YouTube might be best known for short viral clips.
But you may not know that YouTube also offers thousands of free movies as well.
Yes, on YouTube you can watch everything from indie films uploaded by their creators, to
modern movies released for free by major studios, to classic films that are now in the public
domain.
In fact, there are so many options it can be hard to know where to start.
That's why we've put together this list of some of the best free movies on YouTube.
Kung Fury
This comedy-action indie was produced as a tribute to the awesome action films of the
1980s.
In the film, a Miami detective is simultaneously struck by lightning and bitten by a cobra
— which, obviously, gives him superhuman Kung Fu powers.
"Game over."
He uses the new power granted to him to clean up the streets of Miami.
But our hero faces his worst adversary yet when he comes face-to-face with Kung Fu master...Adolf
Hitler.
Ka-pow!
Margot at the Wedding
This dark comedy follows the story of Margot and her son Claude as they visit Margot's
sister Pauline for her wedding to the unsuccessful artist and musician Malcolm.
"Expectation just turns to disappointment so ultimately I'd rather not share."
But the plot is secondary to the awesome cast: it features Nicole Kidman as Margot, Jennifer
Jason-Leigh as Pauline, and a hilarious performance from Jack Black in the role of the unmotivated
and socially inept Malcolm.
It's a winner.
Four Horsemen
In this independent British documentary, the filmmakers take a hard look at current banking
and economic practices in Western countries, as well as the War on Terror, and how it all
connects to our monetary policies.
Time Out London critic Derek Adams wrote:
"Instead of bombarding us with sensational imagery and scaremongering, this competently
narrated, intelligibly structured and cleverly illustrated film presents its case via a succession
of insights from a group of smart, rational orators."
In other words, it's not exactly your typical YouTube video…
"Leave me alone, please."
Slacker
Not to be confused with the 2002 movie Slackers, this 1991 independent comedy-drama marked
the directorial debut of Richard Linklater, who would go on to direct classics like Boyhood
and Dazed and Confused.
"That's what I like about these high school girls, man.
I get older they stay the same age."
Featuring a uniquely unstructured storyline, Slacker is a slice of time—a day in the
life of multiple 20-something misfits as they drift through Austin, Texas.
Shot with a single 16mm camera on a micro budget of just $23,000, many filmmakers — including
Kevin Smith — have cited Slacker as a major source of inspiration and the start of the
'90s independent movie movement.
"The people they need, like scientist, you heard about that.
All the missing scientist around the world and those that mysteriously dying.
That's all part of the recruiting process.
I really hope you friend is not, well.
They need a lot of lackeys to do the labor though.
So they will be looking for ordinary guys.
You know, like you and me."
Funny About Love
While Funny About Love was pretty much universally panned by critics upon its release, it might
deserve another look.
Why?
Well, it was directed by the legendary Leonard Nimoy, stars the late, great Gene Wilder,
and has an interesting take on the whole "ticking biological clock" trope — but from a man's
perspective.
Wilder's comedic genius shines through in several places, making Funny About Love a
good pick for a cheap date night flick.
"Take this, take this thing"
Night of the Living Dead
Considered by many to be the seminal zombie movie, Night of the Living Dead has been massively
influential on the horror genre in the decades since its release.
George A. Romero's directorial debut is more atmospheric than most modern zombie films,
focusing instead on the effects of a zombie outbreak in a small town, with most of the
film is set within the house where the cast members take refuge.
"I ought to drag you out there and feed you those things."
Walking Dead's got nothing on this…
"Liar"
Nosferatu
F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent classic Nosferatu is required watching material for all horror
fans.
The earliest surviving example of a major vampire film, actor Max Schreck delivers a
mesmerizing performance as the ghastly vampire in this unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's
Dracula.
It's amazing the movie even exists, as a court once ordered all copies to be destroyed after
Stoker's estate sued for copyright infringement.
But loyal fans secretly saved it and passed copies around — making it one of the first
true viral videos ever.
Only fitting for the original bed intruder…
"So y'all need to hide yo kids, hide yo wife and hide yo husband because they rapping everybody
out here."
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