Top Putlocker Alternatives for Streaming Movies & TV Shows 2025 π¬
Putlocker was once the go-to destination for millions seeking free online streaming of movies and TV shows. With its vast content library and easy access, it became a household name among entertainment enthusiasts. However, due to copyright violations and legal crackdowns, the original Putlocker site is no longer available in many regions. This has led users to search for the best Putlocker alternatives that are safe, legal, and reliable for streaming in 2025.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. We do not condone or promote piracy. Always use legal streaming platforms and protect your privacy online.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover:
- The top Putlocker alternative sites for movies and TV shows
- How to stream safely and protect your privacy
- Tips for choosing the right streaming platform for your needs
- Frequently asked questions about Putlocker and its alternatives
27 Best Putlocker Alternatives for Free Streaming in 2025 π
After extensive research and testing, here are the top alternatives to Putlocker that offer extensive libraries, user-friendly interfaces, and (in many cases) legal streaming options. Always check the legality of each service in your country before using.
Website | Ads & Pop-ups | Legality Status | Security Risk |
---|---|---|---|
123Movies | Frequent ads | Illegal in most countries | Moderate |
Tubi | Minimal ads | 100% legal | No risk |
Crackle | Minimal ads | 100% legal | No risk |
FMovies | Intrusive ads | Illegal in most countries | Moderate |
Peacock TV | Minimal ads | Legal | No risk |
SolarMovie | Heavy ads | Illegal | Moderate |
Vudu (Fandango At Home) | Minimal ads | Legal | No risk |
MoviesJoy | Ads and pop-ups | Illegal | Moderate |
IMDb TV (Freevee) | Minimal ads | Legal | No risk |
Xumo | Ads and pop-ups | Illegal | Low |
GoMovies | Frequent ads | Illegal | Moderate |
PopcornFlix | Intrusive ads | Illegal in most countries | Moderate |
AZMovies | Heavy ads | Illegal | Moderate |
FilmRise | Minimal ads | Legal | No risk |
PrimeWire | Heavy ads | Illegal | Moderate |
YouTube | Minimal ads | Legal | No risk |
Megashare | Ads and pop-ups | Illegal in some countries | Moderate |
5movies | Intrusive ads | Illegal in some regions | Moderate |
Yidio | Minimal ads | Legal | No risk |
Afdah | Continuous ads | Illegal in some countries | Moderate |
Vumoo | Pop-ups | Illegal | Moderate |
MovieWatcher | Frequent ads | Illegal in some countries | Moderate |
Movie4u | Heavy ads | Illegal in most countries | Moderate |
WatchTVSeries | Intrusive ads | Illegal | Moderate |
Movies123 | Ads and pop-ups | Illegal in most regions | Moderate |
PopcornTime | Frequent ads | Illegal | Moderate |
YesMovies | Intrusive ads | Illegal in some countries | Moderate |
Note: Sites marked as legal are generally safe to use, while others may pose risks to your privacy or device. Use a reputable VPN and antivirus protection when accessing unknown platforms.
Quick Picks: Top 5 Putlocker Alternatives π
- 123Movies: Massive catalog, no registration, but frequent ads.
- Tubi: Legal, free, and available in multiple countries.
- Crackle: Legal, owned by Sony, offers movies and TV shows.
- FMovies: Huge library, fast updates, but ad-heavy.
- Peacock TV: NBCβs free streaming platform, legal and reliable.
How to Choose the Right Putlocker Alternative for You π§
- Content Library: Look for platforms with a wide range of movies and TV shows.
- Legality: Prefer legal options like Tubi, Crackle, and Peacock TV for peace of mind.
- Ad Experience: Some sites have intrusive ads; consider using an ad blocker.
- Registration: Decide if you want to sign up or prefer instant access.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the site works on your preferred devices (mobile, smart TV, etc.).
- VPN Support: Many platforms are geo-blocked; a VPN can help you access them securely.
How to Stream Safely on Putlocker Alternatives π‘οΈ
- Use a VPN: A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your traffic, protecting your identity and bypassing geo-blocks.
- Install Antivirus Software: Protect your device from malware and viruses that may be present on unofficial streaming sites.
- Use an Ad Blocker: Reduce annoying pop-ups and malicious ads for a smoother experience.
- Never Share Personal Information: Avoid sites that require unnecessary personal data or registration.
- Stick to Legal Platforms: Whenever possible, use official streaming services to avoid legal risks.
Pro Tip: The safest streaming experience comes from using legal platforms and reputable VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN.
Why Did Putlocker Shut Down? βοΈ
Putlocker gained popularity for offering free access to copyrighted content, which led to legal battles and domain seizures in multiple countries. While clones and mirrors still exist, they often come with significant privacy and security risks. As a result, users are encouraged to seek Putlocker alternatives that are safer and legal.
Best VPNs for Streaming Putlocker Alternatives π
- NordVPN: Fast, secure, and reliable for streaming. No-logs policy and 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Unlimited connections, affordable, and strong privacy features.
- ExpressVPN: High speeds, global server coverage, and excellent customer support.
Important: Avoid free VPNs, as they may compromise your privacy and are often too slow for streaming.
Putlocker Alternatives: Detailed Reviews π
1. 123Movies πΏ
123Movies is a well-known streaming site with a vast selection of movies, TV series, Asian dramas, and anime. No registration is required, and you can search by genre, country, or release year. Be prepared for frequent ads and pop-ups. Works well with VPNs.
2. Tubi πΊ
Tubi is a legal, ad-supported platform available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Latin America. It features a constantly updated catalog, easy navigation, and works on smart TVs and streaming devices. No registration required.
3. Crackle π₯
Crackle is owned by Sony and offers a wide range of movies and TV shows. Minimal ads, no registration required, but some VPNs may be blocked.
4. FMovies π¬
FMovies is popular for its fast updates and large library. You can request missing titles. However, itβs ad-heavy and not legal in many countries. Use a VPN and antivirus for safety.
5. Peacock TV π¦
Peacock TV is NBCβs official streaming service. It offers thousands of free titles, live channels, and a sleek interface. Registration required and limited to US users, but easily accessible with a VPN.
6. SolarMovie βοΈ
SolarMovie stands out for its accurate search function and international content, especially Asian titles. No registration needed, but expect ads.
7. Vudu (Fandango At Home) ποΈ
Vudu offers a large catalog of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows. Registration is required even for free content. US-only, but VPNs work well.
8. MoviesJoy π
MoviesJoy provides HD streaming with minimal ads and no registration. Works well with VPNs.
9. IMDb TV (Freevee) β
IMDb TV, now called Freevee, is Amazonβs free streaming service. It offers movies, TV shows, and original content. Requires an Amazon account.
10. Xumo π‘
Xumo features thousands of VOD titles and hundreds of live channels. Only available in the US, but accessible with a VPN.
11. GoMovies π¦
GoMovies is known for its minimalist design and low ad annoyance. No registration required.
12. PopcornFlix πΏ
PopcornFlix offers a wide range of movies, but no TV content. No registration needed, but ads are present.
13. AZMovies π °οΈ
AZMovies is popular for its HD content and rare movie selection, including cult classics. No registration required.
14. FilmRise π¬
FilmRise has over 20,000 titles, including TV shows and documentaries. Registration required, but VPN-friendly.
15. PrimeWire π
PrimeWire boasts a vast catalog and genre classification, including IMDb ratings. No registration needed, works with VPNs.
16. YouTube βΆοΈ
YouTube offers a surprising number of free movies and TV shows, including many legal options. Minimal ads, no registration required.
17. Megashare ποΈ
Megashare is known for its large library and quick updates to HD. No registration needed, but the site is not HTTPS-secured.
18. 5movies 5οΈβ£
5movies stands out for its minimal ad policy and accurate categorization. No registration needed.
19. Yidio π
Yidio acts as a search engine for streaming content across platforms. Requires an account.
20. Afdah π₯οΈ
Afdah offers top recommendations in thumbnail format. Streams are at least 720p.
21. Vumoo ποΈ
Vumoo has a user-friendly interface with fewer pop-ups. No registration needed.
22. MovieWatcher π
MovieWatcher features a clean interface and a Most Popular section. No account required.
23. Movie4u π¬
Movie4u catalogs movies and TV shows from the 70s onwards. No registration needed.
24. WatchTVSeries πΊ
WatchTVSeries is ideal for TV show fans, with search by network and episode. No account required.
25. Movies123 π₯
Movies123 is a go-to for HD movies with minimal pop-ups. No registration needed.
26. PopcornTime β³
PopcornTime requires you to download its software, but offers a Netflix-like experience for free.
27. YesMovies π
YesMovies is often the first to provide the latest hit films. Clean interface, but many ads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) β
Is Putlocker still working?
The original Putlocker site has been shut down due to legal issues. While many clones and mirrors exist, none are official, and many pose privacy and security risks.
Are Putlocker alternatives legal?
Some alternatives, like Tubi, Crackle, and Peacock TV, are 100% legal and safe. Others may host copyrighted content without permission, which is illegal in many countries. Always check your local laws.
Can I get in trouble for using Putlocker alternatives?
Streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal in many regions and can lead to legal consequences. Stick to legal platforms for peace of mind.
How can I protect my privacy while streaming?
Use a reputable VPN, keep your antivirus up to date, and avoid sharing personal information on unknown sites.
Whatβs the best free and legal Putlocker alternative?
YouTube and Tubi are among the best free and legal options for streaming movies and TV shows.
Why should I avoid free VPNs?
Free VPNs often log your data, show intrusive ads, and may not be fast enough for streaming. Premium VPNs offer better privacy and streaming speeds.
How do I know if a streaming site is safe?
Look for HTTPS in the URL, minimal ads, and positive user reviews. Use antivirus protection and a VPN for extra security.
Can I watch new releases on Putlocker alternatives?
Some sites update their catalogs quickly, but legal platforms may have delays due to licensing. Always prioritize safety over instant access.
Do I need to register to use these sites?
Many Putlocker alternatives do not require registration, but some legal platforms may ask for a free account.
What devices can I use for streaming?
Most platforms support web browsers, smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.