123Movies was a popular platform to watch free movies online. Sadly, it was taken down in March 2018, and since then, many 123Movies mirror websites have popped up.
If you don’t want to risk accessing the wrong mirror, you can try these 123Movies alternatives safely with a VPN.
- SolarMovies: Big library of new releases
- AZMovies: Minimal ad intrusion for watching movies online
- FlixTor: One of the most expansive libraries of both movies and TV series
- Netflix: The best official streaming platform
- Max: Best 123Movies alternative for Warner Bros content
- MoviesJoy: A nearly ad-free 123Movies alternative
- Amazon Prime: Great alternative for multimedia content
- SubsMovies: The most accessible 123Movies alternative
- Disney Plus: The best streaming platform for all things Disney
- Hulu: Live TV and on-demand content
We recommend using a good VPN like Surfshark to protect your identity while watching movies online. In our tests, Surfshark was the best option to use with 123Movies.
Surfshark
Do you want to learn more about 123Movies and popular legal alternatives for streaming? Read the complete article below.
123Movies used to be one of the most popular websites to watch movies free online and stream TV shows. It has known many names, including “GoMovies,” “GoStream,” “MeMovies,” and “123movieshub.” The official 123Movies website was taken down in March 2018, but copies of the site are still accessible through mirrors and clone sites.
What 123Movies alternatives are safe to use? Can you still watch free movies online? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in the article below.
Is 123Movies Safe to Use?
The safety of 123Movies depends on which mirror you use. Since 123Movies has been taken down, the only way to access the site is through copies of the website (also known as “mirrors“).
These 123Movies mirrors are hosted and controlled by third parties. The danger in using them is that their owners could inject the website with malicious code. Your device can get infected with malware as a result. What’s more, these mirror sites could be filled with annoying ads and pop-ups.
Sadly, many of the mirrors found online pose significant risks to your security. As such, we recommend against using 123Movies mirrors. Instead, use the 123Movies alternatives in our list below, as these have been tried and tested to be safe.
The Best 123Movies Mirror Sites
During our research, we were only able to find one mirror site that seemed to work fine: https://123movies.sc/.
Other sites that get passed around as legit 123Movies mirrors tried to install suspicious software on our computer as soon as we landed on a page. Most were also too hard to navigate because of ads.
As always, we recommend you only visit free movie streaming sites if:
- It’s legal where you live. Check out our overview of torrenting legality.
- You use an ad blocker to keep wayward ads at bay.
- You use a trustworthy VPN like Surfshark, which encrypts your browsing and streaming activity so no one knows what you’re doing online.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
The Best 123Movies Alternatives in 2023: Best Paid and Free Movie Sites
Note:
Before visiting the sites on this list, make sure you review your country’s laws on streaming copyrighted content and get a VPN to shield your IP address from being tracked on these websites. We recommend Surfshark VPN.
Because it doesn’t respect copyright laws in some countries, 123Movies might be unavailable at times. It might even be taken down for good. If that happens, people usually pick one of the free streaming websites below.
1. SolarMovie: Big library of new releases
Pros
- Decent filtering options
- No pop-up ads
- Pretty good library
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Can be difficult to navigate
Visit: SolarMovie
SolarMovie has an expansive library of new releases and older titles that allows for streaming movies online in high definition. Plus, the interface is easy to navigate, with great categorization filters for its media content. You can browse movies and series by country, genre, or IMDb rating. Not to mention, we weren’t disturbed by any pop-up ads while testing the site.
On the other hand, there are banner ads, which can get annoying at times. Also, if the given categories aren’t what you’re looking for, SolarMovie can be slightly hard to navigate. Apart from these issues, it’s still the best 123Movies alternative and one of the top Soap2day alternatives, too.
2. AZMovies: Minimal ad intrusion for watching movies online
Pros
- Has a vast library of titles
Cons
- No TV series
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Some annoying advertising
Visit: AZMovies
If you want to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster, AZMovies is probably the best 123Movies alternative. It has a great collection of movies, including classics and new releases. Not to mention, the interface is pretty minimalist, so you should have an easy time navigating the platform.
That being said, this free movie site is riddled with ads, including banner and pop-up ads. That’s why we only recommend you stream movies online from AZMovies if it’s legal where you live and if you have a VPN with ad-blocking capabilities.
A VPN will both hide your identity and ensure a nice viewing experience. From our research, the best VPN app to use with AZMovies is Surfshark.
3. FlixTor: One of the most expansive libraries of both movies and TV series
Pros
- One of the biggest content libraries
- Streams in HD
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Ads can get annoying sometimes
Visit: FlixTor
FlixTor is one of the most popular free streaming sites online. It’s been around for a long while and it’s one of the biggest libraries of free movies and TV shows. If you can think of an existing piece of media, it’s probably hosted on the platform. So if unofficial streaming is legal where you live, FlixTor is a great option when you struggle to find a title anywhere else.
On the other hand, FlixTor’s advertising can get quite annoying. And since it’s so big, it’s often the target of government crackdowns on torrenting. So it might not always be accessible. If you want to find out more about this site, we have an in-depth guide to FlixTor.
4. Netflix: The best official streaming platform
Pros
- Large content library
- High definition content
- No advertising on most plans
Cons
- No free tier available
- Library differs greatly based on your location
Visit: Netflix
Netflix is probably the most popular streaming site with a wide variety of movies and shows. It’s been a prime destination to watch movies online for years. It’s seen slowing growth in recent years, but it’s still pretty popular. Last year they made big headlines with Wednesday, and the platform continues to feature high-profile productions like Harry Potter, The Office, and Glass Onion.
Unfortunately, not all Netflix titles are available worldwide. For example, Harry Potter is only available in the UK and Turkey. To unblock a larger library on Netflix, you can use a VPN. This will expand your Netflix catalog and let you watch movies that might otherwise be unavailable in your country.
5. Max: Best 123Movies alternative for Warner Bros content
Pros
- Most Warner Bros content in one place
- Great shows released each year
- Official streaming platform
Cons
- No free version
- Limited global availability
Visit: Max
Max (previously HBO Max) is one of the best movie streaming sites you can find. It’s the pinnacle of Warner Bros content, featuring everything from classics like The Sopranos to new productions like House of the Dragon or The Last of Us.
Previous HBO platforms like HBO Now or HBO Max failed to provide a viable alternative to Netflix. Their library was too limited to compete with the giants of streaming. But with the advent of a unified Max, you get all the Warner Bros content you might want. Plus, the platform released a lot of hit shows last year. So if you want to stay tuned to new releases, it’s a great 123Movies alternative.
However, Max is only available in a few select regions. If the platform is unavailable where you live, we have an entire guide to unblocking (HBO) Max.
6. MoviesJoy: A nearly ad-free 123Movies alternative
Pros
- A lot of titles are available in HD
- User-friendly interface
- Unobtrusive advertising
Cons
- Unlicensed content
- Limited browsing options
Visit: MoviesJoy
MoviesJoy has virtually no ads, which makes it one of the best alternatives to 123Movies if you want an undisturbed viewing experience. Plus, most of their titles stream in HD, and the UI is well-made, so it offers one of the best alternatives to 123Movies if unofficial platforms are legal where you live.
On the other hand, the library is pretty small, nothing compared to big names like FlixTor and 123Movies.
You’ll still have to put up with limited banner ads, and the browsing system of MoviesJoy can be restricting. You can’t browse their titles as you would on other 123Movies alternatives like SolarMovie or AZMovies.
7. Amazon Prime: Great alternative for multimedia content
Pros
- Decent library, especially for how little it costs
- No ads
- Available on almost all platforms
Cons
- No free version
- Content availability can vary depending on where you live
Visit: Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is not too different from Netflix. It has a smaller database of the latest movies and shows, but it does have its own exclusive shows, which can make up for it. It is also a bit cheaper than Netflix.
Compared to HBO Max, Amazon Prime didn’t stand out with its releases these past few years. The Boys did well, but other than that, nothing has quite hit the mark. The Lord of the Rings show was reviewed very poorly, and the fans weren’t too happy about it, either.
Still, Prime is a big platform with a lot of great shows. Plus, the Prime subscription also gets you a sub on Twitch and other benefits, so it might be worth your money.
8. SubsMovies: The most accessible 123Movies alternative
Pros
- Subtitles available in a lot of languages
- Decent navigation
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Library is not impressive
- Content quality can be lacking
Visit: SubsMovies
SubsMovie is the most accessible alternative to 123Movies. Their library is not that impressive, and the quality of the content isn’t always top-notch. But they have something else going for them: tons of subtitles in multiple languages.
If you struggle to find content available in your native language, or if you just want to enjoy your favorite movies and shows with someone that doesn’t speak an international language, SubsMovies is a great alternative to 123Movies.
9. Disney Plus: The best streaming platform for all things Disney
Pros
- Only site featuring the MCU, Star Wars, and Pixar
- Vast library, complete with exciting new releases
- Great for the whole family
Cons
- No free version
- Not available worldwide
Visit: Disney Plus
Disney Plus is the best place to watch all things Disney, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and much more. It’s not just a great platform for fairy-tale fans: it has all sorts of other content as well. Some popular titles on Disney Plus include The Mandalorian, Glee, Andor, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
If you’re in the mood for an MCU marathon or you want to relieve nostalgic times with old Pixar cartoons, Disney Plus is the best alternative to 123Movies. Unfortunately, it’s not available worldwide. If you want to access Disney Plus’s full library from anywhere in the world, you’ll need a reliable VPN like Surfshark.
10. Hulu: Live TV and on-demand content
Pros
- On-demand and live streaming options
- Available in a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus
- Official streaming platform
Cons
- On-demand library is not that great
- Only available in the US
Visit: Hulu
Hulu is one of the best up-and-coming movie streaming services. It’s a great pick if you want to watch movies online and check out a wide variety of live channels. It features both on-demand titles, as well as live events from different US channels. If you’re looking for an alternative to cable, Hulu has some of the best deals on the market.
Not to mention, it’s also available in a bundle with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, for as little as $7.99 per month. However, Hulu is not available outside the US. If you want to watch it anywhere else, you’ll need to unblock Hulu with a VPN.
11. Sling TV: Affordable cable over the internet
Pros
- Affordable roster of US TV cable channels
- Comprehensive channel list
- Accessible from a lot of devices
Cons
- Only available in the US
Visit: Sling TV
Like Hulu, Sling TV is one of the best sites for cord-cutters tired of high cable subscription costs. It has an amazing suite of US TV channels available for as little as $30 per month, including AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, Showtime, TLC, USA, and many more. If you want to get the full TV experience in your browser, Sling TV is one of the best providers.
Unfortunately, SlingTV is only available in the US. If you want to access it from anywhere else, you’ll need a VPN to change your IP address to one from the States. In our tests, Surfshark was more than capable of unblocking SlingTV.
12. Popcornflix: Great user interface for TV shows
Pros
- Minimal ad intrusion
- Great navigation
- Good content filtering options
Cones
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Not a lot of movies
Visit: PopcornFlix
PopcornFlix has an amazing user interface, especially for an unofficial streaming platform. It’s easy to navigate and find the shows you want to watch, and it’s even available on mobile devices. Plus, it has very minimal ad intrusion, which is always a big plus in our book.
On the other hand, it’s an unlicensed streaming site, so you can’t access it if torrenting is illegal where you live. On top of that, its library of movies isn’t too impressive. PopcornFlix is more focused on TV series.
13. Putlocker: Great categorization options
Pros
- Easy to navigate website
- Very good content filtering
Cons
- Unofficial streaming platform
- Intrusive advertising
Visit: Putlocker
If you’re looking for top content filtering, Putlocker is probably one of the best 123Movies alternatives. It has great categorization options, and you can browse their titles alphabetically, by country, by IMDb results, and plenty more.
The site also has a large library of titles, and it’s really easy to navigate. For example, you can keep browsing the site while watching something — the media player will minimize.
Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect site. For starters, it’s an unofficial platform, so they don’t have rights to the content they share. In fact, some ISPs will outright block your access to the site. On top, the ads are pretty intrusive, which can lead to an unpleasant viewing experience.
14. Peacock TV: Affordable content from NBC
Pros
- Paid subscriptions are affordable
- Great live events
- Officially licensed content
Cons
- No free plan available anymore
- Only accessible with a US IP address
Visit: Peacock TV
Peacock was our go-to recommendation for free streaming sites until it dropped its $0 tier. But even without that, it’s an extremely affordable service and one of the best 123Movies alternatives.
The site is backed by NBC, and it has a decent on-demand library to show for it. You can watch shows like The Office, Yellowstone, Blacklist, and F9 on Peacock. More importantly, the platform hosts NBC’s live events, like the Indy 500 or WWE events.
Unfortunately, Peacock is only available in the US, so you’ll need a VPN to access it. If you’re not sure which tool to use for it, we recommend Surfshark.
15. Popcorn Time: BitTorrent app for seamless streaming
Pros
- Media player to watch content before it fully downloads
- Support for multiple devices
Cons
- Most of the content you can dowload is unlicensed
- Might be hard to find a trusted download link
Visit: Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time is a BitTorrent app that lets you download movies and TV shows. But it works a bit differently from other torrenting apps.
Popcorn Time has a built-in media player, which lets you stream the content you’re downloading while it’s being shared with you. This makes it a streaming app in practice. And it’s a great alternative to 123Movies because it’s available on a lot of devices.
However, keep in mind that most of the content available to download via Popcorn Time is unlicensed. Make sure you respect your country’s laws on content distribution before using the app. Also, know that the initial Popcorn Time shut down because of its content law breaches, so you might have a hard time finding trusted mirrors.
16. Amazon Freevee: Great licensed collection available for free
Pros
- Completely free
- Decent library for a free streaming site
- Licensed content
Cons
- Supported by ads
- Library can't compare with paid alternatives
Visit: Freevee
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Amazon Prime, Freevee might be the best streaming platform for you. It was previously known as IMDb TV before it was bought by Amazon, and it’s a pretty decent site.
Of course, its library is not as varied as Prime’s, but you can use it to watch a lot of content. When we checked its library, Freevee included titles like Mad Men, Friday Night Lights, a few Star Trek Films, and more.
The platform is supported by ads, so you will have to put up with some content interruptions. But if you want to watch something that’s on Freevee, it can be one of the best 123Movies alternatives.
17. Cineb: Great navigation and a minimal interface
Pros
- New releases available in high definition
- Great categorization options
Cons
- Unofficial streamig platforms
- Interface is messy at times
Visit: Cineb
Cineb is a relatively new site, with a minimal interface and a great user experience. Although its content is unlicensed, it features very few ads, so you can have a great time on the platform without being interrupted by pop-ups every few minutes. Cineb also has good browsing and filtering options for both movies and TV shows, and you can find a lot of new releases in high definition.
However, the site is still new, so you might run into some problems while on the site. When we tested the platform, some shows came up as entries in Cineb’s library but didn’t have any valid links to a media player.
Moreover, the interface was messy in some places. But still, if local regulation allows you to visit it, Cineb is a great 123Movies alternative.
18. StreamM4u: Unofficial streaming site completely free of pop-up ads
Pros
- No pop-up ads
Cons
- Unlicensed streaming site
- Clunky interface
- Not the most comprehensive library
Visit: Stream4U
StreamM4u is not the best 123Movies alternative. It’s an unofficial streaming site, with a clunky interface that’s hard to navigate. It also has a pretty thin library, at least when compared with other unofficial sources.
However, StreamM4u is one of the few sites that let you watch free content without any pop-up ads. Do note that there are some banner ads, and the content can be quite explicit on said ads.
But if you’re looking for a free movie streaming site that won’t bombard you with pop-ups every time you try to click on a video, StreamM4u can be a good choice.
19. PrimeWire: Large library and easy navigation
Pros
- Large library of HD titles
- Easy navigation
- Support for new releases
Cons
- Unofficial streaming site
- Mirrors can pose dangers
- Ad intrusion is pretty bad
Visit: PrimeWire
PrimeWire is one of the best 123Movies alternatives thanks to its easy navigation, large library, and support for new releases. On the site, you can filter titles by a lot of categories, watch movies and series in HD quality, and interact with PrimeWire’s community through reviews and comments.
However, it’s lower on our list for a few reasons. First, it’s still an unofficial streaming site, which makes it inaccessible and illegal in a lot of places.
Second, the original site was taken down a while ago, which means you have to rely on mirrors. These mirrors aren’t always safe, so you’re exposing yourself to some risks while trying to access PrimeWire. What’s more, the ad intrusion on the site is pretty annoying.
20. MusicHQ: Great filtering and no pop-up ads
Pros
- No pop-up ads
- Great content filtering options
- Good navigation
Cons
- Still features banner ads, which can lead to dangerous sites
- Unofficial streaming site
Visit: MusicHQ
Despite what the name implies, MusicHQ is not a music site. It’s an unofficial streaming site that lets you watch movies and TV series for free.
It also has great navigation, a pretty good search engine, lots of filters to browse its content, and even a dark mode you can enable on the site. It also has no pop-up ads, just the occasional banner. So it’s a pretty good 123Movies alternative.
Still, its content is unlicensed. And the banner ads can lead you to some dangerous sites if you misclick them. So if you can legally visit MusicHQ, make sure you only do it with a reliable VPN. It will protect your identity and even block some ads.
From our research, Surfshark is the best pick for watching MusicHQ.
Is 123Movies Legal?
Watching copyrighted content on 123Movies is illegal in most cases.
Each country has its own stance on pirating copyrighted content, but most try to protect intellectual property. As a result, most governments outlaw the downloading and streaming of copyrighted content.
However, some countries like Poland or Spain let you watch movies for free, as long as it’s just for personal use.
Always check your country’s legislation before visiting our 123Movies alternatives. Here’s an overview to give you an idea:
| Stance on piracy | Countries |
|---|---|
| Pirating is legal or allowed (for personal use) | Poland, Spain, Switzerland |
| Pirating is illegal | Australia, China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, United States |
| Pirating is illegal, but individuals are not actively prosecuted | Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, India, Israel, Iran, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Uruguay |
How People Watch 123Movies Safely
There are countries where streaming 123Movies is perfectly legal. However, you still need to protect yourself from prying eyes, viruses, and malicious website hosts while using a 123Movies mirror.
We advise using a virtual private network (VPN) to change your IP address and encrypt your online activity.
Surfshark is our VPN of choice for streaming because of its fast speeds, reliable network of 3,200+ servers, and security features. Surfshark is available on all platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS), and it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. You and your whole family can watch free movies online on any of your devices.
Here’s how to use Surfshark with 123Movies:
- Get a subscription. Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skim off any crucial features. In our tests, it was the best option to access 123Movies.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Log in with the same credentials you used to sign up.
- Connect to a nearby server. Surfshark will automatically give you the server with the best connection speed.
- Visit 123Movies safely! Make sure you use an official mirror.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
Worth considering: Antivirus software for your protection
Aside from a VPN, you’ll need an antivirus app to keep you safe from all kinds of malware. Streaming sites like 123Movies tend to be riddled with dangerous ads, annoying pop-ups, and malicious links. Before you know it, your device could be infected with adware, a computer virus, or even something truly damaging like ransomware.
We tested various antivirus solutions extensively, and Norton 360 came out on top of the competition. It offers robust security features with high levels of protection, so you can watch movies, stream TV series, or download movies without worrying about computer worms or spyware.
Conclusion: Is 123Movies Safe, or Is an Alternative Better?
123Movies was a popular choice to watch free movies online. However, the 123Movies official website is no longer available. There are plenty of mirrors that pop up every day — but beware of those that are riddled with malware and ads.
If streaming content from unofficial sources is legal where you live, these can be great sources of entertainment. If you can’t find a working 123Movies mirror, there are a ton of 123Movies alternatives.
FlixTor, SolarMovie, and AZMovies are all good unofficial sources. And if you can’t access them where you live, Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max are all worthy alternatives.
No matter where you watch movies from, make sure you use a VPN. On unofficial platforms, it can protect you from malware and invasive ads. On official streaming platforms, it can help you unblock geographically restricted content.
If you want a reliable, affordable VPN that works great with streaming, there’s no better pick than Surfshark.
Are you stuck with a question regarding 123Movies? Check out our FAQ section to see if we have the answer. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to leave us a comment.
Using 123Movies is legal in some countries. For example, Spain and Poland allow piracy for personal reasons. However, unofficial platforms like 123Movies are illegal in some countries, so make sure you read your local laws and our article on 123Movies and its legality and alternatives.
This all depends on the country you’re in while using 123Movies. In some countries it’s illegal, in others it is not. Even if you are in a place where it’s illegal, individual downloaders might not face any consequences. As a result, consequences range from absolutely nothing to fines of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The original 123Movies no longer exists, but its mirror sites can come with all sorts of dangers. These copies are owned by people who could potentially inject malware into the site or show you malicious ads. Make sure you only visit trusted mirrors.
Some popular legal alternatives to 123Movies are:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney Plus
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
- HBO Max
Keep in mind that you need a paid subscription to access most of these services, and not all of them might work in your country.
Hi i wanna watch Harry potter please help from jamie.
Hi Jamie! We actually wrote an entire article on how to watch the Harry Potter movies. Currently, the HP movies can be found on Amazon Prime most easily. We hope that’ll be of help! You’ll likely also be able to watch these magical movies on 123Movies and alternatives like Putlocker, but keep in mind that watching the films there might not be considered legal in your country!