As it seems, everyone is interested in watching some of the most popular and hottest movies available today in television shows, online for free.
Many sites allow you to watch the latest films and TV shows episodes online for free without downloading anything or signing up.
Many of you shared that 123movies place where you watch free tv series and movies online and wondered if you were doing enough to enjoy the site while protecting yourself. This post will talk about some of the things that you should know before using the site.
1. What is 123movies?
Given that 123movies is one of the best sites and has a lot of movie options available, it is important to know what it is, how it works, and what it offers.
123movies is an online streaming platform that allows you to watch copyrighted movies and series for free. It has been around for a while and has gained popularity, with many people being interested in streaming online.
The platform used to be one of the most popular streaming websites. However, it was shut down in the year 2018. But some of its copies are still accessible through online mirrors sites.
2. Use A VPN To Access The Site
Don’t leave your privacy and safety up to chance when you’re access free movies and TV shows sites online, and protect yourself with a VPN.
You should always be questioning the safety of free movie streaming sites like 123movie. Whether it’s safe or not depends on several factors, of which most of the factors are controlled by the person hosting the web.
Since 123moveis’s official website is no longer online, its database can only be accessed through copies of the website. These mirrors or copies are hosted and controlled by the third party that seems not to be involved in the original 123movies website.
In that way, there is no quality control. The copy owner may track some of your data or inject the site with malware. And since these copies are few, it is close to impossible to say whether these mirrors are safe or not. Not all mirrors are safe. So to stay safe, always protect yourself with a VPN.
Effective VPNs like NordVPN use high-grade AES encryption, which prevents anyone from viewing your data. Also, they have additional features like a kill switch, which prevents downloads from being traced back to your location.
Additionally, VPNs can protect you from viruses and malware, keeping you safe. Moreover, it protects you from anyone who wants to access your device.
3. What Does 123movies Offer?
123movie allows users to stream pirated videos and movies. The site provides you with movie content at no cost. With 123movies, you can find the new hottest movies, and you don’t need to log in anywhere.
4. 123movies Free TV Shows
123movies permits anyone to watch free online TV shows without the need to create an account. Additionally, no registration is needed, making it easy to watch content online. Some of the popular free online TV shows displayed by 123movies include:
- Buddy vs. Christmas
- Holiday home makeover with Mr. Christmas
- Watch power book II: Ghost
- Chernobyl
- Watch marvel’s ant-man
- Stranger things
- Say yes to the Dress UK
- One-punch man
5. 123movies Free Movies
With 123moiviues, watching movies online has never been a challenge. There’s no tedious process of creating an account. In other words, things are no longer the same as you can enjoy streaming your favorite movies at any time and from anywhere.
There is nothing to worry about if you have a strong internet connection and a compatible device. You need to choose the movie you want to watch and get going.
6. 123movies Genre
123movies connects with different movies and series available on the web. It offers high-speed and quality streaming. Gone are the days when only the rich could afford to watch the hottest movies. Today, with almost everyone having a smartphone and a strong internet connection, life has become much easier.
With region-based content from countries like Italy, Japan, Spain, and France, there is a wide range of movies to choose from.
123movie is a platform that doesn’t let you go anywhere else while looking for good quality online streaming movies and TV shows. The following are 123movies genres:
- Action
- Adventure
- Animation
- Biography
- Comedy
- Crime
- Documentary
- Drama
- Family
- Fantasy
- Gameshow
- History
- Horror
- Musical
- Mystery
- News
- Reality
- Romance
- Sci-Fi
- TV movie
- Thriller
- War
7. Can 123movie Give Me A Virus?
The short answer is YES, 123movies can give you viruses. This answer has simple reasoning. Unlike other reliable streaming platforms like Netflix, your device can be affected by malware and viruses while streaming on the 123movies site.
This is possible regardless of using the 123movies app or direct streaming from the site. Just as websites, mobile apps are insecure and unstable. You can concretize this information by going through reviews in the play store regarding some mobile applications.
Apart from the risk of unauthorized malware damaging your device, you are also taking a chance with malicious ads from the site.
Like many online streaming platforms, 123movies has annoying popups. Some of these popups can be very harmful if you click on them.
You should never download content from free movie streaming sites. You should only be streaming and watching free content from the site itself without signing up.
8. Are Websites Like 123movies Legal?
The legality of the site depends on a couple of factors, including country residence. With that in mind, many online users still doubt whether sites like 123movies are legal.
Each country has its laws concerning patent and anti-copy. In most regions, these sites are considered illegal due to copyright infringement. This is a matter of how serious the country you live in is when it comes to sites like 123movies.
For example, in the US, 123movies is illegal and banned. That’s because the platform doesn’t have the license to display the content it hosts on its site. Streaming from these sites can land you to hefty fines and in prison for some cases.
Sites like 123Movies are not illegal for you to use per se but they sometimes have malware that may infect your device if you download free movies and TV shows files from it.
As long as you’re using a VPN and you avoid downloading anything, only streaming the content on the site itself, then you should be fine.
9. Is 123movies Safe With VPN?
With all threats in mind, do you think it’s worth streaming on such sites? Also, is there anything that can be done to ensure a safe experience?
The short answer is YES, but only if you take necessary precautions to ensure that your device and networks are well protected from any incursions. The best way to ensure safety while streaming on 123movies is to use a VPN.
VPN prevents someone from tracking the data in your network. Additionally, if anyone intercepts information, they won’t be able to decode it.
Some VPNs like NordVPN uses high-tech security mechanism to block malicious ads so that you can have a smooth experience while streaming on 123movies. Moreover, these advanced security mechanisms block any fake streaming platforms that are packed with malware.
Furthermore, effective VPNs use the kill switch feature to prevent anyone from tracking your location.
10. Never Download Videos From Sites Like 123movies
There are many reasons why you should not download videos from sites like 123movies. This may include:
It is Illegal
According to the US copyright act, downloading content contravenes the copyrights holder’s right to make copies. As mentioned before, each country has its own laws and regulations regarding copyrighted content. Many countries protect intellectual properties by prohibiting the downloading of copyrighted content.
Not Safe
Yes, you may escape the legal consequences of streaming on sites like 123movies. However, you may not be able to escape malware as they’re common on these sites.
According to a 2015 report, close to all illegal streaming sites often expose users to malware. Visiting these sites is enough to deliver 45% of malware to your device.
11. Why is 123movies Blocked or Not Working?
123movies was shut down due to piracy. It was the largest and popular notorious streaming site. The platform received over 4 million visitors per day, prompting MPAA to label it “the most popular illegal site globally.
Also, with the help of US authorities, the movie studios did their best to ensure that the site was suspended.
Why Was it Blocked?
123movies was a popular streaming site that permitted users to access free content. However, it was considered illegal as it displayed copyrighted content without permission from the copyright holders. With that in mind, the authorities usually take legal actions to ensure against such sites and people involved.
12. Supported Devices To Watch 123movies
And so far, the best way to watch 123movies. You can watch movies and shows from sites like 123movies using your smartphones, tablets, or computers.
These are some of the most popular and the best devices to use more free online movies and TV shows streaming.
13. 123movies Sites List
14. 20 123movies Alternatives
1. MoviesJoy
This is a streaming site that allows users to watch movies and TV shows for free. The site provides TV shows and movies for every genre like action, comedy, history, thriller, sports, and much more. New titles are updated daily to retain their clients.
MoviesJoy is one of the major sites you can get when it comes to free online streaming. Over ten thousand titles are available for you to watch online. Also, you can download the content without popups.
Is MoviesJoy Safe and Illegal?
Withy moviesJoy, no one will ask you about your email, name, or credit card number. However, to be much safer, it is recommendable to use VPN. The site has been a safe place for millions of visitors.
Why You Should Consider MoviesJoy
Safety: since movies should entertain you and not giving headaches, it is good to watch movies on a safe and reliable platform only.
As the name suggests, moviesJoy entertains you with movies and Joy. No signing up is required for you to stream on the entire platform.
Minimum UI design: movies Joy is easy to browse and navigate. With the title in mind, you only need to enter the keywords in the search box at the top of the site. Or, if you are looking for something eye-catching, you can search using the site’s category.
Wide Varieties of Content: with more than 10,000 titles, moviesJoy provides you with whatever you are looking for. New movies and TV shows are updated daily to ensure that users catch up with the world of cinema.
Better Experience: movies Joy gives you a quality streaming experience without the need to pay. With quick loading and seamless streaming feature, the site guarantees you a better streaming experience.
Compatibility: this is a mobile-friendly platform. Additionally, it supports Chromecast so users can enjoy many TV shows and movies available on any device.
Ads: the site has minimal ads and popups. Once you hit on the play icon, you can start streaming without destruction.
2. YesMovies
This is one of the most popular free streaming sites. It was launched in 2016, and it has always been one of the best streaming sites.
Apart from a wide range of titles, YesMovies guarantees you a safer streaming experience and features like fast loading, HD quality, and ads-free. Additionally, it has a supportive team that is always available 24/7.
Is It illegal?
Although this is a pirated platform, the site has not been banned anywhere, and streaming on it is not considered illegal.
According to copyrights authorities, what may cause legal consequences is file sharing and illegal downloading. If you wish to download movies to watch later, always arm yourself with a reliable VPN.
Is It Safe?
Free sites make income from selling ads. Hackers may lure you into clicking on ads. In this way, you may end up installing Trojan and malware on your device.
YesMovies is an ad-free website. You can stream your favorite TV shows and movies without any worries. Additionally, it does not require sign-up, so you don’t have to worry about data leakages.
3. FlixTor
Flixtor is also one of the best free streaming websites. You can watch your favorite movies without any subscription. It has extensive categories of series, movies, and TV shows. The platform is updated with new movies regularly. Additionally, the site is easily accessible and can be used by anyone without any problem.
4. Zmovies
ZMovies is one of the popular free streaming sites. It allows users to enjoy their favorite movies without any subscription. The site is keeping up to provide users with a better streaming experience. Since this is a pirated site, it is prone to shut down. The legal authorities have tried severally to ban it as it airs copyrighted content.
5. Crackle
This is a platform that allows you to stream free movies and TV shows on your device. It has an excellent selection of programming and high-quality videos.
The site has around 100 free full movies that you can watch any time you want. The platform is constantly updated with new movies on a regular basis, so you’ll always watch something new. Additionally, movies are categorized into genres, making finding thrillers, comedies, actions, horror, etc.
6. Putlocker
This is one of the top leading online streaming platforms. It allows users to stream free movies and series for free. Additionally, it has an extensive library with the latest movies and series.
It has an easy-to-navigate interface, making it easy to find the latest movie or series. Moreover, it has an advanced filter allowing you to quickly find the trending TV shows this year.
7. GoStream
GoStream is one of the best 123movies alternative sites. It offers the newest and your all-time favorite movies. Besides, it offers the hottest and full-length TV series online.
Also, it offers over 3,000 different moves to choose from, including the new hottest films and those that are hard to find. With GoStream, you don’t have to go site to site, looking for a certain movie as you can stream directly from the site.
8. FMovies
This is a fine-sharing site that allows users to watch a wide variety of movies and TV shows. However, FMovies and such sites have been targeted by relevant legal authorities for copyright infringement. Nevertheless, they’re still offering a great streaming experience.
No one knows FMovies origin and where it is hosted, making it a hard target for relevant authorities. However, the ground is still hot. Due to several targets by legal authorities, accessing FMovies is becoming a challenge. Therefore, it is worth using VPN.
9. SolarMovies
This is a popular streaming site that has been visited severally by millions of visitors. It permits users to access movies, series, and TV shows for free. Additionally, it is ad-free to protect you from possible threats.
Is it Illegal?
Displaying copyrighted content with permission from the copyright holder is considered illegal. After 123movies suspension, the legal authorities promised to target such sites. These sites have been targeted regularly due to copyright infringement.
Is it Safe?
SolarMovies is one of the safest and most reliable streaming sites. It has been the safest place for millions of movie enthusiasts for many years. Being an ad-free site, there are no worries about possible viruses and malware.
Features
Unlimited free streaming: the site allows you to watch an unlimited number of movies and series. In other words, you are allowed to watch movies, TV shows, and series as much as you want. The content starts to stream right away once you’ve selected and a server.
No signing up: On other streaming platforms, you’ll be asked to register for online movies. But Gomovies believes in transparency. That’s why they don’t have a signing-up option.
Clean interface: to make streaming easy, the staff has worked well on design. The interface is easy to navigate without the need for any assistance.
10. AzMovies
Here is another popular streaming site that lets you watch exclusive movies series and TV shows for free. It gives users direct access to free movie downloads illegally. Additionally, the site has attractive with a wide range of movies.
Features
movie website shows users interesting and latest search movies to download and watch. Also, users can access top movies for 2021, newly released, and the latest movies.
11. Lookmovie
Although it’s not a popular streaming site, it gives users a better streaming experience. Just like any other 123movies alternative, lookmovie allows users to stream their favorite TV shows, movies, and series for free.
12. VexMovies
This is also another streaming site with quality content distribution. It displays HD-quality movies to give its users a better watching experience.
13. Streamlord
Streamlord is a site with full high-quality online movies. The platform has films of different genres. In this way, you can easily select your favorite Hollywood movie.
14. Soap2day
Soap2day is one of the most popular streaming sites where you can watch as much as you want. You can watch movies and TV shows at HD quality for free. The site is regularly updated with new quality content.
15. MovieStars
MovieStars is an alternative for streaming sites like 123movies, streamlord, and more. Through this site, users can stream movies and TV shows for free. No registration or subscription is needed.
16. SpaceMov
This is also an online streaming website that displays free content. It is one of the great sites with a wide range of hottest movies and series.
17. 123chill
This is a 123movie brand that allows users to watch free online movies. The site is full of the hottest movies and series in HD quality. Additionally, it is ad-free to give you a good streaming experience.
18. PrimeWire
PrimeWire is one of the most popular 123movies alternatives. The site gives users access to quality movies, series, and TV shows for free.
The platform is a safe and reliable place for millions of movie lovers across the world. However, to be safer, it is good to use a VPN and AdBlock extension.
19. Streamm4u
Here is another alternative with similar features. The site has an easy-to-navigate interface with all genres of media content. It is a safe streaming site that gives users no worries while watching their favorite movies.
20. GoSeries
Goseries is one of the most popular streaming sites. It is a platform that receives millions of visits per day. There is nothing to worry about safety since the site is ad-free. Additionally, no subscription or registration is needed.
Summary
123movies is an online streaming platform that allows users to watch copyrighted movies and series for free. It was a popular streaming site, but it was taken down due to copyright infringement.
Since then, there have been several alternative streaming sites with similar features. However, the relevant authorities target such sites as well.
There are many 123movies alternatives, including Movies joy, Yesmovies, flixtor, Zmovies, crackle, putlocker, Gostream, FMovies, solarmovies, AZmovies, Lookmovies, Vexmovies, streamlord, soap2day, moviestars, spacemov, 123chill, primewire, streamm4u, Goseries, etc.
The relevant authorities have targeted these sites severely but are still trying their best to deliver quality content to their users.
Sites like 123movies have similar features but are all considered illegal. 123movies alternatives are said to be safe. However, the only way to be sure of your safety is to use an effective VPN.