Stream Free: Platforms that Won’t Break your Budget

People are streaming TV and movies more now than ever before. However, streaming services can really take a toll on your pocket books. And finding the right classic movie or TV show can prove to be a challenge. To save some money but still get some amazing movies and TV, check out some of the free streaming platforms that are out on the market!

John-Phillip Law and Marisa Mell star in Mario Bava’s Danger: Diabolik on PlutoTV. Copyright de Laurentiis Cinematographica

Tubi

I have to admit, I broke up with Hulu for Tubi. Tubi is a new platform that streams movies for free with minimal ads. However, they do offer more films than television. This streaming channel remind me of when Hulu was free with commercials ten years ago. I’ve been using Tubi for a few months and so far, they’ve had a lot to choose from (especially if you like horror and cult movies). The site is nicely designed, easy to use, and they have their own app for streaming on other devices. They also offer special curated collections like Not on Netflix, Black Cinema, Only on Tubi, and collections from studios like Shout Factory TV and Film Rise.

Comet TV

Comet TV is a live stream TV channel that’s a bit of a spin-off from the Syfy Channel. This streaming service specialize in Science Fiction and cult classics. The channel is nostalgia-based with a modern twist featuring shows like Sliders, Battlestar Galactica, The Outer Limits, Babylon 5, Quantum Leap, and Mystery Science Theater 3000! Stream the channel live online or via Roku, Dish, or Stirr.

Pluto TV

Miles Davis and Jeanne Moreau in Elevator to the Gallows part of TCM’s Jazz in Film Copyright Rialto Films

Pluto TV live streams news, reality TV, various movies by genre, comedy TV shows and more. They also offer an On Demand option for movies and TV shows by genre. There are rare gems on their On Demand option this month like Mario Bava’s Danger: Diabolik. Made in 1968 and based on a famous, long-running Italian comic strip, Diabolik is half Batman, half James Bond. It’s also filled to the brim with colorful swinging 60s visuals. Although Bava wasn’t entirely happy with the final product, it was the biggest budget film he ever made. This film is getting a blu-ray release in the near future but, until it hadn’t had much distribution outside of Italy until now. This is the first English-dubbed version I’ve ever seen. 

TCM On Demand

If you have TCM as a part of your cable package, you can stream the films either in real time or in the Movies On Demand selection in the dropdown list under Watch TCM on their site. They even have an app for streaming on your phone or tablet. If you use Sling TV, you can also get TCM for $5 extra per month. Other options for TCM without cable include YouTube TV and as an add-on for Hulu subscribers.

Highlights on TCM this month include Jazz In Film Monday and Thursday nights in June. Films will be arranged in categories such as Classic Jazz Scores, The Life of a Jazz Musician, and Jazz Noir. Films include: Cabin in the Sky, Young Man with a Horn, I Want to Live, Black Orpheus, Elevator to the Gallows, and Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser.

Cab Calloway in Stormy Weather part of TCM’s Jazz in Film Copyright Twentieth Century Fox

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