Recently, the streaming landscape drastically changed following the closure of 123movies in 2018. This popular streaming service was known for its extensive library of films and TV shows accessible for free. However, its shutdown has led to the birth of numerous copy and fake sites masquerading as the original 123movies platform.
The official 123movies site, known as 123movies.to, was shut down in 2018 following claims of pirated content. Before the closure, 123Movies was dubbed the world's largest pirate site by Van Voorn, the chief of Global Content Protection. The site operated from Vietnam and was the target of severe legal actions intended to protect copyrighted content. On March 19, 2018, 123movies officially announced its shutdown.
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Warning on Illegitimate Sites of the Same Name
Since the official shutdown of 123movies, there has been a surge in sites that bear the same name or similar, with minor deviations such as different extensions or extra characters. But these sites are not affiliated with the original 123movies and do not offer the same streaming experience. These illegitimate sites are often rife with ads and potentially misleading buttons that promise high-quality streams or downloads. Users must stay aware that these sites could be harmful and unsafe.
Alternatives to 123Movies
Though the closure of 123movies may be disappointing for its regular users, many other alternative sites serve as appropriate substitutes and offer-like services. These sites provide vast collections of movies and TV series spanning various genres and countries, often for free. However, it's important to note that these sites may also have challenges, such as varying ad popup frequency. Let's take a look into a few of the more popular 123movies alternatives:
fmoviesfree.ac
One viable alternative is fmoviesfree.ac. This site provides free access to an extensive database of movies and TV series. Users can navigate the site using various search options such as genre, country, TV series, top IMDb ratings, or an A-Z list. Before loading the search result, the site will ask you to confirm you're not a robot by asking you to put a tick within the square in a popup. The only drawback is the occasional ad popups that may disrupt the viewing experience.
Vumoo.to
Vumoo.to is another site that mirrors what 123movies once offered. It's considered a great alternative to 123movies due to its:
- intuitive and user-friendly interface and
- diverse range of available content
Like fmoviesfree.ac, Vumoo's site owners explicitly claim none of the movies and TV series are stored on the website's servers.
GOmovies.sx
GOmovies.sx is an excellent alternative to 123movies and is primarily considered its successor. Offering a giant collection of movies and TV shows available for free and no required registration, it has a fast-growing user base. The site also enables immediate access to the latest and HD content, which users can search for manually or directly by clicking on thumbnails. However, prepare for an actual ad barrage before pressing the PLAY button.
SolarMovie.pe
SolarMovie.pe ranks highly among substitutes for 123movies. It hosts a vast database of movies and TV series from different genres and countries, all set for free streaming and downloading by users. The site looks like a mirror of gomovies.sx due to its identical graphic design and Home page.
YesMovies.to
YesMovies is another preferred alternative. It is well-regarded for its large spectrum of videos from various genres. Yesmovies allows you to discover and explore your favorite movies and TV shows effortlessly. You can see intricate details about any film or TV show, including IMDb scores, cast details, reviews, and synopses. This free movie app offers an advanced search feature to help you find exactly what you're looking for. For movie and TV show enthusiasts seeking convenient ways to watch content online, Yesmovies simplifies the process with its user-friendly website. This free app provides unlimited streaming of a wide range of movies. Upon opening the app, you'll find recommended films, search options, and a login button in its initial interface.
WatchFree.ac
WatchFree.ac is widely famous for its remarkable resemblance to 123movies. Users can stream or download various movies or TV shows for free. Against a massive load of popup ads in between, that is.
Soap2day.rs
Soap2day.rs also serves as yet another excellent alternative to 123movies. It provides users with various movies in different categories and an immersive streaming experience.
Previous Versions of 123Movies
Before its ultimate shutdown, the 123Movies platform existed under different aliases. These changes were attempts to dodge copyright allegations while still providing streaming services to users. Each change brought about a new domain, and while the site's core function remained the same, the URL and name saw regular updates.
Name changes
The original URL and name for the site was 123movies.to. However, as the site began to attract attention for its illicit content, the operators made several name changes. These modifications included several versions such as 123movies.is, gomovies.to, gomovies.is, and gostream.is among others. Each change reflected the site's consistent resilience despite numerous attempts to shut down its operations.
Safety on Online Streaming Sites
As enticing as free streaming sites can be, they often come with significant risks. While sites like 123Movies and its alternatives provide an array of movies and TV shows, accessing them without proper caution can lead to unwanted consequences. These may range from legal repercussions to serious cybersecurity threats. Therefore, it's important to emphasize the need for caution and a strong preference for legitimate alternatives to 123Movies.
Risks Associated with Illegitimate Sites
Many websites present as 123Movies clones that carry substantial cybersecurity risks. These fake sites often use Javascript to disseminate viruses and malware. Without adequate antivirus software and a strong firewall, engaging with such sites can compromise the safety of your computer or laptop. Even beyond cybersecurity, using these sites can lead to legal issues due to copyright infringement.
Caution when Streaming
Users must maintain a high degree of caution when engaging with streaming sites. Before streaming or downloading content, it's advisable to determine the site's legitimacy. That involves checking website reviews and installing the proper security software on your device. Knowing the potential legal issues of streaming copyrighted content without permission is equally vital.
Preference for legitimate alternatives to 123Movies
Opting for legitimate, well-established alternatives to 123Movies is advisable in place of risky platforms. Sites such as StreamingSites.com provide a comprehensive list of live websites that are legally compliant and often more reliable. Such platforms offer diverse content without the accompanying risks of illegitimate sites. These sites are often geolocation-free and present a safer, legal alternative for online streaming enthusiasts seeking to avoid the hazards of sites like 123Movies.
