The best legal 123Movies alternatives
Safe, legal replacements for 123Movies that work in the US.
By the FFMovies editorial team · Updated October 14, 2026
What happened to 123Movies?
The original 123Movies, also known as GoMovies, announced it was closing in 2018 after pressure from the Motion Picture Association. Putlocker, an older site with a similar model, went offline years earlier after courts ordered internet providers to block it. Both names have been reused by clone sites ever since.
Like FMovies, 123Movies lives on through copycat sites that reuse its name. They are unlicensed and depend on pop-up advertising, so they carry the same risks covered in our guide to FMovies clones.
Legal 123Movies alternatives
Tubi
Fox-owned service with one of the largest free movie libraries in the US, from classics to recent cult hits. No subscription; an account is optional.
Visit Tubi →Pluto TV
Paramount's free service mixes hundreds of live, channel-style streams with an on-demand library. Great for leaving something on.
Visit Pluto TV →Kanopy
Ad-free films, documentaries and Criterion titles through participating public libraries and universities.
Visit Kanopy →Netflix
The biggest library of originals, plus many Sony theatrical releases after their rental window.
Visit Netflix →Prime Video
Included with Amazon Prime, with originals like Reacher and a large store for renting new releases.
Visit Prime Video →Plex
Free on-demand movies and live channels in a browser or app. A free account is optional for watching.
Visit Plex →Free vs. paid
For the older films 123Movies was known for, the free services above cover most of the catalog. For new releases, a single digital rental usually costs less than a month of a subscription.
Looking for something specific? Search any title on FFMovies to see where it is streaming, or browse movies, TV series and anime.
FAQ
Is 123Movies still working?
No. The original 123Movies shut down in 2018. Sites using the name today are unofficial clones.
What is the best free alternative to 123Movies?
Tubi, for its large free movie library. Plex and Pluto TV are also strong free options.