What is a good movie to watch on Roku? Whether you’re searching for the best movies on Roku Channel right now, best new movies on Roku, or best action movies on Roku, we’ve curated this definitive list of free new movies on Roku that showcase cinematic excellence across multiple genres. From Oscar-winning masterpieces to beloved classics, these are the Top 10 best movies on Roku free that you can stream today.
1. Apocalypse Now Redux
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 psychological epic war film stands as one of cinema’s most acclaimed achievements. This extended Redux version adds 49 minutes of additional footage to Coppola’s stunning vision of the Vietnam War. The film follows Captain Willard, played by Martin Sheen, on a dangerous river journey into Cambodia to assassinate the renegade Colonel Kurtz, portrayed by Marlon Brando. The stellar ensemble cast also features Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Laurence Fishburne, and Harrison Ford. Loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness,” the film earned critical praise for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and deep exploration of war’s psychological toll. With an 8.4 IMDb rating and winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, this remains one of the best action movies on Roku.
2. Forrest Gump
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Tom Hanks delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this 1994 cultural phenomenon that swept the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film follows the extraordinary life of Forrest Gump, a kind-hearted Alabama man with an IQ of 75 who finds himself present at many defining moments in American history. The remarkable cast includes Robin Wright as Jenny, Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan, and Sally Field as Forrest’s devoted mother. Based on Winston Groom’s novel, this heartwarming drama earned widespread critical acclaim for its innovative visual effects, which seamlessly integrated Hanks into historical footage, and its emotional storytelling. With a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 8.8 IMDb rating, it remains one of the best movies on Roku 2025.
3. Midnight in Paris
Director: Woody Allen
Woody Allen’s enchanting 2011 fantasy romantic comedy stars Owen Wilson as Gil Pender, a nostalgic screenwriter who mysteriously travels back in time to 1920s Paris each midnight. The stellar cast includes Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Tom Hiddleston, and Corey Stoll. The film earned widespread critical acclaim, achieving a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an 81 Metacritic score, indicating universal acclaim. Allen won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, making it one of his most celebrated works since the 1990s. Critics praised Wilson’s performance, Darius Khondji’s beautiful cinematography capturing Paris’s golden hues, and the film’s charming exploration of nostalgia and self-discovery.
4. Moonstruck
Director: Norman Jewison
This 1987 romantic comedy masterpiece directed by Norman Jewison earned three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Cher and Best Supporting Actress for Olympia Dukakis. Cher delivers a luminous performance as Loretta Castorini, an Italian-American widow who falls unexpectedly in love with her fiancé’s passionate younger brother, played by Nicolas Cage. The film also features brilliant performances from Danny Aiello, Vincent Gardenia, and John Mahoney. Written by John Patrick Shanley, who won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, the film received critical acclaim with an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 83 Metacritic rating. Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s Italian-American community, this operatic love story remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.
5. Monster’s Ball
Director: Marc Forster
This powerful 2001 drama directed by Marc Forster earned Halle Berry the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first African-American woman to win in that category. The film stars Berry alongside Billy Bob Thornton in an emotionally raw story about a racist corrections officer whose views and life are transformed after his wife’s suicide and a developing relationship with the widow of a man he executed. Heath Ledger and Peter Boyle deliver strong supporting performances in this unflinching examination of racism, grief, and redemption. The film garnered critical praise for its fearless performances and honest portrayal of complex emotional territory.
6. Stir Crazy
Director: Sidney Poitier
Directed by Sidney Poitier, this 1980 comedy classic stars Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor as two New Yorkers who are wrongly convicted of bank robbery and sentenced to prison. The dynamic duo’s incredible chemistry drives this hilarious tale of mistaken identity and survival behind bars. Wilder and Pryor, who had previously starred together in the successful “Silver Streak,” reunited for this box office smash that became one of the highest-grossing films of 1980. Their comedic timing and genuine friendship shine through in every scene, making it an enduring favorite among comedy fans.
7. Shrek Forever After
Director: Mike Mitchell
The fourth installment in the beloved Shrek franchise, directed by Mike Mitchell, features the voice talents of Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots. This 2010 animated adventure finds Shrek making a deal with the devious Rumpelstiltskin that creates an alternate reality where he was never born. To restore his world and save his friends and family, Shrek must find true love’s kiss before time runs out. The film delighted audiences with its clever twists on fairy tale conventions and heartfelt message about appreciating what you have.
8. A Christmas Carol
Director: Clive Donner
This 1984 television film adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless classic stars George C. Scott in one of the most memorable portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge. Directed by Clive Donner, the film follows the miserly Scrooge through his transformative Christmas Eve journey guided by three spirits. The production features strong performances from a talented ensemble cast and remains faithful to Dickens’s original story while bringing emotional depth to Scrooge’s redemption. Scott’s commanding performance captures both the hardness and ultimate humanity of literature’s most famous miser, making this one of the most beloved adaptations of the classic tale.
9. Wildfire
Director: Henri Charr
This 2005 drama directed by Henri Charr tells an emotionally charged story set against the backdrop of the American West. The film explores themes of family, loss, and survival, delivering a powerful narrative that resonates with viewers seeking meaningful drama. While not as widely known as some mainstream releases, the film offers compelling performances and stunning cinematography that captures the rugged beauty of its setting.
10. Fatal Encounter
Director: Henri Charr
This 1990 made-for-television thriller directed by Henri Charr delivers suspenseful entertainment as it follows a dangerous confrontation that tests the limits of survival. The film builds tension through its narrative of unexpected danger and the human will to overcome life-threatening circumstances. As a television movie, it showcases the compelling storytelling that made TV movies popular during this era.
What are the Best Movies on Roku Channel Right Now?
The Roku Channel continues to expand its library of free streaming content, offering an impressive selection that includes Academy Award winners, beloved classics, and hidden gems. This carefully curated list of the top 10 best movies on Roku free demonstrates the platform’s commitment to providing quality entertainment across all genres. Whether you’re in the mood for the epic scale of Apocalypse Now Redux, the heartwarming journey of Forrest Gump, the romantic charm of Midnight in Paris and Moonstruck, or the laugh-out-loud comedy of Stir Crazy, there’s something for every viewer.
The best new movies on Roku in 2025 offer viewers exceptional entertainment without subscription fees, making it easier than ever to enjoy cinematic excellence from the comfort of home. From Tom Hanks and Cher to Martin Sheen and Owen Wilson, these films feature some of Hollywood’s most talented actors at the peak of their careers. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Zemeckis, Woody Allen, and Norman Jewison have crafted timeless stories that continue to captivate audiences decades after their original releases.
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