Finding reliable platforms to stream movies and TV shows for free can be challenging, especially with many sites operating illegally or exposing users to security risks. GoMovies was once a popular choice, but its shutdown left many searching for good alternatives. Whether you want legal, safe, ad-supported services or are curious about the widespread illegal streaming options online, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each.
This guide highlights 13 notable GoMovies alternatives, clearly distinguishing between legal and illegal sites. Legal platforms offer a risk-free viewing experience with licensed content and reasonable ad interruptions, while illegal sites may provide extensive libraries but come with significant legal and cybersecurity dangers. By understanding the differences, you can make informed decisions about where to watch your favorite movies and shows, balancing convenience, safety, and legality.
Here is the list of GoMovies Alternatives for watching free movies in 2025
| Website | Legal Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 123Movies | Illegal | Large free library; frequent shutdowns; high risk of malware and legal issues |
| Putlocker | Illegal | Popular but often blocked; many unsafe mirror sites; lots of ads and pop-ups |
| Tubi | Legal | Free, ad-supported, legal; good variety; available on many devices |
| Crackle | Legal | Sony-owned, free with ads; includes original content; safe and legal |
| SolarMovie | Illegal | Illegal with frequent ads; malware risks; unreliable due to frequent takedowns |
| Vudu “Movies on Us” | Legal | Free ad-supported movies; legal and safe; good HD quality |
| Yidio | Mixed | Useful for finding streaming sources; some links may be illegal—use caution |
| Popcornflix | Legal | Free legal streaming; focus on indie and classic films; ad-supported |
| Fmovies | Illegal | Large illegal catalog; heavy ads; malware risks; frequent legal takedowns |
| IMDb TV (Freevee) | Legal | Amazon-owned free service; legal and safe; ad-supported |
| WatchSeries | Illegal | Illegal streaming; many ads/pop-ups; high risk of malware and legal penalties |
| Kanopy | Legal | Free via libraries/universities; ad-free; educational and high-quality content |
| Westream.to | Illegal | Illegal; multiple streaming links; heavy ads and pop-ups; risky for malware and legal issues |
1. Putlocker
Putlocker is a streaming website that gained massive popularity for offering a wide variety of movies and TV shows free of charge. Users could watch new releases, classic films, and popular series without any subscription or payment. The site featured a clean and straightforward design, with browsing by genre, year, or IMDb rating, and included a search bar for quick content discovery. Putlocker also often offered multiple streaming servers, providing alternatives if one link was down or slow.
However, Putlocker has been operating without licenses to distribute any content, making it an illegal platform under international copyright law. This means it uploaded or linked to content without the permission of studios or rights holders. Because of this, Putlocker faced numerous legal challenges worldwide and was frequently taken offline by authorities. The original Putlocker domain was eventually shut down, but many clone and mirror sites have since emerged, each with varying degrees of reliability and safety.
One downside of Putlocker was the large number of pop-up advertisements and redirects, often to malicious websites or phishing attempts. This created a risky environment for users, especially those unaware of the potential dangers. In some cases, clicking on ads could lead to malware infections or scam websites. Additionally, because Putlocker is illegal, users streaming or downloading copyrighted content could be subject to legal penalties, including fines in some jurisdictions.
2. Tubi
Tubi is a completely legal and free streaming platform that offers a broad library of movies and TV shows across many genres. Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi licenses its content directly from major studios, ensuring users can watch without infringing copyright laws. Its business model is ad-supported, meaning viewers watch commercials similar to traditional TV, which funds the service and allows it to remain free.
Tubi’s library boasts over 30,000 titles, including popular films, classic movies, independent productions, documentaries, and television series. Users can find everything from horror and comedy to drama and kids’ programming. The platform continually updates its catalog, adding new content regularly to keep the selection fresh.
The site and apps provide a user-friendly interface with well-organized categories and personalized recommendations based on viewing habits. It’s available in multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and supports streaming on smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and web browsers. No credit card or subscription is required; users simply sign up for a free account to save favorites and track viewing history.
While the trade-off for free content is advertisements, the ads are generally limited and less intrusive than many illegal streaming sites’ pop-ups and redirects. Importantly, Tubi is 100% legal, making it a safe, ethical alternative for viewers who want free entertainment without breaking copyright laws or risking malware.
3. Crackle
Crackle is an ad-supported video-on-demand streaming service owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, providing a fully legal platform for watching movies, TV shows, and original content free of charge. Crackle licenses its content from Sony’s vast library and other distributors, offering a variety of films from different eras and genres. It’s available in several countries, including the U.S. and Canada.
The service includes a wide range of content, from action-packed Hollywood blockbusters to classic TV shows and documentaries. Crackle is also known for producing its own original series, which has helped differentiate it from other free streaming platforms. This original content includes genres like drama, thriller, and comedy, appealing to diverse audiences.
Users need to create a free account to access Crackle’s features, which allows for saving favorite shows and resuming playback across devices. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with categories for quick browsing and a search bar for specific titles. The platform supports streaming on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and web browsers.
Crackle’s ad-supported model means viewers will encounter commercial breaks, but these are generally reasonable and do not detract heavily from the viewing experience. Unlike illegal streaming sites, Crackle provides a safe, legal way to watch popular content without subscription fees. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for quality entertainment without the risks associated with piracy.
4. SolarMovie
SolarMovie is a popular illegal streaming site known for offering an extensive library of movies and TV shows free of charge. It attracted millions of users globally by providing a variety of content in HD quality without the need for subscription or registration. The website’s interface is simple and easy to navigate, allowing users to browse by genres, top IMDb ratings, or latest releases.
Despite its convenience, SolarMovie operates illegally by hosting or linking to copyrighted content without permission from content creators or distributors. This means that streaming movies or shows on SolarMovie infringes on copyright laws, which can expose users to legal consequences depending on their country’s regulations. Due to its illicit nature, SolarMovie is frequently targeted by legal authorities and has been taken down multiple times, but mirror sites continue to pop up.
The site also comes with numerous risks: it displays intrusive ads, pop-ups, and redirect links, which can lead to malware infections or phishing scams. Users have reported instances of their devices being compromised after visiting SolarMovie or similar illegal streaming platforms. Because of this, while SolarMovie offers free access to a wide selection of films and shows, it is unsafe and illegal.
5. 123Movies
123Movies was one of the most popular free movie streaming websites globally before being shut down due to copyright infringement issues. It offered an enormous collection of movies and TV shows, often including the latest releases just weeks after their theatrical debuts or official online releases. The site’s user interface was simple, allowing users to browse by genre, year, or country, and included a powerful search tool. Users could stream content instantly without registration, making it a convenient option for many.
However, 123Movies did not have licenses to distribute any of the content, making it an illegal streaming site. This meant that while it was free, using the site was a violation of copyright laws in many countries. Because of this, the original 123Movies domain was taken down by authorities multiple times. Despite shutdowns, many mirror or clone sites have appeared, claiming to be the “real” 123Movies, but these often carry significant risks.
The site was notorious for intrusive pop-up ads, many of which led to potentially harmful websites. This increased the risk of malware infections or phishing attacks. In some cases, users reported having their devices compromised after clicking ads or streaming videos. While the appeal of free access to a vast library was strong, the legal risks and security concerns made using 123Movies problematic.
6. Vudu
Vudu, owned by Fandango Media, is primarily a digital rental and purchase service, but it also offers a free, ad-supported section called “Movies on Us.” This feature allows users to stream a wide variety of movies legally without any subscription fees. The library includes a mix of classic titles, recent releases, and popular films across genres such as action, comedy, drama, and family movies.
“Movies on Us” works by generating revenue through advertisements, so viewers will encounter commercial breaks similar to traditional TV. Despite this, the ads are generally not overly intrusive, providing a fairly smooth viewing experience compared to illegal streaming sites that bombard users with pop-ups and redirects. The content is streamed in high quality, often available in HD depending on the user’s internet connection.
Vudu supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming media players (like Roku and Apple TV), gaming consoles, smartphones, and web browsers. Users do not need a paid subscription to access the free content but creating a free account can help track favorites and continue watching where they left off.
Because Vudu is fully licensed, all content available on “Movies on Us” is legal and safe to stream, with no risk of malware or legal consequences. It’s an excellent option for those who want free movies without compromising on legality or quality. While the catalog is not as vast as some illegal sites, it provides enough variety to keep most users entertained.
7. Yidio
Yidio is a unique streaming guide and aggregator that doesn’t host any content itself but instead helps users find movies and TV shows available across multiple streaming services. It offers a centralized search engine where you can input the title of a movie or show, and it displays where it’s available to stream legally—whether for free or via subscription. Yidio covers major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and free services such as Crackle and Tubi.
One of Yidio’s key strengths is its ability to filter content by price—free, rent, or buy—helping users navigate the complex streaming landscape. This makes it convenient to locate legal sources without having to visit numerous sites or apps. Yidio also curates lists of trending or popular content and provides user reviews and ratings for better decision-making.
However, Yidio sometimes includes links to unauthorized or illegal streaming sites, as it aggregates from a wide range of sources on the web. While the majority of the links lead to legal platforms, some users might inadvertently click on illegal or unsafe sites. For this reason, users should exercise caution and verify the source before streaming.
Yidio is free to use and supported by ads, but the interface is clean and intuitive. It works on web browsers and has apps for mobile devices. Overall, Yidio serves as a helpful tool to find legal streaming options easily but requires user vigilance to avoid unauthorized sources.
8. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a broad range of movies and TV shows legally. Operated by Screen Media Ventures, Popcornflix licenses content from various distributors, ensuring that users can stream without infringing copyright laws. Its catalog features over 1,500 films and shows, including indie films, cult classics, documentaries, and family-friendly options.
The website and app provide a straightforward, user-friendly interface, categorized by genres such as horror, comedy, drama, action, and more. Popcornflix’s content is available in the U.S. and Canada, with apps for smartphones, tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and other platforms.
Because it’s supported by ads, viewers will encounter commercial breaks during movies, similar to watching TV. However, these ads are generally less aggressive and disruptive than those on many illegal streaming sites. Popcornflix updates its catalog regularly, adding fresh content to maintain user interest.
One notable feature is its focus on lesser-known or niche titles that aren’t typically available on mainstream subscription platforms. This makes Popcornflix an appealing choice for viewers looking to discover new or independent films without any cost.
9. Fmovies
Fmovies is a notorious illegal streaming website that provides users with access to a huge library of movies and TV shows at no cost. It’s known for streaming recently released films, TV episodes, and even some exclusive content soon after their official release. This immediacy makes it a popular choice for users seeking free entertainment without waiting for official availability on paid platforms.
The site’s interface is simple and user-friendly, featuring multiple streaming servers and subtitle options, which enhances the viewing experience. Users don’t need to register, and content is categorized by genres, IMDb ratings, or popularity. Despite its convenience and extensive library, Fmovies operates without licenses or permissions from content creators, making it an illegal platform.
Because of its unauthorized status, Fmovies is frequently targeted by copyright enforcement agencies and is often taken offline or blocked in many countries. The site is also notorious for aggressive advertising, pop-ups, and redirects that pose risks of malware infections and phishing scams. Many users report intrusive ads that detract from the user experience and can expose devices to security vulnerabilities.
10. IMDb TV
IMDb TV, now rebranded as Amazon Freevee, is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Amazon. It offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows that can be streamed legally at no cost, supported by commercial breaks. The platform integrates closely with Amazon’s ecosystem and IMDb, the popular movie database, giving users easy access to content recommendations and detailed information.
The catalog includes popular Hollywood blockbusters, classic films, well-known TV series, and exclusive original programming. It covers a range of genres, including comedy, drama, action, horror, and documentaries, appealing to a diverse audience. New content is regularly added, keeping the library fresh and engaging.
Users need an Amazon account to access IMDb TV, but there are no subscription fees involved. The service supports multiple devices, including Fire TV, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers, offering flexible viewing options.
Because IMDb TV is fully licensed, users can watch content with confidence that it’s legal and safe. The ad breaks are similar in length and frequency to those on traditional TV, providing a familiar viewing experience. As a result, IMDb TV (Amazon Freevee) is an excellent choice for those looking for free, legal streaming without compromising on quality or variety.
11. WatchSeries
WatchSeries is a well-known illegal streaming site specializing primarily in TV shows. It offers a vast and frequently updated catalog, including current-season episodes, classic series, and popular international shows. This immediacy and breadth have made WatchSeries a favorite among users wanting to binge-watch the latest TV content for free.
The site boasts a simple interface with categories sorted by popularity, genre, or release date, and often provides multiple streaming links to improve reliability. Users do not need to register or pay, which adds to the convenience factor.
However, WatchSeries does not have licenses to distribute any of its content, making it an illegal platform. Streaming or downloading from the site violates copyright laws, potentially exposing users to legal penalties. The site also has aggressive advertising, pop-ups, and redirect links, increasing the risk of malware infections and scams.
Authorities in various countries frequently block or take down the site, but mirrors and clones regularly appear, making enforcement difficult. While the allure of free access to TV shows is tempting, users should be aware of the significant legal and cybersecurity risks.
12. Kanopy
Kanopy is a unique legal streaming service that partners with public libraries and universities to offer free access to thousands of movies, documentaries, and educational videos. Users need a valid library card or university login to create an account, making it an exclusive but highly valuable resource for students, educators, and library patrons.
Kanopy’s catalog focuses on critically acclaimed films, independent cinema, international movies, and documentaries rather than blockbuster hits. It is popular for educational and cultural content, offering a wide range of documentaries, art house films, and classic cinema.
The platform is ad-free, providing a premium viewing experience without interruptions. Kanopy supports HD streaming on various devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers. Its clean and intuitive interface allows users to browse collections or search for specific titles easily.
By promoting legal and free access to high-quality educational and cinematic content, Kanopy supports both viewers and content creators in a sustainable manner. It is highly recommended for anyone with access through participating libraries or institutions who want a legal, enriching alternative to commercial streaming platforms or illegal sites.
13. Westream.to (Bonus)
Westream.to is an online streaming website that provides free access to a wide variety of movies and TV shows. It is popular among users looking to watch content without paying for subscriptions or rentals. The site boasts a large and diverse library, featuring everything from the latest blockbuster movies and trending TV series to classic films across multiple genres such as action, drama, horror, and comedy. Its interface is relatively straightforward, allowing users to browse content by categories or use a search function to find specific titles quickly.
One of the main attractions of Westream.to is the availability of multiple streaming links for each title, which helps users bypass downtime or broken links that often plague illegal streaming sites. The platform supports high-definition streaming and often offers subtitles, catering to a global audience.
However, Westream.to operates without any licensing agreements or legal rights to distribute the content it hosts or links to, which classifies it as an illegal streaming platform. Accessing content through Westream.to violates copyright laws in many countries, potentially exposing users to legal repercussions such as fines or penalties, depending on local regulations. Additionally, like many unauthorized streaming websites, Westream.to relies heavily on advertisements, including intrusive pop-ups and redirects, which can compromise user security by exposing devices to malware, phishing scams, or other cyber threats.
Final Verdict
When it comes to streaming movies and TV shows, choosing the right platform is crucial for both safety and legality. While illegal streaming sites like 123Movies, Fmovies, and Westream.to may seem appealing due to their vast free libraries, they pose significant risks including malware, intrusive ads, and potential legal consequences. On the other hand, legal alternatives such as Tubi, Crackle, Vudu’s “Movies on Us,” and Kanopy offer safe, licensed content with minimal cost—often supported by ads.
These platforms prioritize user security and respect copyright laws, making them the better long-term choice. Aggregators like Yidio can help find legal options but require caution to avoid unauthorized links. Ultimately, balancing convenience with responsibility means opting for legal, reputable streaming services whenever possible. Doing so supports creators, protects your devices, and ensures uninterrupted access to quality entertainment.
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