By The shutdown of 123movies dealt a major blow to movie fans looking to stream their favorite films and TV shows for free online. At its peak, this incredibly popular (if legally dubious) platform hosted an enormous library of new and classic titles that could be watched in HD from any device with just a few clicks.
At a Glance: Top 7 123movies Alternatives
- GoMovies – Massive frequently updated library but ad-heavy
- VMovee – Clean with top-notch streaming but smaller library
- MkvCinemas – Huge indie/niche selection, malware-free, frequent updates
- Soap2Day – Best for TV, allows downloads but average streaming quality
- Ymovies – Tremendous movie variety, request missing titles
- Putocker – Massive global library, simple UI but buggy
- Vexmovies – Lightning-fast streaming, malware-free
While nothing can truly replace the ease and selection of 123movies, there are still a number of alternative streaming sites operating in that same legally gray area in 2024. These allow you to watch movies and shows for free, though they should be used cautiously. In this post, we’ll do a deep dive evaluating the top options based on key factors.
The Best 123movies Alternative Sites for 2024
GoMovies At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Pros:
- Absolutely massive HD movie/TV library from all genres
- New titles added basically daily
- Https secured site
- Decent overall streaming quality
Cons:
- Quite a few pop-up/video ads to deal with
- Can be slow to load at times
- Basic UI is not the most intuitive
GoMovies is likely the most comprehensive single option for replacing 123movies. The frequently updated site hosts an immense collection of HD movies and shows that runs the gamut from mainstream hits to niche indie gems. The streaming quality is generally reliable too. However, visitors must be willing to put up with frequent ad interruptions.
VMovee At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Pros:
- Top-notch HD streaming capabilities
- Clean, minimally-intrusive interface
- Categorized libraries for movies, shows, anime, etc.
- User request system for adding new titles
Cons:
- Overall library selection not as large as some rivals
- Can be somewhat slow to get newest releases
- Simple design lacks some advanced filters/customization
For those prioritizing overall streaming quality and user experience, VMovee is a stellar 123movies alternative. The site is extremely clean and malware-free, with silky smooth HD playback and a simple interface. It neatly separates movies, shows, anime, and other content into browsable categories too. The trade-off is a slightly smaller library that may not get new mainstream titles quite as quickly.
MkvCinemas At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Pros:
- Massive library of indie/classic/obscure films
- 100% ad-free and malware-free experience
- User-requested section with new uploads daily
- Global variety of cinema from all regions
Cons:
- Clunky design with limited search/filter options
- Slower to add new mainstream movie releases
- Some potential streaming issues on mobile devices
For cinephiles and film buffs, MkvCinemas is a goldmine of a 123movies replacement. The site’s torrent-based library is absolutely enormous, with a tremendous variety of obscure gems across indie, classic, foreign, and niche genres. An active community requests new uploads constantly too. Best of all, it’s a totally ad-free experience. The downside is a lack of modern UI/UX polish.
Soap2Day At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Pros:
- Unparalleled selection of current/past TV shows
- Allows downloading shows/movies for offline viewing
- Simple, easy to navigate web interface
Cons:
- Average streaming quality at best
- Frequent disruptive pop-up and video ads
- Movie library is decent but more dated
For those primarily interested in streaming TV shows for free, Soap2Day is likely the top 123movies alternative. The site has an unrivaled library spanning current hit shows, cult classics, and pretty much any series you can think of. You can even download them for offline binging. The movie selection is healthy if not as well-rounded, skewing a bit older. Just be prepared for frequent ad interruptions and iffy streaming quality.
Ymovies At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Pros:
- One of the overall largest movie libraries around
- Huge global variety beyond just mainstream titles
- Lets you request missing movies to be added
- Simple, minimalist interface
Cons:
- Fairly frequent pop-ups/ad interruptions
- Average streaming quality at best
- Basic site design with limited customization
When it comes to sheer movie library size and variety, Ymovies is tough to top among 123movies alternatives. This no-frills site seems to have just about every movie, classic or contemporary, mainstream or obscure. Members of the community can even request missing titles to expand it further. The downside is fairly average streaming quality and plenty of ads to deal with.
Putocker At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Pros:
- Huge, constantly-refreshed movie/TV library
- Unique global/international selection
- Simple, no-frills interface for easy browsing
Cons:
- Site is fairly buggy and unreliable
- Tons of video ads and pop-ups
- Geographic restrictions on some content
Putocker is a truly massive 123movies alternative, with one of the largest streaming libraries covering both movies and TV shows from around the world. The total lack of a complicated UI is refreshing too. However, the site is bogged down by constant ad interruptions and geographic restrictions on certain content. Overall reliability is an issue as well.
Vexmovies At a Glance:
| Library Size | Streaming Quality | Ads/Popups | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Pros:
- Lightning-fast streaming speeds
- Confirmed malware/ad-free platform
- Large, frequently refreshed library
Cons:
- Slightly dated UI/design
- Can be slow to get newest releases
- Fewer niche/indie titles
When it comes to overall streaming quality and performance, Vexmovies is a top 123movies alternative. The site offers blazing-fast HD playback with no ads, popups or malware to worry about. Its library of movies and shows is updated frequently and covers most mainstream titles. The tradeoff is a somewhat dated site design and slower additions of niche/indie content.
Staying Safe on 123movies Alternatives
It’s important to note that while these sites can help satisfy your streaming cravings, they operate in a legal gray area at best. Using them always carries some risk. Here are some tips for protecting yourself:
- Use a trusted VPN to mask your IP address and location
- Install a premium ad-blocker like uBlock Origin
- NEVER enter any payment info on these sites
