To help you get around these pesky paywalls – in a legal way, of course – we’ve found a bunch of platforms that offer either a good chunk or their entire premium libraries without cost. For the most part, you just need to sign up, confirm your account, and then click on whatever entertainment piece you want to enjoy.
Streaming hit shows and movies for free online
Usually, you think you’d need to subscribe to a satellite TV or streaming platform to see the shows and films worth watching. Netflix has become commonplace in homes and as a button on smart TV remotes, but much like other platforms, it overextended at the turn of the decade and has since needed to jack up its prices to account for its miscalculations.
If you’re not on board with the price bumps, there’s plenty of great shows and films to watch at free online streaming platforms. Pluto is one of the best of these. They run live TV throughout the day with several channels and have an on-demand selection. At the time of writing, the Pluto’s Movie Picks section included The Eye, Misconduct, and Bachelorette.
Another fine choice would be Tubi. Here, you’ll find a whole host of classic and hit movies, as well as a whole section dedicated to the trending K-Dramas. Whether you want to watch Child’s Play 3, The Twilight Saga, Sharknado, Kill Bill, Blue Streak, Charlie’s Angels, or Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, it’s all on Tubi. Alternatively, you could make the most of a week of free premium Japanese animated shows on Crunchyroll.
Gaming on the house
Gaming has become the biggest entertainment industry, in terms of revenue, and when you see the price tags on major new releases and the hardware needed to play them, it’s easy to see why. Still, video gaming isn’t the most premium form of gaming. Online casino games are pay-as-you-play, which is why it’s quite surprising that there are promos and codes for top casino sites. These offer free gaming through no-wagering bonuses.
In traditional video gaming, free gaming has a bit of a tinge to it, primarily due to freemium mobile games. Plus, if you want to play high-tier premium games, they usually operate as multiplayer outings – which aren’t for everyone. The likes of Counter-Strike 2, Destiny 2, DOTA 2, and Apex Legends are very popular, but there is a way to get those premium, usually single-player releases, too.
This is where the Epic Games Store comes into play. There is a slight catch that you don’t get to pick from a library of premium games being offered for free. Still, with the number that go out every month and each month often featuring at least one triple-A title and an indie hit, there’s something to suit everyone. At the time of writing, F.I.S.T. was the free game with LumbearJack on the way.
The premium platforms may be jacking up their prices, and single entertainment products may be getting more expensive, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy great films, games, and shows without cost.