Last updated on 2025-08-07, by Patrick

Crackle Is Shutting Down: What Happened & Its Alternatives

Crackle is shutting down is a question on the lips of everyone who used Crackle before. Crackle is an official website to stream movies and series for free without a subscription. There have been rumours for quite some time, but unfortunately, Crackle is now being phased out officially.

But what happened to Crackle, and what should you use instead? Keep reading as this article will walk you through why Crackle is shutting down, and we will also recommend some reliable Crackle alternative platforms where you can stream your favourite movies and shows for free.

What Happened to Crackle?

1. Why Is Crackle Shutting Down?

It is shutting down for many reasons. The most common reason is the very small user base and few content deals in comparison to the services that were previously prominent. Crackle’s market share has been reduced by free services like Tubi and Pluto TV and paid services like Peacock, leaving it with a much smaller library. Moreover, the content that was offered by it was no longer up-to-date with recent releases. Also, it had more limitations for users in some regions. Crackle faced many challenges over the years, like out-of-date libraries, regional limits, and limited content. A slow decline and people moving to newer services have taken their toll. It has also been impacted due to the gradual decrease and people moving to modern services.

2. When Is Crackle Shutting Down?

In July 2025, Crackle was initially taken down, and by June 2025, the website and all services were taken offline, formally ending Crackle’s service worldwide.

3. What Happens to Crackle Users?

After its closure in June, the Users of Crackle are no longer able to stream any material or access their official website.  As a result, users are not able to check their watchlist or their saved favourites.  If you are a Crackle user, you can visit websites like JustWatch to check if episodes are available on other platforms, or look for similar content in the free streaming section below.

Note: Crackle.com.in and other similar websites are not official and also include pirated content. You must avoid these websites and should only use verified streaming services.

Where Else Should Users Go for Free Streaming?

Crackle shutting down has now left its users to search for other alternatives on the internet. Fortunately, there are many legitimate platforms for free streaming movies and shows with no need to sign up. We have a solid list of top free Crackle alternatives to choose from, including big-name services, smaller alternatives, and even local or library options. Check them out.

1. Tubi

Tubi is one of the best-known free streaming platforms on the internet. They have a huge library of content to choose from, and you can find any movie, series, or even originals available. There are multiple categories to browse through, and you can watch most titles without creating an account and for free with ads.

Pros:

• Large and diverse library of content
• Available on most devices and is compatible
• Easy interface, does not require a login

Cons:

• Ads will play throughout playback
• Content is not updated often, or in-demand titles
• No offline viewing

Also Read: Does Tubi Have Ads? | Download Tubi Movies

2. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is one of the best free streaming services that combines a traditional live TV viewing experience with its on-demand library. You can also browse live channels from all sorts of categories, including news, sports, movies, reality TV, kids, and so much more. You can also browse their collection of classic TV shows, and Pluto also offers speciality channels. Pluto TV requires no account and is completely free.

Pros:

• Live and real-time viewing without cable
• Large library of content and channel options
• Does not require a login or subscription

Cons:

• Live TV cannot be paused or rewound
• On-demand library is not as extensive
• Ads can get repetitive

3. Freevee(Amazon)

Freevee is Amazon’s official free-streaming platform, and you can access a growing collection of popular movies, TV series, and even Amazon Originals, all completely free and with ads. Amazon Freevee is a great option if you’re already an Amazon user or use Prime Video, as it will be easy to access.

Pros:

• Quality content with Amazon Originals included
• Works alongside Prime Video and is built into it
• Easy to access for current Amazon users

Cons:

• Requires an Amazon account
• Ads are frequent and unskippable
• The catalogue isn’t as large as other free platforms

4. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a streaming service designed for Roku users, but it can work on web and mobile too. Roku Channel offers a mix of free TV shows and movies, along with some live channels, from free and on-demand. A great option if you already have Roku devices, as it will work seamlessly and will be easy to access. It is also available to everyone, though.

Pros:

• Excellent option for Roku users
• Includes live channels along with an on-demand library
• Simple and easy layout and user experience

Cons:

• The best experience is limited to Roku devices
• The catalogue is smaller than Tubi or Pluto TV
• Limited availability in some countries

5. Plex

Plex is a media server program and offers features outside of its streaming section. However, Plex is also available for free with a streaming library. A great option if you’re looking for something a bit different or a more multi-use program that can do more than just stream.

Pros:

• Unique selection not found on every platform
• Works on nearly all devices
• Can be used alongside personal media libraries

Cons:

• An interface can feel cluttered or busy
• Not ideal for finding new releases
• Ads can pop up mid-scene

6. Hoopla & Kanopy (Library-Based)

Hoopla and Kanopy are similar services for free as long as you have a library card from a participating library. These two are ad-free and greater quality, focusing on documentaries, indie films, educational films and programs and classic cinema. Hoopla also includes comics, eBooks and audiobooks. If your local library offers it, then these are two of the best free ad-free services available.

Pros:

• Completely ad-free viewing
• High-quality, curated content
• Great for students, educators, and film lovers

Cons:

• Requires a participating library card
• Monthly borrowing limits (varies by library)
• More focused on niche content than mainstream hits

Final Words

Crackle shutting down is sad news for many long-time fans who have used the service for free streaming for so long. Fortunately, many other solid options are still available, like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee, that offer similar, if not better libraries, with no subscription required. So, choose the one that you like and keep watching for free!