If you’re trying to figure out how to balance your free time at home, and the lack of money in your wallet, then maybe this list of free movies, tv shows, ebooks, and library resources will help fill in the void.
Free Movies and TV Shows
Here’s short listing of the best free streaming movie and TV series sites I could find. I’ll update if I find more sites.
The imdb site has a very good collection of movies and TV shows. And if the TV shows you’re looking for are not available on imdb try tubi or pluto.
Crackle has a good selection of Comedy and a few Classics that are a must watch. Some of my faves are: Dr. Strangelove, Taxi Driver, and Black Dynamite.
Open Culture is a rabbit hole of numerous free movies, and also a great source for educational courses.
UBU has been around for a while and still holds up as a wonderful source for avant-garde and art films. There’s also historical documents, dance, experimental sound, and plenty more all pertaining to the avant-garde.
YouTube Free Movies can be hit or miss but there’s some classics like Teen Wolf, Meatballs, Hackers, War Games, and a few others along with Children’s movies.
And live animal cam is a little lagniappe for when you need to watch some cute critters be themselves.
The following two sites, Kanopy and Hoopla, will require your library card to log-in. If you do not have an Orleans Parish Library card you can get a temporary card here. If you live in Jefferson Parish you can access a temporary library card here. Both libraries are not open to the public but they do have someone answering calls to help you if you’re having diffculty logging in with your card information.
If you’re into British TV shows Acorn is providing people everywhere with a 30-day free trial. Use “FREE30” when you sign-up for your trial. And if horror is more your thing then Shudder is providing a 30-day free trial, use “SHUTIN” when signing up. Both sites’ 30-day trials are for new subscribers.
You can always opt for a digital antenna (the antenna will cost) and you will be provided with TV for free. A lot of people forget this is an option. I know I do.
You can also check with your phone carrier service if the plan you’re on provides free streaming services. I downgraded my plan recently, but the one above my current plan did provide me with free AT&T. TV streaming service.
Free eBooks
These three sites will require a library card. See above how to acquire one if you need one until the libraries open again.
Additional Digital Library Resources
The links in this section are to local and State Library sites. Some of the resources on the sites have already been mentioned, but there might be some additional resources you might be interested in.
The LA Library site has a lot of additional links. The site looks outdated, but a lot of the links will bring you to external sites easier to use. There’s also sections on job hunting and educational resources to help with the job worries.
And these are two very popular library sites with access to a vast collection of information. Open to anyone.
Internet Archive is another source of older material, but provides links to movies, books, images, and more. Some of the movies are classics like ‘Deep Red’, ‘Return of the Living Dead’, and ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’ along with classic Film Noirs, Comedies, and Silent Films.
The Wikipedia Free Library source is an extensive rabbit hole of links that could take you a few months to go through. Enjoy!
