10 Best Putlocker Alternatives — Free and Safe in 2025

Finding a reliable and safe Putlocker alternative can be tricky, as Putlocker mirrors are blocked in many countries. This is because of laws that protect the copyright of movies and other content.

Is there a new Putlocker? Since the site was blocked in the UK in 2016 by a high court order, according to the Independent, Putlocker is only accessible via mirror URLs and proxies¹. Still, these can be unreliable, so we tested over 60 free and safe sites like Putlocker and found the best ones for secure online streaming without buffering. We considered factors like content library, streaming quality, user experience, and ad intrusiveness in our evaluation.

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Best Putlocker Alternatives

1. Pluto TV — A Free Live TV and On-Demand Streaming Option

Pluto TV stands out as a strong Putlocker alternative because it offers free ad-supported streaming with both live TV and on-demand content. Owned by Paramount, it provides over 250 channels, including movies, news, and genres like classic films and reality TV.

Other categories include Reality, Documentaries, Comedy, and Cult Horror

You don’t need an account to start watching, which makes it easily accessible. The platform’s interface is straightforward, though the ad breaks can feel frequent. Its movie selection is decent, though not as extensive as premium services. If you want legal, free streaming without subscriptions, Pluto TV is worth considering, especially for casual viewing.

2. Plex — Stream Free Movies With a Personal Media Twist

Plex combines free streaming with personal media organization. Its free tier includes movies and TV shows supported by ads, while its paid version unlocks more features. The platform also lets you host your own media library, which is useful if you have already downloaded content.

Click on a title to see IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes scores

The free streaming catalog has over 20,000 titles, plus it’s curated and includes some hidden gems. I think Plex works best for users who want a hybrid solution — watching both legal free content and their personal collections in one place.

3. Fandango at Home — Free and Paid HD Movies With No Subscription

Formerly Vudu, Fandango at Home’s Movies On Us section offers free, ad-supported films and TV shows alongside its rental and purchase options. It provides reliable HD quality, and the library includes newer titles compared to other free platforms.

Fandango at Home was formerly called Vudu

You won’t need a subscription, but creating an account is required. I’ve noticed its selection leans toward mainstream Hollywood films, making it a solid choice if you prefer higher-budget movies over indie or international content. It’s only available in the US and Mexico.

4. Tubi TV — A Deep Catalog of Free Movies and Shows

Tubi TV is a trustworthy platform that boasts one of the largest free libraries, with thousands of movies and TV episodes across genres. There’s even a dedicated section for Spanish-language content. The site is ad-supported but doesn’t require an account unless you want to save progress.

It's free to register a Tubi TV account

The platform updates its catalog frequently, and it’s particularly packed with cult classics and older films. While the ads can interrupt immersion, the sheer volume of content makes Tubi a top contender among Putlocker alternatives.

5. Crackle — Sony’s Ad-Supported Streaming Service

Crackle, owned by Sony, provides a rotating selection of movies and original shows for free. The ad load is moderate, and the interface is simple. Its library isn’t vast, but it features exclusive Sony films and TV series. If you don’t mind a limited but curated catalog, Crackle is a viable option.

You can watch content without signing in on Crackle

It has some strange titles, including the outrageously bad Porn Star Zombies, so it’s a good option if you’re a fan of trash cinema.

6. Kanopy — High-Quality Films for Library Card Holders

Kanopy partners with libraries and universities to offer free streaming of indie films, documentaries, and classics. You need a US library card or an edu login, but the content is high-quality and ad-free. It’s a niche but valuable resource for film enthusiasts who want more than mainstream options.

Kanopy is funded by public libraries so it's free to use and ad-free

Titles include old and new classics, such as Lady Bird, Amy, and Chinatown. The library isn’t huge, but it’s updated regularly.

7. Popcornflix — Simple, No-Frills Free Streaming

Popcornflix offers a straightforward selection of movies and TV shows with ads. The interface is basic, and the catalog leans toward B-movies and older titles. It’s not the most polished, but if you want quick access without signing up, it serves its purpose.

There's also a good selection of US sports documentaries

There’s even a category for mockbusters, with titles like Tomb Invader, The Terminators, and the surprisingly good Paranormal Entity.

8. The Roku Channel — Free Content for Roku Users (and Others)

The Roku Channel provides free movies and live TV, even if you don’t own a Roku device (it’s available on web and mobile). The selection is decent, with a mix of genres. It’s reliable, but not as expansive as Tubi or Pluto TV for premium content.

The Roku Channel is also available as a free TV app

Titles include The Terminator (the real one this time), High-Rise, and Agent Cody Banks. There’s also a good selection of kids' TV.

9. Sling Freestream — Live and On-Demand Free TV

Sling TV’s Freestream offers live channels and on-demand content without requiring a subscription. It’s a good middle ground if you want live TV with some movie options. The variety is decent, though not as deep as dedicated movie platforms.

Sling Freestream has the most comprehensive collection of free content

There’s also plenty of news, sports, and reality content among the 600+ free channels.

10. Xumo Play — Free Live and On-Demand Streaming With a Cable-Like Feel

Xumo Play delivers a cable TV-like experience with over 190 live channels and a modest on-demand library, all free with ads. Owned by Comcast, it features news, sports, movies, and shows like Fear Factor and Hell’s Kitchen.

You don't need to sign in to stream any content on Xumo Play

Its live TV selection is stronger than its movie catalog, which leans toward older titles. If you miss channel surfing but don’t want to pay for cable, Xumo Play is a solid alternative to Putlocker for casual viewing.

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Editor's Choice for Streaming

Our Score: 10.0

Safely stream content without interruption

Watch movies and TV shows in UHD

Visit ExpressVPN

Unofficial Putlocker Alternatives

Are there any sites like Putlocker? While there are various mirror and imitation sites, it’s unknown if any of them are still being run by the originators.

Many online sources recommend the following Putlocker alternatives, but I don’t suggest using them. They feature copyrighted material (alongside some public domain titles) and come with tons of annoying ads and pop-ups. Plus, they frequently get taken down.

Is 123Movies gone? Yes, it was shut down after a criminal investigation in 2018, according to Britannica².

How to Stay Safe While Using Putlocker Alternatives

Even when using a Putlocker alternative with a solid reputation, it's crucial to prioritize your online safety. Here are some tips to help you stay secure while using Putlocker alternatives:

1. Use a reliable VPN. A VPN is the best way to protect yourself from the variety of cyber threats you may encounter on free streaming sites. It routes your internet connection through a secure tunnel protected with advanced encryption to keep your information private.
2. Install a robust ad blocker. Many free streaming sites are ad-heavy, and some of these ads can be malicious. A quality ad blocker will help shield you from potentially harmful pop-ups, redirects, and other annoying (and sometimes dangerous) advertisements.
3. Use a separate email for registration. If a site requires you to create an account, use an email address that's different from your primary one. This helps protect your main email from potential spam or security breaches.
4. Use a secure browser. Consider using a privacy-focused browser or enabling privacy modes in your regular browser when accessing these sites.

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FAQs on Putlocker Alternatives

Is it legal to use free streaming sites?

Using free streaming sites is often illegal because they typically host pirated content. You risk violating copyright laws, which can lead to fines or legal action in some countries. Many of these sites also expose you to malware or phishing scams. If you want to stay safe, consider legal alternatives like Pluto TV and Plex, which offer free, ad-supported content.

Is it illegal to use Putlocker? That depends on the laws in your region. For example, Oyen Wiggs states that in Canada, it may be legal to stream copyrighted content but not to host or download it³.

Why doesn't Putlocker work anymore?

Putlocker was shut down due to copyright infringement lawsuits. Luckily, there are plenty of legit alternative platforms that offer free content online. Authorities and anti-piracy groups frequently target sites like Putlocker that host copyrighted material, leading to domain seizures or forced closures. If you encounter a site claiming to be Putlocker, it’s likely a copycat with higher risks of malware or poor-quality streams.

What should I look for, and what should I avoid in a Putlocker alternative?

Look for platforms with a strong reputation for safety, such as legal streaming services. Avoid sites with excessive pop-up ads, no HTTPS encryption, or unclear content sources. These often distribute malware or stolen data. I recommend using a VPN if you access unofficial streaming sites to protect yourself from cyberthreats.

Which Putlocker alternative can I use in the UK?

In the UK, you can use legal services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, or Channel 4. Avoid unauthorized streaming sites, as UK ISPs actively block many of them. For a broader selection, consider paid options like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. If you prefer free alternatives, Pluto TV and Popcornflix offer licensed content without legal risks.

Conclusion

If you miss Putlocker, you’re in luck. There is now a wealth of old and new movies and TV shows available freely and legally for you to watch online. Each of the sites above has something unique and fresh and caters to all tastes. Don’t forget the popcorn!

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putlocker/
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/123Movie/
3. https://patentable.com/can-stream-way-around-copyright-infringement-canada/