This article was first published in the July 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online
With built-in DVD drives deemed outdated and piracy fines skyrocketing, watching a film on your computer is getting more and more difficult. But Dan Colman can help: the director of Stanford's continuing studies program has built an online database called Open Culture, a compilation of links to public-domain resources deep in the internet. "I started the site over eight years ago to help people use the web for enriching purposes," says Colman. The film section is one of many lists available online, enabling even those who don't have Netflix to binge-watch.
Open Culture
Catering to all cultural persuasions, Open Culture holds material from audiobooks to language lessons. It's divided by genre, and even has Colman's recommendation: The Cabinet of Dr Caligari.
YouTube
There's a wide selection of films you can enjoy for free in YouTube's Movie section. Fans of low-budget horror, underrated comedies or golden oldies will not be disappointed.
Film Annex
Not the most modern-looking layout, the Annex has an eclectic mix -- Laurel and Hardy shorts, Superman and Popeye cartoons and Charlie Chaplin films. Plus, the 1931 classic, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
OVGuide
This extensive database is full of options. If you don't mind trawling through some gory horror and hours of wrestling, there are some gems, from star-studded flicks to small film-festival award-winners.
UbuWeb
The jackpot for fans of the avant-garde, this offers more than 2,500 features, as well as shorts by famous names such as Andy Warhol and Samuel Beckett.
Internet Archive
With 1.9 million video items to choose from, the Archive has films ranging from the silent to the subtitled. The collection is dominated by the black and white; from Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant romances to horror films.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
