Free movies? On YouTube? Doesn’t sound possible, but there are two workarounds.
YouTube is home to countless independent creators who, out of their own passion, have put their feature films, free to watch, on YouTube.
But that’s not the only type of movie you’d be able to watch for free.
Every year, a lot of movies enter the public domain because enough time has passed.
This means that they can be free to watch on YouTube!
With that said, let’s take a look at the best free movies on YouTube you can’t miss out on, both from independent filmmakers and some golden oldies that are now free to watch!
Best Free Movies on YouTube
1) Best Heartwarming Romance: Comfort
Ever wonder how a random encounter can shape your life? “Comfort” tells the story of a late-night delivery guy who crosses paths with a young woman visiting town. What begins as a routine night soon turns into a quiet exploration of connection, vulnerability, and intimacy over the course of 24 hours. This movie wraps you in its warmth and offers a calm, heartfelt reflection on love.
2) Best Intense Crime Drama: Mexican Gangster
“Mexican Gangster” pulls you into a world of crime, loyalty, and betrayal. It’s a story about a man who rises through the ranks of the underworld, fueled by ambition and a sharp mind. The film blends action with emotional depth, making you question the fine line between doing what’s necessary and losing yourself in the process. With a gripping lead character and fast-paced story, it’s an intense ride through the darker side of human ambition.
3) Best Redemption Story: Executor
“Executor” follows an assassin who begins to question his violent path after being tasked with eliminating a priest. As he struggles with his past, the movie reveals a complex story of redemption, faith, and moral conflict. It’s not just another hitman flick—it’s a deeper look into what it means to seek forgiveness for a life of sin. With plenty of suspense and strong character development, this movie will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
4) Best Campy Creature Feature: Jurassic Shark
“Jurassic Shark” is exactly what you think it is—big, toothy creatures terrorizing unsuspecting victims. It’s a fun, low-budget B-movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re in the mood for giant sharks, action-packed scenes, and a little campy humor, this is the movie for you. Think of it as an escape to a world where the laws of nature are bent, and you can just enjoy the chaos.
5) Best Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi: Genesis
In a bleak future, “Genesis” presents a society grappling with survival after the world has collapsed. It’s a sci-fi drama that doesn’t shy away from heavy philosophical questions, like what it truly means to be human in a world controlled by technology. With stunning visuals and a thought-provoking plot, this movie invites you to reflect on the costs of technological advancement and the loss of humanity.
6) Best High School Comedy: American Sophomore
“American Sophomore” brings you back to the absurdity of high school, where nothing makes sense but everything feels huge. It’s a comedy filled with awkward moments, pranks, and the wild antics of students trying to survive another school year. If you enjoy lighthearted fun with a mix of nostalgia, this film delivers plenty of laughs and relatable high school chaos.
7) Best Emotional Drama: Beauty in the Broken
“Beauty in the Broken” is an emotional journey of healing and second chances. When a homeless man and a social worker cross paths, their lives become intertwined in ways neither expected. It’s a touching exploration of how love and compassion can bring light into even the darkest corners of our lives. With heartfelt performances and a message of hope, this movie reminds us that beauty often lies in the most unexpected places.
8) Best Political Thriller: Betrayed
“Betrayed” takes you into the treacherous world of politics and crime, where alliances shift as fast as the tide. When a whistleblower exposes corruption, loyalty is tested, and lives are put on the line. It’s a tense thriller that explores how far people will go to protect their secrets. With twists that keep you guessing, this film delivers plenty of suspense and an intense narrative you won’t soon forget.
9) Best Action-Packed Vigilante Film: Outlawed
“Outlawed” follows a former British Royal Marine who becomes a vigilante, fighting to expose the truth behind a political conspiracy. With intense action scenes and a gripping storyline, this movie is perfect for anyone who loves an underdog story. The protagonist’s relentless pursuit of justice gives the film a raw edge, making it both thrilling and inspiring as he risks it all to uncover the truth.
10) Best Dark Comedy: Bad People
“Bad People” is a dark comedy that looks at the absurdity of human nature through a series of interconnected stories. It’s quirky, sarcastic, and unafraid to poke fun at life’s messiness. The characters are flawed, sometimes hilariously so, and the film isn’t shy about showing the chaos of their poor choices. Expect to laugh and potentially cringe in equal measure as the film holds up a mirror to society’s darker impulses.
11) Best Historical Drama: Father Rupert Mayer
This film tells the true story of Father Rupert Mayer, a Catholic priest who stood up to the Nazis during World War II. His courage and unshakable faith in the face of tyranny make this a powerful story of resistance and hope. The film is both an inspiring tribute to a man who refused to stay silent and a reminder of the cost of speaking out against oppression. If you’re looking for a historical drama with emotional weight, this one delivers.
12) Best Gritty Crime Drama: Bad Cop
“Bad Cop” is a gritty crime drama about a cop who’s forced to confront his own corruption. As he navigates the murky waters of the criminal world, he faces a moral reckoning that could cost him everything. This movie dives deep into the gray areas of law enforcement, offering a tense narrative filled with betrayal, deception, and tough choices. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys stories that aren’t black and white.
13) Best Heist Thriller: Dutch Kills
In the seedy underbelly of New York, “Dutch Kills” weaves a tale of crime, loyalty, and desperation. It follows a group of friends entangled in a dangerous heist that goes wrong, leaving them scrambling for survival. The film offers gritty realism, keeping you on edge as the characters navigate betrayal and consequences. If you’re a fan of intense, character-driven stories, this one’s for you.
14) Best Family Drama: Homestate
“Homestate” is a quiet yet impactful film about family, forgiveness, and starting over. When a woman’s brother comes to stay with her, old wounds are reopened, and the film gently explores the complexities of family relationships. It’s a slow-burn drama, rich with emotional nuance, perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories. The movie leaves you thinking about the delicate balance of love and responsibility.
15) Best Redemption Sports Drama: Broke
In “Broke,” a struggling ex-football star tries to rebuild his life after hitting rock bottom. It’s a raw, emotional story about redemption and the hard road to recovery. The film doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of overcoming addiction and failure, making it both honest and uplifting. If you’re in the mood for a story about second chances and personal growth, “Broke” will resonate with you on a deep level.
Free Old Movies on YouTube
1) Best Spy Sci-Fi: The Ambushers
How do you stop a flying saucer with a secret weapon? “The Ambushers” dives into a quirky mix of spy action and sci-fi, following an agent tasked with recovering a stolen UFO. The film leans into its 1960s charm with over-the-top gadgets, lighthearted humor, and colorful set pieces. It’s a fun, retro romp where you’ll enjoy the campy espionage and a plot that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
2) Best Classic Animal Adventure: Lassie
“Lassie” is the heartwarming tale of a brave dog’s journey to reunite with her family. Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, this classic adventure tugs at your emotions as Lassie overcomes incredible odds. With themes of loyalty, courage, and the bond between humans and animals, this film remains a timeless story for all ages. It’s a gentle reminder of how love and loyalty can conquer even the toughest challenges.
3) Best Dark Comedy Drama: The Comic
“The Comic” delves into the darker side of comedy, following a once-famous comedian who spirals into bitterness and regret. This movie offers a sobering look at how the pursuit of fame can fracture a person’s soul. With a hauntingly real performance by the lead, it explores the isolation and disillusionment that often hides behind a smile. If you’re drawn to character studies that peel away the layers of a broken man, this one’s for you.
4) Best Nostalgic Romance: Dancing at the Harvest Moon
“Dancing at the Harvest Moon” is a tender story of rekindling lost love and rediscovering passion. When a woman returns to the place where she spent her youth, she’s forced to confront old memories and find new hope. It’s a touching drama that beautifully captures how life’s second chances come in unexpected ways. With its picturesque setting and gentle romance, this film offers a heartwarming escape into nostalgia and renewal.
5) Best Crime Comedy: Drive In
“Drive In” takes you back to the summer of ’75, where a small Texas town finds itself embroiled in a robbery gone wrong at the local drive-in theater. The film mixes humor with action, capturing the feel of carefree teenage nights while weaving a crime plot through the fun. It’s the kind of movie that feels like a trip back in time—full of heart, small-town charm, and a little bit of chaos.
6) Best Cold War Spy Thriller: Assignment K
“Assignment K” plunges you into a Cold War thriller with double-crosses and high-stakes espionage. When a secret agent’s cover is blown, his life is on the line, and the tension ramps up as he struggles to outwit both sides. Full of intrigue and classic spy film elements, this movie is perfect for anyone who loves a taut, suspenseful plot. It’s a throwback to the days when secrets and lies were currency.
7) Best Classic Melodrama: Queen Bee
“Queen Bee” is a masterclass in melodrama, centering on a manipulative woman who wreaks havoc on everyone around her. Joan Crawford’s performance steals the show as the domineering matriarch who controls her family with a poisonous charm. The film is a biting look at power dynamics within a wealthy family, filled with tension and sharp dialogue. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy films driven by strong, unyielding characters.
8) Best Gothic Horror: The Gorgon
In “The Gorgon,” ancient mythology comes to life with a terrifying twist. A village is plagued by a creature that can turn its victims to stone, and it’s up to a young man and a professor to uncover the truth. This atmospheric horror from Hammer Films is rich with gothic visuals and eerie suspense. If you love the old-school monster movies that drip with tension and mystery, this one is a hauntingly good choice.
9) Best Dark Satire: The National Health
Ever wonder what happens when life in a hospital is played out like a dark comedy? “The National Health” mixes satire with drama, exposing the absurdity of the British healthcare system in the 1970s. The movie uses humor to address serious issues, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining. With its sharp wit and commentary on the human condition, it’s a unique watch for anyone who enjoys a mix of humor and reflection.
10) Best Psychological Thriller: Fragment of Fear
“Fragment of Fear” takes you on a psychological journey into paranoia and mystery. When an author investigates his aunt’s suspicious death, he’s pulled into a web of conspiracies that leave him questioning reality. This thriller keeps you on edge as the protagonist’s grip on sanity begins to slip. If you’re a fan of mind-bending plots that unravel in unexpected ways, this film will keep you guessing until the final moments.
