Tired of paying for multiple streaming services or constantly renting movies? UNILAD RANKED has you covered!
With subscription prices on the rise, finding high-quality films for free can feel impossible. But thanks to Pluto TV, a no-cost streaming platform, you can enjoy some critically acclaimed films without spending a dime.
Here are five must-watch movies currently available for free, ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes scores—some of which might leave you wondering how you’ve never seen them before!
5) Labyrinth (1986) – 81% (76% Tomatometer, 86% Audience Score)
A fantasy classic, Labyrinth has been a nostalgic favorite for decades. Written by Terry Jones and featuring designs by Brian Froud, this Jim Henson-directed film was executive-produced by none other than George Lucas (Star Wars).
The movie stars David Bowie as the enigmatic Goblin King Jareth and a young Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick) as Sarah, a teenager who must navigate a mystical maze to save her baby brother.
Fun fact: The owl in the opening sequence was the first attempt at a photorealistic CGI animal in a feature film. And while Bowie’s crystal ball tricks look effortless, they were actually performed blindly by master juggler Michael Moschen, who stood behind the singer.
With a Labyrinth sequel in the works from director Robert Eggers, now is the perfect time to revisit this cult favorite.
4) Insomnia (2002) – 84.5% (92% Tomatometer, 77% Audience Score)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Insomnia is the only film in his career that he didn’t write himself. A remake of a 1997 Norwegian thriller, it features an all-star cast: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank.
The film follows detective Will Dormer (Pacino), who is sent to Alaska to investigate a murder. But when his pursuit of prime suspect Walter Finch (Williams) turns into a psychological chess match, the case spirals into moral uncertainty.
Nolan once described Insomnia as his most underrated and deeply personal film. With its tense storytelling and powerhouse performances, it remains a hidden gem in his filmography.
3) JFK (1991) – 86% (84% Tomatometer, 88% Audience Score)
A gripping political thriller, JFK is written by Oliver Stone (Wall Street) and Zachary Sklar, based on the books of Jim Garrison and Jim Marrs.
The film follows New Orleans DA Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) as he investigates a conspiracy theory surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It also features Donald Sutherland and Tommy Lee Jones, delivering some of their most memorable performances.
JFK was filmed in real historical locations, including the actual Texas Theatre where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested, and the Dallas City Hall garage, where he was later murdered.
Praised for its editing and cinematography, one fan raved, “JFK plays fast and loose with the facts, but it’s a technical masterpiece.”
2) The Big Short (2015) – 88.5% (89% Tomatometer, 88% Audience Score)
A fast-paced, eye-opening look at the 2008 financial crisis, The Big Short is written and directed by Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up), based on the book by Michael Lewis (The Blind Side).
The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, with surprise appearances from Margot Robbie, Anthony Bourdain, and Selena Gomez—who break the fourth wall to explain financial jargon.
One viewer called it, “One of my favorite movies based on a true story—complex but explained so well!” If you missed this Oscar-winning drama, now’s your chance.
1) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) – 89.5% (90% Tomatometer, 89% Audience Score)
A heartfelt drama, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape features an early Leonardo DiCaprio in a breakout role alongside Johnny Depp and Darlene Cates.
The story follows Gilbert (Depp), a young man juggling family struggles, including caring for his mentally challenged brother Arnie (DiCaprio) and his housebound mother (Cates).
DiCaprio’s performance was so believable that some early audiences didn’t realize he was acting. Despite Depp admitting he found DiCaprio annoying on set, he later expressed huge respect for his co-star’s dedication.
Many fans consider this an underrated masterpiece, with one viewer saying, “I honestly thought DiCaprio wasn’t acting. An incredible film.”
Stream These Films for Free on Pluto TV!
Whether you’re in the mood for fantasy, psychological thrillers, political intrigue, financial drama, or emotional storytelling, these top-rated films are all available for free—no subscription required.
So grab some popcorn, head to Pluto TV, and start streaming!
