10 films of the public domain to watch for free on YouTube

10 films of the public domain to watch for free on YouTube

Did you know you can watch several movies online for free and without resorting to piracy? We are talking about productions available for free due to the public domain rule. Above all, you can see these jobs directly on YouTube.

But why is it free? When a film enters a public domain, it is no longer protected by copyright, which means that it can be shared, displayed freely and looked at. Whether for expiry of the legal deadline or faults in the registration, these works are officially accessible to everyone.

Take a look at a selection of 10 films that are already in the public domain and can be observed for free on YouTube – with a synopsis and the date on which they have become free copyright.

10 public domain films available on YouTube

1. Nosferatu (1922)

The production also won two remakes, one in 1979 and recently Robert Eggers published his adaptation of the film in 2024 with Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård (Image: Public Domain)

One of the first and most influential horror films in history, “Nosferatu” is an unauthorized adaptation of the novel by Bram Stoker “Dracula”. Max Schreck’s dark aesthetic and performance as Vampire Conde Orlok made the film a milestone of German expressionism. He entered the public domain in 2019, one hundred years after the death of his director, FW Murnau.

2. Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis film of 1927
The impressive visual aesthetic and the innovative special effects have marked the history of cinema (Image: Public Domain)

Directed by Fritz Lang, “Metropolis” is one of the first and greatest ski -Cathition films. Set in a futuristic city divided between the rich elite and the oppressed working class, the film presents a social revolt and a love story in the middle of the class conflict. He entered the public domain in the 1950s after failures in the renewal of rights.

3. Dr. Caligari’s Office (1920)

Public domain film to watch on YouTube - Dr. Caligari's Office
Although the film does not come from a printed work, he inspired many comics in the following years (Image: Public Domain)

Considered the masterpiece of German expressionism, this film tells the story of a hypnotizer that uses a Sonnamullo to commit crimes. Its distorted appearance and the disturbing atmosphere influenced horror cinema for decades. He became a public domain in 1951, 30 years after his launch.

4. The 39 steps (1935)

Film i 39 steps
The film was based on the work of John Buchan who bears the same name (image: public domain)

A suspense directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the mixture “the electrifying persecution” the electrifying persecution. It is considered one of the first large thrillers of the director’s career. It entered the public domain due to failures in the renewal of copyright in the 1960s.

5. The Hill of the Uivant Winds (1939)

The Morro Dos Venos Uivant (1939)
The film is an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel that has had many other adaptations over the years (Image: Public Domain)

Adapted by the famous novel by Emily Brontë, this romantic drama explores intense passions and family revenge within England. The 1939 version is revised by critics and won the Oscar for the best photograph. It has become a public domain for failures in the protection of rights.

6. My man Godfrey (1936)

Public domain movies to watch on YouTube - My man Godfrey
Although the film is essentially comedy, it is also considered a socio -cultural satire (image: public domain)

A satirical comedy on the high society and on the working class during the great depression. William Powell plays a “lost man” who becomes a butler of an eccentric family, just to surprise everyone with his true identity. The film entered the public domain in the 60s for failures in the copyright renewal process.

7. A Star Is Born (1937)

Public domain film to watch on YouTube - A star was born
The film, despite having many adaptations, is currently better known for its 2018 version, with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (Image: Public Domain)

The first version of the famous drama on Rise and Fall in the world of entertainment. We follow the trajectory of an aspiring actress and her relationship with a decomposition star. He entered the public domain in the 1960s for not having renewed the rights.

8. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

The night of the live dead - night of the living dead
It was this film that inspired the so famous Franchise of Evil Dead, which became a milestone in horror cinema (Image: Pulbic Domain)

The film that redefined the Zombi genre. George A. Romero created a social criticism through terror, showing a group of people who try to survive a zombie apocalypse. He entered the public domain shortly after his launch by mistake in the copyright record.

9. Plan 9 from Oter Space (1959)

Plan 9 from the Oter space
The film was the latest film work by the Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi, an actor famous for playing Count Dracula in the 1931 film who died shortly after filming of Piano 9 by Outer Space (Image: Public Domain)

Directed by E and Wood, this science fiction film is considered a classic of worship, often listed among the “worst films never made” – and precisely for this reason, it is worshiped. The plot involves aliens who try to prevent humans from creating an apocalyptic weapon. He fell in the public domain in the 80s for not having renewed their rights.

10. Charade (1963)

1963 Charade film
The production was the protagonist Audrey Hepburn, a Hollywood star who marked the screens with his brilliant performance in the classics “Luxury Doll”, “My Beautiful Lady” and “Sabrina” (Image: Public Domain)

Suspense with touches of romantic comedy, with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. The plot involves a young widow persecuted by men who believe they know where a fortune is hidden. He fell in the public domain in the 90s for non -renewal.

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Source: Olhar Digital

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