Best 123Movies Alternatives for Free Online Streaming in 2024
let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to find a website you can trust to stream your movies and TV shows for free. For years, 123Movies was the site for millions of people, a virtual library of movies, series, and more, all for free. But eventually, it was shut down due to legal issues, and fans are looking for the best alternatives. Don’t worry, though! While there are still plenty of excellent options for safe, legal, and (some are even free) streaming. Here are the top 123 movies alternatives to binge your movie cravings in 2024.
What is 123Movies?
123Movies was a top streaming site. It had a huge, free collection of movies and TV shows for anyone with an internet connection. Launched in 2015, the site became an instant fan favorite before being subject to legal interest.
History of 123Movies
123Movies didn’t go on forever. The site closed in 2018 over copyright issues. Since then, many clones and mirror sites have appeared. Users are unsure if the site is still active.
Is 123Movies Legal and Safe to Use?
We’re clear—123Movies was a great platform for movie buffs, but it was operating in a legal grey area. The site hosted most of the content without proper licensing, and it was illegal in many countries.
Streaming on 123Movies Legal Considerations
It’s like watching a movie without a ticket. Like buying a ticket supports the film industry, so does paying for licensed streaming services to support creators.
How to Avoid Safety Risks
In addition to being illegal, using 123Movies puts your device on the line for viruses or malware from ads and popups. Illegal streaming sites are the favorite targets of hackers who can get hold of your personal information
Top 20 Best Sites Like 123Movies That Work in 2024
Below are the top alternatives to 123Movies, which are still online this year. High-quality streaming, user-friendly interfaces, and some are even free!
Certainly! Here’s the expanded content for the alternatives to 123Movies:
1. MyFlixTor
Website link: MyFlixTor
If you want to watch high-definition content and have a slick user interface, then MyFlixTor is a great option for you. Viewers can watch numerous films and TV shows on this site without having to register. The platform doesn’t shove ads down your throat but be aware that the content you’ll see isn’t always legally sourced.
Pros:
- No ads compared to other free streaming sites.
- HD streaming library with extensive movie and show library.
Cons:
- It is questionable if it’s legal.
- Some regions may require a VPN to access.
2. Tubi
Website link: Tubi
Tubi is 100% legal and free streaming service with a wide selection of movies and TV shows with no hidden fees and no subscriptions. Tubi partners with major studios like MGM and Paramount, supported by ads, so you get access to well-known titles in all sorts of genres. It’s free, and it’s available on multiple devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles, making it one of the most versatile free offerings.
If you’re also interested in downloading instead of streaming, you can check out the best torrent sites of 2024 here for safe and fast downloads.
Pros:
- 100% legal and safe to use.
- It is available to you across different platforms (smart TVs, mobile, etc.).
Cons:
- Ads interruptions during streaming.
- Has not got the latest movie releases.
3. PrimeWire
Website link: PrimeWire
Free streaming enthusiasts still love PrimeWire, even though it has had its fair share of ups and downs. Movies and TV shows are available in bulk, both new and old. It’s got a slightly outdated interface, but it works and gets the job done. The downside to PrimeWire is that constantly changing domains in order to stay away from legal issues and the fact that there are tons of ads and pop ups.
Pros:
- Harbors huge quantities of both new and old content
- No registration needed; free to use
Cons:
- Ads and pop-ups can get pretty annoying if they’re always doing the same thing
- It is often difficult to find because the site’s domain often changes
4. GoMovies
Website link: GoMovies
Similar in structure and design to 123Moviesfree, GoMovies is a popular choice for those who miss the original site. There is a big choice of movies and TV shows in high quality. The bad side of this website is that it’s free to use, so you may be hit with pop-up ads and redirections. GoMovies, like 123Moviesme, works in a legal gray area, use with caution.
Pros:
- This offers a user experience very similar to 123Movies
- Available with high-quality streams
Cons:
- Too many ads and pop-ups
- The status of legality remains dubious
5. Crackle [US only]
Website link: Crackle
Sony’s Crackle is a legal, free streaming service that delivers high-quality content. There’s an impressive range of movies and TV shows, including some classic movies and some exclusive original content. Crackle is totally ad-supported, meaning you’ll have to sit through ads, but for a legal, free option, it’s worth it. It’s available on a wide variety of devices from smart TVs to gaming consoles and mobile apps.
Pros:
- No subscription is required, and it is legal, safe, and free
- Rich classic and exclusive content
Cons:
- Frequent ad interruptions
- Less recent movie releases than most other platforms
6. SolarMovie
Website link: SolarMovie
SolarMovie is different from similar services. It streams everything, from new blockbusters to old TV shows, in HD. A plus is that the site has minimal ad presence, but there’s no guarantee that the content is legally sourced. The interface is clean and navigation between genres and categories is quick. While SolarMovie is frequently blocked in many countries, you may need a VPN.
Pros:
- A clean, user-friendly interface
- It streams HD with fewer ads
Cons:
- Not always available without a VPN
- The legality of questionable content
7. PutLocker
Website link: PutLocker
For a long time, PutLocker has been around and it’s still one of the best free movie and TV show streaming sites out there. The ads in the platform may be suffocating, and you may have to close several pop-ups before you can begin streaming, which will be annoying. But for many, the hassles are worth it because of its vast library. Keep in mind that PutLocker works with different domains so finding the right one can be a problem. But overall, its experience is as good as movie123.
Pros:
- Free movies and shows are available in an extensive collection
- New releases and classics are offered
Cons:
- Lots of ads and pop-ups
- It is questionable content legality
8. YesMovies
Website link: YesMovies
As far as movie and TV show libraries go, YesMovies has it all, from romance to action and even documentary. This site is very easy to navigate and has streaming in HD which makes it a favourite of many users. YesMovies doesn’t need an account, but it’s filled with pop ups and ads, which can disrupt the user experience. The legality of the content is, as you’d expect with most free streaming sites, still in question.
Pros:
- Many genres and categories
- HD streaming quality
Cons:
- Lots of pop-ups and ads
- It is uncertain if the content is legal
9. FMovies
Website link: FMovies
FMovies is an old site and one of the best trusted free streaming sites. Its large collection of high quality movies and TV shows, including new releases, is known. FMovies is simple to navigate, but it’s like many free sites: it has ads. Users should use a VPN for security because the legal status of the site is unclear.
Pros:
- It provides a new release in HD quality
- Easy to navigate and user-friendly
Cons:
- Heavy on ads and pop-ups.
- Content legal issues.
10. Hulu [US Only]
Website link: Hulu
If you want high-quality, legal content, Hulu is not free, but it’s a great paid alternative. But it has tons of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals. The library also gets updated regularly with new releases. The platform has a subscription fee but the platform gives you a free trial to ensure you try it out before committing.
Pros:
- Huge content library, and legal and safe
- Regular updates with new releases, and exclusives
Cons:
- The free trial is followed by a subscription
- Available in only some regions (US)
11. 1HD
Website link: 1HD
The streaming world’s rising star, 1HD is a streamlined, ad-free experience for its viewers. Being specialized in high-definition content makes it the best choice for people who prefer video quality. 1HD may not have the sheer variety that other sites have, but it seeks to offer a smooth, fast experience without a ton of ads and is a solid option for movie fans. It fulfills the alternative requirement for movies123 viewers.
Pros:
- Clean, ad-free interface
- Focus on HD content
Cons:
- Smaller content library
- Depends on some regions, may require a VPN
12. Soap2Day
Website link: Soap2Day
Soap2Day is a wonderful place to watch TV shows. It brings a massive collection of episodes from various genres it is a great option for those who cannot find their favorite TV series. It is also an intuitive interface, where you can browse by genre, release date, and popularity. It is, however, ad supported and the legal standing of the content is uncertain.
Pros:
- Extensive TV show library
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Ad-heavy platform
- Content questionable legality
13. FlixTor
Website link: FlixTor
FlixTor provides a premium-like experience for free, more than any other alternative. The site has a lot of movies and TV shows available, all in HD. The best part? Ads are minimal, and video watching is smooth. However, like any free site, it operates in a legal gray area.
Pros:
- No ads, and excellent video quality
- Content selection is large, including new releases
Cons:
- There are questions of content legality
- May not be available in some regions
14. StreamLord
Website link: StreamLord
If you want a no-frills, StreamLord is the service for you. You get a lot of movies and TV shows with very easy and simple interface. But StreamLord’s library is smaller than some of its competitors and its legality is questionable.
Pros:
- Ad-free with fast streaming speeds
- A simple and intuitive interface
Cons:
- Smaller content library
- Legal content is still an issue
How to Safely Stream and Download Movies from 123Movies Alternatives
Streaming is fine but stay safe. Here’s how you can keep yourself safe online when watching your favorite movies.
Use a VPN to Stay Secure
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) keeps you anonymous online and hides your IP address and encrypts your connection. Some of the best options include:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- CyberGhost
Avoiding Malware and Pop-Ups
Malicious ads are notorious for illegal streaming sites. Don’t click any suspicious pop ups and use an ad blocker to reduce the risk.
Best Practices for Safe Streaming
- Use a VPN for privacy
- Don’t give out personal information
- Install antivirus software
- When you can, always stick to legal streaming services
Conclusion
123Movies might be gone, but there’s still a whole lot out there to satisfy your movie and TV show cravings. When you stream, prioritize safety and legality. Enjoy the endless content these alternatives offer. Happy streaming!