Best Free Movies And Shows On Kanopy: A Curated List

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on Apr 27, 2025

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Top Picks: Award-Winning Movies on Kanopy

We've selected these award-winning movies based on critical acclaim from reputable sources like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, as well as accolades from prestigious film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, and the Oscars. These aren't just free movies; they're critically lauded cinematic experiences available at your fingertips.

• Parasite (2019): This South Korean thriller won numerous awards, including Best Picture at the Oscars. A darkly comedic and suspenseful masterpiece, it explores class conflict with chilling precision. (Search Kanopy for: "Parasite") Keywords: Kanopy free movies, free award-winning movies, best movies on Kanopy, top-rated Kanopy films.

• Moonlight (2016): This American coming-of-age drama received widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Picture. A poignant and beautifully filmed story of a young, African-American man's journey to self-discovery. (Search Kanopy for: "Moonlight")

• The Farewell (2019): This critically acclaimed comedy-drama follows a family grappling with a bittersweet secret surrounding their beloved grandmother. A moving story with humor and heart. (Search Kanopy for: "The Farewell")

• Manchester by the Sea (2016): This emotionally resonant drama earned Casey Affleck an Oscar for Best Actor. A heartbreaking story about grief, loss, and the complexities of family. (Search Kanopy for: "Manchester by the Sea")

• 12 Years a Slave (2013): This powerful historical drama depicts the true story of Solomon Northup's enslavement in the United States. A difficult but important watch. (Search Kanopy for: "12 Years a Slave")

Hidden Gems: Underrated Movies and Shows on Kanopy

"Hidden gems" on Kanopy are films and shows that deserve more recognition, often overlooked despite their critical acclaim, unique storytelling, or cultural significance. These are the films that might not top the charts, but offer a rewarding and enriching viewing experience.

• The Act of Killing (2012): This Indonesian documentary is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the country's past atrocities. It's both disturbing and thought-provoking. (Search Kanopy for: "The Act of Killing") Keywords: Kanopy hidden gems, underrated movies Kanopy, best hidden gems on Kanopy, discover Kanopy movies.

• My Octopus Teacher (2020): This South African nature documentary follows a filmmaker's unlikely friendship with an octopus. It's a beautiful and surprisingly emotional film. (Search Kanopy for: "My Octopus Teacher")

• Time (2020): This moving documentary chronicles the fight for freedom of a Louisiana woman whose husband is unjustly imprisoned. A compelling story of resilience and perseverance. (Search Kanopy for: "Time")

• Babette's Feast (1987): This Danish drama is a quiet, understated masterpiece about a French woman who cooks a remarkable meal for a pious community. (Search Kanopy for: "Babette's Feast")

• Crip Camp (2020): This heartwarming documentary showcases a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities in the 1970s. It's a celebration of community and self-acceptance. (Search Kanopy for: "Crip Camp")

Genre Guide: Finding Your Perfect Kanopy Watch

Kanopy's library offers a diverse range of genres. Here are a few examples to help you find your perfect watch:

• Documentaries: Beyond the hidden gems listed above, explore powerful documentaries on various topics – history, social issues, the environment, and more. (Search Kanopy for: "documentary") Keywords: Kanopy documentaries, Kanopy comedies, Kanopy dramas, Kanopy foreign films, Kanopy genre guide.

• Comedies: From quirky independent films to classic Hollywood comedies, Kanopy offers laughs for every taste. (Search Kanopy for: "comedy")

• Dramas: Experience compelling stories and powerful performances in Kanopy's extensive collection of dramas, ranging from intimate character studies to sweeping epics. (Search Kanopy for: "drama")

• Foreign Films: Discover cinematic treasures from around the world, exploring diverse cultures and storytelling styles. (Search Kanopy for: "foreign film")

Kanopy for Families: Kid-Friendly Movies and Shows

Kanopy also offers a great selection of age-appropriate content for family movie nights.

• Wallace & Gromit: These classic animated shorts are fun for the whole family. (Search Kanopy for: "Wallace & Gromit") Keywords: Kanopy kids, family movies on Kanopy, Kanopy children's shows, best family-friendly Kanopy.

• Shaun the Sheep Movie: Another stop-motion animation delight for children of all ages. (Search Kanopy for: "Shaun the Sheep")

• Paddington (2014): This heartwarming live-action/animated film is perfect for families with younger children. (Search Kanopy for: "Paddington")

• The Secret of NIMH (1982): A classic animated film for slightly older children. (Search Kanopy for: "The Secret of NIMH")

• My Neighbor Totoro (1988): A beloved Studio Ghibli classic, perfect for family viewing. (Search Kanopy for: "My Neighbor Totoro")

Conclusion

This curated list highlights some of the best free movies and shows available on Kanopy, covering award-winning films, hidden gems, various genres, and family-friendly options. Kanopy provides a treasure trove of free entertainment, offering high-quality content without the subscription fees. Start watching the best free movies and shows on Kanopy today! Explore our curated list and discover your next favorite film or series. Don't forget to check Kanopy regularly for updates and new additions to their impressive library of free movies and shows.