Three excellent free films to watch online this weekend (March 7-9)

      Welcome back, Bong Joon Ho. It has been six years since the release of Parasite, the remarkable thriller that made history as the first non-English-language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. This weekend marks Bong's return with his new film, Mickey 17. This sci-fi comedy features a disposable worker (Robert Pattinson) who is revived as a clone after dying multiple times on a colonization mission.

      Mickey 17 is already receiving favorable reviews, which is unsurprising given the talent behind its creation. To celebrate Bong’s comeback, one of the free movies available to stream this weekend is from his earlier filmography. The other two picks pay tribute to an Oscar-winning director and a legendary actor who recently passed away.

      We also provide guides for the top new movies to stream, as well as the best movies available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      Memories of a Murder (2003)

      CJ Entertainment

      Respectfully, while Barking Dogs Never Bite is notable, Bong’s second feature, Memories of a Murder, is the film that established his reputation. Based on a real South Korean serial killer, it follows detectives Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) and Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung) as they investigate a series of rapes and murders.

      These two detectives have contrasting techniques—Park is the more aggressive investigator, whereas Seo employs scientific methods. The film contrasts old-school and new-school policing techniques, showcasing ethical dilemmas and the toll of their investigation on the detectives. Rather than a straightforward whodunit, Bong delves into morality and human imperfections, resulting in one of the greatest murder mysteries in cinema history.

      You can stream Memories of a Murder for free on Tubi.

      Red Rocket (2021)

      RED ROCKET Trailer (2021) Simon Rex, Drama Movie

      After more than 25 years as an independent filmmaker, Sean Baker reached mainstream success with Anora, the romantic dramedy that garnered five Oscars, including Best Picture. Baker has a knack for discovering talent, seen with Oscar winner Mikey Madison. In his previous film, Red Rocket, Baker cast Simon Rex, known for his role as the rapper Dirt Nasty.

      Rex's vibrant energy fit perfectly for the character of Mikey “Saber” Davies, a washed-up porn star returning to Texas after failing in Los Angeles. Mikey seeks refuge with his estranged wife (Bree Elrod) and engages in drug dealing for money. He soon begins a relationship with 17-year-old Strawberry (Suzanna Son), viewing her as his key to returning to the porn industry. Red Rocket successfully explores the life of a self-centered hustler during the Trump era, with Rex delivering an excellent performance in a role he has long awaited.

      You can stream Red Rocket for free on Pluto TV.

      Mississippi Burning (2009)

      Orion Pictures

      On February 17, we lost an acting legend in Gene Hackman, who passed away at 95. Few actors can claim to have been the best in their profession at any time, but Hackman was undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever appear on screen. Despite his youthful appearance for decades, Hackman allowed his work to shine, and it was truly exceptional.

      Among Hackman’s performances available on Tubi, we will focus on Mississippi Burning, the crime thriller directed by Alan Parker. Following the disappearance of three civil rights activists in a small town in Mississippi, the FBI dispatches agents Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman) and Alan Ward (Willem Dafoe) to investigate, only to find widespread reluctance to cooperate. The authorities seek to avoid implicating themselves, while the African American community fears the Ku Klux Klan. With little assistance, Anderson resorts to aggressive methods to achieve his goals. Prepare for an acting masterclass from Hackman.

      You can stream Mississippi Burning for free on Tubi.