YouTube offers plenty of content, but did you know they have some really good, ad-supported free movies streaming right now?
Provided you can handle the sparse ad breaks, as is YouTube status quo, there are great flicks available for your viewing pleasure. Check out our list below, which will be updated monthly.
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The Birdcage
It seems almost impossible The Birdcage received but one Oscar nomination. On the other hand, it was an extremely progressive film for its time.
Robin Williams is simply brilliant as a drag club owner in Miami whose son wants to marry the daughter of a super conservative senator played by Gene Hackman. Imagine what happens when it’s time for the parents to meet.
That’s giving little away on purpose. The Birdcage is a hilarious farce that deserves to be seen — and is well worth sitting through YouTube ads for.
WarGames
In a slightly different vein than his famed Ferris Bueller character, Matthew Broderick stars as a naive teen who accidentally sets off a thermonuclear war simulation — in real life. Well, more or less.
Made in 1983, there were clear Cold War political undertones to WarGames’ story. However, Broderick and co-lead Ally Sheedy have great chemistry and bring levity and humor to the high-stakes situation as they scramble to avoid sparking World War III.
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The Double
Co-written and directed by Richard Ayoade, The Double stars Jesse Eisenberg playing a man and his doppelganger. Their names are Simon James and James Simon. It’s a fascinating, darkly comedic and rather disturbing film. It’s of Eisenberg’s best performances to date.
Mia Wasikowska is also brilliant in this adaptation of the classic Dostoevsky novella. It’s strange that this bizarre little indie didn’t get more buzz around the Independent Spirit Awards or something.
If you’re a fan of suspense, duality and movies that are “thinkers,” The Double can’t be highly recommended enough.
Out of Time
Denzel Washington has starred in many a movie, so you’d be forgiven for overlooking this underrated 2003 thriller.
Playing the Chief of Police in a Florida Keys town, Denzel’s character deals with a complicated love life and goes through divorce. His new lady is diagnosed with cancer, and he steals money from evidence to help her treatments.
Things get even messier from there. Check this one out, because it’s a great star vehicle for one of the best actors ever.
Teen Wolf
Seeing Michael J. Fox’s popularity soar as the star of Back to the Future, those in control of Teen Wolf waited, and then released the film on the heels of that success. Fox plays an average high schooler who becomes a basketball star thanks to his wolf powers.
Despite mixed reviews, Fox’s charismatic chops carried the day in this fun coming-of-age comedy. Teen Wolf grossed $80 million against a $1.2 million budget.
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Bernie
Part of the “McConaissance” for Matthew McConaughey is this indie dark comedy. Richard Linklater co-wrote and directed it, a fact alone that makes a movie worth seeing.
But beyond who McConaughey plays, Jack Black is the central character. He’s a mortician who comforts and becomes the only friend of a recent widow, portrayed by Shirley MacLaine.
Murder ensues. It’s based on a true story. If The Double isn’t the weirdest movie streaming for free on YouTube, Bernie may take the cake. Go watch it!
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