The Putlockers.ch domain was suspended by court order on February 22, 2017. Putlocker once attracted more than 95 million daily visitors before the Motion Picture Association shut it down in 2017. The original platform may be gone, but dozens of “clone” domains and imitation streaming sites continue to appear.
Most look identical to the old interface and offer HD movies and TV shows, but many are packed with ads, malware, and fake mirrors. Our blog post ranks the best safe Putlocker alternatives for 2025, including both legal platforms and gray-area sites that you should access with protection.
Key Takeaways
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What Happened to Putlocker?
Putlocker grew into one of the world’s biggest free-streaming sites, peaking at more than 95 million monthly visitors before U.S. copyright groups moved against it.
In 2017, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) began targeting the platform for distributing copyrighted movies and TV shows without licenses. Putlocker was identified as one of the most serious global piracy threats. Therefore, multiple High Courts have issued blocking orders in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. These legal actions forced ISPs to restrict access to Putlocker domains.
By late 2018, the original Putlocker was permanently removed from search results, and its servers went offline.
Everything that exists today putlockers.tv, putlocker19, putlocker.kz, putlocker123, and hundreds of similar domains is a clone, proxy, or mirror created by third parties. Some mirrors mimic the old interface, some use different streaming engines, and others exist only to show ads or install malware. This is why users searching for Putlocker alternatives in 2025 must rely on verified platforms instead of random mirror sites.
The Risks of Unofficial “Free Movie” Sites
Unofficial movie sites are built on unstable hosting, aggressive ads, and cloned domains. Before choosing any Putlocker alternatives, users need to understand the three biggest dangers:
Malware and Malicious Pop-ups
Most free-streaming clones rely on pop-up networks, ad exchanges, and redirect scripts to stay online. These ads often push:
- Fake “Play” or “Download” buttons
- Browser hijackers
- Fake antivirus alerts
- Redirects to malware installers
- Cryptomining scripts that use your CPU/GPU
Even a single accidental click can install unwanted programs or hidden trackers. Many sites also force users through multiple ad pages before streaming starts, which increases exposure to harmful scripts.
ISP Monitoring & Copyright Letters
ISPs actively monitor traffic to known piracy sites. When users access unofficial Putlocker alternatives, the streaming activity often gets logged. In many countries, ISPs send:
- Copyright warning letters
- DMCA notices
- Threats of temporary bandwidth throttling
- Requests for user identity disclosure (in severe cases)
Even when streaming, not downloading, copyrighted content, users can still be flagged if their IP address is visible.
Fake Mirrors & Phishing Scams
Because Putlocker is long gone, scammers register new look-alike domains every month. These fake mirrors often:
- Steal login credentials
- Collect email + device data
- Inject hidden scripts
- Push “premium access” scam subscriptions
- Redirect to phishing websites
Some fake domains copy the full Putlocker interface to appear legitimate but contain zero real movie links. Their only goal is to harvest user information.
How TurisVPN Solves Both Problems (Safety & Access)
TurisVPN fixes the two biggest issues users face with Putlocker alternatives: unsafe sites and region blocks. Its encrypted connection hides your IP from ISPs and copyright monitoring systems, preventing throttling and warning letters. With TurisVPN, you also get:
- Multi-Hop VPN routing for double-layer encryption and stronger anonymity.
- WireGuard protocol for faster, more stable streaming speeds.
- Threat Protection that blocks malware, pop-ups, and malicious redirects on grey-zone sites.
- Virtual locations to unlock geo-restricted platforms without exposing your real region.
- No-logs privacy policy so your streaming and browsing history is never stored.
TurisVPN also lets users bypass geo-restrictions on legal free platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, and Plex, unlocking full catalogs that aren’t available in many countries.
When testing new mirrors or backup domains, your real device identity stays protected, lowering the risk from fake Putlocker clones. With encrypted traffic and fast global servers, TurisVPN keeps streaming stable, private, and accessible across all Putlocker alternatives.
Top 6 Legal & Free Putlocker Alternatives
If you want safe and stable platforms without pop-ups, malware, or changing mirror domains, these 5 services are the best legal Putlocker alternatives in 2025.
1. Tubi TV
Tubi offers one of the largest free movie and TV libraries online, updated daily with major studio titles. Categories include action, horror, anime, documentaries, and full TV box sets.
The alternative site to Putlocker is clean, stable, and available on every device. It’s one of the strongest legal Putlocker alternatives for users who want a big library without pop-ups.
Pros:
- Huge, frequently updated library
- Completely free, no account needed
- Stable HD streaming (720p–1080p)
- Works on mobile, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, browsers
Cons:
- Ads every 10–15 minutes
- Some titles are U.S.-only due to licensing
Price plan: Free
2. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is Putlocker alternative free site that includes both free live channels and on-demand movies. Users get 250+ channels covering movies, reality shows, sports, news, crime, and classic TV. For on-demand movies, Pluto offers licensed Hollywood titles that rotate monthly.
Pros:
- Live channels + on-demand movies
- Smooth HD streaming with minimal buffering
- Big library of retro shows and classic films
- No pop-ups or suspicious ads
Cons:
- Ads can be frequent on live TV
- Limited availability outside U.S./EU
Price plan: Free
3. Freevee (Amazon)
Amazon’s Freevee provides high-quality Hollywood movies, TV series, and originals. Playback is smooth and ad frequency is low. Content rotates regularly and includes newer titles compared to other free platforms, making it one of the strongest long-term Putlocker alternatives.
Pros:
- Amazon-backed reliability and HD quality
- Regularly refreshed movie list
- Fewer ads than Tubi and Pluto
- Original series exclusive to Freevee
Cons:
- Available mainly in the U.S. and UK
- Requires Amazon account login
Price plan: Free
4. Crackle
Crackle focuses on movies, classic TV, stand-up, and original series. The alternative site to putlocker is stable and includes a curated library, smaller than Tubi but well organized. It’s ideal for users who prefer niche films, classics, and light entertainment without aggressive ads.
Pros:
- Curated selection and original shows
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Moderate ad load compared to other free sites
Cons:
- Smaller movie library
- Regional availability may vary
Price plan: Free
5. Plex Free Movies
Plex offers two things: a free movie library and free live TV channels. The movie catalog includes big studio titles, indie films, documentaries, and international content. Navigation is clean and the streams are stable, making it a strong legal alternative to Putlocker’s format.
Pros:
- Global availability in most countries
- Free live TV + movie library
- Stable HD playback
- Works on nearly any device
Cons:
- Login required for best experience
- Some movies locked by region
Price plan: Free
6. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a fully legal, ad-supported service owned by Screen Media. It offers movies, documentaries, and some classic TV content. While the library is smaller than Tubi or Pluto, it’s safer than gray-area Putlocker clones.
Pros:
- 100% legal
- No pop-ups or harmful ads
- Decent collection of older movies and indie titles
Cons:
- Smaller movie catalog
- Mostly U.S.-focused availability
Price plan: Free
Top 9 Gray Area Alternatives (Use VPN!)
Free streaming sites operate in a legal grey zone and rely on pop-ups, ads, and constantly changing mirror domains. Alternative sites to putlockers offer big libraries, but you should always use TurisVPN to protect your IP and avoid fake or unsafe mirrors. Here are the best 10 reliable options still working in 2025:
7. SolarMovie
SolarMovie remains one of the most stable Putlocker-style platforms with HD streams and a clean interface. It offers movies, TV shows, and IMDb-based browsing filters. The layout is minimal compared to other clones, making navigation smoother. SolarMovie became very popular among online streamers worldwide because of its free service and huge library,
Pros:
- HD streaming with minimal clutter
- Strong search filters (genre, country, IMDb score)
- Fast updates
Cons:
- Pop-ups appear on some servers
- Domains change frequent
Price plan: Free
8. 123Movies
123Movies is one of the oldest and most cloned Putlocker alternatives. The site offers a massive catalog of new movies, trending TV series, and multiple server options. Stream quality is generally good, but fake mirrors are common.
However, 123Movies operates in a legal gray area, it’s not licensed, not official, and definitely not “legit” in the way that legal streaming platforms are.
Pros:
- Huge library
- Fast content updates
- Multiple servers for backup
Cons:
- Many fake domains
- Pop-up ads on certain links
Price plan: Free
9. FMovies
FMovies is widely used for its modern interface, high-quality streams, and extensive movie database. It supports multiple servers and includes filtering by genre, country, and release year.
Pros:
- Clean, responsive design
- Large catalog with HD links
- Quick browsing and filtering
Cons:
- Frequent domain changes
- Some pop-up ads remain
Price plan: Free
10. YesMovies
YesMovies offers a diverse mix of Hollywood films, Asian movies, international series, and documentaries for free movie streaming. Its categories and filters make it easy to find specific genres or top-rated IMDB titles.
Pros:
- Broad international content
- Simple UI and clear categories
- Regularly updated
Cons:
- Ad-heavy
- Some broken links during peak hours
Price plan: Free
11. LookMovie
LookMovie stands out with cleaner navigation, fewer redirects, and optional premium plans that remove ads and unlock extra features. This makes it smoother than most Putlocker alternatives.
Pros:
- Minimal pop-ups
- Fast HD streaming
- Premium perks: no ads, direct downloads, watch history, Android app
Cons:
- New releases may appear slightly later
- Domain blocks occur occasionally
Price Plan:
- Free version: With ads
- Premium (varies by region): $2.82/month for ad-free streaming, downloads, and multi-device access
12. AZMovies
AZMovies focuses on HD movie streaming with a simple layout and straightforward browsing. It offers multiple servers per title, making it easier to find a working stream when mirrors go down.
Pros:
- Large HD movie selection
- Multiple backup servers
- Fast loading interface
Cons:
- Ads appear on server clicks
- Occasional broken HD links
Price plan: Free
13. GoMovies
GoMovies is closely related to 123Movies and often shares the same database. It loads quickly, updates new releases fast, and includes multiple streaming servers with stable playback.
Pros:
- Light, fast interface
- Fresh updates for new movies and series
- Several mirror domains for backups
Cons:
- Some links vary in quality
- Pop-up ads on certain servers
Price plan: Free
14. Vumoo
Vumoo is a minimalist Putlocker-style site that focuses on simple navigation instead of deep filtering or categories. It’s ideal for users who just want to click and watch without sorting through menus. Vumoo does not require users to sign up or create an account. Therefore, users can watch their favorite shows and films without needing a paid subscription.
Pros:
- Very clean, minimal design
- Fewer ads than most clones
- Smooth playback and stable servers
Cons:
- Limited filtering options
- Some episodes may lack alternate servers
Price plan: Free
How to Choose the Best Putlocker Alternative for You
Choosing the right Putlocker alternative depends on what you want: safety, content variety, update speed, or legal reliability. Here’s the simplest way to decide.
Pick a Legal Platform if You Want Safety First
Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, Crackle, and Plex are the safest choices. No pop-ups, no malware, and no domain issues. They work well for users who prefer stability over the newest releases.
Pick a Gray-Area Site if You Want New Releases Fast
SolarMovie, 123Movies, FMovies, and LookMovie update faster than legal platforms and often stream movies shortly after release. These sites have big catalogs, but you should always use TurisVPN to avoid ISP monitoring, pop-up networks, and fake mirrors.
Pick the Site Based on Content Type
- Live channels + movies: Pluto TV, Plex
- Biggest overall free library: Tubi
- Newest movies fast: FMovies, 123Movies
- Minimal design: Vumoo
- HD or premium-like experience: LookMovie (with optional paid plan)
Pick Based on Device Compatibility
- Smart TVs + mobile apps: Tubi, Pluto, Freevee
- Browser-only: SolarMovie, 123Movies, FMovies
- Smoothest on slow devices: GoMovies, Vumoo
Pick Based on Region Availability
Some legal platforms restrict content based on country. TurisVPN unlocks:
- Tubi → U.S. catalog
- Freevee → U.S.
- Pluto TV → U.S. and EU-only channels
- Plex → region-locked movies
If you live outside these regions, you’ll need a VPN to access full libraries. TurisVPN lets you switch to a supported location with fast, stable servers optimized for streaming. With features like WireGuard, Multi-Hop routing, and built-in Threat Protection, TurisVPN gives you a secure, smooth way to watch all Putlocker alternatives without risk.
Stay Safe While Streaming with TurisVPN
Using Putlocker alternatives safely comes down to three things: hiding your IP, blocking pop-ups, and avoiding fake mirrors. TurisVPN covers all of them. Here’s the simplest way to stay protected:
- Step 1: Install TurisVPN and connect to a fast server (e.g Singapore VPN).
- Step 2: Open only verified mirror domains while your VPN is active.
- Step 3: Avoid logging in or downloading anything from gray-area sites.
- Step 4: Switch VPN servers if a stream buffers or a platform is region-locked.
Bottom Line
Putlocker is long gone, and every version online today is just a clone or mirror filled with pop-ups, unstable servers, and changing domains. If you want a safe experience, legal platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, Crackle, and Plex give you reliable HD streaming without the risks.
If you prefer fast updates or larger catalogs on gray-area sites such as SolarMovie, 123Movies, FMovies, or LookMovie, always protect yourself with TurisVPN to hide your IP, block trackers, and avoid fake mirrors.
FAQs
Q1. Is it illegal to use Putlocker alternatives?
Streaming from gray-area sites is usually not a criminal offense, but it can violate copyright rules depending on your country. The bigger risk is ISP monitoring, DMCA warnings, and exposure to malicious ads. Using TurisVPN hides your IP and keeps your streaming private.
Q2. How do I avoid fake Putlocker mirrors?
Stick to verified domains shared on Reddit (FMHY, r/Piracy) and avoid the top Google results. Many are scam clones. Always visit mirrors only while connected to TurisVPN, so fake sites can’t track your IP or fingerprint your device.
