The answer to this question is both yes and no.
Yes, you can download the Netflix app for free from your device’s app store. However, you will need to sign up for a paid subscription in order to actually watch movies and TV shows on the streaming service.
As of writing, Netflix offers three tiers of subscription: Basic, Standard and Premium. The Basic plan costs $8.99/month and allows streaming on one device at a time in standard definition (SD).
The Standard plan costs $13.99/month and allows streaming on two devices at once in high definition (HD). Lastly, the Premium plan costs $17.99/month and allows streaming on four devices at once in ultra high definition (UHD).
Netflix also offers a free trial period, usually lasting 30 days, depending on your country of residence. During this period you can sample the service without having to pay anything. However, once the trial period is over you will have to start paying a subscription fee if you want to continue using Netflix.
In summary, while it is possible to download the Netflix app for free from an app store, you will need to sign up for a paid subscription in order to actually watch movies and TV shows on the streaming service.
Conclusion: So, while you cannot download Netflix for free, it does offer users a 30-day trial period that allows them to sample its services without having to pay anything upfront.