Relying on PrimeWire for your streaming needs once provided a large library of movies and shows. However, you likely grew frustrated with its frequent legal issues and security risks.
As an unlicensed site, it faced repeated lawsuits and domain seizures from major studios.
So, which free legal sites can you watch content from without security risks? Below are the top ten PrimeWire alternatives that are free or have a free trial.
1. Plex
- Free Plan/Trial: Free with ads
Plex allows you to create a media server to organize and stream your personal video, photo, and music collections to multiple devices.
Its expanding channel offers access to live-streaming TV, movies, and shows. The free tier offers thousands of movies, shows, and more from major partners like Warner Bros., Lionsgate, and others.
You will appreciate the sleek and customizable interface as you browse through the platform. You can also get customized recommendations based on your watch history and likes.
Additionally, you can download shows to mobile devices for offline viewing or use its vast collection of plugins to access more content.
Signing up is not required to use Plex, so you can start streaming instantly from your existing media collections or the free on-demand content.
2. Fandor
- Free Plan/Trial: Free movies with ads
Fandor is another PrimeWire alternative focused on bringing you independent and international films you may not find on other popular platforms.
Here, you can access a curated selection of classic and new independent movies. You can watch these films for free with a few ads played throughout.
You can easily browse their collection by genre or director or search on this platform. Each movie page provides helpful details like the plot, cast, and critic reviews to help you discover new cinematic gems.
The platform’s ads are minimal and friendly. However, you can have an ad-free experience for subscription plans starting at $4.99 a month or $49.99 annually.
3. Freevee
- Free Plan/Trial: Free with ads
Freevee is an Amazon-owned streaming platform that hosts thousands of popular films and television programs at no cost to viewers.
Content is made accessible through advertisements displayed before and during playback. Major studio projects are represented alongside original Freevee or Amazon content.
4. Rakuten TV
- Free Plan/Trial: Free with ads, paid content available too
Many Rakuten TV selections are freely available but with advertisements. You can make premium purchases using credit cards or loyalty points earned in the app to access paid content.
The service focuses more on the European market. However, it has international content that exposes you to a more globally diverse selection.
Rakuten TV works across devices, so content is accessible whenever and wherever it is desired.
5. Open Culture
- Free Plan/Trial: Free educational films and documentaries
Open Culture partners with educational institutions worldwide to offer you scholarly documentaries, movies, and courses for free public viewing.
The platform aims to make learning more accessible and affordable for all interested audiences.
You can filter the content by subject area on the website and apps. The videos on this platform cover diverse topics to inform and inspire you through thought-provoking nonfiction media.
6. Hoopla
- Free Plan/Trial: Free with a library card
Hoopla offers thousands of movies, TV shows, comics, audiobooks, and books. Browsing and searching the platform’s extensive catalog through its intuitive website and the app is simple.
Personalized recommendations also help you discover new favorites. Once borrowed, selections can be streamed, downloaded, and enjoyed offline within the loan period.
Best of all, using this PrimeWire alternative through your library is completely free. You simply need a valid library card and an activation code for unlimited entertainment and knowledge access.
7. Tubi
- Free Plan/Trial: Free ad-supported streaming service
Tubi is another popular free streaming alternative to PrimeWire, giving access to over 40,000 movies and TV shows without cost.
You can utilize Tubi’s massive on-demand library of Hollywood hits spanning genres like action, comedy, and drama. Ads play before and during streams, allowing convenient watching on any device.
Tubi also personalizes recommendations based on interests. The platform learns the viewer’s preferences to suggest new content.
You may have to activate Tubi before watching its content.
8. YouTube
Free Plan/Trial: Free with ads, rentals and purchases available
YouTube is known worldwide for user videos but also has movies and shows in regions like the US.
Here, YouTube lets you watch free films with ads or buy movies and TV episodes without monthly fees.
YouTube’s interface is intuitive, and browsing is simple on mobile, tablet, or desktop.
It also offers videos in several qualities, so you can choose the one that matches your device capabilities and internet speed connection.
You can avoid the adverts by subscribing to YouTube Premium, which costs $7.99 for students and $22.99 for families monthly. You can start with its free trial.
9. Crunchyroll
- Free Plan/Trial: Free with ads
Crunchyroll has long given anime fans access to the latest simulcast series, movies, and OVAs.
Free users can watch select anime with ads or upgrade to ad-free viewing with a premium subscription for $7.99.
Crunchyroll has amassed one of the largest anime libraries globally, with thousands of titles from recent seasons and decades. We’ve covered more about it in our review.
The platform is optimized for fans, with features like episode tracking, dubs/subs, custom playlists, and recommendations. You can also read manga on the platform.
With a strong community and regular updates, Crunchyroll remains a top choice for streaming anime worldwide.
10. Crackle
- Free Plan/Trial: Free ad-supported streaming service
You can access a large collection of TV shows and movies on Crackle TV, spanning all genres for free.
The library includes both Crackle originals and programming from major studios. Ads play before and during, allowing watching this content at no monthly cost.
Crackle has a clean interface optimized for discovering new content. It also offers specialized pages for genres like action or comedy.