The movies that you can show without a license are public domain movies and films that have no copyright on them.
All other movies that are not in the public domain and are copyright require a license to show in public.
Without the license you can get fined and even face possible jail time.
Always make sure the films or movies are in the public domain before showing them in public without a license.
A license is required for all public performances regardless of whether admission is charged.
The rental, purchase, lending or download of a movie does not provide the right to exhibit it publicly outside the home unless the screening is properly licensed.
Because a film can incorporate cinematography, drama, literature, music, art, and/or trademark, it is more difficult to determine the public domain status of film than for any other media.
Unfortunately, there is no single method for determining if a film, or parts of it, is in the public domain.