Watch your beloved movies on YouTube with our handy guide
If you’re in search of fresh content to enjoy on YouTube, there's a plethora of full-length movies readily available for streaming. YouTube hosts numerous free movies uploaded on channels or available for streaming with ads. If they're not free, you can easily purchase or rent the movie directly from YouTube. Regardless of your movie preferences, we're here to assist you in finding them effortlessly. Continue reading for more tips on finding free full movies or buying them on your account.
Essential Information
- Explore the Free with Ads section on YouTube to discover available movies at no extra cost.
- Search for the movie title along with 'full movie' to see if it's been uploaded. Alternatively, explore indie movies on channels like Movie Central or Bigtime Free Movies.
- To purchase or rent a movie, search for the title and click on the “Buy or Rent” option. Choose the streaming quality and make the payment to start watching the movie.
Steps to Follow
Discovering Free Movies on YouTube

Explore the “Free with Ads” section on the Movies & TV page. Access YouTube on your computer, phone, smart TV, or any device. Navigate to the Explore tab or menu on your device, locate the “Movies & TV” option, and click on it. On the following screen, click “Free with Ads” at the top to view the available movies accessible with your YouTube account at no extra cost. These movies span from recent releases to classics, with new additions regularly ensuring a wide selection.
- Although you can't directly search or filter the free movies for a specific film, they are categorized by genre, simplifying the process of finding one that suits your preferences.
- If you have a YouTube Premium account, you'll enjoy uninterrupted viewing without ads. However, Premium doesn't grant access to additional movies beyond what's available in the free section.
- Upon selecting a movie, check below the video for its rating, duration, and a brief plot summary.

Explore channels that upload full movies, particularly indie and low-budget films. While they might not feature blockbuster releases, indie movies offer unique experiences and are often produced on smaller budgets. Numerous channels upload such movies, accessible on any device with a standard account. Consider checking out channels like:
- Movie Central for movies spanning all genres
- Bigtime Free Movies for indie action, drama, and thriller films
- Free Movies by Cineverse for a diverse selection of action, thriller, comedy, and family movies
- Horror Central for full-length indie horror films.

Search for the movie title followed by “full movie” to check for uploads. Log in to YouTube on your computer, phone, or any device and access the search bar. Enter the name of the movie you wish to watch followed by “full movie” or “free.” Scan through the search results for a video matching the movie's duration. With luck, someone may have uploaded it to their account.
- Finding movies this way can be challenging as videos are often removed due to copyright violations.
- Avoid clicking on links in video descriptions offering movie downloads as they may lead to sites with malicious software. Downloading pirated movies from such sites may also be illegal in your region.
Renting or Purchasing Movies on YouTube

Find the movie you wish to watch. Sign in to YouTube and navigate to the search bar. Input the full title of the movie and initiate your search. If the movie is available for purchase or rental, it will typically appear as the top result under the account “YouTube Movies & TV.”
- If you're undecided on a movie, explore the Movies & TV page to peruse recent releases and various genres.
- If a movie doesn't show up in your search, it might not be accessible on YouTube. Consider using a platform like JustWatch to explore alternative streaming options.
- Upon selecting a movie, you can view its trailer, check the runtime and rating, and read a plot summary to gauge your interest.

Click on the “Buy or Rent” button and choose the streaming quality. Select the button adjacent to or below the movie listing on the YouTube page. Once the new pop-up menu appears, decide whether you want to temporarily rent the movie or purchase it for your account. Then, opt for the streaming quality if multiple options are available.
- To buy or rent a movie on YouTube, you must be 18 or older.
- Some movies may only be available for purchase, particularly new releases immediately after leaving theaters.
- Usually, you can choose between standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD). Some movies may offer ultra-high definition (UHD), albeit at a slightly higher cost.

Input your payment details if they aren't already saved. If you've previously made purchases on YouTube or have payment information stored in your Google account, you might already have a payment method linked to your account. If you wish to use a different payment method or need to add one, enter the details for a credit or debit card. Once the information is saved, confirm the purchase to buy or rent the movie.
- If you're attempting to buy or rent a movie on a smart TV or gaming console, log in via a computer or mobile device to add new payment information.

Navigate to the “Purchases” section on the Movies & TV tab to begin watching the movie. Access the Movies & TV tab through the Explore menu on the left side of the screen. Click on the “Purchases” tab to locate any movies you've bought or rented. When ready to commence viewing, select the desired movie from the list and hit play!
- On mobile devices, click the compass icon at the top-left corner of the screen to open the Explore menu.
- Once you rent a movie on YouTube, you have 30 days to start watching it. Once playback begins, you'll have 48 hours to finish before it disappears from your account.
Helpful Hints
Cautionary Notes
- Sharing copyrighted content on YouTube may result in the termination of your account and prohibit you from creating new ones. While it's fine to view movies available on YouTube, refrain from downloading or re-uploading them.