Best Primewire Alternatives: Watch Movies for Free in 2024

Primewire is a piracy website that can expose you to trackers, dodgy ads, and legal issues. The site is also frequently down or blocked by plenty of ISPs. Instead of risking your safety, it’s better to try legal Primewire alternatives to watch movies and TV shows for free.

There are plenty of legit free services that offer an excellent alternative to Primewire (formerly known as LetMeWatchThis or 1Channel). Many of these substitute platforms are free due to ads, while others provide free trials. They also don’t contain any malware, phishing links, or pirated content. So you can safely enjoy tons of content for free.

Don't want to browse Reddit for reliable free streaming sites? I tested various sites to find the best Primewire alternatives. The platforms I’ve listed have extensive libraries in HD quality or above, and user-friendly apps for most devices. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any legal risks.

The Best Primewire Alternatives For Free & Safe Streaming in 2024

I prioritized Primewire alternatives that provide a wide range of content in 4K or HD. These alternatives are either entirely free or offer free trials/money-back guarantees. Finally, these sites don’t contain any malware or illegal content.

1. Hulu (+ Live TV)

Hulu offers a wide range of movies and TV shows in Ultra HD quality. You can find the latest blockbusters, old-school series, and a diverse offering of exclusive releases. I recently enjoyed Fargo and The Bear via my account. In addition, the Live TV subscription also provides access to plenty of news programs and live sports streams. You can also bundle the service with other channels like Disney+ and ESPN.

The Hulu + Live TV plan offers content from other platforms, such as Disney+ and ESPN+

The platform works on most operating systems including desktop (Windows and Mac), Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also download the Hulu app for many smart TVs — like Samsung, Android, and Apple TV — and dedicated streaming devices, such as Roku.

While not a free service, you can try Hulu with its free trial (trial lengths vary depending on which plans and add-ons you choose). It’s easy to cancel the subscription through your account page if you don’t like it. However, it’s worth noting that Hulu + Live TV is exclusive to viewers in the US or US territories (like Puerto Rico or American military bases).

2. Tubi TV

Tubi is a free streaming platform with an extensive library of movies and TV shows. As a price for free HD content, you have to watch some ads, but they’re legit (so they don’t contain dangerous links). The streaming quality doesn’t go above Full HD (720p) either. Other than that you can watch without signing up (though you need to register if you want to create watchlists).

Though it doesn’t include very new releases, there are still lots of popular titles on the site. Shows and movies include American History X, 2012, The Twilight Saga, Teen Wolf, The Hunger Games films, The Amazing Spider-Man, Desperado, Kill Bill, Ghost Rider, We Need to Talk about Kevin, Midsomer Murders, Spartacus, The Babadook, and Train to Busan.

Tubi gives you access to tons of content including new episodes

The website version is accessible on any device with a browser. Plus, there are easy-to-use native apps for desktops, mobile apps, smart TVs, and Roku devices. On the downside, Tubi is currently only available in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama. You can’t access the site if you’re outside these regions (though the service is planning to extend to Europe).

3. Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu Fandango)

Vudu Fandango offers many recent movies and shows for free. Like Tubi TV, the streams are supported by ads. I had to sign up but I didn’t need to verify my email address to start watching series like The Chosen and Heartland. I also had access to movies including Batman Forever, La La Land, and Requiem for a Dream. In addition to its free content, Vudu offers the option to rent or purchase newly released movies and TV shows.

You can also buy the latest releases on Vudu

This site is compatible with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. It even has apps for gaming consoles (like PlayStation 5 and Xbox One). However, Vudu is only available if you’re in the US or Mexico.

4. BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service with a wide array of movies, TV shows, and programs. The platform provides many popular titles, like Peaky Blinders and Doctor Who, alongside exclusive titles like Bitter Lake. You simply need to register to binge-watch the shows.

I enjoyed various free shows on BBC iPlayer without ads

You can use BBC iPlayer via a browser or its apps on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Amazon Store. However, the platform is geographically restricted to users with a UK-based IP address.

5. Crackle

Sony Crackle is a free streaming service with popular and exclusive titles, like Alf, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Peep Show. Its movie genres cover comedy, action, drama, crime, sci-fi, and horror (I watched Moon, Zodiac, and 30 Days of Night). You don’t need to register to stream, but the platform features frequent ads every 10 minutes. Like Tubi, you also will need to sign in if you want to create a watchlist.

You can enjoy plenty of shows if you can stomach the commercials

Accessibility is limited to the US and its territories. American users can access the platform via browsers, desktops, and mobile devices. Crackle also offers native apps for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Roku devices.

6. ITVX (formerly ITV Hub)

ITVX is a free platform with on-demand movies and TV shows from the UK’s ITV network. The platform is known for the high quality of streams and its exclusive shows, like Love & Death. However, expect regular ads during streams.

ITVX offers an amazing collection of shows and movies for users in the UK

Like BBC iPlayer, ITVX is only available in the UK. If you have a British IP address, streaming is possible via the web app and native Android, iOS, and Amazon apps (which also let you download content for offline viewing). Plus, the platform is available on smart TVs like Android and Samsung TV, Roku streaming devices, and more.

7. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported service with diverse content, from classic movies to recent TV shows. It also features original Roku content, such as Ring by Spring and Chad.

Enjoy the platform for free via the website or your Roku device

While designed for Roku streaming devices, The Roku Channel is accessible via its website too. You can watch it from several regions, including the US, Canada, the UK, and many European countries.

8. The CW Network

The CW Network is a free, ad-supported streaming service offering many movies, shows, and live sports streams. It’s full of popular titles like The Flash and Nancy Drew. You can enjoy its content without even needing to register.

The CW Network has many popular shows, including The Flash

The platform is available on its website and across multiple mobile apps. I accessed it via my iPad, iPhone, and Nvidia TV Shield (an Android-based smart TV). One thing to note is that the site is unavailable without a US IP address because of licensing rights.

9. Amazon Freevee

Freevee is Amazon Prime Video’s ad-supported channel. It’s only available to viewers in the UK, but it has movies, shows, and kids’ TV — all for free. The content tends to be older, rather than recent releases, but there are great films on there including Terminal, Donnie Darko, and The Road.

Freevee is only available to UK viewers though

You can stream via the website or the Amazon app for a range of mobile devices, smart TVs, and Roku devices. Like APV, Freevee offers excellent streaming quality — the videos load instantly and without any buffering.

10. Pluto.tv

Pluto.tv offers ad-supported free live TV streaming and on-demand (VOD) content, designed to feel like you’re watching traditional TV. I found hits such as Star Trek (the original series), The Twilight Zone, and Hannibal. No registration is needed to watch, but creating an account allows you to continue watching across different devices.

I could tune in to live streams or search for my favorite shows

Speaking of which, Pluto is available via its mobile, smart TV, and Roku apps. You can also stream via the website on nearly any device with a browser. The platform is easy to use and accessible in many countries, such as the US, the UK, and most of Europe.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How Do I Know if a Streaming Site Is Legit and Safe?

Many streaming sites may appear legitimate but contain pirated content and malware. Here are some easy ways to distinguish safe platforms from malicious and scammy sites:

• Look out for ad-heavy websites — Sites cluttered with pop-ups and external streaming links often harbor risks. These platforms typically host pirated content and can expose you to malware and scams.
• Check licensing rights — Legitimate sites display licensing rights or terms of service. This transparency indicates legal operations and respect for content creators.
• Use antivirus software or a malware blocker — If a streaming site triggers an alert from your antivirus or malware detection software, there’s a good chance it’s not legit.
• Watch for unreleased movies — If a site advertises movies not yet released on home media, it's likely illegal. Legitimate platforms wait for official release dates.
• Avoid cam rips — Steer clear of sites offering cam rips, which are recordings made in cinemas. These are illegal and of poor quality, indicating a non-legitimate site.

FAQs on Primewire Alternative Sites

Is Primewire safe to use?

Primewire is not safe for use because it hosts pirated content and plenty of online dangers. Not to mention the fact that its content is often of poor quality and low resolution. It’s better to use legal Primewire alternatives to avoid privacy and legal risks. While the Primewire site itself may not be malicious, its pop-up ads can contain cyber threats like phishing links. It also features trackers that collect and share your data with ad networks.

Likewise, there are plenty of Primewire mirror sites that can pose dangers. The domains either no longer work (like primewire.sx and primewire.ig) or are fake websites set up by hackers looking to spread malware or steal your info.

Is it legal to watch movies and TV shows on Primewire?

Most movies and TV series on Primewire are illegal. The site streams content without proper licensing, violating intellectual property and copyright laws. It was also hit with a copyright infringement suit in 2022. In many countries, streaming pirated content can come with significant fines or even jail time — it’s always a safer bet to use legal Primewire alternatives.

Other similar sites to avoid include Putlocker, 123Movies, Popcornflix, SolarMovie, YesMovies, Vumoo, and Popcorn Time.

Why aren’t some shows available in my country?

Some TV shows (and movies) are geoblocked because of broadcasting rights. Streamers pay for licenses so they can broadcast content, and these licenses often specify geo-restrictions. Luckily, you can find Primewire alternatives in most regions. Primewire itself is blocked in many countries because of its illegal content. It's possible to access Primewire alternatives and Primewire itself securely from anywhere with a quality VPN.

How can I legally watch movies for free?

Movies and shows are available for free on several platforms with ads or free trials. Sites like ITVX, Freevee, and Sony Crackle don’t require money but contain occasional advertisements. Meanwhile, subscription-based services like Hulu provide trials so you can try them risk-free for a short period.

Other recommended services that didn’t make the list but are still great for watching free movies include Rakuten TV and Peacock TV.

Can I download movies from streaming sites for offline watching?

Streaming services like Hulu let you download movies and shows on your mobile device. This allows you to watch content when you don’t have an internet connection (like when you’re traveling). However, you shouldn’t download movies on illegal sites, to avoid privacy and legal risks.

Watch Movies & Shows on Reliable Primewire Alternatives

Piracy sites like Primewire are riddled with illegal content, phishing links, and data trackers. They are typically blocked in most countries and deliver low-quality videos such as cam rips. Fortunately, there are plenty of legal, free alternatives to Primewire with HD content.

You can legally stream vast libraries of movies and shows on free services like BBC iPlayer, Vudu Free, Tubi Free, and The CW Network. Premium platforms like Hulu also provide a wider range of titles with an option to get your money back if you don’t find the site satisfactory. So you don’t have to risk infecting your device with malware, leaking your private data, or breaking the law.