Best 123Movies Alternatives & How to use them Securely

Don’t know which 123 site to trust? You can’t trust any! 

If you’re searching for 123movies alternatives, you’re likely looking for a safer, smoother streaming experience. While 123Movies and sites like 123movies offer free movies, they are notorious for intrusive ads, unstable links, and high privacy risks. Many users also wonder, what is 123movies now called, due to its frequent domain changes.

If you are looking for reliable movie sites like 123movies or other sites like movies123 that don’t compromise your security, our updated list provides the best safe and legal alternatives. We also address the crucial question: is 123movies safe? The answer is no, which is why making the switch to a reliable alternative is highly recommended.

If 123Movies is inaccessible or you’re ready for a smoother, safer streaming experience, here are the best 123Movies alternatives to try in 2025.

What’s 123movies?

123Movies is a free online streaming platform to watch movies and TV shows for free without registration. Launched in the mid-2010s, it gained global attention for a vast library of content, such as Hollywood blockbusters, international films, and TV series. The site operates by linking to pirated content, which violates copyright laws.

Despite being taken down multiple times by authorities, numerous clone and mirror sites have kept the 123Movies name alive with risks of malware, intrusive ads, and legal concerns.

As of now, 123Movies remains accessible through various mirror and proxy websites. Some of the most commonly used domains include:

• https://ww4.123moviesfree.net
• https://ww.0123movie.mov
• https://123moviesjr.cc/123movies
• https://ww16.0123movie.net
• https://123moviesfun.cc
• https://www1.123movies.domains/123movies
• https://all123movies.org
• https://r123movies.com
• https://l123movies.com

Best Country Specific 123Movies Alternatives You Can Access with a VPN

Free and illegal platforms are inherently dangerous. There are some renowned and reliable free platforms which are specifically available to watch in some countries. You can also get their access by changing your location via VPN.

Platform	Best For	Country/Region	Content Type	Free or Paid
BBC iPlayer	British TV, news, and dramas	United Kingdom	Live TV, on-demand shows, documentaries	Free (UK only)
SBS On Demand	International films, Aussie TV	Australia	Foreign films, news, sports, local shows	Free (AU only)
Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar)	Indian TV, Bollywood, cricket	India, SEA (varies by region)	Hindi series, IPL, Hotstar specials	Paid/Freemium
JioCinema	Indian content and live sports	India	Movies, IPL, Indian originals	Free (India only)
ZDF Mediathek	German documentaries & TV	Germany	News, sports, crime series, kids shows	Free (Germany only)
France.tv	French local channels	France	Culture, documentaries, fiction	Free (France only)
RTÉ Player	Irish programming and news	Ireland	Local TV, news, talk shows, sports	Free (Ireland only)
CBC Gem	Canadian originals and news	Canada	TV shows, movies, live news	Freemium (Canada only)
Viu	K-dramas, Asian TV	Southeast Asia, Middle East	Korean, Thai, and Filipino series	Freemium
NHK+	Japanese news and culture	Japan	Public broadcasting, live and archive	Free (Japan only)
RaiPlay	Italian entertainment and sports	Italy	Variety shows, TV series, UEFA matches	Free (Italy only)
TVNZ+	New Zealand TV	New Zealand	Reality shows, drama, local content	Free (NZ only)

Is 123Movies Safe?

No, 123Movies is not safe and can have the following risks.

1. Malware and Viruses

Illegal streaming sites are often loaded with malware, pop-up ads, and viruses, resulting in your device malfunctioning or data leaks.

2. Data Theft

These sites may collect your personal information, such as your IP address, browsing history, and even financial information. 

3. Phishing Scams

Free streaming sites may contain phishing links that can trick you into major scams, to get your essential information.

4. Legal Consequences

Using pirated streaming sites can lead to legal consequences, such as fines or even imprisonment in some countries. 

5. Poor Quality Content

You will experience poor quality, with low resolution and frequent buffering on free sites, as the movies are recorded via legal platforms.

10 Paid 123Movies Alternatives with High-Quality Streaming

If you are tired of recurring pop-ups, ads, and redirects, it is the right time to shift to premium alternatives. 

1. Netflix

Subscription: From $6.99/month
Best For: Original series, international movies, trending shows

If you want a polished, ad-free experience, Netflix is a top-tier paid 123movies alternative. It offers an extensive catalog of high-definition movies, series, and award-winning originals, spanning everything from global blockbusters to niche international films. With seamless streaming across all major devices, Netflix delivers consistent, premium entertainment without the distractions.

Pros:

• Massive content library with top-rated originals
• Personalized recommendations and profiles
• Streams in HD, Full HD, and 4K
  

Cons:

• Rotating content catalog
• Regional barriers on some titles
  

2. Amazon Prime Video

Subscription: $14.99/month
Best For: Movie rentals, Prime Originals, sports add-ons

As a 123Movies alternative, Amazon Prime Video offers a flexible streaming experience with a mix of included titles and pay-per-view options. Subscribers enjoy access to exclusive series, blockbuster films, and the ability to add premium channels like NBA TV, MLB.TV, and BritBox. It’s a versatile platform, is convenient and offers a wide range of on-demand entertainment.

Pros:

• Includes shopping benefits and fast shipping
• Add premium sports and movie channels
• Good mix of classic and trending titles
  

Cons:

• The interface can feel cluttered
• Extra cost for add-ons
  

3. Disney+ 

Subscription: $7.99/month
Best For: Family content, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars

If you need family-friendly content or animated films, Disney+ is an excellent 123movies alternative. It offers high-definition, ad-free streaming of Disney’s full catalog, including Pixar favorites, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and exclusive Disney Originals, all within a secure, kid-friendly environment.

Pros:

• Kid-friendly with parental controls
• Exclusive access to Disney and Marvel content
• Streams in 4K HDR
  

Cons:

• Limited to Disney-owned IP
• No adult-centric or third-party titles
  

4. Hulu 

Subscription: $7.99/month (ads)
Best For: Next-day access to the U.S. TV, Hulu Originals

For viewers who turned to 123Movies to watch U.S. TV shows shortly after they aired, Hulu is one of the best legal alternatives.

It provides next-day access to episodes from major networks, along with a growing lineup of original series, movies, and the option to stream live TV through add-ons, making it a comprehensive streaming solution.

Pros:

• Fast access to recently aired episodes
• Offers bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+
• Affordable base plan
  

Cons:

• Ads on standard plan
• Only available in the U.S.

5. HBO Max 

Subscription: $15.99/month
Best For: Award-winning dramas, blockbusters, and HBO exclusives

Switching from 123Movies to HBO Max is a move toward premium, high-quality entertainment. With critically acclaimed series like Succession and House of the Dragon, plus access to Warner Bros. films shortly after their theatrical run, HBO Max is a cinematic experience at home, complete with top-tier streaming performance and production value, making it a reliable 123movies alternative.

Pros:

• Includes HBO Originals, DC, and Warner Bros. films
• Streams in 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos
• Clean, user-friendly interface
  

Cons:

• More expensive than other platforms
• Not available in all regions
  

6. Paramount+

Subscription: $5.99/month
Best For: UEFA matches, NFL on CBS, CBS content

Paramount+ is an affordable and content-rich alternative to 123Movies. With access to CBS Sports, you can stream NFL games, NCAA events, and other major broadcasts in real-time. It also features coverage of top European football leagues, making it a solid pick for international sports fans.

Beyond sports, Paramount+ includes a growing collection of Paramount-owned films, classic TV series, and exclusive originals like Halo and 1923. 

Pros:

• Includes live NFL and Champions League
• Low monthly entry price
• Available on all major streaming devices
  

Cons:

• Limited movie catalog
• Geo-blocked in some countries
  

7. Peacock TV

Subscription: $7.99/month (free tier also available)
Best For: Premier League, WWE, The Office, and reality shows

As a streaming platform backed by NBCUniversal, PeacockTV is a strong 123Movies alternative for fans of U.S. and U.K. content. It’s a go-to source for Premier League matches, WWE programming, hit series, and classic NBC shows. 

What sets Peacock apart is its generous free tier, offering a solid range of content without a subscription. For even more access, the affordable premium plan unlocks thousands of movies, full seasons, next-day network episodes, and live sports events. 

Pros:

• Free plan available
• Exclusive Premier League and WWE coverage
• Includes news and sports
  

Cons:

• Limited to the U.S. 
• Ads even on paid plans (unless upgraded)

8. Apple TV+ 

Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Original series, Apple-exclusive content, MLS

Apple TV+ is a premium streaming service and a compelling upgrade from 123Movies. Unlike cluttered, ad-heavy streaming sites, Apple TV+ offers a sleek, ad-free experience with a curated library of exclusive content that continues to expand each year.

The platform is home to Emmy-winning series like Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show. It’s also one of the few platforms offering the full MLS Season Pass, giving soccer fans exclusive access to every Major League Soccer game without regional blackouts.

Pros:

• High-quality, exclusive shows and movies
• Smooth integration with Apple ecosystem
• Ad-free interface
  

Cons:

• Smaller library
• Limited third-party content
  

9. YouTube TV 

Subscription: $72.99/month
Best For: Live sports, cable networks, DVR functionality

YouTube TV is a powerful all-in-one 123movies alternative. It offers access to 85+ live channels, including major sports networks like ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and regional affiliates, covering everything from the NFL and NBA to international events. It also supports multiple simultaneous streams, making it ideal for families or sports fans who want flexibility across devices.

Pros:

• Full access to live U.S. sports
• Reliable, high-quality streams
• Unlimited cloud DVR
  

Cons:

• High monthly cost
• Only available in the U.S.
  

10. Vudu 

Subscription: Pay-per-view (no monthly fee)
Best For: Renting or buying latest movies

Vudu, now part of Fandango at Home, is a smart pay-per-view alternative to 123Movies for those who prefer flexibility without a monthly commitment. Instead of requiring a subscription, Vudu lets you rent or buy movies and TV shows—often in HD or 4K quality—on a per-title basis.

Pros:

• Access to new movies before they hit other platforms
• 4K UHD support
• No monthly commitment
  

Cons:

• Costs add up if you watch frequently
• No live or episodic TV unless purchased

11. Showtime

Subscription: $10.99/month
Best For: Prestige dramas, documentaries, and sports

Showtime is a subscription-based streaming service offering a rich catalog of original series, documentaries, and boxing events. With hits like Yellowjackets, Billions, and The Chi, it’s a premium, ad-free alternative to unverified sites like 123Movies.

Pros

• Ad-free streaming of originals and films
• Offline viewing supported
• Includes boxing, documentaries, and award-winning shows

Cons

• Limited international availability
• Smaller movie catalog compared to competitors

12. AMC+

Subscription: $8.99/month
Best For: AMC Originals and early episode access

AMC+ bundles content from AMC, Shudder, IFC, and Sundance Now into one ad-free subscription. It offers early access to shows like The Walking Dead universe and Dark Winds, plus indie gems and thrillers.

Pros

• Includes multiple channels and early episode access
• Strong library of prestige TV and indie content
• No ads

Cons

• Lacks live TV
• Smaller library compared to mainstream platforms

13. Starz

Subscription: $9.99/month
Best For: Bold original dramas and blockbuster films

Starz is known for its edgy originals (Power, Outlander) and wide selection of rotating Hollywood films. It’s an excellent upgrade from risky free platforms, with high-quality streams and downloads.

Pros

• Regular rotation of major studio films
• Strong lineup of diverse and original series
• Available as an add-on to Hulu, Prime Video, etc.

Cons

• Interface is less polished than competitors
• Originals may appeal to niche audiences

14. Shudder

Subscription: $6.99/month
Best For: Horror, thriller, and supernatural fans

Shudder is the go-to platform for horror lovers. It features a massive collection of slasher films, psychological thrillers, cult classics, and originals like Creepshow. Perfect for genre fans who want curated scares.

Pros

• Huge horror-focused catalog
• Original content and exclusives
• Curated collections and themes

Cons

• Not ideal for general audiences
• Limited titles outside horror/thriller genres

15. Criterion Channel

Subscription: $10.99/month
Best For: Classic, indie, and international cinema

The Criterion Channel offers carefully restored classics, festival favorites, and world cinema curated by film historians and critics. It’s a haven for serious film lovers looking beyond mainstream streaming.

Pros

• High-quality restorations and rare titles
• Curated collections with commentary
• Ad-free experience with bonus features

Cons:

• Limited to film enthusiasts
• Smaller selection of recent blockbusters

How to Stay Safe While Streaming Free Content

Free streaming may save you money, but it often comes at the expense of your privacy. These platforms can bombard you with intrusive ads, expose you to security vulnerabilities, and even share your personal data with third-party services. If you still decide to use a free streaming site, make sure to:

Secure Your Connection with a Reliable VPN

A VPN secures your internet traffic by encrypting it and masking your IP address, making it difficult for ISPs, trackers, or hackers to monitor your streaming behavior. PureVPN enhances this protection with a mix of physical and virtual servers, ensuring your data remains private and helping you bypass regional barriers seamlessly.

Enable Ad-Blockers & Anti-Tracking Tools

Install browser extensions to block deceptive pop-ups and malicious scripts.

Never Enter Personal Information

Real free streaming sites won’t ask for payment details or logins. If one does, it’s likely a phishing trap. 

Use Secure Browsers Only

Stick with Brave, Firefox, or Chrome with enhanced privacy extensions enabled.

Avoid Downloads

Don’t download players or files from these sites as most legitimate content plays in-browser.

15 Free Alternatives to 123Movies to Only Try with a VPN

These platforms are similar to 123Movies, offering free access to movies and shows, but they also come with similar risks. Use a trusted VPN and avoid entering personal information.

Platform	Best For	Pros	Cons
Flixtor	New releases and HD movies	Clean UI, fast updates, HD quality	Domain changes frequently, not always accessible
Sflix	Movies & TV sorted by genre/country	Easy navigation, mobile-friendly	Pop-up ads, unstable links
YesMovies	Global movies & IMDb filters	Large library, filter options	Too many mirror sites, intrusive ads
TinyzoneTV	Classic and trending titles	Simple UI, fast streaming updates	Ads and fake redirects are common
Fmovies	HD international content	High-quality streams, clean design	Ad-heavy, unstable domains
Soap2Day	TV shows and new episodes	Broad TV selection, regular updates	High ad frequency, domain risk
Pubfilm	Indie and classic titles	Long-running site, rare titles	Mixed video quality, inconsistent playback
WatchFree	Top-rated and trending movies	Categorized UI, frequent uploads	Redirects and pop-ups may interrupt browsing
BMovies	Fast access to movies	Simple layout, HD availability	Unofficial mirrors, heavy ads
Cineb	Recently released Hollywood content	Ad-free in some regions, active upload schedule	Not always mobile optimized
AZMovies	User-rated movie listings	Clean UI, good resolution	Some links might be outdated
LookMovie	Full HD streaming with filters	Genre filters, TV and movies both available	Risk of malware ads if not using a blocker
MovieStars	Dubbed and subbed international titles	Multilingual content support	Quality inconsistent
LosMovies	Diverse global content	Sorted by country, genre, and language	May go offline unexpectedly
CaféTV	Community-curated streaming links	Forum-like content ratings	Still developing, reliability varies
JustWatch.one	Aggregator for legal streaming sources	Clean UI, redirects to legal platforms, no ads	Doesn’t host streams directly, depends on third-party services
Popcornflix	Legal free movies & TV	Ad-supported, owned by Screen Media	Limited library compared to premium OTTs
Crackle	Free classic movies and shows	Legal, decent catalog, available in U.S.	Ads and limited international availability
Plex	Live TV, movies & series	Legal, free with optional premium upgrade, cross-platform	Free tier includes ads, limited premium content

Best 123Movies Alternative Sites in 2025

If you are looking for movie sites like 123movies to stream the latest blockbusters, these are the top-rated 123 movies alt options available right now.

• Fmovies: Widely considered the best 123movies alternative, it offers a clean interface and a massive library of HD international content.
• Soap2Day: A popular site like 123movies for those primarily looking for TV shows and the newest episodes from major networks.
• SolarMovie: If you want streaming sites like 123movies with high-quality filters, SolarMovie allows you to sort by genre, country, and IMDb rating.
• YesMovies: This is a top 123 movies alternate for global cinema, featuring an extensive catalog and a dedicated mobile-friendly layout.
• Cineb: A fast-growing 123movie alternatives option that focuses on ad-free viewing in specific regions and a consistent upload schedule.

Is 123Movies Still Working? 

The original 123Movies network is no longer operational, and all current sites using that name are unofficial clones, which are usually down due to: 

1. High traffic can bring down the servers during peak hours.
2. The site might be blocked in your country due to licensing issues.
3. Many clone versions exist that can trick you into scams.
4. Some site functions may break if you’re using aggressive ad blockers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Although the original 123Movies has been officially shut down, numerous copycat websites still operate under the same name. These versions are unlicensed and often riddled with security threats like malware and data tracking. To protect your privacy and stay secure while streaming on any of the streaming platforms, it’s strongly recommended to use a trusted VPN like PureVPN.

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