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The 19 best 123Movies alternatives: best paid and free movie streaming sites
- 1. Tubi: big library of new and classic movies
- 2. Plex: minimal ad intrusion for watching movies online
- 3. Pluto TV: one of the most expansive libraries of both movies and TV series
- 4. Crunchyroll: wide collection of anime with great categorization
- 5. The Roku Channel: 123Movies alternative with classic and trending titles
- 6. Popcornflix: great user interface to watch indie movies and TV shows
- 7. Peacock TV: affordable content from NBC
- 8. Vudu / Fandango at Home: alternative to 123Movies with the latest blockbusters
- 9. Amazon Freevee: great licensed collection available for free
- 10. YouTube Free Movies & TV: 123Movies alternative with occasional ads
- 11. Xumo Play: easy-to-use 123Movies alternative with live and on-demand content
- 12. Netflix: the best official streaming platform
- 13. Amazon Prime: great alternative for multimedia content
- 14. Max: best 123Movies alternative for Warner Bros content
- 15. Kanopy: free 123Movies alternative for indie and classic films
- 16. Hoopla Digital: 123Movies alternative with streaming and even eBooks
- 17. Disney Plus: the best streaming platform for all things Disney
- 18. Hulu: live TV and on-demand content
- 19. Sling TV: affordable cable over the internet
- Is 123Movies safe and legal?
- Here’s why you should use a VPN for 123Movies alternatives
- Our verdict: 123Movies alternatives are just as good, but use a VPN
- FAQ
123Movies was a popular platform to watch free movies online. It was then taken down in March 2018. Not to worry though, as I tested the top 123Movies alternatives for you.
I’ve found 19 legal 123Movies alternatives, which have been re-tested in 2025 by my colleagues and I. Here’s a snippet of the top 10 alternatives for 123Movies:
- Tubi: Big library of new and classic movies
- Plex: Minimal ad intrusion for watching movies online
- Pluto TV: One of the most expansive libraries of both movies and TV series
- Crunchyroll: Wide collection of anime with great categorization
- The Roku Channel: 123Movies alternative with classic and trending titles
- Popcornflix: Simple user interface and great collection of movies
- Peacock TV: Cheapest premium 123Movies alternative
- Vudu / Fandango at Home: Alternative to 123Movies with wide selection of the most recent films
- Amazon Freevee: Great free collection of movies and shows
- YouTube Free Movies & TV: 123Movies alternative with occasional ads
Some 123Movies alternatives may be unavailable due to geo-restrictions or ISP blocks. So if you’re trying to access legal alternatives to 123Movies while traveling, a VPN can help you reach your favorite streaming services from any part of the world – just make sure the hosted content is legal.
I recommend Surfshark, which has a wide network of servers that can bypass geo-blocks while keeping your connection private from third parties.
Want to see my full list of the 19 best 123Movies alternatives? Read on!
123Movies used to be one of the most popular websites to watch movies free online and stream TV shows. While the 123Movies official website is no more, there are several legal 123Movies alternatives out there that let you stream content for free.
However, watching free online movies poses risks that include malware, financial penalties, or having your internet shut down. If you’re accessing geo-restricted legal services while traveling, make sure you protect yourself with my recommended VPN, Surfshark – it offers malware protection and keeps your connection private.
So, what legal sites similar to 123Movies are safe to use, and what are the best 123Movie alternatives? I’ll answer these questions and more in the article below.
The 19 best 123Movies alternatives: best paid and free movie streaming sites
If you’re looking for alternative 123Movies sites that work, I’ve picked the best legal free streaming sites for you. I have included 123movies free online movie streaming sites and some paid options below.
1. Tubi: big library of new and classic movies
What I Like
- Large library of free movies and TV shows
- No account required to start watching
- Simple, easy-to-navigate interface
What I Don't Like
- Some newer titles require signing up to save progress
Tubi has an expansive library of the latest movies and older titles. I found the site ideal for streaming high-definition movies online. Plus, the interface is easy to navigate, with solid categorization options for its media content. You can browse movies and series by country, genre, or IMDb rating. And here’s the best part: no account required!
On the other hand, Tubi is ad-supported, so you’ll see short ad breaks during movies or shows. While it doesn’t have every blockbuster, it still offers one of the best free streaming experiences available legally.
2. Plex: minimal ad intrusion for watching movies online
What I Like
- Has a vast library of titles
- No account required for basic streaming
- User-friendly interface
What I Don't Like
- Ad-supported, with occasional interruptions
If you want to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Plex is a great 123Movies alternative. I found a great collection of free movies and TV shows, including classics and hidden gems. Not to mention, the interface is pretty minimalist, so you should have an easy time navigating the platform.
Just keep in mind that Plex is ad-supported, so you’ll see a few interruptions during playback. And while some titles may also vary by region, a VPN, like Surfshark, can help you access regional content while traveling and ensure a smooth viewing experience.
3. Pluto TV: one of the most expansive libraries of both movies and TV series
What I Like
- Huge selection of live channels and on-demand movies
- Streams in HD
What I Don't Like
- Ads can get annoying sometimes
Pluto TV is a popular free streaming site and one of the best 123Movies alternatives. It’s been around for a long while and has one of the biggest libraries of free movies, live channels, and TV shows.
If you can think of an existing piece of media, it’s probably hosted on the platform. So, Pluto TV is a great option when you struggle to find a title anywhere else.
I was able to stream a lot of our favorite movies and TV shows on Pluto TV. I watched Oscar-winning movies in HD with no issues at all.
On the other hand, Pluto TV is ad-supported, and the commercials can be a bit frequent during longer content. Still, as a free and legal service, it’s an excellent option.
4. Crunchyroll: wide collection of anime with great categorization
What I Like
- Huge selection of anime titles
- User-friendly interface
- Streams in HD with good subtitle options
What I Don't Like
- Free plan includes ads
- Some newer episodes are delayed for free users
Crunchyroll is one of the best 123Movies alternatives if you’re looking for anime. I really liked that most of their titles are available in HD, and the UI is clean and easy to use, even on mobile. On top of that, the platforms includes simulcast episodes, so you can enjoy new releases shortly after they air in Japan.
That said, unless you upgrade to the premium plan, the free tier will have you sit through some ads, and access to the newest episodes is delayed. Still, for casual anime fans, Crunchyroll is a reliable, safe, and legal way to stream your favorite shows.
5. The Roku Channel: 123Movies alternative with classic and trending titles
What I Like
- Subtitles available in a lot of languages
- Good mix of classic and trending content
What I Don't Like
- Some content is older or lower-budget
- Ad breaks during playback
The Roku Channel is one of the most accessible alternatives to 123Movies. It offers a clean interface, is available on a wide range of devices, and, on top of it all, completely free. Even though their library leans toward classic films and older TV shows, I still found plenty of content to enjoy for any occasion – rom comedies to thrillers. Plus, subtitles are available for most content.
During Halloween, I watched some of the best classic Halloween movies, all without the need to download anything. Just keep in mind that the platform is ad-supported.
6. Popcornflix: great user interface to watch indie movies and TV shows
What I Like
- Minimal ad intrusion
- Great navigation
- No sign-up required
What I Don't Like
- Smaller movie library compared to other platforms
- Not a lot of TV shows
When testing Popcornflix, I was impressed by how easy the platform was to use. It was simple to navigate and find the shows I wanted to watch, and I was also happy to see that it was even available on mobile devices. Plus, it had very minimal ad intrusion, which is always a big plus in my book.
On the other hand, Popcornflix focuses mostly on movies, specifically on older or indie titles. So while its library isn’t too impressive, it’s completely free and doesn’t require an account. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to stream movies legally, it’s a solid pick.
7. Peacock TV: affordable content from NBC
What I Like
- Paid subscriptions are affordable
- Great live events
- Officially licensed content
What I Don't Like
- No free plan available anymore
- Only accessible with a US IP address
Visit: Peacock TV
Peacock was my go-to recommendation for free streaming sites until it dropped its $0 tier. But even without that, it’s an extremely affordable service and one of the best 123Movies alternatives.
The site is backed by NBC, and it has a decent on-demand library to show for it. I could watch shows like The Office, Yellowstone, Blacklist, and F9 on Peacock. More importantly, I could watch the Indy 500 or WWE, which are some of NBC’s live events.
Unfortunately, Peacock is only available in the US, so you’ll need a VPN to access it. If you’re not sure which tool to use for it, I recommend Surfshark. The VPN provider has 600+ servers in the US, so you will easily find one to unblock Peacock TV.
8. Vudu / Fandango at Home: alternative to 123Movies with the latest blockbusters
What I Like
- Extensive content library
- Free to use with optional account
What I Don't Like
- Free library changes frequently
- Ad-supported
Vudu’s free tier (now branded as Fandango at Home) offers a good range of the latest movies and TV shows. I liked the site’s filtering options too, especially being able to sort by genre and rating, making finding something to watch easy.
The quality of the content it provides is excellent, with many titles available in HD. While the free tier is ad-supported, I found the ad breaks manageable and not too intrusive. The only downside is that the free movie library rotates regularly, so some titles may be available only for a limited time.
Overall, my experience with Vudu was great, and it’s one of the better legal 123Movies alternatives to access newer titles without paying.
9. Amazon Freevee: great licensed collection available for free
What I Like
- Completely free
- Decent library for a free streaming site
- Licensed content
What I Don't Like
- Supported by ads
- Library can't compare with paid alternatives
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Amazon Prime, Freevee might be the best streaming platform for you. It was previously known as IMDb TV before it was bought by Amazon, and it’s a pretty decent site.
Of course, its library is not as varied as Prime’s, but you can use it to watch a lot of content. When I checked its library, Freevee included titles like Mad Men, Friday Night Lights, a few Star Trek Films, and more.
The platform is supported by ads, so you will have to put up with some content interruptions. But if you want to watch something that’s on Freevee, it can be one of the best 123Movies alternatives.
10. YouTube Free Movies & TV: 123Movies alternative with occasional ads
What I Like
- Easy to navigate and familiar interface
- Very good content filtering
- Wide availability across all devices
What I Don't Like
- Includes ads during playback
- Free content rotates often
If you’re looking for top content filtering, YouTube’s Free Movies & TV section is one of the best 123Movies alternatives. It has great categorization options, and you can browse their titles by genre, popularity, or even year. Plus, it’s easy to use on any device – from your phone to your smart TV.
The platform has a rotating library of older titles, indie films, and a few hidden gems. I likes that I could keep browsing for more content while watching some of the best series without leaving the video player. That said, expect some short ads during playback, but overall, it’s a legit and hassle-free way to stream movies for free
11. Xumo Play: easy-to-use 123Movies alternative with live and on-demand content
What I Like
- No account or sign-up required
- Offers both live TV and on-demand movies
What I Don't Like
- Limited movie selection compared to other platforms
- Interface is messy at times
Xumo Play is a solid 123Movies alternative if you’re after live TV and on-demand movies. You can stream free of charge a variety of channels, along with access to a rotating catalog of movies and shows – all without needing an account. Xumo Play is available on most smart TVs, browsers, and mobile apps.
I found the interface pretty easy to navigate yet the live channel interface felt cluttered at times. Still, browsing by genre or jumping into different curated collections always guaranteed that I would find something to watch.
That said, while the on-demand selection isn’t as extensive as some of its competitors, Xumo Plays stands out with its both live and on-demand legal and free content.
12. Netflix: the best official streaming platform
What I Like
- Large content library
- High-definition content
- No advertising on most plans
What I Don't Like
- No free tier available
- Library differs greatly based on your location
Visit: Netflix
Netflix is probably the most popular streaming site, with a wide variety of movies and shows. It’s been a prime destination to watch movies online for years. It’s seen slowing growth in recent years, but it’s still pretty popular. For isntance, they made big headlines with their own production of the Adams family, Wednesday, and with Season 2 on the way, it’s guaranteed to attract new users to the platform.
Moreover, when testing Netflix, I discovered that I could also watch Harry Potter, The Office, Glass Onion, and other high-profile productions.
Unfortunately, not all Netflix titles are available worldwide. For example, Harry Potter is only available in the UK and Turkey. To unblock a larger library on Netflix, you can use a top VPN, like Surfshark, that will expand your Netflix catalog and let you watch movies that might otherwise be unavailable in your country.
13. Amazon Prime: great alternative for multimedia content
What I Like
- Decent library, especially for how little it costs
- No ads
- Available on almost all devices
What I Don't Like
- No free version
- Content availability can vary depending on where you live
Visit: Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is not too different from Netflix. You can watch Invincible Season 3, which was a TV series created for Amazon Prime and other exclusive shows. When looking at its subscription plans, I also liked that it was a bit cheaper than Netflix.
Compared to HBO Max, Amazon Prime had a mixed streak with its releases over the past few years. The Boys remained a hit, and Fallout became a major success in 2024. That said, the Lord of the Rings show was reviewed very poorly, and the fans weren’t too happy about it, either.
Still, Prime is a big platform with a lot of great shows. Plus, the Prime subscription also gets you a sub on Twitch and other benefits, so it is worth your money.
14. Max: best 123Movies alternative for Warner Bros content
What I Like
- Most Warner Bros content in one place
- Great shows released each year
- Official streaming platform
What I Don't Like
- No free version
- Limited global availability
Visit: Max
Max (previously HBO Max) is one of the best movie streaming sites you can find. It’s the pinnacle of Warner Bros content, featuring everything from classics like The Sopranos to new productions like House of the Dragon or The Last of Us.
Previous HBO platforms like HBO Now or HBO Max failed to provide a viable alternative to Netflix. Their library was too limited to compete with the giants of streaming. But with the advent of a unified Max, you get all the Warner Bros content you might want. Plus, the platform released a lot of hit shows last year. So, if you want to stay tuned to new releases, it’s a great 123Movies alternative.
However, Max is only available in a few select regions. If the platform is unavailable where you live, you can access HBO Max and its vast library of movies and TV shows with a good VPN provider.
15. Kanopy: free 123Movies alternative for indie and classic films
What I Like
- Ad-free
- HD and curated content
What I Don't Like
- Requires a library or university login
- Not the most comprehensive library
Kanopy is a great 123Movies alternative if you’re after high-quality content without ads. It offers a curated selection of indie films, documentaries, and educational material. However, it ranks lower on this list due to the fact that Kanopy is only accessible through participating libraries or universities.
While its library isn’t as extensive as mainstream platforms, you can find carefully selected content completely ad-free. I especially liked that most titles stream in high definition, and during testing, I didn’t experience any buffering or site downtime. So if you have access through a local institution, Kanopy is one of the best legal streaming options available.
16. Hoopla Digital: 123Movies alternative with streaming and even eBooks
What I Like
- Large library of movies, shows, and eBooks
- Easy navigation
- No ads during playback
What I Don't Like
- Requires a library card from a participating institution
- Availability depends on your location and library system
Hoopla Digital is another solid 123Movies alternative for those looking for a clean, ad-free experience. Besides a wide selection of movies and TV shows, the platform also offers audiobooks, and even eBooks – all available in HD. I found the interface intuitive and quite easy to navigate, with useful filters to help find exactly what you’re after.
That said, the reason why Hoopla is lower on this list is that not everyone can use it: like Kanopy, it requires a library card from a participating institution. However, if you have access, it’s one of the most versatile and secure streaming options out there – completely legal and totally free.
17. Disney Plus: the best streaming platform for all things Disney
What I Like
- Only site featuring the MCU, Star Wars, and Pixar
- Vast library, complete with exciting new releases
- Great for the whole family
What I Don't Like
- No free version
- Not available worldwide
Disney Plus is the best place to watch all things Disney, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and much more. It’s not just a great platform for fairy-tale fans; it has all sorts of other content as well. When I accessed Disney Plus, I saw many popular shows like The Mandalorian, Glee, Andor, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
If you’re in the mood for an MCU marathon or you want to relieve nostalgic times with old Pixar cartoons, Disney Plus is the best alternative to 123Movies. Unfortunately, it’s not available worldwide. If you want to access Disney Plus’ full library from anywhere in the world, you’ll need a reliable VPN like Surfshark.
18. Hulu: live TV and on-demand content
What I Like
- On-demand and live streaming options
- Available in a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus
- Official streaming platform
What I Don't Like
- On-demand library is not that great
- Only available in the US
Visit: Hulu
Hulu is one of the best up-and-coming movie streaming services and a great 123Movies alternative. While on the platform, I could watch movies online and check out various live channels. It features both on-demand titles as well as live events from different US channels. If you’re looking for an alternative to cable, Hulu has some of the best deals on the market.
Not to mention, it’s also available in a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus for $16.99 per month. However, Hulu is not available outside the US. If you want to watch it anywhere else, you’ll need to unblock Hulu with a VPN.
19. Sling TV: affordable cable over the internet
What I Like
- Affordable roster of US TV cable channels
- Comprehensive channel list
- Accessible from a lot of devices
What I Don't Like
- Only available in the US
Visit: Sling TV
Like Hulu, Sling TV is one of the best sites for cord-cutters tired of high cable subscription costs. It has an amazing suite of US TV channels available for as little as $35.99 per month, including AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, Showtime, TLC, and many more. If you want to get the full TV experience in your browser, Sling TV is one of the best providers.
Unfortunately, Sling TV is only available in the US. If you want to access it from anywhere else, you’ll need a VPN to change your IP address to one from the States. In my tests, Surfshark was more than capable of unblocking Sling TV with its 600+ US IP addresses. Plus, it offers a great discount for new subscribers.
Is 123Movies safe and legal?
The original 123Movies site was taken down years ago, and any versions still online are unofficial copies, also known as “mirrors“. Since they’re controlled by unknown third parties, there’s always a risk of malware if you visit a malicious site or click on a pop-up advert. On top of that, using these sites often violates copyright laws. That is why I don’t recommend using 123Movies mirrors at all.
Instead, I suggest checking out one of the legal 123Movies alternatives on this list. I have vetted each site to ensure they’re safe, reliable, and free of pirated content.
As for legality, watching copyrighted content on sites like 123Movies is illegal in most countries. While each country has its own stance on watching pirated content, most governments outlaw the downloading and streaming of unlicensed movies or shows. However, some countries like Poland or Spain let you watch movies for free, as long as it’s just for personal use.
REMINDER:
Always check your country’s legislation before visiting any 123Movies alternatives with copyrighted material. VPNOverview does not condone piracy or downloading copyrighted content.
Here’s why you should use a VPN for 123Movies alternatives
Streaming free movies and TV shows is perfectly legal in many countries, as long as the content is from licensed sources. However, even with legal platforms, free streaming sites can expose you to prying eyes, viruses, and malicious ads. That is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes into play.
A VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your online activity, giving you more privacy while browsing. That said, I personally recommend Surfshark for accessing 123Movies alternatives, which comes with strong privacy tools, uncapped data, and lightning-fast speeds. Moreover, its CleanWeb feature also blocks ads and protects you from known malware threats while streaming.
Added protection: use antivirus software for malware protection
Aside from a VPN, you should download an antivirus to boost your protection against malware. While Surfshark can block attacks and stop you from visiting malicious sites, combining it with a trusted antivirus creates a stronger line of defense.
I’ve tested various antivirus solutions extensively, and Norton 360 came out on top of the competition. If you accidentally click on a dangerous link, Norton 360 will block the infected file before it can harm your device. With hackers disguising free movie links as malware, this is a crucial investment for streaming free movies.
With phishing, spyware, and other threats on the rise, Norton 360 offers robust security features with high-level protection. It’s a smart investment that lets you stream movies and TV shows without worrying about computer worms or spyware.
Our verdict: 123Movies alternatives are just as good, but use a VPN
123Movies was once a popular choice to watch free movies online, but the official site is long gone. While new unofficial mirrors still pop up daily, they pose privacy and security risks.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safer, legal 123Movies alternatives available. Free platforms like Tubi, Plex, The Roku Channel, and Amazon Freevee offer great libraries without breaking the law. If you’re after premium content, there’s also Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and Sling TV. The latter options are paid but offer exclusive content and reliable access.
In case you can’t access these 123Movies alternatives, you can use Surfshark to bypass geo-restrictions by changing your IP address, especially if you’re traveling. Surfshark also offers a CleanWeb feature to safeguard you from ads and protect you from malicious websites.
FAQ
Are you stuck with a question regarding 123Movies alternatives? Check out the FAQ section to see if we have the answer. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to leave a comment.
No, 123Movies and its mirror sites are not legal in most countries. While some regions may have more lenient copyright laws, accessing or streaming copyrighted content without permission typically violates local regulations.
The consequences of using 123Movies depend on your country’s copyright laws. For example, in regions where streaming copyrighted content is illegal, users may face warnings, fines, or legal action. Even if enforcement is rare, accessing unofficial streaming platforms still carries legal and security risks. Therefore, always check your local laws before using services like 123Movies.
The original 123Movies site no longer exists, and its mirror sites can be risky. These copies are operated by unknown third parties who could potentially inject malware into the site or display malicious ads. Instead, use legal 123Movies alternatives that offer similar features without the security risks.
Some popular legal alternatives to 123Movies are:
- Tubi
- Plex
- Pluto TV
- Amazon Freevee
- Sling TV
- HBO Max
Some of these platforms are free with ads, while others require a paid subscription. While the availability may vary by region, a VPN like Surfshark can help you bypass various geo-restrictions.
