123 Movies: is It Legal and Safe? 20 Best Alternatives
123Movies used to be one of the most popular websites to watch movies free online and stream TV shows. It has known many names, including “GoMovies,” “GoStream,” “MeMovies,” and “123movieshub.”
Which 123 Movies substitutes can you trust? Are there any free movies available online still? In the article that follows, we address each of these queries in detail.
What is 123movies?
123movies was a movie streaming site that allowed users to watch movies for free.
In fact, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) reported that it was the most visited illegal site in the world in March 2018. Real names were 123movies.to and that was the URL.
After being shut down, it underwent numerous name changes and domain changes, including those for 123movies.is, gomovies.to, gomovies.is, gostream.is, 123movieshub.to, and many others.
Numerous websites with slightly different domains, such as 0123movie.net, free123movies.quest, and 123movies.com.pk, are currently available that are similar to 123Movies.
Visit: 123movies
Is 123Movies Safe to Use?
No, 123 Movies is not safe. On the internet, there are numerous cloned or fake sites that look exactly like 123Movies.to.
Through Java script, these websites infect your computer with viruses and malware.
Never visit a website like that if your computer or laptop doesn’t have the best antivirus and firewall. You will experience severe issues if you don’t.
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Is 123Movies Legal?
Watching copyrighted content on 123Movies is illegal in most cases.
While every nation has its own policy regarding copyrighted content theft, most work to safeguard intellectual property. The downloading and streaming of copyrighted content is therefore prohibited by the majority of governments.
However, some countries like Poland or Spain let you watch movies for free, as long as it’s just for personal use.
20 Best 123Movies Alternatives in 2023
Here are the best alternatives of 123Movies.
1. SolarMovie: Big Library of New Releases
Pros
- Decent filtering options
- No pop-up ads
- Pretty good library
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Can be difficult to navigate
SolarMovie has an expansive library of new releases and older titles that allows for streaming movies online in high definition.
Along with having excellent categorization filters for its media content, the interface is also simple to use. Browse films and television shows by nation, category, or IMDb score. Not to mention, while testing the site, no pop-up ads bothered us.
Related Reading: Is Solarmovie Safe?
2. Netflix: the Best Official Streaming Platform
Pros
- Large content library
- High definition content
- No advertising on most plans
Cons
- No free tier available
- Library differs greatly based on your location
Netflix is probably the most popular streaming site with a wide variety of movies and shows. Online movie streaming has long been popular there. Despite recent years of sluggish growth, it is still quite widespread.
They made significant news with Wednesday last year, and the platform is still home to well-known productions like Harry Potter, The Office, and Glass Onion.
Unfortunately, not all Netflix titles are available worldwide. For instance, only the UK and Turkey can purchase Harry Potter. You can utilize a VPN to unblock more Netflix content. By doing this, you can watch movies that might not otherwise be available in your country and expand your Netflix library.
3. AZMovies: Minimal Ad Intrusion for Watching Movies Online
Pros
- Has a vast library of titles
Cons
- No TV series
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Some annoying advertising
Probably the best 123Movies substitute if you want to watch the newest Hollywood blockbuster is AZMovies. It has a great collection of movies, including classics and new releases. You should have no trouble navigating the platform because it has a fairly simple interface.
That being said, this free movie site is riddled with ads, including banner and pop-up ads. For this reason, we only advise that you watch movies from AZMovies online if doing so is permitted in your country and you have access to a VPN that can block ads.
Using a VPN will protect your identity and guarantee a pleasant viewing experience. According to our research, Surfshark is the best VPN application to use with AZMovies.
4. FlixTor: One of the Most Expansive Libraries of Both Movies and TV Series
Pros
- One of the biggest content libraries
- Streams in HD
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Ads can get annoying sometimes
One of the most well-known free streaming websites online is FlixTor. It’s been around for a long while and it’s one of the biggest libraries of free movies and Whatever existing form of media you can think of is probably available on the platform, including TV shows. FlixTor is a great choice when you can’t find a movie anywhere else if illegal streaming is permitted where you live.
On the other hand, FlixTor’s advertising can get quite annoying. Additionally, due to its size, torrenting is frequently the focus of government crackdowns. As a result, access may not always be possible.
5. Max: Best 123Movies Alternative for Warner Bros Content
Pros
- Most Warner Bros content in one place
- Great shows released each year
- Official streaming platform
Cons
- No free version
- Limited global availability
One of the best movie streaming sites is Max (previously known as HBO Max). The Sopranos and other classics as well as more recent works like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us are all included in this, the pinnacle of Warner Bros. content.
HBO’s earlier platforms, such as HBO Now and HBO Max, were unable to compete with Netflix in a meaningful way. To compete with the streaming industry’s heavyweights, their library was far too small. But with the advent of a unified Max, you get all the Warner Bros content you might want. Additionally, the platform released a lot of successful shows last year. Thus, it’s a fantastic 123Movies substitute if you want to keep up with new releases.
6. MoviesJoy: a Nearly Ad-free 123Movies Alternative
Pros
- A lot of titles are available in HD
- User-friendly interface
- Unobtrusive advertising
Cons
- Unlicensed content
- Limited browsing options
MoviesJoy has virtually no ads, which makes it one of the best alternatives to 123Movies if you want an undisturbed viewing experience. If unofficial platforms are permitted where you live and most of their titles stream in HD, it offers one of the best 123Movies alternatives.
On the other hand, the library is pretty small, nothing compared to big names like both 123Movies and FlixTor.
The browsing system on MoviesJoy can be constricting, and you’ll still have to put up with some limited banner ads. They don’t have a title search like other 123Movies substitutes like SolarMovie or AZMovies do.
7. Amazon Prime: Great Alternative for Multimedia Content
Pros
- Decent library, especially for how little it costs
- No ads
- Available on almost all platforms
Cons
- No free version
- Content availability can vary depending on where you live
Netflix and Amazon Prime are similar to each other. It has a smaller database of the latest movies and shows, but it does have its own exclusive shows, which can make up for it. It is also a bit cheaperthan Netflix.
In contrast to HBO Max, Amazon Prime’s recent releases haven’t been particularly noteworthy. Apart from The Boys, nothing else has quite delivered as expected. The Lord of the Rings television program received very negative reviews, and the fans weren’t too happy either.
Even so, Prime is a sizable platform with a ton of fantastic shows. Additionally, the Prime membership also grants you a Twitch subscription and other advantages, so it might be worth your money.
8. SubsMovies: the Most Accessible 123Movies Alternative
Pros
- Subtitles available in a lot of languages
- Decent navigation
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Library is not impressive
- Content quality can be lacking
The most user-friendly 123Movies substitute is SubsMovie. Their content quality isn’t always top-notch, and their library isn’t particularly impressive. But they have something else going for them: tons of subtitles in multiple languages.
If you struggle to find content available in your native language, or if you just want to enjoy your favorite movies and shows with someone that doesn’t speak an international language, The superior choice to 123Movies is SubsMovies.
9. Hulu: Live TV and On-demand Content
Pros
- On-demand and live streaming options
- Available in a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus
- Official streaming platform
Cons
- On-demand library is not that great
- Only available in the US
Hulu is one of the best up-and-coming movie streaming services. It’s a fantastic option if you want to check out a wide range of live channels and watch movies online.
It includes both on-demand movies and live events from various US channels. Hulu offers some of the best prices available if you’re looking for a cable replacement.
Not to mention, it costs as little as $7.99 per month when purchased in a package with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. Hulu, however, is only accessible within the US. Use a VPN to unblock Hulu if you want to watch it somewhere else.
10. Sling TV: Affordable Cable over the Internet
Pros
- Affordable roster of US TV cable channels
- Comprehensive channel list
- Accessible from a lot of devices
Cons
- Only available in the US
Like Hulu, Sling TV is one of the best sites for cord-cutters tired of high cable subscription costs. AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, Showtime, TLC, USA, and a wide range of other US TV channels are all available for as little as $30 per month on this service. Sling TV is one of the best providers if you want to watch TV in its entirety in your browser.
Unfortunately, SlingTV is only available in the US. A VPN is required to change your IP address to one from the United States if you want to access it from anywhere else. In our tests, Surfshark had no trouble getting around restrictions on SlingTV.
11. Popcornflix: Great User Interface for TV Shows
Pros
- Minimal ad intrusion
- Great navigation
- Good content filtering options
Cones
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Not a lot of movies
Particularly for an unofficial streaming platform, PopcornFlix has an excellent user interface. It’s easy to navigate and find the shows you want to watch, and it’s even available on mobile devices. Additionally, it has very little ad intrusion, which is always a big plus in our book.
On the other hand, it’s an unlicensed streaming site, so you can’t access it if torrenting is illegal where you live. Additionally, its film library isn’t particularly strong. PopcornFlix is more focused on TV shows.
12. Putlocker: Great Categorization Options
Pros
- Easy to navigate website
- Very good content filtering
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Intrusive advertising
If you’re looking for top content filtering, One of the best 123Movies alternatives is likely Putlocker. It has excellent categorization options, and you can browse their titles by country, IMDb results, alphabetically, and a ton of other criteria.
The site also has a large library of titles, and it’s really easy to navigate. For instance, the media player will minimize so that you can continue browsing the website while you’re watching something.
Sadly, the website is not faultless. First off, since it’s an unofficial platform, they don’t own the content they share. In fact, some ISPs will outright block your access to the site. A bad viewing experience may result from the ads, which are also quite intrusive.
13. Peacock TV: Affordable Content from NBC
Pros
- Paid subscriptions are affordable
- Great live events
- Officially licensed content
Cons
- No free plan available anymore
- Only accessible with a US IP address
Up until it dropped its $0 tier, Peacock was our go-to pick for free streaming websites. But even without that, it’s an extremely affordable service and one of the best 123Movies alternatives.
With NBC’s support, the website has a respectable on-demand library to show for it. Among the television programs available on Peacock are The Office, Yellowstone, Blacklist, and F9. Furthermore, the platform serves as the venue for NBC’s live events, such as the Indy 500 and WWE competitions.
Unfortunately, Peacock can only be accessed in the US, so a VPN is required. If you’re unsure which tool to use, Surfshark is a good choice.
14. Disney Plus: the Best Streaming Platform for All Things Disney
Pros
- Only site featuring the MCU, Star Wars, and Pixar
- Vast library, complete with exciting new releases
- Great for the whole family
Cons
- No free version
- Not available worldwide
Disney Plus is the best place to watch all things Disney, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and many more. It offers a wealth of other content as well, making it more than just a fantastic resource for fans of fairy tales. The Mandalorian, Glee, Andor, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are a few of the most well-liked shows on Disney Plus.
Disney Plus is the best substitute for 123Movies if you’re in the mood for an MCU marathon or you want to soothe nostalgic feelings with vintage Pixar animation.
It is regrettably not accessible everywhere. You’ll require a dependable VPN, such as Surfshark, if you want to access Disney Plus’s entire library from anywhere in the world.
15. Popcorn Time: BitTorrent App for Seamless Streaming
Pros
- Media player to watch content before it fully downloads
- Support for multiple devices
Cons
- Most of the content you can dowload is unlicensed
- Might be hard to find a trusted download link
Popcorn Time is a BitTorrent app that lets you download movies and However, it functions a little differently from other torrenting applications.
The media player that comes with Popcorn Time enables you to stream the files that you are downloading as they are being shared with you. In actuality, this turns it into a streaming app. And it’s a great alternative to 123Movies because it’s available on a lot of devices.
However, keep in mind that most of the content that can be downloaded through Popcorn Time is not authorized. Before using the app, be sure to adhere to the content distribution regulations in your nation.
Also, know that the initial Popcorn Time shut down because of its content law breaches, so you might have a hard time finding trusted mirrors.
16. Amazon Freevee: Great Licensed Collection Available for Free
Pros
- Completely free
- Decent library for a free streaming site
- Licensed content
Cons
- Supported by ads
- Library can’t compare with paid alternatives
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Amazon Prime, The best streaming service for you may be Freevee. It was formerly known as IMDb TV before Amazon purchased it, and it’s a pretty good website.
Of course, its library is not as varied as Prime’s, but you can use it to watch a lot of content. When we looked through Freevee’s library, we found a number of Star Trek films, Friday Night Lights, Mad Men, and more.
The platform is supported by ads, so you will have to put up with some content interruptions. One of the best 123Movies alternatives, however, is Freevee if you want to watch something that is available there.
17. PrimeWire: Large Library and Easy Navigation
Pros
- Large library of HD titles
- Easy navigation
- Support for new releases
Cons
- Unofficial streaming site
- Mirrors can pose dangers
- Ad intrusion is pretty bad
PrimeWire is one of the best 123Movies alternatives thanks to its easy navigation, large library, and support for new releases. You can watch movies and television shows in HD on the website, browse titles by a variety of categories, and engage with the PrimeWire community by leaving reviews and comments.
For a few reasons, it is lower on our list. First, it’s still an unofficial streaming site, which makes it inaccessible and illegal in a lot of places.
Second, you have to use mirrors because the original website was deactivated a while ago. When attempting to access PrimeWire through one of these unreliable mirrors, you run some risks to your safety. What’s more, the ad intrusion on the site is pretty annoying.
18. Cineb: Great Navigation and a Minimal Interface
Pros
- New releases available in high definition
- Great categorization options
Cons
- Unofficial streamig platforms
- Interface is messy at times
Cineb is a relatively new site, with a minimal interface and a great user experience. While the platform’s content is unlicensed, there aren’t many advertisements on it, allowing you to enjoy yourself without being constantly interrupted by pop-up advertisements.
Cineb also has good browsing and filtering options for both movies and TV shows, as well as many recent high definition releases.
However, since the website is still in its infancy, you might encounter some issues. When we tested the platform, some shows came up as entries in Cineb’s library but didn’t have any valid links to a media player.
Additionally, some parts of the interface were disorganized. However, Cineb is a fantastic 123Movies substitute if local laws permit you to access it.
19. StreamM4u: Unofficial Streaming Site Completely Free of Pop-up Ads
Pros
- No pop-up ads
Cons
- Unlicensed streaming site
- Clunky interface
- Not the most comprehensive library
The top 123Movies substitute isn’t StreamM4u. It’s an unofficial streaming site, with a clunky interface that’s hard to navigate. It also has a pretty thin library, at least when compared with other unofficial sources.
However, StreamM4u is one of the few sites that let you watch free content without any pop-up ads. Be aware that some of the banner ads contain content that may be offensive to some people.
However, StreamM4u may be a good option if you’re looking for a free movie streaming website that won’t constantly annoy you with pop-up advertisements when you try to click on a video.
20. MusicHQ: Great Filtering and No Pop-up Ads
Pros
- No pop-up ads
- Great content filtering options
- Good navigation
Cons
- Still features banner ads, which can lead to dangerous sites
- Unofficial streaming site
MusicHQ is not a music website, despite what the name might suggest. It’s an unofficial streaming site that lets you watch movies and TV series for free.
It also has excellent navigation, a decent search engine, many filters to browse its content, and even a dark mode you can enable on the website. There are only sporadic banner ads instead of pop-up ads. Thus, it’s a respectable 123Movies substitute.
However, it lacks a license for its content. And the banner ads can lead you to some dangerous sites if you misclick them.
Therefore, only use a trusted VPN to access MusicHQ if you can do so legally. Your identity will be protected, and some advertisements may even be blocked.
Final Words on 123 Movies
123Movies was a popular choice to watch free movies online. The official 123Movies website, however, is no longer accessible. There are many mirrors that appear every day, but be wary of those that are infested with malware and advertisements.
These can be fantastic entertainment options if streaming from unreliable sources is permitted where you live. If you can’t find a working 123Movies mirror, there are a ton of 123Movies alternatives.
Unofficial sources like FlixTor, SolarMovie, and AZMovies are all reliable. And if you live somewhere where you can’t access them, Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max are all excellent alternatives.
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