Best 123movies Alternatives: Legal Free & Paid Sites (2025)

Streaming movies and TV shows online has become the standard for entertainment. While sites like 123movies were once popular, they came with significant risks, including legal trouble and cybersecurity threats. Today, viewers have access to a huge variety of legitimate platforms that offer high-quality content without the dangers of piracy.

Why Safety and Legality Matter

Using unauthorized streaming sites exposes your device to malware, invasive pop-up ads, and potential data theft. Furthermore, accessing copyrighted content without permission undermines the creators and studios that work hard to produce the entertainment we love. By choosing legal alternatives, you ensure a smoother viewing experience, high-definition video quality, and peace of mind knowing you are supporting the industry.

This article recommends only legal streaming services; it does not endorse or provide access to pirated content.

Below, we explore the best free and paid alternatives that are safe, legal, and packed with great movies and shows.

Top Free Alternatives to 123movies (Legal & Safe)

You don’t always need a credit card to watch great entertainment. Several major companies now offer “FAST” (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) services. These platforms are fully legal and monetize their content through commercials, much like traditional television.

1. Tubi

Tubi is often considered the king of free streaming. Owned by Fox Corporation, it boasts a massive library of over 50,000 movies and TV episodes. The interface is clean, easy to navigate, and very similar to paid platforms like Netflix.

• Content: Tubi shines in its variety. You can find everything from award-winning dramas and cult classics to anime and reality TV. They also have a growing list of “Tubi Originals.”
• Pros: No account required to start watching; fewer ads than broadcast TV; excellent “Not on Netflix” category.
• Cons: Max video resolution is often 720p; newer blockbuster releases are rare.
• Best For: Viewers who love discovering hidden gems and cult classic movies.

2. Pluto TV

Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, takes a different approach. It mimics the experience of cable TV with hundreds of “live” channels playing content 24/7. It also offers a robust on-demand section if you prefer to pick exactly what to watch.

• Content: You will find channels dedicated to specific shows (like a 24/7 CSI or Star Trek channel), news, sports, and movies.
• Pros: The “channel surfing” experience is great for passive viewing; strong selection of Paramount content.
• Cons: The live TV interface can feel cluttered; ads can be repetitive.
• Best For: People who miss the feeling of flipping through cable channels.

3. Amazon Freevee

Formerly known as IMDb TV, Freevee is Amazon’s entry into the free streaming market. It features high-quality original programming and a rotating selection of popular mainstream movies.

• Content: Includes exclusives like Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy, along with a solid library of Hollywood hits and TV series.
• Pros: High production value originals; accessible directly through the Prime Video app or a standalone app.
• Cons: Amazon interface can sometimes blur the line between what is free and what costs money.
• Best For: Fans of high-quality original series who don’t want another subscription.

4. The Roku Channel

Originally built for Roku devices, this service is now available on the web and other streaming sticks. It aggregates free content from various sources and offers its own library of movies and Roku Originals.

• Content: A mix of live news, classic TV shows, reality series, and a surprising number of recognizable movies.
• Pros: Very user-friendly; includes “Roku Originals” (content acquired from the defunct Quibi platform).
• Cons: Navigation is best on a Roku device; web browser experience is just okay.
• Best For: Existing Roku users looking for free, integrated entertainment.

5. Crackle

One of the oldest players in the free streaming game, Crackle (now owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment) is still a reliable source for free entertainment.

• Content: Known for action movies, thrillers, and older classic sitcoms. It also features some original content.
• Pros: Reliable streaming quality; no sign-up barriers.
• Cons: The library is smaller compared to Tubi or Pluto TV; ads can be frequent.
• Best For: Fans of action movies and comfort-food TV sitcoms.

Table A: Free Streaming Services Comparison

Service	Cost	Ads	Content Types	Devices Supported	Best For
Tubi	Free	Yes	Movies, TV, Anime, Originals	Web, Mobile, Smart TVs, Consoles	Exploring huge libraries of movies
Pluto TV	Free	Yes	Live TV Channels, On-Demand	Web, Mobile, Roku, Fire TV	The “Cable TV” experience
Freevee	Free	Yes	Originals, Movies, TV	Web, Fire TV, Mobile, Consoles	High-quality original shows
Roku Channel	Free	Yes	Live News, Movies, TV	Roku, Web, Fire TV, Samsung TV	Roku device owners
Crackle	Free	Yes	Movies, Classic TV	Web, Mobile, Smart TVs	Action & Thriller fans
Plex	Free	Yes	Live TV, Movies, Personal Media	Almost all smart devices	Organizing personal media + free TV

Best Paid Streaming Alternatives for Premium Content

If you want the latest blockbusters, 4K resolution, and an ad-free experience, paid subscription services are the best route. These platforms invest billions in creating content you can’t find anywhere else.

1. Netflix

Netflix remains the global leader in streaming. It sets the standard for user experience and has a massive, rotating library of licensed content alongside its famous originals.

• Content: Powerhouses like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and The Crown. It offers a vast range of documentaries, stand-up comedy, and international films.
• Pros: Best-in-class recommendation algorithm; supports offline downloads; easy-to-use interface.
• Cons: Prices have increased over time; password sharing is now restricted.
• Pricing: Plans range from approx. $6.99 (with ads) to $22.99 (Premium) per month.
• Best For: General entertainment and “water cooler” viral shows.

2. Disney+

Disney+ is the ultimate destination for fans of Disney’s major franchises. It gathers content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic into one hub.

• Content: Every Star Wars movie and show, the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, classic animated films, and nature documentaries.
• Pros: Family-friendly; incredible value for franchise fans; 4K and IMAX Enhanced available on many titles.
• Cons: Content can feel limited if you aren’t a fan of Disney’s core brands (though Hulu bundles help this).
• Pricing: Starts around $7.99/month (with ads).
• Best For: Families and Marvel/Star Wars superfans.

3. Hulu

Hulu is unique because it focuses heavily on “next-day” TV episodes from major networks like ABC, Fox, and NBC (though this varies by contract). It also has a gritty, impressive library of prestige TV and movies.

• Content: Hit shows like The Bear, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Only Murders in the Building. Great selection of adult animation.
• Pros: Fast access to current TV seasons; excellent bundle options with Disney+ and ESPN+.
• Cons: The base plan has ads; 4K content is less prevalent than on Netflix.
• Pricing: Starts around $7.99/month (with ads).
• Best For: Cord-cutters who want to keep up with current TV shows.

4. Max (formerly HBO Max)

Max combines the prestige library of HBO with the reality TV catalog of Discovery. It is arguably the home of the highest quality television drama history.

• Content: Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Succession, plus DC movies (Batman, Superman) and Studio Ghibli films.
• Pros: Unmatched quality of “Prestige TV”; huge movie library including Warner Bros. releases.
• Cons: The app interface can sometimes be glitchy; higher price point for the ad-free tier.
• Pricing: Starts around $9.99/month (with ads).
• Best For: Movie buffs and fans of high-quality drama series.

5. Amazon Prime Video

Included with an Amazon Prime membership, this service offers a mix of free-to-watch content and a rental store.

• Content: The Boys, Reacher, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, plus a massive library of rent-or-buy movies just weeks after theatrical release.
• Pros: Great value if you already use Amazon Prime for shipping; X-Ray feature shows actor info during scenes.
• Cons: Interface is cluttered with “rent/buy” options mixed in with free content.
• Pricing: Included with Prime ($14.99/mo) or standalone video for approx. $8.99/mo.
• Best For: Frequent Amazon shoppers who want entertainment included.

Table B: Paid Streaming Services Comparison

Service	Starting Price (Monthly)*	Free Trial?	Notable Content / Originals	Devices Supported	Best For
Netflix	~$6.99 (Ads)	No	Stranger Things, Squid Game	Virtually all devices	The “must-have” standard
Disney+	~$7.99 (Ads)	No	Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar	Web, Mobile, TV, Consoles	Families & Franchise fans
Hulu	~$7.99 (Ads)	Yes (usually 30 days)	The Bear, Current TV Shows	Web, Mobile, TV, Consoles	Next-day TV episodes
Max	~$9.99 (Ads)	No	HBO, DC, Discovery, WB Movies	Web, Mobile, TV, Consoles	Premium Drama & Movies
Prime Video	Included w/ Prime	Yes (30 days)	The Boys, Lord of the Rings	Virtually all devices	Amazon Prime members
Peacock	~$5.99 (Ads)	No	The Office, Live Sports (WWE/EPL)	Web, Mobile, TV, Consoles	Comedy & Sports fans

*Prices are approximate as of early 2025 and subject to change. Check official sites for current offers.

How to Choose the Right Streaming Service

With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to put your time and money. Use this checklist to narrow it down:

• Budget vs. Tolerance for Ads: If you have zero budget, services like Tubi or Pluto TV are excellent, but you must tolerate commercial breaks. If you hate ads, you will need to pay for a premium tier on a service like Netflix or Max.
• Content Preference: Do you want live TV channels (Pluto TV), current TV episodes (Hulu), or big blockbuster movies (Max/Disney+)? Identify the type of content you watch most.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure the service has an app for your specific smart TV, game console, or streaming stick.
• Rotation Strategy: You don’t need to subscribe to everything at once. Consider paying for one service for a month, binge-watching your list, canceling, and switching to another.

Conclusion

The era of relying on risky, illegal sites like 123movies is over. The legal streaming market has matured, offering legitimate free options that rival paid television and premium subscription services that deliver cinema-quality experiences at home.

For most users, starting with a free service like Tubi or Freevee is the best way to test the waters without spending a dime. If you crave specific exclusives or ad-free viewing, rotating through paid subscriptions like Netflix or Max ensures you always have something amazing to watch—safely and legally.

Check the free trials and device compatibility for the services listed above to start streaming safely today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it illegal to watch movies on free streaming sites?

It depends on the site. If the site has the rights to show the movie (like Tubi or Pluto TV), it is 100% legal. If the site is hosting content without permission (like 123movies clones), it is illegal copyright infringement. Always stick to legitimate platforms found on official app stores.

2. Are free streaming services safe to use?

Yes, legitimate ad-supported services like Roku Channel or Crackle are completely safe. They do not carry malware or viruses. However, illegal pirate sites often use malicious ads that can harm your computer or steal data.

3. Which free streaming site is the best alternative to 123movies?

Tubi is widely considered the best overall alternative due to its massive library of over 50,000 titles, clean interface, and lack of login requirements. It offers a very similar browsing experience to paid apps.

4. Is paying for streaming worth it compared to free sites?

Generally, yes. Paid services offer 4K resolution, surround sound, offline downloads, and no advertisements (on premium tiers). They also get the newest movies and biggest budget TV shows much faster than free services.

5. How can I avoid streaming scams?

Never enter your credit card information on a site that claims to be “free” but asks for “verification.” Stick to well-known services that you can find on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or on your Smart TV’s app menu.