As finals wrap up and the semester break approaches, there's nothing better than unwinding
with Netflix—except for enjoying free streaming from Fulton Library. Whether you’re
recovering from burnout or spending time with loved ones, we’ve got your holiday movie
streaming fix. Skip the subscription fees and check out our online video databases,
which include movies you can’t find anywhere else. All you need is your UVID and password—grab
some friends and start streaming for free!
Keep reading to learn where to find movies, including direct links to movies you can’t find on Netflix.
How to Find Streaming Videos
There are a few ways to search for movies to stream:
- On the library’s homepage, click the “videos” tab above the search field, then search by topic or title.
- For movies you can stream, click the “online streaming” option before running your search.
- If you don’t have a movie in mind, browse movies our video databases, which can be found on the library homepage: simply select the “videos” tab, then “video databases” under the search box.
Search Popular Video Databases
Fulton library offers a wide selection of streaming videos, including popular movies, educational documentaries, fine arts performances, and counseling videos. We have 18 video databases for you to choose from, but here are a few of our favorites:
Swank—This database includes popular films set in snow and ice , like Disney’s Miracle, World War II inspired Snow Falling on Cedars, Christmas classics like The Holdovers, and more!
Kanopy—With a mix of feature films and documentaries from award-winning filmmakers, Kanopy includes movies you don’t want to miss this holiday season. This catalog includes heart-stopping horrors (like Midsommar and Hereditary), award-winning films (like Eighth Grade and I Am Not Your Negro), and everything in between.
Academic Video Online (AVON)—This database features a huge variety of scholarly videos: documentaries, interviews, performances, and more, including thousands of Emmy, and Peabody, and Oscar winners.
Docuseek—This resource focuses on documentaries from award-winning educational film distributors like Bullfrog Films, Collective Eye Films, Icarus Films, and more. If you need to watch a documentary for a class, Docuseek is a great place to look.
Performing Arts Video Databases—Stream videos of fine arts performances! Our performance databases include Dance in Video, Opera in Video, Classical Music in Video, Classical Performance in Video, and On the Boards.
Our Top Ten Movie Recommendations This Holiday Season
- The Umbrellas of Cherbourg: This bittersweet French musical captures the emotion of the season through unforgettable music and heartfelt themes of longing.
- Watership Down: This deeply emotional animated film about survival and friendship is set against wintry landscapes for a snowy holiday watch.
- The Best Years of Our Lives: This post-WWII drama about veterans returning home offers a reflection on family, togetherness, and the meaning of home.
- The Secret of Kells: This visually stunning animated film about Irish mythology offers a beautiful alternative for when you’re sick of the snow.
- A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night: A unique mix of horror and noir, this haunting film set in a snow-covered town is for those seeking something unconventional during the holidays.
- Rashomon: This film, exploring truth and memory from multiple perspectives, provides a thought-provoking film for quiet, introspective holiday moments.
- Moonlight: This poignant Oscar-winning story explores identity, love, and human connection, making it an emotional holiday favorite.
- The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari: This is a visually captivating silent horror film, perfect for those who want a mysterious film for the winter months.
- Beauty and the Beast: The classic Disney film set during the winter months is an ideal movie for a family holiday movie night.
- The Messenger—An Ode to the Imperiled Songbird: This documentary about the fragility of nature reminds us to consider the world outside of ourselves as we head into the new year.
Questions?
For questions about any of these resources, ask a librarian or stop by the circulation desk on the library’s first floor. Faculty who need assistance adding films to Canvas courses can contact Alan Stephens or their subject librarian.