10 Best FMovies Alternatives: Free, Safe & Legal in 2025

Does FMovies still work? No, The Guardian reports that the original FMovies site was shut down in 2024¹ due to frequent copyright lawsuits. While there are some mirror sites, they’re often packed with dodgy ads and malware. ​Finding a free, reliable, and legal alternative to FMovies can be challenging, especially with so many shady sites around.

We hunted the internet for FMovies alternatives that are 100% legal and offer high-quality content in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Whether you're into blockbuster movies, classic films, or binge-worthy TV shows, there's something here for everyone.

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10 Best FMovies Alternatives That Actually Work — 2025 Guide

With 62% of US users opting for free services over paid subscriptions (Digital Content Next)², the demand for free and legal platforms is high. The following FMovies alternatives are free, safe, and straightforward to use, and I’ve found plenty of options that are available outside the UK and US. Take a look and see which of them works best for you:

1. BBC iPlayer — Best for Premium UK Content Without Ads

It even has critically-acclaimed movies like Get Out and The Death of Stalin

BBC iPlayer is a legal streaming service with free movies, TV shows, and radio programs. The platform is available either via a browser or through intuitive apps for iOS, Android, and smart TVs. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate the vast library or search for specific titles.

In the UK, BBC iPlayer is a leading free-to-view service, with 74% of online adults reporting usage in the past three months (Ofcom VoD Survey 2022)³. Unfortunately, BBC iPlayer is exclusive to the UK, but it’s free to use with a UK TV license.

2. Pluto TV — Extensive Free Library With Live Channels

Pluto TV features content from studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and Warner Bros.

Pluto TV is an ad-supported streaming platform with free live and on-demand content. It offers movies, TV series, live sports, news, and more, with a good range of classic TV and recent releases.

Forbes.com reports that Pluto TV is one of the largest Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services, boasting approximately 80 million monthly active users⁴. ​The platform is available globally, including in countries like the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

3. 7plus — Great for Australian TV

You can also stream live Australian TV on the platform

7plus is a free Australian streaming service that provides a range of TV shows and movies, often offering the latest releases. It's a product of the Seven Network and is available via its website and mobile apps. The downside is that it's only available to viewers in Australia.

4. TVNZ+ — High-Quality International Content in New Zealand

With TVNZ, you can watch blockbuster movies for free

TVNZ+ provides a variety of free TV content on demand, featuring a mix of local New Zealand productions and popular international shows and movies. It broadcasts shows, films, and news on TVNZ channels ​and is only available in New Zealand.

5. NRK — Best for Scandinavian Series

You can find the best Scandinavian crime dramas on NRK

NRK is Norway’s national broadcaster, offering various TV shows, documentaries, and live news. The platform is entirely free and provides high-quality Norwegian and international content. If you enjoy European programming or want to explore Scandinavian entertainment, NRK is an excellent choice with no subscription fees. However, the service is only available in Norway.

6. ITVX — Free UK TV With an Ad-Free Premium Option Available

ITVX's free version is ad-supported, but you can get rid of ads by subscribing

ITVX is a free, ad-supported streaming platform broadcasting various TV shows, movies, and live events. While available via web browsers, it also offers apps for iOS and Android devices, as well as smart TVs like Samsung TV. Like BBC iPlayer, ITVX is only available in the UK.

7. Plex — Best for Building a Digital Media Library With Free Content

You can also listen to music directly on the platform

Plex offers a vast collection of free, ad-supported movies, TV shows, and over 300 live channels. You can choose from a huge range of classic TV and movies, recent releases, and even some Plex-exclusive content. The platform is available globally, too, with a strong presence in the US, the UK, and India.

But what really sets Plex apart is that you can organize your personal media collections and build a watchlist of content from a variety of other streaming services. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a one-stop platform to stream free content and manage your own digital media library.

8. Tubi TV — A Large Original Content Library, All For Free

Tubi TV even offers original content you won’t find anywhere else

Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi TV provides a vast collection of movies and series in HD (720p). It offers an ad-supported free website and apps for different operating systems. It’s available in the US, Canada, and Australia with no registration, but signing up lets you save where you are in a given show and create watchlists.

9. The CW Network — Best for Young Adult Content

Enjoy excellent TV dramas, comedies, and action films for free

The CW Network offers free TV shows and movies in the US, which you can watch on desktop, iOS, and Android devices. It’s especially good for younger audiences, offering many YA (Young Adult) shows and films. However, we couldn’t find many recent releases or popular movies, so this may be a better choice if you’re a fan of more underground shows and movies.

10. Fandango at Home — Premium Quality Streaming for Free

You can stream up to 4K UHD on select content.

Previously known as Vudu, Fandango at Home has a vast library of free movies that you can stream in 1080p (HDX). Plus, it lets you rent or buy the latest movies and TV shows in 4K UHD, often before they hit subscription-based services. You can install it on mobile devices, smart TVs, game consoles (like Xbox), and Roku. The free content is only available with ads.

Quick Comparison Table: Best FMovies Alternatives

We tested the free streaming platforms for content variety, ad-free options, registration requirements, and supported resolutions. Below, you'll find key details on each service.

Please note that platform features and policies may change over time and that the streaming resolution may vary based on device compatibility, internet connection speed, and specific content availability. All information below is correct at the time of writing.

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How to Stay Safe While Streaming FMovies Alternatives

While the platforms we recommend are legal and safe, streaming content online can expose you to various security risks, including malware, intrusive ads, and potential data breaches. For a safe and enjoyable viewing experience while using FMovies alternatives, I recommend the following precautions:

• Use a reputable VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your personal information from hackers and prying eyes. It can also prevent your ISP from tracking your streaming activities or throttling your speeds, letting you enjoy your binge-watching session lag-free.
• Stick to trusted and legal streaming platforms. Opt for well-known, reputable streaming services that only offer licensed content. Platforms like Tubi TV, Pluto TV, and Fandango at Home provide extensive libraries of movies and TV shows for free, and using these services minimizes the risk of being infected with malware.​
• Be cautious with downloads. Avoid downloading content or software from unverified sources linked on streaming sites. These downloads may contain malware or unwanted programs that can harm your device and compromise your data.​
• Activate an ad blocker. Free streaming sites often rely on advertisements, some of which may contain malicious content. A reliable ad blocker can prevent these ads from displaying, reducing the risk of inadvertently clicking on harmful links. Many quality VPNs have built-in ad blockers.
• Enable malware protection. Ensure that your device has up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software installed. These tools can detect and block malicious software embedded in streaming sites, safeguarding your system from infections and data loss. Reputable VPNs also often offer this functionality.
• Clear browser history and cookies regularly. Streaming websites may track your online behavior through cookies, compromising your privacy. Regularly clearing your browser history and cookies helps prevent sites from collecting excessive data about your viewing habits. ​
• Keep your device updated. Regularly update your operating system, browser, and security software to patch vulnerabilities that malicious entities could exploit.

Has FMovies Been Shut Down?

In August 2024, Vietnamese authorities, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), successfully shut down FMovies, the video hosting provider Vidsrc.to, and several other affiliated sites. During the operation, Hanoi City Police arrested two individuals associated with FMovies, both of whom confessed to copyright infringement.

During the prior investigation, FMovies had been identified as the world's largest piracy streaming network, attracting billions of visits annually.

The popularity and shutdown of FMovies have led to much interest in unaffiliated mirror sites and alternatives, but none of these are safe. Instead of using illegal FMovies alternatives, we strongly recommend sticking to the free and legal platforms recommended above.

FMovies Alternatives to Avoid

Most FMovies alternatives recommended on social media host pirated content, which violates copyright laws and likely exposes you to malware and intrusive ads. To protect yourself from potential security risks and legal consequences, it’s essential to avoid the following types of sites.

Illegal Streaming Websites

Websites that distribute copyrighted content without authorization are considered illegal in many countries. These platforms frequently change domains to avoid shutdowns and may go offline for periods of time or be blocked in certain countries. For example:

• 123Movies. This site has been taken down multiple times for copyright violations but continues to resurface under different domains.
• Putlocker. Once a popular site, Putlocker has been shut down multiple times, and many of its mirror sites are now flagged for malware.
• SolarMovie. Offers a vast collection of movies and TV shows but operates without proper licensing, making it a risky option.

Clone and Mirror Sites

Many popular illegal streaming platforms have copycat or "mirror" sites that claim to be legitimate alternatives. These sites often use deceptive URLs and may contain harmful ads or malware to take advantage of the reputation of the original site. For example:

• io / FMovies.to. Variations of the original FMovies domain that frequently get taken down due to copyright violations.
• Popcorn Time. The original Popcorn Time was shut down, but many unofficial clones exist that may contain harmful software in addition to unlicensed content.
• GoMovies. A rebranded clone of 123Movies, known for hosting pirated content. It’s since been shut down, but several clones of dubious security exist.

Websites With Excessive Advertising or Hidden Malware

Some streaming sites rely on aggressive advertising, including pop-ups, redirects, and even malicious software that can infect your device. These platforms often claim to be free but bombard users with suspicious ads and phishing attempts. For example:

• YesMovies. Similar to FMovies, this site has been flagged for copyright infringement and security risks.
• Movie4K. Frequently blocklisted by antivirus and anti-malware programs due to malware distribution and misleading ads.
• WatchFree. Known for hosting pirated content alongside risky ads that may lead to scams or malware.

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FAQs About FMovies Alternatives

Are there ad-free FMovies alternatives?

Yes, BBC iPlayer and NRK offer ad-free viewing. Others, like ITVX and Fandango at Home, provide high-quality content without advertisements with a subscription only. Ads, while annoying, are a way for the platforms to make money so they can continue to offer their services for free. 

Do I need to register for FMovies alternatives?

It depends on the platform. Some services, such as Tubi TV, allow streaming without registration. However, platforms like BBC iPlayer and other regional options require the creation of an account before streaming content.

Can I watch FMovies alternatives from the US, the UK, Canada, India, and Australia?

Yes,  you can watch FMovies alternatives in the US, the UK, Canada, India, and Australia. Some platforms, like Plex, are available globally. From the US, you can watch Pluto TV, The CW Network, and Fandango at Home. BBC iPlayer and ITVX are available in the UK, and 7plus in Australia.

Are there any safe mirror sites for FMovies?

FMovies mirror sites are usually not safe. They often function without licensing and can infect your device with malware. Trying free and legal alternatives is much more reliable than trying to watch FMovies or its mirror sites.

Can I download movies and shows on FMovies alternatives?

Lots of these legal alternative sites let you download content. For example, BBC iPlayer lets you download programs for free on its app so you can watch them when you’re offline. Also, services like ITVX, 7plus, NRK, and TVNZ let you download selected movies and shows via their dedicated apps.

Can I watch free movies in 4K on FMovies alternative sites?

Yes, lots of the sites on this list support 4K. Unlicensed and illegal sites like FMovies mirror sites usually provide content in terrible quality, but reliable platforms like BBC iPlayer, Plex, and Fandango at Home stream movies and TV shows in HD or even 4K either for free or for a fee.

Is it legal to watch movies on FMovies alternative sites?

Yes, watching movies is completely legal as long as you use legitimate streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Pluto TV, and TVNZ. However, watching copyrighted content from illegal sources may violate local laws.

Conclusion

Pirate platforms like FMovies are illegal, dangerous, and often unreliable. It’s better to watch movies and TV shows for free on legal services. Official streaming platforms provide a safer and equally entertaining alternative to FMovies.

Services like BBC iPlayer, Pluto TV, and ITVX stream the latest releases in high quality — and you won’t have to put up with frustrating technical issues or dodgy pop-up ads. Besides, these platforms support lots of different devices. You can install their user-friendly apps on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV to enjoy easy, reliable streaming on the big screen.

References

1. https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/29/fmovies-shut-down/
2. https://digitalcontentnext.org/blog/2024/04/02/most-people-opt-for-free-ad-supported-streaming/
3. https://www.scribd.com/document/671443403/media-nations-report-2022?utm_source=chatgpt.com/
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2024/04/15/ten-years-of-pluto-tv-and-how-the-underdog-became-an-industry-leader/?utm_source=chatgpt.com/