For years, Putlocker was the go-to site for people who wanted to stream movies and shows for free. It had a massive library and simple design. But now? It’s either shut down, blocked in many countries, or worse — full of dangerous fake versions.
That’s why this guide exists. Below, you’ll find safe, free alternatives to Putlocker that still work in 2025. Some are 100% legal, some aren’t, but all of them are used by real viewers today — and we’ll explain how to stay safe when using them.
What Happened to Putlocker?
Putlocker’s original domain was taken offline years ago due to copyright complaints. Since then, it has bounced between domains and mirrors, but none of them last long.
Many of the current “Putlocker” sites are not real. They’re loaded with popups, sketchy ads, and in some cases, malware installers. It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not.
Even if a version of Putlocker is online, using it has become risky. Fake buttons, forced redirects, and tracking scripts are now common on most clones.
What Makes a Streaming Site Safe?
Not all free movie sites are created equal. A safe site is one that doesn’t put your device or personal info at risk.
Here’s what to look for:
- No forced registration — You shouldn’t have to create an account just to watch
- Low ad count — Popups and redirects should be minimal or blocked easily
- Encrypted (HTTPS) — Always check for a secure connection
- Mobile and desktop friendly — Should work without crashing or freezing
- Backed by a known brand — Platforms from trusted companies are safest
10 Safe & Free Putlocker Alternatives
Here are ten platforms people use to watch movies and TV shows online — safely and for free.
1. Tubi TV
Tubi is one of the best free streaming platforms that’s actually legal. It’s owned by Fox Corporation and supported by ads, not subscriptions.
You get access to thousands of movies and TV shows across genres like action, comedy, horror, and documentaries. The catalog rotates monthly, which keeps things fresh. Tubi works on web, mobile apps, Roku, Fire TV, and smart TVs.
It doesn’t require a login to watch, but signing in lets you resume shows and create watchlists. There are ads, but they’re short and much fewer than cable.
2. Pluto TV
Pluto TV feels more like traditional cable. It offers live channels alongside on-demand movies and shows. It’s owned by Paramount Global, which gives it access to lots of recognizable titles.
You’ll find categories like crime, classics, sci-fi, and sports — all organized into 24/7 streaming channels. There’s also a large library of on-demand movies available with no login.
The interface is clean, and the service is available in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe.
3. Crackle
Crackle is another fully legal streaming service, co-owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Sony Pictures. It features movies, original shows, and even some exclusive content.
You don’t need to sign up to start watching, though an account lets you save progress. The selection isn’t massive, but it does include several well-known films and some hidden gems.
Crackle’s layout is simple, and it runs well on web, iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
4. Peacock (Free Tier)
Peacock, from NBCUniversal, offers a free plan with a solid mix of TV shows, movies, and sports. You’ll get titles like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and more — though full seasons may require a paid plan.
Even on the free tier, there are movies from Universal and live news and sports content. It’s a good mix of entertainment, and while ads are included, they’re less invasive than many free platforms.
You’ll need to sign up with an email, but no credit card is required to access the free tier.
5. Plex
Plex started as a media server, but it now has a growing free streaming library of movies, TV shows, and live TV.
You don’t have to register to watch, and it works globally. Plex also curates content from other platforms, giving you a central place to search.
It’s available on nearly every device, including web, Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, and smart TVs.
6. Popcornflix
Popcornflix focuses on indie films, B-movies, and cult classics. You won’t find many blockbusters, but the catalog is quirky and interesting.
You don’t need an account, and there are fewer ads than on sketchy alternatives. It’s legal and ad-supported.
Genres include horror, sci-fi, action, and family content. The interface is basic, but it works well.
7. 123Movies
123Movies still works through various mirrors. It has a large catalog, fast streaming, and simple navigation.
The downside? You’ll likely need an ad blocker, and it’s technically not legal in most countries. Still, many people use it with a VPN to avoid risks.
You don’t need to sign in, and newer content often shows up faster here than anywhere else.
8. FMovies
FMovies offers high-quality streams with minimal buffering. It’s well-organized and includes filters by genre, year, and country.
It does have ads — but fewer than some other unofficial sites. A VPN is strongly recommended, and you should avoid clicking popup links.
It has one of the cleaner UIs among “gray area” streaming options.
9. SolarMovie
SolarMovie is fast and content-rich, but the site changes domains often. You’ll need to verify if the current version is real.
It lists recent releases and has a decent filter system. The layout is familiar, like old-school Putlocker.
Always avoid clone sites with popups or forced downloads.
10. YesMovies
YesMovies is still running in 2025 under a few working domains. It loads quickly, but has some fake play buttons, so click carefully.
The site features popular movies, series, and even anime. Quality is decent, and no login is needed. Still, using a VPN and ad blocker is a good idea.
How to Stream Safely?
Even if a site seems safe, popups and ads can still show up. Be smart when browsing or clicking anything that isn’t clearly labeled.
Never give out your personal information. Don’t enter your email, phone number, or sign up for anything unless it’s a trusted, legal service.
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Use a VPN to hide your IP and avoid location blocks
- Install a strong ad blocker to block popups and fake buttons
- Open links in Incognito Mode so nothing saves to your browser
- Stick to trusted sites only, and avoid random clone domains
- Keep your antivirus software updated, just in case
Legal or Not? Should You Use These Sites?
Some of the platforms listed above — like Tubi, Peacock, Pluto TV, and Crackle — are 100% legal and backed by major companies. You can use them freely without worry.
Other options like 123Movies or FMovies live in a legal gray area. They stream copyrighted content without licenses, which may be illegal in your country. Use at your own risk.
But the good news is: in 2025, legal free streaming is expanding. Big networks are adding free content with ads. You don’t have to rely on shady sites just to watch something tonight.
I hope this article helped you find a safer alternative to Putlocker. If it did, share it with a friend — they might be watching the wrong site right now.
