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Best Alternatives to 123Movies for Streaming Movies and TV Shows

With the rise of on-demand streaming services, movie lovers no longer have to wait for their favorite films or TV shows to air on cable TV. 123Movies was one of the most popular platforms where users could stream a vast selection of movies and TV shows for free. However, due to its questionable legality and frequent shutdowns, many users are now searching for viable alternatives. This article explores some of the best alternatives to 123Movies, both legal and illegal, for streaming movies and TV shows online.

Table of Contents:

Introduction to Online Streaming Services

The Rise and Fall of 123Movies

Legal Concerns Around Free Movie Streaming Sites

Best Paid Alternatives to 123Movies

4.1 Netflix

4.2 Hulu

4.3 Amazon Prime Video

4.4 Disney+

4.5 HBO Max

4.6 Apple TV+

Free and Legal Alternatives to 123Movies

5.1 Crackle

5.2 Tubi TV

5.3 Popcornflix

5.4 Vudu

5.5 Peacock

Unofficial and Illegal 123Movies Alternatives

6.1 Putlocker

6.2 SolarMovie

6.3 GoMovies

6.4 FMovies

Risks of Using Illegal Streaming Sites

Conclusion

1. Introduction to Online Streaming Services

The internet has revolutionized how we consume entertainment, providing viewers with access to movies and TV shows from all over the world. Traditional cable TV has slowly been replaced by online streaming services that allow viewers to watch content at their convenience. From paid services like Netflix and Hulu to free platforms such as Crackle and Tubi TV, there are plenty of legal ways to stream movies online.

However, illegal streaming sites like 123Movies have long dominated the market because they offered free access to content, bypassing subscription fees and licensing restrictions. 123Movies was one of the largest of these illegal platforms, drawing millions of users every day. Since its demise, many are looking for similar services that offer the same benefits—ideally without legal repercussions.

2. The Rise and Fall of 123Movies

123Movies, once regarded as the king of online movie streaming, provided users with access to a vast array of films, TV shows, and documentaries. It quickly became popular due to its user-friendly interface and wide range of content. The platform featured both new releases and classic films, making it a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to watch movies for free.

However, the platform came under intense scrutiny from copyright holders and legal authorities. Due to its illegal distribution of copyrighted content, 123Movies was shut down several times, only to resurface with different domain names. In 2018, the official website was permanently taken down, with the Vietnamese government cooperating with U.S. authorities to close it for good.

3. Legal Concerns Around Free Movie Streaming Sites

Using websites like 123Movies is illegal in most countries due to copyright infringement. These platforms host and distribute content without permission from the creators, which violates international copyright laws. Watching content on these sites can also lead to legal issues for users, especially in regions with strict anti-piracy laws.

Moreover, illegal streaming sites often expose users to risks such as malware, phishing, and data theft. It’s crucial to weigh the risks before using such sites, especially when there are plenty of legal alternatives that provide high-quality content for either free or for a reasonable subscription fee.

4. Best Paid Alternatives to 123Movies

While 123Movies attracted users because of its free content, paid streaming services offer a more legitimate and safer alternative. These platforms provide high-quality streaming, are regularly updated with new content, and protect users from legal issues or malware risks. Here are some of the best-paid alternatives:

4.1 Netflix

Netflix is one of the most well-known streaming platforms in the world. It offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content across various genres. With Netflix, users get high-quality streaming with no ads and access to exclusive content like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Money Heist. Netflix offers multiple subscription tiers depending on the video quality and the number of devices.

4.2 Hulu

Hulu is another popular alternative, known for offering both current TV shows and a broad selection of movies. It’s one of the few services that release episodes shortly after they air on cable TV, making it a great choice for those who want to stay up-to-date with ongoing TV series. Hulu also offers original content and an ad-free premium tier for users who want an uninterrupted viewing experience.

4.3 Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is bundled with Amazon Prime membership, making it an excellent value for users who already shop on Amazon. Its content library is vast, offering everything from classic films to recent blockbusters, as well as original shows like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Amazon Prime Video also allows users to rent or purchase movies that are not available for streaming as part of the membership.

4.4 Disney+

Disney+ is a must-have for families and fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises. It offers exclusive access to the entire Disney vault, alongside new releases like The Mandalorian and WandaVision. With its affordable subscription price and content geared towards all age groups, Disney+ is a strong alternative to 123Movies.

4.5 HBO Max

HBO Max combines HBO’s critically acclaimed shows with additional content from WarnerMedia, including films from Warner Bros. Studios. It’s the exclusive streaming platform for hit series like Game of Thrones and Euphoria, as well as a wide selection of movies, including DC Comics films and Studio Ghibli animations.

4.6 Apple TV+

Apple TV+ focuses on original programming and boasts a growing library of critically acclaimed shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and For All Mankind. Although its content library is not as extensive as Netflix or Hulu, the quality of the shows and films is top-notch.

5. Free and Legal Alternatives to 123Movies

If you’re not ready to pay for streaming services, there are several free, legal alternatives to 123Movies that offer access to a range of movies and TV shows. While these services are ad-supported, they are entirely legal and safe to use.

5.1 Crackle

Crackle is a free streaming service that offers a solid selection of movies and TV shows. Owned by Sony, Crackle has a well-curated library of content, including older movies, TV series, and original programming. Although the selection is not as vast as paid services, Crackle is one of the best options for those seeking free and legal content.

5.2 Tubi TV

Tubi TV is another popular free streaming platform that offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows. Its library includes titles from major studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM. Tubi TV is ad-supported, but its interface is easy to navigate, and it has a diverse range of content, from indie films to cult classics.

5.3 Popcornflix

Popcornflix is a free, ad-supported streaming service that focuses primarily on movies. It offers a broad range of genres, from action and horror to comedy and family films. Popcornflix frequently updates its content, so there’s always something new to watch. However, its selection of TV shows is somewhat limited compared to its movie library.

5.4 Vudu

Vudu offers both free and paid streaming options, with the free section being ad-supported. It provides a wide range of movies and TV shows, many of which are available in HD quality. Vudu also allows users to rent or purchase new releases, making it a versatile platform for those who want both free and premium options.

5.5 Peacock

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, offering a free tier that includes a substantial selection of movies and TV shows. Users can access hit shows like The Office and movies from Universal Pictures, DreamWorks, and more. For those who want even more content, Peacock offers premium subscription tiers as well.

6. Unofficial and Illegal 123Movies Alternatives

While legal alternatives offer a safer and more stable viewing experience, there are several unofficial streaming sites that, like 123Movies, provide free access to movies and TV shows. However, these sites often operate in a legal gray area and pose various risks.

6.1 Putlocker

Putlocker has been a popular destination for free movie streaming since the early 2010s. Much like 123Movies, Putlocker has had several domain changes due to legal action. Users can find a variety of movies and TV shows, but the platform is often riddled with pop-ups and potential malware risks.

6.2 SolarMovie

SolarMovie is another platform that gained popularity following 123Movies' shutdown. It offers a vast collection of movies and TV shows, including recent releases. Like other illegal streaming sites, SolarMovie frequently changes its domain and may expose users to ads, pop-ups, and potential security risks.

6.3 GoMovies

GoMovies is another 123Movies alternative that offers free streaming of films and TV shows. It has a similar interface to 123Movies and provides content in various genres, from action to romance. GoMovies frequently changes its URLs, and users must be cautious when using the site due to potential legal and security issues.

6.4 FMovies

FMovies is a popular platform among those looking for free streaming of high-quality movies and TV shows. While its content library is vast, the site is plagued with ads and potential malware. FMovies is often blocked in several countries due to copyright infringement.

7. Risks of Using Illegal Streaming Sites

Using illegal streaming sites like the ones mentioned above can lead to various risks, including:

Legal Issues: Streaming copyrighted content without permission can lead to fines or legal actions in countries with strict anti-piracy laws.

Security Risks: These sites often contain malicious ads, pop-ups, and viruses that can infect your device and steal your personal information.

Poor Streaming Experience: Illegal streaming sites often have unreliable servers, leading to slow loading times, buffering, and lower-quality video.

8. Conclusion

Although 123Movies is no longer operational, there are numerous legal alternatives that offer safe and high-quality streaming experiences. Paid platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime provide access to the latest movies and TV shows, while free services like Crackle, Tubi TV, and Popcornflix cater to users who want free and legal content.

If you choose to use illegal streaming sites, be aware of the risks involved and the potential legal repercussions. In the long run, opting for legal streaming platforms is the best way to enjoy movies and TV shows without any hassle or risks.