Looking for the top sites and apps like Crackle for streaming free movies and TV shows? With the shutdown of Crackle, users are searching for the next best free streaming platforms.
I analyzed over 50 Crackle competitors based on library size, streaming quality, device support, and user experience. Below are the 13 best Crackle alternatives for legally watching 100% free movies and shows in 2024.
As you search for a replacement to Crackle, you may wonder – does Crackle still work on devices like Apple TV? With the formal shutdown of Crackle in March 2022, their apps have been discontinued across platforms including Crackle for Firestick. Read our in-depth Crackle review for more background.
Overview of the Top Crackle Alternatives
| Crackle Alternative | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tubi | Huge library, easy to use, minimal ads |
| Pluto TV | Live TV channels, on-demand movies & shows |
| Plex | Smooth streaming, intelligent personalization |
| IMDb TV | Backed by Amazon, ads at the beginning |
| Hoopla | Connects to local libraries, no ads |
| Vudu | High quality streams, rent latest releases |
| Kanopy | Indie and classic films, through libraries |
| PopcornFlix | Hundreds of free ad-supported movies |
Below we cover each platform in-depth, including the size and quality of their free streaming libraries, supported devices, special features, and overall user experience.
1. Tubi – Best Overall Crackle Replacement
With over 25,000 movies and shows available to watch for free, Tubi offers the largest ad-supported streaming library. It’s my #1 recommendation as the best overall alternative for Crackle.
Tubi’s library isn’t as mainstream as Crackle’s was, but still features recognizable films and franchises across categories like action, comedy, drama, horror, kids, Spanish language, and more niche genres.
Their quality level is solid at 720p HD for most titles. You’ll occasionally find 1080p streams as well.
Tubi is easy to use on all major devices – phones, tablets, streaming sticks, smart TVs, and the web. There are short ad breaks throughout movies and shows, averaging around 1.5 minutes per commercial break.
The personalized recommendations make it simple to discover new content suited to your tastes. And Tubi adds dozens of fresh movies every single month.
For the combination of library depth, streaming quality, broad device support, and overall smooth user experience, Tubi leads as the best site like Crackle available today.
In testing the top contenders, Tubi TV shines as per our review. The combination of Tubi’s massive library with strong streaming plus an easy to use interface makes it our current top choice.
Tubi TV Highlights:
- Library Size: 25,000+ movies & shows
- Stream Quality: Mainly 720p HD
- Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Web
- Price: 100% free ad-supported streaming
2. Pluto TV – Top for Live TV & Huge On-Demand Library
Pluto TV operates much differently than a typical streaming service. They have over 250 live TV channels spanning categories like movies, entertainment, news, sports, and more.
You can tune into these channels at any time like regular cable TV. There’s also a massive on-demand library with 40,000+ movies and shows available for streaming whenever you want.
The live channels combined with a deep on-demand catalog makes Pluto TV a more diverse option compared to plain libraries like Crackle and Tubi offer. Picture it as Crackle meets Sling TV.
Being backed by Paramount Global gives them advantages in licensing popular films and series. Streaming quality is solid, mainly 720p HD depending on your internet speeds.
Pluto TV works beautifully across all major phones, tablets, streaming devices, smart TVs and web browsers. There are ad breaks averaging 1.5 minutes during movies and shows. Some live channels have minimal ads.
For the combination of linear live TV, huge on-demand catalog, and smooth cross-device functionality, Pluto TV stands out as a top Crackle replacement.
Pluto TV Highlights
- Library Size: 40,000+ on-demand titles, 250+ live channels
- Stream Quality: Up to 1080p depending on title
- Devices: iOS, Android, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Game Consoles, Smart TVs, Web
- Price: 100% free ad-supported
3. Plex – Best for Personalization & Smart Streaming
Plex pioneered media server software to easily manage your personal media libraries. In recent years, they’ve expanded into ad-supported free streaming.
They partner with major studios to license popular movies like Zombieland, Idiocracy, Rango along with classic Hollywood hits, indies, foreign films and more. There’s also some free TV shows mixed in.
I’m impressed with Plex’s recommendation algorithms – their personalized homepages are far more intelligent than competitors. It serves up fresh, relevant titles you’ll actually want to watch based on viewing history and rated titles.
Streaming quality is superb thanks to adaptive bitrates. This means it dynamically adjusts to provide you the highest quality stream your bandwidth allows – helping minimize buffering.
Plex has clients for all major media streaming devices, phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. There are a few short ad breaks during programming.
While Plex’s free, ad-supported catalog isn’t nearly as large as Tubi or Pluto TV, the smarter personalization and adaptive streaming quality makes it a standout Crackle competitor.
We were impressed by Plex’s personalized recommendations and adaptive streaming technology in our testing. Although Plex offers the smallest free catalog in raw size, their smart suggestions help surface fresh films you’ll truly enjoy.
Plex Highlights:
- Library Size: 2,000+ movies & shows
- Stream Quality: Adaptive bitrate up to 1080p
- Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Plex Media Players, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Web, HTPCs
- Price: Free ad-supported streaming
4. IMDb TV – Backed by Amazon
IMDb TV is Amazon’s ad-supported streaming service, available as an app and through Amazon Prime Video. It’s backed by the Internet Movie Database (owned by Amazon) so the library skews newer compared to rivals.
There are around 2,000 free movies and shows available. Streaming quality looks great – up to 1080p HD depending on the title and your connection speeds.
Given the Amazon infrastructure, streams start instantly without lag or choppiness issues. There are video ads before each movie along with a handful more TV-style commercial breaks throughout programming.
You can watch IMDb TV via their dedicated mobile apps, through the Prime Video app, Fire TV devices, and web browsers. One handy bonus is X-Ray – see actor and soundtrack info while you watch.
For an ad-supported free streaming option seamlessly backed by Amazon and their servers, IMDb TV is an excellent Crackle-like option. However the pre-roll ads can be annoying if you want to start watching instantly.
IMDb TV Highlights
- Library Size: 2,000+ movies & shows
- Stream Quality: Up to 1080p HD
- Devices: iOS, Android, Fire TV, Smart TVs, Web
- Price: Free ad-supported
5. Hoopla – Connects with Local Libraries
Hoopla is a unique streaming service that partners with local public libraries to offer cardholders free access to movies, TV shows, books, music, comics and more.
They have agreements allowing libraries to purchase “borrows” – one borrow lets you stream a movie or borrow an audiobook for a period of days. There’s a monthly limit, usually 4-8 borrows until it resets the next month.
Hoopla has 800+ studios distributing content across their different categories. This means you’ll find bestseller movies and niche categories libraries wouldn’t normally carry. Everything downloads locally for smooth offline viewing too – no buffering issues.
There are no ads shown at all. Stream quality depends on the specific title but spans 480p to 1080p. Apps are nicely designed across all major platforms – iOS, Android, Fire tablets, Chromecast and computers.
If your local library supports Hoopla, it’s an incredible perk for cardholders. Uniquely integrates library systems into on-demand streaming across devices and content types. Frequent new releases as well.
Hoopla Highlights
- Library Size: Varies based on library
- Stream Quality: 480p up to 1080p
- Devices: iOS, Android tablets, Fire tablets, Chromecast, Computers
- Price: Free with library card
See if your library supports Hoopla
6. Vudu – Rent New Releases or Watch Select Titles Free
Vudu has a unique approach – they focus firstly on providing the latest movie and TV show releases to rent or buy, often in up to 4K quality.
However, Vudu also has a smaller section called “Movies On Us” with around 150 titles customers can stream completely free with ads.
There’s a reasonable variety across genres like drama, comedy, family, crime, science fiction, thrillers, and action. Stream quality is strong at 1080p when watching the free with ads selections.
Vudu is nicely designed across media streaming hardware like Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, gaming consoles, and smart TV platforms. There are 5-6 standard commercial breaks spread throughout each film.
So while the totally free catalog is limited, Vudu stands out for the combination of latest releases to rent in HD/4K + the high quality free streaming options.
For renting new release movies or watching some titles free, check out Vudu reviewed earlier. Despite the smaller free ad-supported catalog, streaming quality is consistently solid.
Vudu Highlights
- Library Size: 150+ movies free with ads
- Stream Quality: Up to 1080p HD
- Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Game Consoles, Smart TVs, Web
- Price: Free movies with ads or rent/buy newer releases
7. Kanopy – Best for Indie Films & Classic Cinema
Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities to offer cardholders free on-demand streaming. It’s an excellent destination for fans of independent cinema, classic retrospectives, world films, documentaries and more.
They distribute acclaimed festival favorites from A24, Annapurna, Paramount, Kino Lorber, The Orchard, The Great Courses and other top studios not found on any other free streaming platforms.
Kanopy lets you stream up to 10 plays per month – think of them like borrows. Stream quality depends on internet but tops out at 1080p looking very crisp. No ads are shown at all.
There are dedicated Kanopy apps for iOS, Apple TV, Android, Fire tablets, Roku, and Chromecast. Or you can watch via browsers on Mac/PC too. Their apps feature new recommendations, playlists and more.
With genres and studios not widely available elsewhere for free streaming, Kanopy is a stellar choice for public library members seeking acclaimed films. Significantly expands your free options beyond mainstream commercial cinema.
Kanopy Highlights
- Library Size: Over 30,000 films
- Stream Quality: Up to 1080p HD
- Devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Tablets, Chromecast, Computers
- Price: Free for library cardholders (10 borrows per month)
See if your library supports Kanopy
8. PopcornFlix – Ad-Supported Movie Streaming
PopcornFlix is a long-running free ad-supported movie streaming service, featuring over 1,500 films. Their library skews B-movies, classics, indies, thrillers, and cult titles.
Movie quality is mixed, but many stream in 720p HD format. There are commercial breaks averaging about 1-2 minutes during each 60-90 minute program.
You can watch PopcornFlix movies through their mobile apps for iOS, Android and Fire tablets, Roku devices, Chromecast, Xbox, or directly within browsers.
PopcornFlix isn’t as refined as Tubi or PlutoTV in my experience, but is still a totally usable option for free movies. They add fresh content regularly. The desktop web interface is super outdated though.
Its most redeeming aspect is the relative simplicity jumping right into free movie streaming soon as you start PopcornFlix up, compared to long channel surfing on live TV-centric apps.
PopcornFlix Highlights
- Library Size: 1,500+ movies
- Stream Quality: Up to 720p HD
- Devices: iOS, Android, Fire Tablets, Roku, Chromecast, Xbox, Web
- Price: Free ad-supported movies
Honorable Mentions
Beyond the top 8 options, here are a few other Crackle alternatives offering free, ad-supported streaming worth checking out:
- The Roku Channel – Over 10,000 free movies and shows to watch on Roku devices and the web. Quality varies.
- Xumo – ViacomCBS ad-supported platform focusing on live and on demand channels across entertainment, news, sports, lifestyle, movies, reality, and diginets. Available on devices like Roku, smart TVs, Fire TV, and mobile apps.
- Filmrise – Specializes in horror movies and darker documentaries. Free on-demand streaming with ads via Roku or web.
How to Choose the Best Crackle Alternative? Key Factors for Comparison
When searching for a platform to replace Crackle, which is the best substitute for you? Here are the key factors to compare possible Crackle competitors for free streaming:
Library Size & Variety – How many total titles are free to watch? What genres are included, like Action, Drama, Horror? Many services have smaller niche catalogs instead of big mainstream titles.
Stream Quality – Are movies/shows available in crisp high definition or limited to 480p? Steer towards 720p, 1080p services if video quality is important. Hidden gems have great codec encoding too.
Devices Support – Can you access the library via phone/tablet mobile apps? Which hardware does it work on, like Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV? Ensure full device support or easy TV screen casting.
Advertisements – All free, ad-supported platforms show commercials. How often? Prelude ads? Focus on minimizing disruptive mid-movie ads over quantity. Some services do split tests and publish policies.
Content Freshness – Crackle added new movies each month. How frequently do competitors refresh programming? Is it weekly, monthly? The more consistent the content updates, the less replay issues.
Personalization & UX – Are recommendations personalized to your interests? How discoverable and intuitive is finding stuff to stream? Smooth “10 Foot UI’s” are key for Leanback TV streaming device experiences.
Keeping in mind these major streaming factors will help narrow your choice of best Crackle replacement options tailored to your preferences and device setup.
5 Specialized Crackle Alternative Categories
Here are 5 more specialized categories of Crackle alternatives to consider:
1. Anime Streaming
For fans of anime series, check out these free ad-supported anime sites:
- Crunchyroll – Leading anime platform with over 1,000 series and 30,000 episodes available free with ads. Can upgrade to premium subscription for newest simulcasts.
- Funimation – Focus on subbed and dubbed anime, including Dragon Ball, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia. Free ad-supported streaming with account.
- RetroCrush – Specializes in classic 90s anime, very niche catalog. Available on VRV too.
2. Horror Streaming
If you love horror movies and shows, these ad-supported platforms offer free frightening films:
- Shudder – Top horror specialty streaming service with mix of classic slashers to modern elevated horrors. 7-day free trial then paid subscription.
- Tubi – Extensive horror library from franchises like Child’s Play, Scream, Hellraiser, Hostel and more. Totally free.
- Plex – Monthly rotating selection of free horror movies. Smaller picks but strong curation.
3. Documentary Streaming
For compelling true stories and documentary films check these options:
- CuriosityStream – 2,500+ documentaries on science, nature, history, tech. Free viewing with ads. Can upgrade for full library access.
- Kanopy – Acclaimed docs not available elsewhere. Check if your library provides free access.
- Tubi – Hundreds of free documentaries spanning true crime, biographies, nature, travel and more.
4. International Streaming
These Crackle alternatives offer a wide span of international films and series:
- MHz Choice – European TV channel with acclaimed foreign films, mysteries, dramas. 7-day free trial then paid subscription.
- Kanopy – App provides dedicated international movie sections like Spotlight on Korea, French Film Stars, and more. Must connect through libraries for access.
- Tubi – Massive selection of foreign films from major studios available 100% free.
5. Kids Streaming
Keep your children entertained with these family-friendly services:
- Tubi Kids – Massive free selection perfect for kids and family time. Feature animation, educational shows, cartoons, comedies and more. Minimal ads.
- Pluto TV Kids – Dozens of free children’s channels streaming live linear networks like Nick, Cartoon Network, Starz Kids, and on-demand programs.
- PBS Kids – Iconic free streaming option direct from Public Broadcasting Service loaded with educational entertainment for early development ages. Available for web and mobile devices.
Key Takeaways – Choosing the Best Site Like Crackle
- Tubi reigns supreme as the overall best Crackle alternative thanks to its smoothly designed, easily navigable interface combined with the largest free streaming catalog at over 25,000 movies and TV shows.
- Pluto TV uniquely fuses together 250+ free live channels across categories with a 40,000+ free on-demand video library for unlimited bingeing. Their live custom linear channels separate them from pure libraries.
- Amazon-backed IMDb TV features 2000+ free movies and shows. Streaming quality is consistently solid – up to 1080p HD with no choppiness thanks to leveraging AWS bandwidth.
- Plex has the smallest catalog of these competitors but makes up for depth with smarter personalized recommendations and adaptive quality streaming technology. Surfaces titles you’ll actually want to watch.
- Public library integrations like Hoopla and Kanopy enable free access to streaming services with content not available on any other free platforms – from the latest ebook bestsellers to niche art house movies.
- Focus on factors like library variety, streaming quality, device support, disruptive ads, personalized recommendations and accessibility to pinpoint the best platform fitting your preferences as an enhanced Crackle replacement option in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crackle really shutting down?
Yes, Crackle formally shut down on March 1st, 2022. All Crackle accounts and apps were discontinued as their content library licensing agreements expired.
What sites are similar to Crackle?
The most similar options are Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Plex, and IMDb TV. Each offers free ad-supported streaming of movies and/or TV shows.
Is Pluto TV completely free?
Yes, Pluto TV is 100% free to use. They earn money from advertisements shown during programming and live channels. There is no subscription option or fees.
Does Roku have a free movie app?
Yes, The Roku Channel offers over 10,000 free movies and TV shows on Roku streaming devices. The library quality varies but it’s completely free in exchange for commercials.
What is the best free movie app?
Overall best free movie streaming services are:
- Tubi – Extensive library with 25,000+ free movies & shows
- Pluto TV – Mix of 250+ live channels plus 40,000+ free on-demand videos
- IMDb TV – 2,000+ free movies backed by Amazon Prime Video
Does Walmart still have free movies?
Walmart shut down its Vudu free streaming service Vudu Movies On Us in 2020. They still offer the latest movie releases for purchase or rental.
So in summary, with Crackle shutting down you now have better options to stream free movies, TV shows, live channels, anime, horrors and more specialized content. Based on your preferences for library depth, stream quality, device support, disruptive ads, and personalized recommendations – platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and IMDb TV represent the best Crackle replacement services in x.
