Is 123Movies Safe? Risks and Free Alternatives in 2024

123Movies wasn’t the safest streaming site, with much of its content obtained illegally. The original 123Movies (also known as 123movieshub, GoStream, GoMovies, or Memovies) was shut down.

Clone sites are working but riddled with potentially harmful ads, pop-ups, and links that can lead to malware infections or phishing attacks. Luckily, several free, safe, and legal 123Movies alternatives exist.

Important. You can get in trouble for downloading or streaming copyrighted content. We at vpnMentor do not endorse any form of piracy. You must ensure the movies and TV shows you watch and download comply with copyright laws.

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123Movies Isn't Safe: Understanding the Risks

123Movies operated by offering copyrighted content without proper licenses, meaning that users streaming or downloading from the site may inadvertently violate copyright laws. Depending on local regulations, this can result in legal consequences, including fines or legal actions initiated by copyright holders or authorities in your country.

In Switzerland and Spain, downloading copyrighted content for personal use is tolerated, though distribution is illegal. However, countries like the US, UK, Germany, and France enforce strict piracy laws with penalties including fines and potential jail time. In nations such as Russia, and India, piracy is illegal, but enforcement is often weak or inconsistent.

Beyond the legal dangers, 123Movies is rife with cybersecurity risks. Since 123Movies doesn't follow any regulatory standards, users have no assurance that the ads or links displayed are safe. Hackers frequently use these sites to spread malware, leading to potential breaches of personal data, financial losses, or unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.

Does 123Movies Still Work?

The official 123Movies no longer works as it was taken down by authorities. However, various unofficial copycat websites using the "123Movies" name continue to appear online, and they’re even more unsafe than the original. These versions are filled with invasive ads and can pose serious security risks such as malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks.

Best 123Movies Alternatives To Watch Free Movies Safely in 2024

1. TubiTV (Tubi) — Largest Free Streaming Library with Over 50,000 Titles

On Tubi, you can find both Hollywood blockbusters and independent films that are hard to find elsewhere. It offers one of the most extensive free streaming libraries with titles in various genres, including action, comedy, and docs. For families, Tubi includes a dedicated Tubi Kids section with popular animated series, family-friendly movies, and educational content.

There was no buffering while we binged the last season

Tubi is available in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans for further expansion. The platform is entirely ad-supported, but unlike many other free services we tested, Tubi’s ads are generally well-spaced and not overly intrusive. They’re also shorter than regular TV commercials, but they’re non-skippable.

While we could stream without creating an account, registering (for free) unlocks additional features. This includes the ability to resume playback across devices, a watchlist to save content for later, and personalized content recommendations.

Tubi supports almost every modern device you use to stream. This includes iOS and Android smartphones, smart TVs (Samsung, Sony, Vizio, LG), Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Chromecast.

Visit TubiTV

2. Pluto TV — Free Live TV and On Demand Streaming

Pluto TV lets you watch live sports and news channels, as well as a large on-demand library of free movies. It’s great for that traditional cable feel, without the expense. However, content varies by region due to licensing agreements. For example, we noticed that the number of available channels and movies differs between the US and European markets.

There's a variety of content for every taste

It’s designed to resemble traditional cable, with a channel guide that lists the programming lineup for live TV. You can scroll through the guide and instantly jump into live channels. The on demand content is organized into genres and collections, such as “Newly Added”, “Top Movies”, and “Action”.

Registering is optional, but you can create a free account to save favorite channels or resume on demand content across devices. Like Tubi, it’s also ad-supported, and ads can be frequent, especially during live TV programming. Also, our video quality was also not as good as on Tubi — most live TV channels streamed in standard definition (SD).

Visit Pluto TV

3. Crackle — Ad-Supported Streaming with Exclusive Content

Crackle is one of the few free 123Movies alternatves with a combination of both licensed and original content. Its popular original series like The Oath, Startup, and Chosen aren’t available on any other platform. Although it has a smaller overall content library than Tubi and Pluto TV, I also found many well-known films and shows from studios like Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, and MGM.

I could start watching without signing up

The platform is primarily available in the US, so you’ll need a US IP address to watch all content uninterrupted from anywhere. However, it’s also accessible in a few other countries like Canada and Australia.

The number of ads is comparable to what you’d see on traditional television, with interruptions happening several times during movies and shows. There is currently no option to pay for an ad-free experience. The service adjusts video quality based on your internet connection, so we experienced no buffering during our tests.

Visit Crackle

4. The Roku Channel — Minimal Ads Throughout Its Sizeable Free Library

The Roku Channel is an ad-supported platform, but the ads are relatively unobtrusive compared to many other free services. I love that its ad breaks are shorter and less frequent than traditional TV commercials, and premium subscription content is ad-free.

Available on Roku devices and other platforms, It’s home to a wide range of content, including licensed movies, TV shows, and live TV channels. While its free library is smaller than Tubi’s, it also lets you sign up for sites like Max or Showtime right in the app. I found this convenient, as I could manage multiple subscriptions in one place.

My video quality was always excellent

While it started as a service for Roku device users, it has expanded and is now available on smart TVs (Samsung, LG), mobile devices (iOS and Android), and web browsers. You can watch it in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Visit The Roku Channel

5. Fandango (Vudu’s Movies on Us) — Rotating Library Consistently Adds New Content

Fandango (Vudu) is well-known for its pay-per-view and rental services, but you can watch its "Movies on Us" section free. The library includes quality titles from the past few decades. The availability of content is always changing, making it one of the more fun sites to watch free movies. You never know what you might see, but you have to watch fast before titles disappear.

Just confirm your email and you're good to go

You can stream movies on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes (like Roku, Fire Stick), mobile devices, or web browsers. However you have to sign up to watch, unlike most other free platforms. Plus, a US IP address is necessary to watch Fandango since the service is restricted to the US.

Most of the movies are available in HD. You can also enable CC on most films, which is great if you can’t turn up the volume. On the downside, in our tests, ads usually appeared 4 to 6 times per movie and lasted between 1 to 2 minutes.

Visit Fandango

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6. Freevee (IMDb TV) — Free Streaming Service With Some Great Amazon Prime Titles

Freevee includes Amazon Originals like Reacher and Fallout that you won’t find on other free platforms. Currently, you can only watch it in the US, the UK, and Germany, but Amazon has plans to expand the service to other regions. You can also access Freevee directly through Amazon Prime Video’s interface.

I like how easy it is to use on FireStick

We could use Freevee on most major devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, iOS and Android smartphones, and smart TVs. In addition to ads during on-demand content, Freevee’s live TV channels also feature advertisements. The ads are a bit disruptive, lasting between 1 and 2 minutes.

Visit Freevee

7. Sling Freestream — Live Channels in English and 15 Other Languages

Sling Freestream offers a lot of international channels like France24, Zona TUDN, Flou CINE, and more. While its on demand selection isn’t vast, these channels give you access to different live sporting events, movies, and shows than you find on comparable free services. Plus, the on demand content it does offer is very good.

The ads are quite short with its on demand videos

Sling has a widely-used premium service too, so its app is available for phones, browsers, streaming devices, and most smart TVs. I love that you don’t have to sign up for anything, and I was impressed by its great video quality. But, it’s too bad it’s only offered in the US and Puerto Rico at the moment.

Visit Sling Freestream

8. Xumo — Wide Range of Live Channels With Niche Content

Xumo offers over 250 free live TV channels across various genres such as movies, news, sports, and entertainment. This includes Fox Sports, Paramount Movie Channel, and LEGO Kids. The on demand library isn’t as extensive as Tubi or Pluto TV, but it provides a decent variety of content. You can watch it from the US, Canada, and several European countries.

You can browse different categories and see full TV listings

Like other legal 123Movies alternatives, you’ll see unskippable ads before and during live and on demand content. While it doesn't always stream in full HD or 4K, the quality is comparable to other free streaming services and was often adjusted based on our internet speed to minimize buffering.

Visit Xumo

9. Plex (Free Tier) — Decent Content Library Available in 180+ Countries

Plex is a free online movie streaming site with live channels and on demand content available nearly everywhere. You can also organize your personal media collections alongside the platform's library. It doesn’t have a ton of modern blockbusters or exclusives, but there’s some great classic movies and shows, especially on its 300+ live channels.

I didn't need to sign up, and ads were minimal

Plex also offers a selection of free web shows and podcasts. The podcasts section allows users to subscribe to and listen to popular podcasts directly within the Plex app. One thing I didn’t like is that you can’t customize the channel lineup, so I had to scroll through a ton to find the one I wanted to watch.

Visit Plex

10. BBCiPlayer — Live BBC Channels and Latest Releases

BBC iPlayer is the only free platform where you can find a vast assortment of BBC’s content. While it doesn’t have the variety you find on other platforms, it’s great if you’re into UK movies, shows, radio programming, and documentaries. Recent broadcasts are usually available for 30 days after the initial air date, though some shows stay longer.

EastEnders on BBC iPlayer played in HD

The platform itself doesn’t have a premium or paid version. There are no subscription costs, advertisements (besides trailers), or paywalls for the content. It’s just too bad that it’s only available in the UK. But, there are ways to safely watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

Visit BBC iPlayer

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Best Free 123Movies Alternatives Comparison Table

It was difficult to choose the best 123Movies alternatives, especially since some legal free options like Popcornflix are shut down. My top recommendation is Tubi because it offers the largest library of free content. However, there are many other solid choices with their own strengths and weaknesses.

How to Stay Safe on 123Movies Alternatives

The best free streaming sites are safe, but you should be cautious when accessing a new one for the first time. There are many platforms that operate without proper licensing and pose significant risks. Here's how you can protect yourself:

1. Use a VPN. A VPN with strong encryption masks your IP address by sending traffic through its private servers, preventing anyone from getting their hands on your data. The best VPNs can also securely access free streaming platforms from anywhere.
2. Update software. Ensure your browser, plugins, and operating system are always up-to-date. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
3. Install a reliable anti-virus. Reputable antivirus and anti-malware software help detect and block harmful downloads, malicious ads, or hidden malware that might infect your device while streaming on sites like 123Movies.
4. Enable ad blockers. Free streaming sites can be littered with intrusive ads, pop-ups, and redirects, which can lead to malware or phishing sites. Using a good ad blocker can prevent many risks, reducing your exposure to harmful content.
5. Don’t share personal information. The listed 123Movies alternatives are legit, but there are some free movie streaming services you shouldn’t sign up for. This is because many don’t have adequate security measures in place, leaving your data vulnerable to theft.
6. Avoid downloading content. Avoid downloading anything from these sites, including movies, media players, or "required" plugins. These downloads often contain malware or spyware that could compromise your system. Be wary of places marketed as “free movies download websites” too since they’re usually just as unsafe.
7. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. Sites offering the latest movies and TV shows for free often carry risks. Stick to trusted legal streaming alternatives like Tubi, Crackle, or Pluto TV that provide free content legally without compromising your safety.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on 123Movies Safety and Alternatives

Are 123Movies alternatives like Putlocker or SolarMovie safe?

No, alternatives like Putlocker and SolarMovie are generally unsafe for the same reasons as 123Movies. These sites operate illegally by distributing copyrighted content and are often filled with intrusive ads, phishing attempts, and malware. It’s safer to use free legal 123Movies alternatives instead.

What should I do if I've already used 123Movies?

If you've already used 123Movies, it’s important to scan your device for malware immediately. The legal repercussions of using 123Movies depend on your current location. In some countries, you’ll get off with a warning, while in others, you could get fined or even face jail time.

Can my ISP see if I'm using 123Movies?

Yes, your ISP can see the websites you visit, including 123Movies. Unless you use a VPN with strong encryption, your ISP can see everything you do online. Even if you accidentally watch a copyrighted movie on 123Movies, it can issue a warning.

How do I remove malware if I think I got it from 123Movies?

Immediately disconnect your device from the internet to stop any ongoing data transmission. Run a full malware scan using reliable antivirus software. You may need to restore your device to factory settings to fully remove the malware. In future, remember to always follow precautions to stay safe on free streaming sites.

Is it safe to create an account on 123Movies or similar sites?

No, it’s unsafe to create accounts on 123Movies or similar free streaming sites. These sites aren’t regulated, and your personal information could be stolen or sold. There's a high risk of phishing attacks or identity theft. To protect your data, it’s better to use a free legal alternative to 123Movies.

Can I use a free VPN to watch movies on 123Movies safely?

Using a free VPN with 123Movies probably won’t be safe. Free VPNs often lack strong encryption and may log your activity, which could put your data at risk. It’s better to opt for a premium service with a money-back guarantee so you can try it without risk. Additionally, many free VPNs have limitations in speed and data, making streaming difficult.

However, there are a few free VPNs that’s responsible with your data. With that said, they all come with several restrictions that prevent them from being ideal for high quality streaming.

Conclusion

The official 123Movies website no longer exists, and most mirror sites carry viruses, ads, and trackers that can compromise your safety. The best option is to use free and legal 123Movies alternatives that provide similar content without putting you at risk. Additionally, use a VPN, an adblocker, and have antivirus software installed on your favorite streaming devices.