Between Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and the rest, many of us are spending hundreds each year to watch our favourite shows. But not every streaming service comes with a monthly fee.
In fact, there are a few free streaming services out there with huge catalogues of film and TV shows. You’ve probably heard of Tubi and Pluto, but let us introduce you to a lesser-known platform: Rakuten TV.
Rakuten is what’s known as a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, meaning users can watch TV channels and shows for free with adverts, as a compromise for not handing over your bank details.
It boasts more than 10,000 titles in total, as well as live channels across sport, lifestyle, cooking, crime and mystery, reality, news and more.
Where Rakuten differs from other free streamers, however, is that users can also buy or rent the latest film and TV releases on the platform.
Simply pay to watch whatever takes your fancy, without footing the bill for an additional subscription fee on top.
There are plenty of hugely popular titles ready to stream, with shows including House of the Dragon and The Last of Us available from £14.99 for one season.
As you might expect, the free-to-stream options are less popular and well-known compared to the paid-for titles, but they’re great for those looking for something nostalgic.
Metro’s review of Rakuten TV
Metro writer Caroline Westbrook has used Rakuten before, and shared her verdict on the free streamer:
‘If nostalgia is your thing, then you can’t go far wrong here. Want to dive into some Baywatch? Vintage episodes of 21 Jump Street? You’ve come to the right place. And there’s no shortage of British TV favourites either, with the likes of Hell’s Kitchen, Pointless and even classic episodes of The Graham Norton Show.
‘But if it’s the latest blockbusters you’re after, it’ll cost you. Yes, you can watch Final Destination: Bloodlines, the Minecraft movie and other recent hits, but you’ll pay for the privilege. The free movies are a bit limited and obscure by comparison, but there are some familiar titles thrown in among the lesser-known offerings (and even a few box office gems).
‘And Rakuten adds new free-to-watch content all the time, so it’s worth keeping an eye on, as you never know what might show up.’
What to watch on Rakuten TV
TV series that are available for free include apocalyptic horror series Z Nation, as well as Clink, a Channel 5 drama set in a women’s prison.
There’s also sci-fi series Sanctuary and Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Meanwhile, free on-demand films include 2018 romcom I Feel Pretty, starring Amy Schumer, hit mystery thriller Gone Girl, the critically acclaimed Tangerine and 00s classics like Just My Luck and Bring It On.
TV shows that have their own linear channels (meaning the episodes run back-to-back at all hours of the day) include Kim’s Convenience, Mr Bean, Ninja Warrior, Great British Menu, Andromeda and The Graham Norton Show.
On the Rakuten TV store, users can rent or buy early home releases of films like Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Amateur, which stars Rami Malek, and The Salt Path with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
These popular titles generally cost £15.99 to rent or £19.99 to buy, while older titles are available for less.
How to watch Rakuten TV
Rakuten is compatible with a wide range of smart TVs, including models from Samsung, LG, Philips, Hisense, Panasonic and Sony. The app is also compatible with Chromecast, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV and TiVo.
There’s a mobile app too, or users can watch on a browser by visiting rakuten.tv.
To rent or buy titles, you’ll have to register for a free account, but this isn’t necessary to watch the free on-demand content or live TV.
Registered users have other benefits too, including access to a wishlist function and a library that stores bought or rented content.
You can also watch on up to three devices at the same time with an account.
This article was first published on June 24, 2025.
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