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Yes—you can watch many movies and shows on a Samsung Smart TV without paying for Netflix, Hulu, or another monthly service. The best starting points are Tubi for on-demand viewing, Samsung TV Plus for the easiest built-in option, Pluto TV for live channels, and Plex for a mix of free streaming and personal media.
This is a U.S.-focused guide. App availability depends on your Samsung TV model, Tizen/Smart Hub software, country, and the apps currently listed in your television’s App Store. Most commercial services are free with advertising; Kanopy and Hoopla require access through a participating library or university. A Samsung account and internet connection may be required for Smart Hub services.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Movies/shows | Live channels | Free model | Account or card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Best overall on demand | Strong | Some | Ads | Usually optional |
| Samsung TV Plus | Built-in Samsung option | Yes | Strong | Ads | Samsung account may be required |
| Pluto TV | Cable-like channel surfing | Yes | Strong | Ads | Usually optional |
| Plex | Free streaming and personal files | Yes | Yes | Ads for free catalog | Account recommended |
| The Roku Channel | Mixed free catalog | Yes | Yes | Ads | Varies |
| Xumo Play | Additional live channels | Some | Strong | Ads | Usually optional |
| Sling Freestream | Free live-TV tier | Yes | Yes | Ads | Optional Sling account |
| YouTube | Official uploads and variety | Mixed | Some | Ads; some paid titles | Optional |
| FilmRise | Classic and crime TV | Strong niche catalog | Some | Ads | Usually optional |
| Fawesome | Themed genres | Yes | Some | Ads | Usually optional |
| DistroTV | International and niche channels | Some | Strong | Ads | Usually optional |
| Kanopy | Library documentaries and films | Strong curated catalog | No | Library access | Library card/university |
| Hoopla | Borrowing video from a library | Yes | No | Library access | Library card |
“Best” is an editorial recommendation by use case, not a permanent ranking. Catalogs, advertisements, channel lineups and compatibility change.
Which app should you choose?
- Broadest on-demand choice: Tubi, with Plex as a backup.
- Easiest built-in option: Samsung TV Plus.
- Traditional channel surfing: Pluto TV, then Xumo Play.
- Free live TV without a paid cable bundle: Pluto TV or Sling Freestream.
- Your own legally stored movie files: Plex.
- Library and educational films: Kanopy or Hoopla.
- Classic crime and television: FilmRise.
- Official creator, documentary and studio uploads: YouTube.
- Fewest sign-up hurdles: Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV or Tubi for basic viewing.
The 13 apps explained
1. Tubi — best overall for on-demand viewing
Tubi is the strongest first download when you want to pick a movie or episode rather than wait for a channel. Its catalog is ad-supported, titles rotate, and basic viewing is often available without a provider account; an account is useful for watchlists and history. Tubi identifies the U.S. as a supported market and lists Samsung Smart TVs among supported devices, but regional catalogs differ. Search your TV’s App Store rather than assuming every model supports it.
#1 Best Overall
- HDR: Enjoy great contrast in all your content. High Dynamic Range (HDR) expands the contrast between the lightest and darkest parts of a scene, so you can enjoy a wide spectrum of colors and visual details.
- OBJECT TRACKING SOUND LITE: Feel like you're part of the scene with audio that follows the action on screen. Featuring a virtual top channel, every sound is precisely placed in space, placing you in the heart of the scene.
- SAMSUNG KNOX SECURITY: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- ONE UI TIZEN: Stream your favorite movies and shows and access your favorite apps and games on an intuitive smart TV platform, powered by Samsung Tizen OS.
- ENDLESS CONTENT: Access 2,700+ free channels including 400+ Samsung TV Plus premium channels with just your WiFiconnection. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more -live and on demand. With content frequently added, there’s always something new to discover.
2. Samsung TV Plus — best built-in starting point
Samsung TV Plus is Samsung’s own free, ad-supported service and may already be installed. It combines programmed live channels with an on-demand section, so it feels closer to cable than to a pure library app. Samsung says TV Plus offers hundreds of live channels and thousands of on-demand movies and shows and is available on Samsung Smart TVs released after 2016; verify your specific regional model. It requires internet access, and Smart Hub services may require a Samsung account.
3. Pluto TV — best live-TV replacement
Pluto TV combines linear, themed channels with on-demand movies and shows. It is particularly good for passive viewing—choose a channel and let it play—but less convenient when you need one exact title immediately. Basic viewing is generally available without a paid subscription, while channel schedules and on-demand programming change frequently.
4. Plex — best hybrid option
Plex has its own free, ad-supported movies, shows and live channels. Separately, it can organize and stream media you legally own through a personal Plex Media Server. That second feature is not free content supplied by Plex: you need your own files and usually another computer or storage device that stays available. Optional Plex upgrades exist, but they are not required for the free catalog.
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The Roku Channel offers free ad-supported movies, shows, live channels and Roku Originals. The name does not automatically mean a Roku device is required; if the Samsung app is listed for your model and region, it can be used there. Availability and some features vary, and the app may also display rentals, purchases or premium subscriptions alongside free programming.
6. Xumo Play — best extra live-channel service
Xumo Play is primarily a free, ad-supported live-channel experience. It is useful alongside TV Plus and Pluto TV when you want more news, entertainment or movie channels, but it is not usually the first choice for searching a specific film. Lineups differ by market.
Rank #2
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
7. Sling Freestream — best free tier from a paid-TV brand
Sling Freestream is Sling’s no-subscription, ad-supported tier with live and on-demand programming. Do not confuse it with Sling Orange or Blue, which are paid plans. Freestream can suit viewers comparing free and paid live television, while Tubi or Plex may be simpler if your only goal is on-demand movies.
8. YouTube — best for official free uploads
YouTube includes official free-with-ads movies, television episodes, documentaries and creator programming, but also rentals, purchases and user uploads. Prefer studio, network, distributor, museum or verified creator channels, and check that a title is clearly labeled free before pressing play. Its breadth is a strength; its mixed search results require more judgment than a dedicated movie service.
Recommended Free Tools
9. FilmRise — best for classic and genre television
FilmRise is a useful niche choice for classic TV, crime, documentaries, reality and genre collections. It is generally less focused on current theatrical films than Tubi, so choose it for curated older programming rather than as your only streaming app. Viewing is ad-supported and app availability depends on the television and region.
10. Fawesome — best for themed browsing
Fawesome organizes free, ad-supported movies and shows around genres and themes. It can be a convenient discovery app when you know the type of film you want but not the title. Catalog depth and Samsung support can vary, so search your television’s App Store directly.
11. DistroTV — best supplemental international and niche channels
DistroTV focuses on free live channels, including international and specialist programming, with some on-demand content. It is better treated as a supplement than as a replacement for the larger general-purpose services. Channel availability can be less predictable for a U.S. viewer and changes by market.
Rank #3
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
12. Kanopy — best library-card service for curated films
Kanopy provides films, documentaries and educational programming through participating public libraries and universities. You need an eligible library card or academic login; access is not universal, and the institution may impose monthly play-credit or viewing limits. When available, its curated catalog can be more valuable for documentary and educational viewing than a typical FAST service.
13. Hoopla — best for borrowing library video
Hoopla lets members of participating libraries borrow digital movies, television and other media. A supported library card and account are required, while title availability, borrowing limits and streaming windows are set by your library. It is not universally free for every viewer, but it is an excellent option if your library already supports Hoopla.
How to install an app on a Samsung Smart TV
Samsung’s general path is:
- Press Home on the remote.
- Select Apps.
- Choose the Search icon and enter the app name.
- Select the correct result, then choose Install.
- Select Open, or choose Add to Home if offered.
Samsung says only apps shown in the TV’s App Store can be installed. A missing result may mean the app is not supported by your model, software version or region—not that the service has vanished. Newer apps may require updates that older hardware cannot receive. Samsung account access and an internet connection may also be necessary.
If an app is missing, buffering or crashing
- Confirm the TV is connected to the internet and test another app.
- Search again under Home → Apps, checking the exact app name.
- Cold-boot the TV by holding the remote’s Power button for about five seconds, or unplug it for 30 seconds.
- Update it at Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
- Delete and reinstall the problem app. If deletion is unavailable for a recommended app, use Reinstall when shown.
- For persistent Smart Hub problems, reset Smart Hub only after recording your sign-in details. The reset signs you out of Samsung and app accounts.
- If every other app works, contact the streaming provider; the issue may be its service or account rather than the television.
What “free” does—and does not—mean
Free streaming usually means no monthly subscription for selected licensed programming, not commercial-free access to every movie. Expect advertising on Tubi, TV Plus, Pluto TV, Plex’s free catalog, The Roku Channel, Xumo Play, Sling Freestream, FilmRise, Fawesome and DistroTV. YouTube mixes free videos with rentals and purchases. Kanopy and Hoopla are free only through participating institutions. Content can leave when licensing rights expire.
FAST apps also do not automatically provide your local ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX station. If local broadcast channels are your priority, an antenna may be more appropriate than a streaming app. Avoid unknown apps, unofficial streams, sideloaded packages and services promising brand-new theatrical releases without an identifiable company, terms, privacy policy and support page. Installing through Samsung’s official App Store is the safer starting point.
Rank #4
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Samsung TV movie apps really free?
Most listed commercial apps offer a free tier funded by advertising. You will see commercial breaks, and some apps also present rentals, purchases or premium subscriptions.
Does Samsung TV Plus require a subscription?
No paid subscription is required. It is Samsung’s free, ad-supported service, although internet access and Samsung Smart Hub/account requirements may apply.
Can I watch local channels for free with these apps?
Not necessarily. FAST services provide internet channels and may not carry your local ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX station. An antenna is often the better solution for local broadcast TV.
Why can’t I find Tubi or Pluto TV?
The app may be unsupported on your model, unavailable in your region, restricted by the TV’s software version or listed differently. Only apps appearing in your Samsung App Store can be installed.
Do older Samsung TVs support these apps?
Support varies by model year, software and developer requirements. Update the TV and check its App Store; an external streaming player may help if the television is no longer supported.
Best Value
- MINI LED PROCESSOR 4K: Our advanced processor delivers brighter highlights and deeper blacks,* bringing every detail to life with stunning clarity
- PURE COLOR SPECTRUM: delivers one billion true-to-life colors, powered by advanced color technology and MiniLED precision. Enjoy rich reds, deep blues, and vibrant greens, making every scene leap off the screen with breathtaking realism.
- MINI LED HDR: Experience HDR picture quality with brighter highlights and deeper blacks than traditional HDR TVs.* Enjoy vibrant colors and lifelike details as this technology enhances brightness and contrast, making every image stand out with remarkable depth and realism.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- SUPREME MINI LED DIMMING: delivers deep contrast and bright highlights for a truly superb picture.*
Which apps work without signing up?
Basic viewing is often available without a provider account on Tubi, Pluto TV, Xumo Play, FilmRise, Fawesome and DistroTV, subject to current policies. Samsung Smart Hub may still require a Samsung account.
Which app is best for kids?
Start with Samsung TV Plus, Tubi or YouTube using supervised profiles, parental controls and official channels. Catalogs and controls change, so review settings on the TV.
Do I need a library card for Kanopy or Hoopla?
Yes. You need a participating library or university for Kanopy, and a participating library card for Hoopla. Limits and titles depend on that institution.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How do I remove an app from my Samsung TV?
Open Home → Apps, highlight the app, open its options menu and choose Delete when available. Recommended apps may not offer deletion; use Reinstall instead.
The Bottom Line
For most U.S. Samsung owners, install Tubi for on-demand movies, try Samsung TV Plus first because it may already be built in, and add Pluto TV for live channel surfing. Choose Kanopy or Hoopla if your library participates, and remember that every recommendation depends on the apps listed for your specific TV, region and software.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
