In recent years, streaming platforms have surged in popularity across Spain, the United States, and beyond, a trend accelerated by home confinement during the pandemic. With millions able to stay in, these services became the most enticing option for leisure. Yet several developments hint at a shifts in the streaming landscape that could impact wallets in the near future: Netflix announced new pricing that will take effect on November 10. The €5.99 plan with ads, the ongoing crackdown on shared accounts, and HBO Max merging with Discovery all point toward inevitable price increases, a burden already felt by Amazon Prime Video subscribers in some regions.
Facing this evolving scenario, some viewers are reconsidering subscriptions and weighing alternatives as inflation tightens budgets for entertainment. Free options have not disappeared; new shows like Stranger Things and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrive, while releases do not always hit the same level as House of the Dragon. These anti-crisis platforms offer a broad mix of films, documentaries, and series that can fill viewing time.
Even when patience and occasional ad breaks are required, broadcasts may be shuffled. Audiovisual production, music, literature, and journalism rely on a monetization model. If advertising does not fund it, subscriptions become the main channel for access, resulting in a monthly fee for ongoing access.
For those willing to tolerate these tradeoffs to protect their budgets—assuming solid internet, good coverage, fast speeds, and compatible devices—this guide surveys twelve platforms. It features Spanish titles alongside international offerings.
Operation time
This recent addition, a free digital platform that began in Spain in September, promises access to movies and series at no cost. It provides seven channels of non-premium content spanning action, comedy, romance, crime, thriller, horror, and classic genres, along with acclaimed games and cult favorites. Three serial channels, including two loop channels, present Curro Jiménez and Ana y los 7. The current catalog includes Disappeared, Archangel, Luisa Spagnoli, XIII The Conspiracy, Damn King, and The Truckers.
RTVE Play
RTVE’s free platform aggregates programming aired on various TVE channels such as MasterChef Celebrity, Serving and Protecting, and Big Mess, with a strong lineup of Spanish and international series available alongside other platforms. Titles like Call My Agent, Parliament, Sherlock, Top of the Lake, This Is Us, The Decline, Downton Abbey, and Division have found their way into the catalog. The service offers notable documentaries and a strong focus on both European cinema and broader international selections.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV operates like other free, ad-supported services but also offers original channels. It provides on-demand shows and movies from various studios and broadcasters. The platform curates channels across action, comedy, drama, horror, sports, music, kids, and lifestyle, with content across timeless films and series. No registration is required, which helps explain its popularity, and programming schedules govern what is available.
Player
Three years after Atresmedia launched its paid platform, Player Premium, it consistently premieres high-quality original production alongside ongoing favorites such as Gypsy Bride and The Queens Come to the Rescue. The platform also presents content from its family of channels including Antena 3, La Sexta, Neox, Nova, Mega, and Atreseries, keeping a seamless connection to live programming and on-demand options.
eMovie
As a digital movie and documentary rental service, eMovie is accessible to library members and focuses on a curated catalog that blends classics with modern titles. It features more than 12,000 items spanning films, series, lessons, and even magazines, offering a diverse range for curious viewers who value indie trends alongside mainstream fare.
ART TV
ART TV stands as a free European cultural stream emphasizing documentary content, cinema, informative programs, concerts, and a broad spectrum of cultural topics such as history, science, and music. It releases a steady flow of new material and commits to multi-lingual accessibility, including Spanish and English subtitles across a wide selection of programs.
Rakuten-TV
Rakuten TV, formerly known for Waki TV, maintains a broad catalog with options for subscription bundles and rental or purchase. A more limited free tier exists with ads. Recent offerings include travel-adventure formats and European-focused programming presented to international audiences, along with a mix of series and films.
Wiki
Rakuten TV’s catalog emphasizes Asian dramas and cinema, organized by genre from Romantic Comedy to Crime & Mystery and more. The platform allows users to search by actor to catch up on a star’s body of work, a feature that attracts fans keen on filmographies. The emphasis tends to skew toward younger audiences seeking fresh titles.
Plexi TV
Plexi TV provides a free catalog with thousands of movies and many live channels accessible instantly without a subscription. Viewers can explore content across devices—from browsers to mobile apps to smart TVs. The service also makes it easy to discover content from other streaming libraries anytime.
iQiyi
Often called China’s Netflix, iQiyi arrived in Spain with a wide array of films, series, reality shows, talent programs, talk shows, and anime. While many titles are original, they also broadcast premieres from traditional Chinese television. Spanish subtitles are available, though most content remains in Mandarin.
Crispy Roll
Anime fans will find a catalog of more than 1,000 titles and 30,000 manga chapters on Crispy Roll. Since last spring, new or ongoing episodes require a premium plan, but free options still exist for occasional viewing of selected titles.
Filmon
Filmon delivers internet-based television with global reach, including live sports, news and lifestyle programming, as well as movies and family channels from multiple regions. The selection is diverse, though many English-language titles are presented with limited or no subtitles, depending on the source.