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When Netflix cracked down a few years ago on “too many people per account,” I had to say goodbye to my friend’s parents’ login. More recently, I broke up with Amazon after they decided I’ve been a student for too long to qualify for a discount. I told myself it was a sign, time to watch less, read more, support local, look for Canadian content and save a bit of cash. But let’s be real, that doesn’t mean cutting out TV and movies altogether. Here is what I’ve discovered about free streaming options and the best membership in town. 

The Screening Room

The only membership I pay for is at our independent movie theater, . As a student, it’s just $11.25 per year (tax included) making movie tickets more affordable at $11 each. PD day movies are even better always priced at $5 and they often show oldies from my childhood. Next up, The Princess Bride! The movies range from indie, to foreign to classic cinema, to Hollywood films. This week they are playing one of my favourites, cult classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. I love their popcorn with real butter and nutritional yeast and their tea served in China cups. It’s a great way to escape grad school stressors for a little while and treat yourself to a special outing.

Library Video Collections Databases

�鶹����’s Library has an impressive that’s completely free for students.

: Access a curated collection of films from Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios, and MGM Studios. Yes please!
: Browse a selection of feature films.
: Discover a variety of Canadian content that spans documentaries, animation, and feature films.
: CBC and Radio Canada education content available in teaching friendly formats. Great to bring into your classroom.
: Watch videos and news from A&E, BBC, PBS, National Geographic, and other educational film providers. This is a great resource to stay informed and again can be used in class.
A Canadian streaming site focused on learning-based content, including an extensive selection of documentaries and feature films by Indigenous filmmakers.

also gives us access to Kanopy and Hoopla. Getting a library card is free and easy. You need ID, mail or a proof of enrolment with your name and local address. 

Our public library offers 9 tickets per month per member, allowing you to stream a limited amount of content for a limited amount of time. You can also access Kanopy through �鶹����’s, but the available titles are more limited. The content varies but generally includes academic films, foreign films, documentaries, world cinema, classic films, independent films, and art house selections. Kanopy Kids is available too if you’re young at heart or have littles.

Similar to Kanopy, but also offers comics, magazines, audiobooks, and music. The content is more mainstream, with indie films, documentaries, family and kids’ content, and seasonal/genre collections. What’s great about Hoopla is that you can stream or download content, which is convenient when you don’t have Wi-Fi or are traveling. The no ads feature is a bonus for both.

Other legal and free online streaming sites (most with advertising):

: I’m most familiar with CBC Gem, the streaming platform from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. I use a free account so I can keep track of where I am in a series and pick up where I left off. The site features a mix of CBC shows, Canadian films, kids’ programming (which is ad-free, even with the free plan), exclusive international series, and live TV or special event streams. Some of my favourites include Downton Abbey, Schitt’s Creek, Younger, Small Achievable Goals, Kim’s Convenience, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Workin’ Moms and reality shows like The Great British Baking Show, The Great Canadian Baking Show, Junior Baking Show and Best in Miniature.

: When my friend’s Murdoch Mysteries episode wasn’t available where she and her mother usually watch it, she discovered Tubi and told me about it. With over 275,000 movies and TV episodes and more than 300 exclusive originals, I was surprised I had never heard of it before. They even have a section for live TV, which is perfect when you want to catch a game or just have something playing in the background while you do laundry. So far, I’ve watched two Hallmark-style Christmas movies on Tubi, and the experience has been great. Yes, I know it’s not even December, but I wanted and needed a feel-good flick. The first movie had no advertisements at all, and the second only had two short ones (like what I’d experience on Prime). 

: I am very new to Pluto TV but similar to Tubi the experience has been good. So far, I’ve only used it to stream live channels of classic shows from the 80s and 90s while doing housework. I’m not familiar with the ads on the on-demand side, but I’ve read they can be frustrating. The company is owned by Paramount which allows it to offer many familiar shows and movies to stream. I’m not sure yet what I’ll be watching next, but there’s a lot to choose from.

We’re all familiar with YouTube, but I didn’t realize you can watch full TV series and movies for free. I’ve rented them in the past, but I’m excited to explore this free option further. At first glance, many of the available titles seem to be from the early 2000s.

Others I hope to try include , and .

So far, free streaming and trips to the cinema have been great!

1. As a student on a budget, I am always looking for ways to save, and avoiding subscription fees that add up really helps. Cutting Amazon Prime will help reduce my late-night online shopping too.
2. I am excited to explore more Canadian content and many of these sites feature just that.
3. I want to make the most of our library resources while I have access to them.
4. I am trying to treat myself to a few movie nights at the Screening Room. I’ve worked hard, so why not?

I am sure there are plenty more sites out there and they all have their pros and cons but this is what I have discovered so far. 

How to survive grad school? Give yourself a little escape on screen now and then. Everyone needs a break from academics once in a while.