Best Free 20 Sites Like 123Movies to Watch Movies Online

The Current State of 123Movies

The beloved 123Movies, once a go-to for free streaming enthusiasts, was shut down in 2018 due to copyright infringement issues, leaving a significant void in the realm of free movie streaming sites. This has driven users to explore 123Movies alternatives to satisfy their need for movies and TV shows without legal repercussions.

123Movies Websites

Despite the closure, numerous clone sites have emerged, attempting to replicate the 123Movies experience. These include 123movies.to, 0123movies.net, and 123movies.la, which are fraught with risks like malware and excessive ads. Users should approach these with caution, employing VPNs and ad-blockers for safety when exploring websites like 123Movies.

20 Free 123Movies Alternatives That Are Still Available

Overview: In the quest for sites like 123Movies, here’s a detailed look at 20 free alternatives that provide a range of movies and TV shows:

SolarMovie

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile	Unclear	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium – use with caution due to ads	Varies

SolarMovie is renowned for its extensive library, offering a user-friendly interface that makes navigating through its vast collection of movies and TV shows a breeze. It’s a top choice for those seeking movie sites like 123Movies with a focus on quality and variety.

Pros: Wide selection, user-friendly, quality streams.

Cons: Potential legal issues, ads can be intrusive.

Putlocker

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile	Operates in a legal gray area	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium – beware of pop-up ads	Generally fast

A long-standing name among free movie streaming sites, Putlocker offers a straightforward interface for accessing a broad range of movies and TV shows. Its frequent domain changes are a testament to its ongoing battle with legal challenges.

Pros: Large content library, simple navigation.

Cons: Frequent domain changes, and potential legal risks.

YesMovies

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile	Unclear	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

YesMovies provides high-definition streams of new movies and TV shows, standing out as a solid 123Movies alternative. It has an easy-to-navigate interface but comes with ads. Users should be aware of potential legal issues and security risks associated with such sites.

Pros: High-quality streams, frequently updated.

Cons: Ads can disrupt the viewing experience.

FMovies

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile	Often pirated content	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium to Low – ads can be malicious	Fast

FMovies has become a go-to spot for movie and TV show enthusiasts seeking alternatives to 123Movies due to its quick updates on new releases and offering various video quality options, catering to different internet speeds and preferences. The site’s layout is straightforward, making it easy to browse through a wide array of genres, from the latest blockbusters to classic films.

Pros: Quick updates, multiple streaming options.

Cons: High ad presence, and security concerns.

GoMovies

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile	Similar legal issues to 123Movies	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

GoMovies mirrors the 123Movies experience with its vast entertainment selection. Its interface is familiar to former 123Movies users, making it an easy transition for those looking for content without the hassle of signing up. The site organizes its content well, allowing users to filter by genre, release year, or country, making it simple to find what you’re looking for.

Pros: Familiar user interface, extensive content.

Cons: Legal uncertainties, ad-heavy.

MoviesJoy

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile	Appears less legally contested	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	High – no ads	Fast

MoviesJoy offers an ad-free streaming experience, which is rare among free platforms. It provides access to movies and TV shows in high definition, making it a top choice for viewers looking for quality over quantity.

Pros: No ads, HD quality streams.

Cons: Smaller content library compared to others.

Popcornflix

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile, Smart TV	Legally licensed content	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	High	Good

As one of the legal free movie streaming sites, Popcornflix offers a rich mix of classics and contemporary films, though viewers will encounter ads during their sessions. Unlike many free streaming sites, Popcornflix operates legitimately, having secured rights to its content, which means viewers can enjoy their movies without worrying about legal repercussions.

Pros: Legal, safe streaming, no account needed.

Cons: Limited to specific countries, ads present.

Crackle

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile, Smart TV	Owned by Sony, legal content	Movies, TV Shows, Sony Originals	No	Completely Free	High	Good

Crackle, backed by Sony, provides access to an impressive range of movies, TV shows, and original series at no cost. While the viewing experience includes commercial breaks, the high-quality, legally licensed content distinguishes Crackle from many other free 123Movies alternatives.

Pros: Legally sound, good variety, Sony originals.

Cons: Limited to certain regions, ad-supported.

Tubi TV

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web, Mobile, Smart TV	Legal through studio partnerships	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	High	Excellent

Tubi TV collaborates with major studios like Fox and MGM to offer an extensive library with minimal ads compared to other free services. Its user-friendly interface and high-quality streams make it a favorite among legal streaming options.

Pros: Large library, legal, user-friendly interface.

Cons: Geographic restrictions, ads.

Vumoo

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Operates in a legal gray area	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Variable

Vumoo offers a straightforward platform where users can enjoy movies and TV shows with minimal interruption from advertisements. Its focus on user experience through a clean interface makes it a valuable choice for those seeking a hassle-free streaming alternative to 123Movies.

Pros: Easy navigation, minimal ads.

Cons: Potential legal issues, variable streaming quality.

AZMovies

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Often includes pirated content	Movies	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

AZMovies is for those who prioritize HD quality in their search for movie sites like 123Movies, but its frequent updates come with legal and security caveats. It boasts an extensive library that’s regularly refreshed, yet this convenience comes at the cost of potential copyright infringement and exposure to malware through its intrusive advertising.

Pros: HD quality, regularly updated.

Cons: Ads, potential copyright violations.

5Movies

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Unclear	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

5Movies offers a unique approach by sorting content based on IMDb ratings, making it an insightful 123Movies alternative for finding quality entertainment. The site’s emphasis on user ratings helps viewers quickly identify highly regarded movies and TV shows. However, like many free streaming sites, it’s ad-supported, and users should be wary of potential legal and security issues.

Pros: Organized by ratings, easy to use.

Cons: Ads can be a nuisance.

LookMovie

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Includes pirated content	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

LookMovie provides an easy-to-navigate site with a focus on delivering HD streams, positioning itself as a strong contender among websites like 123Movies. Its search functionality and categorization by genre make finding content straightforward, though users should be mindful of the site’s ad presence and the associated risks of streaming from free, unofficial sources.

Pros: High-definition streams, user-friendly.

Cons: Ads, legal issues.

HDO

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Linked to pirated content	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Fast

HDO is all about HD content with frequent updates, making it a prime choice for those looking for movie sites like 123Movies with a focus on quality. However, its availability has become inconsistent, with the original site now often inaccessible, pushing users towards alternative domains or similar services.

Pros: HD content, rapid updates.

Cons: Stability issues, ad presence.

StreamM4u

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Operates in a legal gray area	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

StreamM4u prides itself on providing a no-pop-up ad experience, which significantly improves user satisfaction. It offers a user-friendly interface with straightforward navigation and a broad selection of movies and TV shows, though the service is not without its legal and security considerations.

Pros: No pop-up ads, diverse options.

Cons: Legal concerns, some ad presence.

PrimeWire

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Legal gray area	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Variable

PrimeWire’s strength lies in its detailed categorization, allowing users to find exactly what they’re looking for. However, like many of its peers, it frequently changes domains to stay online, reflecting its legal challenges.

Pros: Detailed content sorting, large library.

Cons: Frequent domain changes, ads.

Afdah

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Often pirated content	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

Afdah is known for its multilingual movie offerings, providing a global audience with access to films in various languages. It’s user-friendly but comes with the standard risks associated with free streaming.

Pros: Multiple language options, clean interface.

Cons: Ads, potential copyright issues.

Cineb

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Unclear	Movies, TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

Cineb provides a broad selection with an interface designed for ease of use, positioning it well among websites like 123Movies. Its layout is clean and intuitive, making it simple to find and watch content across various genres, with the added convenience of not requiring user registration.

Pros: Wide range, user-friendly.

Cons: Ads, legal concerns.

WatchSeries

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	In legal gray area	TV Shows	No	Completely Free	Medium	Variable

WatchSeries caters specifically to TV show enthusiasts, making it the perfect 123Movies alternative for series lovers. It offers a comprehensive database with episodes sorted by season, and its search feature is tailored to quickly locate specific shows or episodes.

Pros: Focused on TV shows, user-friendly.

Cons: Ads can be intrusive, legal issues.

Yify TV

Platforms	Legality	Content Types	Login	Status	Security	Speed
Web	Previously known for piracy	Movies	No	Completely Free	Medium	Good

Yify TV has transitioned from being known for YTS downloads to providing streaming services. It focuses on offering high-quality, curated movie selections, but its past reputation casts a shadow on its legal standing.

Pros: High-quality streams, curated content.

Cons: Legal concerns, ads.

123Movies Alternatives Classification

After detailing each 123Movies alternative, let’s classify them based on user experience, content legality/security, content richness, and update frequency:

User Experience (Interface Friendliness, Fewer Ads)

1. MoviesJoy – Provides an ad-free viewing experience, making it one of the top choices for those who detest interruptions.
2. Popcornflix – Offers a clean interface and a good user experience, even if there are some ads.
3. Tubi TV – Has an intuitive user interface with fewer ads compared to other free platforms.
4. StreamM4u – No pop-up ads, enhancing the user experience significantly.

Content Legality/Security (Less Copyright Risk or Supported by Reputable Companies)

1. Crackle – Supported by Sony, ensuring all content is legally streamed.
2. Tubi TV – Collaborates with multiple big-name studios, offering legally sound streaming options.
3. Popcornflix – Also backed by reputable companies, providing legal content.

Content Richness (Quantity and Quality of Movies and TV Shows)

1. SolarMovie – Boasts an incredibly rich library covering both new and old movies and TV shows.
2. Putlocker – Known for its vast selection of high-quality films and series.
3. YesMovies – Popular for its comprehensive and quality content offerings.
4. FMovies – Frequently updates its content, ensuring a wide, up-to-date selection.
5. GoMovies – Similar to 123Movies in content richness, offering a broad entertainment selection.
6. PrimeWire – Provides a large and detailed selection of movies and TV shows.

Update Frequency (Speed of New Content Release)

1. FMovies – Renowned for its rapid content updates, keeping the platform current.
2. YesMovies – Regularly updates with new movies and TV shows.
3. HDO.to – Focuses on HD content with a commendable update speed.
4. AZMovies – Keeps the library fresh with the latest movie releases.
5. Vumoo – Maintains a decent frequency of content updates.

Other Features (Specialized According to Specific Needs)

1. WatchSeries – Tailored for those primarily interested in TV shows, offering a specialized service.
2. Afdah – Stands out with its multilingual movie selection, catering to a global audience.
3. Cineb – Provides a variety of content with a user-friendly interface.
4. Yify TV – Transitions from downloads to streaming, focusing on a curated, high-quality movie experience.

These classifications help you navigate through the plethora of sites like 123Movies, choosing based on what matters most to them: legal streaming, user experience, content variety, or the freshness of the content. Remember, while some sites offer legal streaming options, others exist in a legal gray area, so always consider the implications of streaming from each platform.

The Best 123Movies Alternative in 2025

In 2025, Tubi TV stands out as the premier 123Movies alternative due to its legal status, extensive library, and user-friendly interface. Its partnerships with major content providers keep it at the forefront of free movie streaming sites.

Tips for Watching Movies Online

Use a VPN: Protect your privacy and access content from anywhere.

Ad-Blockers: Improve your streaming experience by minimizing interruptions.

Antivirus: Keep your system safe from potential threats on less reputable sites like 123Movies.

Check Legality: Be aware of the copyright laws in your jurisdiction.

Quality vs. Free: Sometimes, paying for a service might offer better quality and peace of mind.

FAQs on 123Movie Alternatives

Is it legal to use 123Movies or its alternatives?

Using 123Movies or similar sites is generally considered illegal in many countries because they often host copyrighted content without permission. The legal status can vary by region, but streaming or downloading from these sites can lead to legal consequences for both the site operators and users in countries with strict copyright laws.

Are there safe websites similar to 123Movies?

Yes, there are safer, legal alternatives like Tubi, Crackle, and Pluto TV, which offer free, ad-supported movies and TV shows. These platforms have agreements with content providers, ensuring you can watch legally without risking malware or legal issues.

Why do free streaming sites like 123Movies keep changing their domain?

Due to legal actions against copyright infringement, these sites are frequently shut down or blocked. To continue operating, they change domains to avoid legal repercussions and maintain access for users. This cat-and-mouse game with authorities is why you’ll see different URLs for the same site over time.

Can I get a virus from using 123Movies or its alternatives?

Absolutely, many free streaming sites are notorious for hosting malware through ads or pop-ups. They might not secure their platforms as well as legal streaming services, making them more vulnerable to cyber attacks or malicious software distribution.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, while 123Movies may be gone, the landscape of free movie streaming sites has evolved with numerous 123Movies alternatives filling the gap. Navigating through these options requires balancing the desire for free content with concerns about legality, security, and quality. Among the alternatives, some stand out for their approach to user experience, content legality, or sheer variety, making them excellent sites like 123Movies for your streaming needs. Remember, the key is to enjoy your entertainment safely and responsibly.