7 Best 123Movies Alternatives in: Sites like 123Movies that offer pirated content aren’t the best choice for streaming. They often go offline without warning, have tons of broken links, low-quality videos, and can even expose your device to viruses or malware. On top of that, using these platforms can land you in legal trouble since they distribute copyrighted content without proper licensing.
That’s why I put together this list of the 5 best free and legal alternatives to 123Movies. These options let you stream movies without the risks. I reviewed each platform based on the size of its library, how often new content is added, search and filtering features, user experience, and more—so you don’t have to waste time searching.
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7 Best Free & Legal 123Movies Alternatives in 2025
Tired of unreliable and risky sites like 123Movies? Here are seven trustworthy and completely legal alternatives where you can stream movies for free in 2025—without worrying about malware, broken links, or legal issues.
1. YouTube
YouTube is my go-to free alternative to 123Movies. It hosts countless full-length movies through legitimate channels like Public Domain Films, Cult Cinema Classics, Korean Classic Films, Mosfilm, PizzaFlix, Popcornflix, and more. While most of these are ad-supported, you’re still getting solid content without spending a dime.
US users can also access free movies through the YouTube Movies section, although availability is limited by region due to licensing restrictions.
Disclaimer
The following list is for educational purposes only. Firesticktricksapps does not create, own, host, run, manage, sell, or distribute any streaming apps, add-ons, websites, IPTV, or services. We also don’t earn commissions from featuring these services on our site. Our goal is to review and give an honest opinion from the end-user’s point of view to help people decide if these services are useful.
We cannot verify whether the services mentioned have legal licenses to distribute content everywhere. It’s up to our readers to make sure they are using these media services in line with the copyright laws of their countries. Firesticktricksapps assumes that all users are following the copyright rules in their region.
YouTube is generally secure, but it’s not the most private platform. While your data isn’t sold, it is used for targeted ads and video recommendations. Thankfully, you can adjust your privacy settings to limit data collection. Keep in mind that YouTube is owned by Google, which tracks your viewing activity.
2. Crackle
Crackle is an excellent free alternative for viewers in the US. It offers a wide range of movies and TV shows across nearly every genre—from action-packed thrillers to light-hearted comedies. The interface is modern, clean, and user-friendly.
You’ll see the occasional ad while streaming, and the filtering options are pretty basic (mainly by genre). However, the platform doesn’t require you to sign up unless you want extra features like parental controls, a watchlist, or the ability to save your place in a show.
Crackle does collect some personal data, including your IP address and on-site activity, which may be shared with advertising partners.
3. Vudu
Vudu is a platform where you can buy or rent movies, but it also offers a solid library of free content—again, supported by ads. This service is only available in the United States.
What sets Vudu apart is its advanced filtering system. You can narrow down results by genre, type (movies or TV shows), cost, Rotten Tomatoes score, and even sort them by popularity or release date. It’s one of the most customizable experiences on this list.
You will need to create an account to access any content, even the free titles. Vudu’s privacy policy states that your data may be shared with affiliated companies and third parties, including advertisers.
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| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
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| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
4. Tubi
Tubi is a top-notch option for streaming a wide selection of movies and TV shows at no cost. It’s available in over 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Mexico.
While its catalog leans slightly toward older titles, Tubi still features some fairly recent releases and popular content—not just obscure or niche films. It’s a great way to enjoy mainstream entertainment for free.
No account is required to start watching, which makes getting started a breeze. However, Tubi does collect some personal data, like your IP address and on-site activity, and may share it with advertisers and business partners.
5. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is perfect if you’re looking for that classic TV experience, offering both live channels and on-demand movies and shows—all for free in the US.
Its library includes fan-favorites like The Wolf of Wall Street, Anchorman, Top Gun, and Indiana Jones. While most content is a bit older, the selection is solid and entertaining.
You don’t need an account to stream, but the platform does gather user data like viewing habits, preferences, and IP addresses. This data may be shared with advertisers, Paramount-affiliated companies, and business partners.
6. SBS On Demand
SBS On Demand is a fantastic free streaming service with a strong focus on international and multilingual content, available exclusively in Australia.
You’ll find movies and series across a variety of genres and languages, all subtitled in English—plus many titles offering Mandarin subtitles. Signing up is required, but it gives you full access to a diverse and high-quality library.
SBS On Demand collects user data to personalize your viewing experience, and its privacy policy notes that some information may be shared with advertising partners.
7. Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV is a great legal alternative for European users looking for HD movies without paying a cent. Its free section, supported by ads, includes a mix of Rakuten originals, documentaries, and content across several genres.
The platform is sleek and easy to navigate, and you can stream without creating an account. However, it does collect some usage data to provide personalized recommendations. Let me know if you’d like a conclusion paragraph or want the whole list formatted into a downloadable guide, blog post, or article!
Is 123Movies Legal?
123Movies is considered illegal because it hosts and shares copyrighted media without permission from the content owners. Over the years, it and its many clones have faced legal action, resulting in shutdowns or blocks in multiple countries due to copyright violations.
Even if you’re only watching and not uploading or distributing pirated content, using 123Movies can still carry legal consequences.
How strictly these laws are enforced depends on your country. In some places, streaming pirated content for personal use is tolerated or falls into legal gray areas. In others, copyright laws are actively enforced and violators may face penalties.
| Legality of Piracy | Countries |
|---|---|
| No laws / Legal for personal use | Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Marshall Islands, Somalia |
| Illegal but rarely prosecuted | Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Canada, Egypt, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Uruguay, Singapore, Denmark, Greece, Czech Republic, Iran, Philippines |
| Illegal and actively prosecuted | Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Finland, Malaysia, South Korea, UK, US, UAE |
Why You Should Use a VPN with Streaming Sites Like 123Movies
Using a VPN when accessing streaming sites like 123Movies can offer significant advantages:
- Privacy Protection: A VPN encrypts your connection and masks your IP address, helping keep your online activities private and anonymous.
- Access from Anywhere: VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions, letting you access streaming services not available in your region.
- Security Against Malware: Many unofficial streaming sites are riddled with ads, pop-ups, and potential malware. A good VPN can offer protection against these threats, safeguarding your device and personal information.
- Extra Features: The top VPNs also include ad-blocking tools and malicious site filters, providing an additional layer of security while browsing or streaming.
For the safest experience, it’s important to choose a reputable VPN with strong security features and reliable streaming performance.
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Show our expert takeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to 123Movies?
One of the best legal alternatives to 123Movies is YouTube. It hosts a wide range of full-length movies across various channels such as Public Domain Films, PizzaFlix, and Cult Cinema Classics. If you’re in the US, the YouTube Movies section also offers a large selection of free titles to stream, all supported by ads.
Are free movie streaming sites safe to use?
Free and legal streaming sites are generally safe to use. However, illegal sites often come with significant risks, including malware, phishing attempts, and invasive ads. To stay safe, stick to reputable platforms like YouTube, Tubi, and Rakuten TV, and consider using a reliable VPN to protect your internet connection and keep your activity private.
Where can I watch movies for free?
There are plenty of free movie and TV show sites available online, but not all of them are trustworthy. To avoid low-quality or dangerous options, check out my list of the 7 best free and legal alternatives to 123Movies. These platforms offer a wide selection of content without the legal or security risks associated with piracy sites.
Are streaming sites like 123Movies legal?
Sites like 123Movies operate in a legal gray area because they often stream copyrighted content without permission from the rights holders. This is why they are frequently targeted by legal authorities and taken down—only to resurface under new names.
Depending on where you live, streaming pirated content may be tolerated, ignored, or strictly prosecuted. In some countries, only the site operators are penalized, but in others, individuals can face fines or legal charges for streaming illegally. To stay on the right side of the law, it’s best to use legitimate streaming platforms and be aware of local copyright regulations.
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