Kanopy

Kanopy is unique among free movie streaming websites in that it requires a valid library card or university login before you can see anything. Yet, there are no advertising in the videos, and new films are introduced on a monthly basis. Kanopy, with big-name content partners, is a platform for diverse and thought-provoking independent films and documentaries. Kanopy began in 2008 to supply videos to academic institutions and has now grown to have a collection of over 30,000 films available for streaming on a variety of platforms. By distributing movies that aren't available anywhere else, the service tries to fill the hole created by the closure of independent theatres around the world. The price is also unbeatable— it is all free.

Kanopy provides a diverse selection of dramas, comedies, documentaries, biopics, and television programs. Kanopy's online layout is rather simple, with a slider on the front page displaying prominent content, followed by freshly added movies and documentaries beneath. Each row of information is grouped by genre or feature, such as Women Directed, Oscar Winners and Nominees, Seasonal Favorites, and others.

The site's search function is robust. You can search by subject, filmmakers, features, languages, captions, production year, and other criteria. Each feature's landing page includes options for adding movies and TV shows to personalized playlists, sharing the material, and even making shorter segments of movies and TV series to embed on websites or share on social networking platforms. The landing page also includes extensive information about each piece of content, as well as user ratings and comments.

Pros:

• Thousands of on-demand films and shows
• Free with a library card or university email address
• No ads
• Unlimited access to Kanopy Kids content
• Can create and share/embed clips and playlists

Website: kanopy.com