🔍 In This Guide:
- ✅ What Putlocker is, its legality, and current status
- 🎯 Why people search for Putlocker alternatives in 2025
- 📺 12 legal and on-demand platforms you can trust
- ❗ 18 free unofficial options with usage warnings
- 🛡️ Step-by-step safety guide for secure streaming
- ⬇️ How to download movies carefully (with tools)
- ❓ FAQs about Putlocker, legality, and safety tips
- 📌 Final thoughts + expert recommendations
What is Putlocker?
Putlocker was a free online streaming platform that let users watch movies and TV shows without registration or payment. Launched in 2011 in the UK, it became popular quickly, but faced legal pressure for copyright infringement. Over time, it was taken down, revived, and copied by many fake clone sites.
Is Putlocker Safe? No. The original site is gone, and current versions are mostly clone sites filled with ads, trackers, and potential malware.
Is Putlocker Legal? No. Streaming copyrighted material without permission is illegal in most countries.
Is Putlocker Still Working? The official site isn’t. Some clones still function, but they are risky.Website | Legal Status | Country of Origin | Monthly Visits | Trust Level | Safety & Reliability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tubi | Legal | USA | 30M+ | High | Safe & Verified |
Filmzie | Legal | Slovakia | 1M+ | Medium | Safe |
123Movies | Illegal | Unknown (Mirror-based) | 60M+ | Low | High-Risk |
FMovies | Illegal | Unknown (Mirror-based) | 35M+ | Low | High-Risk |
Xumo Play | Legal | USA | 2M+ | High | Safe & Reliable |
Soap2Day | Illegal | Unknown | 50M+ | Low | Risky |
Yidio | Legal | USA | 1M+ | Medium | Safe |
12 Best PutLocker Alternatives [Free, Safe & Legal]
1. Tubi
Tubi is one of the best free streaming platforms like Putlocker available today. It’s completely legal and supported by ads, so you won’t need a subscription or login.
Type of Content: Popular movies, classic TV shows, kids' content, documentaries. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Light to moderate Pros:- Massive free library
- No sign-up required
- App available on all devices
- Ads before and during playback
- Limited new releases
2. Crackle
Crackle is owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and is another ad-supported platform. It offers a rotating library of movies and shows.
Type of Content: Originals, action movies, comedy, classic series. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad Rate: Moderate Pros:- No cost
- Good mix of genres
- Has exclusive content
- Frequent ad interruptions
- Interface feels dated
3. Plex
Plex isn’t just for streaming your personal media collection. It now offers hundreds of free movies and shows via its ad-supported streaming section.
Type of Content: Hollywood hits, documentaries, niche classics. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Low to moderate Pros:- Nice interface
- Live TV and news options
- Global availability
- Ads can be repetitive
- Content rotates often
4. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers both live streaming channels and on-demand content. It's great for users who like channel surfing along with their movies.
Type of Content: Live TV, movies, reality shows. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Moderate Pros:- Live TV experience
- Good for news & sports
- No registration needed
- No option to skip ads
- Movie catalog isn't huge
5. The Roku Channel
You don’t need a Roku device to watch content on The Roku Channel. It provides free, ad-supported streaming via web and mobile app.
Type of Content: Family films, series, live news. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Low Pros:- High-quality streams
- Great family options
- Minimal ads
- Limited international access
- No subtitle customization
6. Filmzie
Filmzie is a free and legal platform offering indie films, international movies, and award-winning short films.
Type of Content: Indie films, documentaries, foreign titles. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Light Pros:- Curated independent titles
- Fresh, unique content
- Low ad frequency
- Not for blockbuster seekers
- Smaller library
7. Yidio
Yidio is a content aggregator. It helps you find where to legally stream any movie or show by linking to services like Netflix, Hulu, and Tubi.
Type of Content: All genres, across platforms. Subscription Plan: Free (some linked platforms may require subscription) User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad Rate: None (redirect-based) Pros:- Useful for searching legal content
- Works with major providers
- Clean interface
- Doesn’t host content directly
- Some links lead to paid platforms
8. Xumo Play
Xumo Play offers free streaming of movies and live TV. It’s easy to use and available on most devices.
Type of Content: Live channels, on-demand movies, news. Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Moderate Pros:- Live channels included
- No signup required
- On-demand library with categories
- Ads play at fixed intervals
- Can feel like traditional TV
9. Vudu
Vudu is primarily a pay-per-view platform but also has a great section for free, ad-supported movies.
Type of Content: Movies (free + rentals), TV shows. Subscription Plan: Free with ads or pay-per-view. User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Light Pros:- Free movies section is high quality
- Lots of genres
- Good streaming speed
- Some movies require payment
- Sign-in may be needed
10. Hoopla
Hoopla partners with libraries to offer free access to digital content. All you need is a valid library card.
Type of Content: Movies, audiobooks, eBooks. Subscription Plan: Free (library-based) User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: None Pros:- No ads
- Includes books and comics
- Offline viewing supported
- Requires library access
- Limited availability outside U.S.
11. Peacock (Free Tier)
Peacock offers a free plan that includes hundreds of movies, current TV shows, and classic NBC titles.
Type of Content: Blockbusters, comedies, crime dramas. Subscription Plan: Free with ads, premium optional. User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad Rate: Moderate Pros:- High-quality content
- Originals and NBC shows
- Free plan is robust
- Requires sign-up
- Some titles behind paywall
12. YouTube (Free Movies Section)
Yes, YouTube has a section of full-length movies you can legally watch for free. These are supported by ads and change regularly.
Type of Content: Full-length films (varied genres). Subscription Plan: Free (ad-supported) User Ratings: ★★★★★ Ad Rate: Light Pros:- Trusted platform
- Wide availability
- No shady links
- Movies rotate frequently
- Availability varies by region
18 Best Working PutLocker Alternatives 2025 [Updated Links]
1. 123Movies
123Movies has been a staple for free movie lovers looking for high-quality streams without sign-ups. It features a sleek interface and regularly updated content.
Best For: HD movies, TV shows, trending releases User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- Massive movie and TV database
- No login required
- Good video quality options
- Frequent redirects and pop-ups
- Mirror domains may vary
2. FMovies
FMovies is another top choice that allows users to watch and download movies and series in HD. It sorts content by country, genre, and release year.
Best For: New movies, international titles User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Moderate to high Pros:- Well-organized filters
- Solid video playback
- Subtitles included
- Annoying pop-up layers
- Fake download buttons
3. Soap2Day
Soap2Day gained popularity for its fast streaming and huge selection of TV episodes. Its homepage is frequently refreshed with new releases.
Best For: Ongoing TV series, sports streams User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Moderate Pros:- Good layout and filters
- Fast-loading streams
- Minimal buffering
- Redirect links
- Possible malware if not careful
4. Cineb
Cineb is a newer platform that stands out for its clean UI and wide selection of new releases. It also offers both movies and TV shows in HD.
Best For: Latest movies and Netflix-style layout User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Moderate Pros:- Intuitive interface
- Updated frequently
- Lightweight site
- Mirror URLs change often
- May not always have subtitles
5. WatchSeries
This one focuses on TV series more than movies. WatchSeries provides fast access to recent episodes and season collections.
Best For: TV show binge-watching User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- Daily updated episode lists
- Simple to navigate
- Many sources per video
- Too many pop-up ads
- Some broken links
6. AZMovies
AZMovies is built for movie lovers. It offers full-length films in high resolution with decent loading speeds.
Best For: Hollywood films User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Medium Pros:- Clear category breakdown
- HD and CAM versions
- No signup needed
- Redirects before playing
- May host fake download links
7. LookMovie
LookMovie boasts a sleek layout with filters for genre, release date, and IMDb rating. It’s great for quick searches.
Best For: Clean design, latest movies User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Low to moderate Pros:- Fast search features
- Built-in subtitles
- Minimal ads (compared to others)
- Some buffering issues
- Newer content may be missing
8. OnionPlay
OnionPlay is popular for hosting everything from anime to new movies and even WWE. It’s often mirrored and taken down, so links change.
Best For: Niche and varied content User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- Wide genre selection
- Downloads available
- Simple UI
- Intrusive pop-ups
- Annoying click traps
9. LosMovies
LosMovies was taken down in the past but is now back with a slightly different URL. It offers international films and a decent UI.
Best For: World cinema, subtitled films User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Moderate Pros:- Great subtitle options
- Strong foreign collection
- Can sort by language
- Mirror reliability varies
- Slower load times
10. BFlix
BFlix is an easy-to-use alternative with good navigation, suitable for both TV shows and movie lovers.
Best For: Fast access to recent titles User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Moderate Pros:- Clean interface
- Good genre filters
- Streaming is quick
- Ad redirects can be frustrating
- No app support
11. StreamM4u
StreamM4u offers a cluttered but powerful directory of working mirrors, especially useful if one site is down.
Best For: Backup access to mirror links User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- Plenty of streaming servers
- Custom themes and genres
- HD and SD options
- Heavily ad-supported
- Design isn’t mobile-friendly
12. TinyZone
TinyZone offers quick access to HD streams with an interface similar to premium services. It also has an Android app version.
Best For: Quick HD streaming User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Medium Pros:- Mobile-friendly interface
- Good loading speeds
- Offers app version
- Ads sometimes mislead
- No parental controls
13. Series9
Series9 is all about series — from older sitcoms to today’s trending dramas. It looks like older Putlocker clones but still works well.
Best For: TV shows and anime User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Moderate Pros:- Decent anime section
- Lightweight site
- Search bar is accurate
- Inconsistent video players
- No HD tags on listings
14. PrimeWire
PrimeWire has changed domains often but remains a reliable source for free streaming. It even shows IMDb ratings beside each title.
Best For: Browsing by rating or genre User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- IMDb data included
- Bookmark feature available
- Lots of server options
- Intrusive pop-up layers
- Cluttered homepage
15. GoMovies
GoMovies is closely related to 123Movies, offering a similar design and streaming experience. It focuses on newer releases and trending TV shows.
Best For: Trending titles and recent releases User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- Fast playback
- Clean home screen layout
- Trending section is helpful
- Redirects are frequent
- Low mobile optimization
16. Vumoo
Vumoo keeps things minimal and straightforward. It doesn’t sort movies by genre, but its movie library is large and well maintained.
Best For: Fast navigation, movies without ads interruptions User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Low Pros:- Simple and quick to use
- Low number of popups
- Streams load fast
- Few filtering options
- Limited TV shows
17. Movie4K
Movie4K has been a known site for years, with mirror domains surfacing regularly. It hosts a wide range of movies and shows in different resolutions.
Best For: International users, various resolutions User Ratings: ★★★☆☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: High Pros:- Great international variety
- Streams load quickly
- HD, SD, and CAM links available
- Too many pop-ups
- Unstable mirror links
18. YesMovies
YesMovies is another clone-style site with a massive catalog and one of the more modern designs among unofficial sites.
Best For: Easy browsing and content discovery User Ratings: ★★★★☆ Ad/Pop-up Rate: Medium Pros:- Search by country or genre
- Intuitive interface
- Reliable streaming links
- Not mobile optimized
- Some fake buttons
How to Stay Safe While Streaming Free Content
- Use a Reliable VPN: It hides your activity and protects your identity.
- Enable Ad-Blockers: Tools like uBlock Origin or Brave help reduce pop-ups.
- Use Private Browsers: Avoid Chrome. Try Firefox or Brave for safer experience.
- Don’t Enter Personal Info: Never give emails or credit cards on free sites.
- Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Skip download buttons and suspicious ads.
How to Download Movies from PutLocker & Others
If you want to save videos offline (not recommended), here’s how:
- Use tools like JDownloader or Internet Download Manager (IDM)
- Install video downloader browser extensions (e.g., Video DownloadHelper)
- Make sure your antivirus is active and your VPN is on
- Only download from trusted mirrors—never click fake “HD Download” buttons
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion: Which Putlocker Alternative Should You Use?
Putlocker may be gone, but the demand for easy, affordable movie streaming hasn’t gone anywhere. Whether you're after a fully legal platform like Tubi, Yidio, or Xumo Play, or you're exploring free unofficial sites like FMovies or 123Movies, there’s no shortage of options.
The safest bet is to stick with the official streaming platforms. They offer legal access to high-quality content with minimal risk and no surprises. But if you do decide to visit a free site, make sure you’re using a secure browser, a solid VPN, and strong ad-blockers. And never share personal or payment information.
Each option in this guide serves a different need. Whether you want full control, fewer ads, subtitle support, or mobile-first design—there’s a platform on this list that’ll work for you.
Let us know in the comments what your favorite Putlocker alternative is or if we missed one you think should be added.
Happy streaming—and stay safe.