetes brings his signature style to life in Minnie and Moskowitz (1971). The story follows the unconventional and unpredictable journey of Minnie Moore, a quirky museum curator, and Seymour Moskowitz, an eccentric parking attendant, as their paths collide in a tumultuous dance of desire.
Their yearning for love propels them towards each other with the reckless abandon of bumper cars gone rogue, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable tale of passion and connection. It’s less of a meet-cute, and more of a collision that leaves sparks flying and hearts racing, in a love story that defies convention and captures the imagination with its offbeat charm and magnetic pull.
8. The Hitchhiker (1953)
Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing cinematic journey with “The Hitchhiker” (1953), a riveting road movie noir crafted by the masterful Ida Lupino. This sultry film, inspired by the true crime saga of Billy Cook in 1950, is one of the best free movies on Youtube and will transport you to a world of villains personified by the unforgettable performance of William Talman as Emmett Myers – a gun-toting fugitive with a dark and deranged mind.
Joined by Edmond O’Brien and Frank Lovejoy as his unfortunate hostages, Myers’s character is further heightened by a haunting and eerie trait – he literally sleeps with one eye open, adding a chilling layer of suspense to this captivating tale. So, settle in and let Lupino’s mesmerizing storytelling and Talman’s mesmerizing performance take you on an unforgettable journey through the depths of human darkness and intrigue.
9. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
In this haunting nostalgic tribute to George A. Romero’s iconic style, the Night of the Living Dead transports us back to the origins of the zombie genre. As we follow a group of desperate Americans seeking refuge from an encroaching undead apocalypse in a remote farmhouse, a sense of impending doom lingers in every shot.
Romero masterfully uses zombies as a metaphor for societal issues, capturing a nation divided and plagued by its own fears. With unspoken terror lurking at every turn, this nerve-gnawing nightmare leaves us questioning if there’s a cure for the deep-seated ailments that haunt us.
10. Nightmare Alley (1947)
In this Guillermo del Toro’s masterful remake, the story was polished to perfection, capturing the glimmering allure of the carnival world. But, for true connoisseurs, it’s the original take on William Lindsay Gresham’s novel that still holds sway. Tyrone Power delivers a tour de force performance, defying expectations with his portrayal of a fraudulent loner, oozing with desperation and yet revealing glimpses of humanity that make his inevitable downfall all the more heart-wrenching. And let’s not forget Helen Walker, the sultry partner-in-crime whose duplicitous charm adds a wicked twist to the tale, nudging our protagonist towards his tragic fate. In this version, the stakes are higher, the emotions run deeper, and the journey is a rollercoaster ride of thrilling proportions.
11. The Heartbreak Kid
Prepare to be swept away by The Heartbreak Kid, a darkly comedic masterpiece that challenges the norms of traditional romance. With a sharp screenplay by Neil Simon and Elaine May’s deft direction, this film is one of the best free movies on Youtube. The Heartbreak kid is a hilarious and unapologetic take on the complexities of relationships, complete with memorable performances and unexpected twists. Charles Grodin shines in one of his final roles, navigating the treacherous waters of love as a newlywed whose head is turned by Cybill Shepherd’s alluring student. Don’t miss the electrifying dynamic between Grodin and Eddie Albert in this must-watch gem.
12. Culloden (1964)
Peter Watkins’s revolutionary docudrama delves into the annals of history, transporting viewers to the harrowing Battle of Culloden with a reportage lens that captures the raw intensity of the conflict. Far from a typical “battle”, it was a brutal slaughter overseen by Prince Charlie as the Highland clans of Scotland were decimated.
Historians act as commentators from the sidelines, while Watkins’s grainy, monochrome footage introduces the key players and the dishevelled Scots who bravely faced insurmountable odds. The film is a surreal yet mesmerizing experience, akin to watching Apocalypse Now on CNN, as it blends forensic detail with a sense of otherworldliness.
13. The Heartbreak Kid, 1972
The great Charles Grodin, the talented actor who has since passed away, stars in Elaine May’s witty and humorous romantic comedy that goes against the traditional romcom genre. Grodin’s character is a newlywed on his honeymoon with his wife, played by the Academy Award-nominated Jeannie Berlin. However, he becomes infatuated with a flirtatious student, played by Cybill Shepherd.
Neil Simon’s clever script exposes the flaws of irresponsible men, leaving no character exempt from scrutiny. The movie is worth watching for the entertaining scenes between Eddie Albert and Grodin, as they play a prospective father-in-law and a deceitful man skilled in lies and excuses.
14. Scum (1979)
Renowned for its iconic snooker ball scene that defies all expectations, Alan Clarke’s groundbreaking British drama is a masterclass in raw talent. At the heart of it all is a young Ray Winstone, who embodies the role of Carlin, a seemingly youthful inmate in a borstal, with a mesmerizing intensity beyond his years. His pursuit of alpha status in a brutal environment ruled by oppressive screws is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Yet, amidst the palpable anger that permeates the film, Clarke’s masterful camera work captures the simmering undercurrents of malevolence and pain with unparalleled precision. The result is a film that is both bruising and essential, showcasing Clarke’s unrelenting vision and Winstone’s breakout performance in a way that defies convention and leaves an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Scum is one of the best free movies on Youtube and is a must-watch.
15. Steamboat Bill, Jr (1928)
Prepare to be swept away by the timeless genius of Buster Keaton in this silent classic that defies gravity and logic. Brace yourself for one of Keaton’s wildest stunts as a falling house front hurtles toward him during a cyclone, narrowly missing him by a hair’s breadth. Keaton’s effervescent deadpan and trademark derring-do never fail to captivate, and this film is no exception, despite its initial flop at the box office.
As a paddle steamer captain embroiled in a riveting rivalry on the river, Keaton’s comedic genius shines through until a storm of epic proportions threatens them all. With its HD restoration, the film’s pin-sharp visuals will dazzle even on a worn-out old laptop, inviting you to experience the magic of Keaton’s timeless artistry in a whole new light.
16. D.O.A. (1949)
Behold the grittiest gem that YouTube has to offer, a film so tough it could crack open a dozen eggs with one blow. Rudolph Maté’s 1940s masterpiece, aptly titled “Dead on Arrival,” is a noir-like no other. With a plot that twists and turns like a labyrinth, “Dead On Arrival” could make your heart skip a beat, with slick men in tailored suits spewing razor-sharp tough-guy banter and cops who are unimpressed by it all.
But here’s the kicker – the protagonist (played by the incomparable Edmond O’Brien) reports his own death to the police, a high concept in the 1980s Hollywood movies. This is undoubtedly one of the top movies on Youtube, making it a jackpot for cinephiles who would love to savour every frame of this bastion of hard-boiled cinema. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride because “Dead on Arrival” is the epitome of vintage cool that’s been brought back to life for the modern age.
17. Safety Last! (1923)
Prepare for a wild ride with Harold Lloyd’s uproarious escapade, a heart-stopping blend of thrills and laughter that’ll instantly leave you electrified and tickled. As Lloyd, with his iconic joviality, takes daring risks and leans into his gags with gusto, contrasting with the subtle style of his comedy counterpart Buster Keaton, the result is a symphony of comedic contrasts.
And who could forget the iconic Manhattan tower scene, where Lloyd’s lovable country bumpkin finds himself dangling precariously from a teetering clock face in a case of mistaken identity at dizzying heights. Safety Last indeed, but the only thing you can be sure of is an unforgettable cinematic experience that’ll leave you gasping for breath and craving more.
18. A Star is Born (1937)
Step into the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood with the original 1937 version of A Star is Born. Janet Gaynor shines as Esther Blodgett, a wide-eyed farm girl with dreams of stardom. With the help of famous actor Norman Maine, played by the charismatic Fredric March, Esther transforms into Vicki Lester, a rising star. But their love story takes a dark turn as Norman’s alcoholism threatens to unravel everything they’ve built.
As tragedy looms, Esther must navigate the ruthless world of fame and fortune, discovering that the price of stardom may be higher than she ever imagined. Experience the timeless tale of passion, ambition, and sacrifice in this classic Hollywood masterpiece.
19. My Man Godfrey (1936)
Step back in time to the tumultuous era of the Great Depression, where the haves and have-nots clash in a comedic battle of wits. This hidden gem of a screwball comedy, brimming with class warfare themes that still resonate today, is a true delight from start to finish. With the unmatched chemistry of the legendary duo, William Powell and Carole Lombard, who were born to outwit each other, this film is a masterclass in witty banter and sharp repartee.
If you’re yet to discover this hidden gem, fear not, as YouTube awaits with its treasure trove of cinematic delights, just waiting to be uncovered by curious viewers like you. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be charmed by this timeless Depression-era comedy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
20. The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad (1973)
Embark on an enchanting voyage with the legendary Sinbad, portrayed by the dashing John Phillip Law, as he dares to challenge the menacing Grand Vizier in an epic fantasy saga that’s perfect for a leisurely Sunday afternoon. The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is one of the best free movies on Youtube, and thanks to the magic of this platform, this timeless tale is now at your fingertips 24/7, ready to transport you to a world of wonder.
But beware, for Sinbad’s journey is fraught with peril! Along the way, he must face the wrath of the multi-armed goddess Kali and a fearsome centaur who seeks to thwart his every move. Yet, amidst the danger lies the brilliance of Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion artistry, bringing to life awe-inspiring creatures that will leave you breathless with their majestic grandeur. So, set sail with Sinbad and revel in the breathtaking spectacle of this fantastical adventure that will captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more.
Summing Up
With this, we conclude YouTube’s treasure trove of free movies; that will allow you to embark on an unforgettable movie night without spending a dime. From pulse-pounding action to heartwarming tales, there’s a film for every mood and genre. So why wait? Dive into the world of cinematic masterpieces with our list of 20 Top Movies on Youtube and let your imagination soar.
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