Putlocker was one of the most popular free movie streaming sites, before it was shut down. This left movie fans looking for Putlocker alternatives that offer the latest movie and TV show releases.
Our cybersecurity experts have vetted sites like Putlocker to bring you this list of the 20 best Putlocker alternatives that work right now:
- FlixTor: Huge movie and TV show library with few ads.
- AZ Movies: Putlocker alternative that works best with an ad blocker.
- Spacemov – Best Putlocker alternative for new releases in HD.
- SolarMovies: Lots of movies, including Asian productions.
- PrimeWire: Free movie streaming with downloadable videos.
- Subsmovies: Movies and TV shows in a range of languages.
- MoviesJoy: An ad-free alternative to Putlocker for movies and TV series.
- YesMovies: A slick user interface with very few adverts.
- ZMovies: Lots of ads, but a varied library with extensive filters.
- 5Movies: A good Putlocker alternative for finding hidden gems.
- Netflix: Hugely popular legal movie streaming platform.
- Hulu: A decent library and live sports content.
- Prime Video: Amazon’s streaming solution with a vast movie and TV show library.
- Disney Plus: Stream your happily ever after with Disney’s alternative to Putlocker.
- YouTube TV: Live TV from over 70 networks on one platform.
- Sling TV: Watch US live TV with low-cost subscriptions.
- HBO Max: Stream a vast range of big blockbusters.
- Paramount Plus: The best shows and movies with low subscription costs.
- Fubo: Live TV shows, movies, and sports under one roof.
- Apple TV+: Cheap subscriptions, but content library needs some work.
Want to watch free movies without compromising your security? You need to use a VPN. We recommend NordVPN to keep your online activity anonymous and protect yourself on free movie sites. It’ll also give you access to US-only streaming websites from anywhere in the world.
Want to see a full breakdown of why we chose each of these Putlocker alternatives? Read on for our extended list!
Putlocker, or Putlockerz, was a popular website used for streaming movies and TV shows online. Even though the official website was taken down, copies and mirrors still exist. It’s currently unknown whether the original founder or founders of the site have anything to do with these mirrors.
Still, with such a shaky platform that is prone to going offline, maybe you should consider Putlocker alternatives. We tasked our cybersecurity experts with just that – finding the best sites like Putlocker for free movie fans.
In testing every site, we made sure to use NordVPN. This VPN service unblocked otherwise inaccessible sites, protected us from malware, and cloaked our activity from prying eyes. So, download NordVPN now and dive into our list of the 20 best Putlocker alternatives!
The 20 Best Putlocker Alternatives
You might not trust Putlocker mirrors or be unable to find your favorite movie or TV show while streaming Putlocker. If that’s the case, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our alternatives to Putlocker.
Just keep in mind that the free movie streaming sites listed below are still operating with unlicensed content. This means you’re engaging in piracy if you watch movies on them. Make sure that it’s legal in your country before you use these sites!
1. FlixTor: Huge movie and TV show library with few ads
What We Liked
- Extensive movie and TV show library
- Great video quality
- Easy-to-use interface to find content
What We Didn't Like
- No distribution rights for content
Visit: FlixTor
FlixTor is one of the biggest unofficial streaming platforms – and for good reason. When we were testing the site, we were impressed with its huge library of old and new movies. If you want to watch something, you’ll probably find it here. Not to mention, most of the streams are in full HD.
FlixTor has very little ad intrusion. Ads are usually pretty common on these sites, so to have a platform that barely shows any is a breath of fresh air. Still, if you want a completely ad-free experience, you can block those few adverts with NordVPN’s built-in ad blocker!
Overall, Flixtor is a great alternative to streaming platforms that have shut down. That’s why it’s currently one of the top Soap2day alternatives since the site shut down in June this year.
2. AZMovies: Putlocker alternative that works best with an adblocker
What We Liked
- Browsing options include genre, type, and release year
- Most recent releases
- Minimalistic interface
What We Didn't Like
- Intrusive pop-ups
Visit: AZMovies
AZMovies is, by and large, a pretty good Putlocker alternative. Like Flixtor, we discovered that it has an impressive library and decent video quality. The site was also easy to navigate for us. Moreover, we could browse titles based on genre, type, and launch year. That last point is really good if you want to watch something from a specific period, as it’s easy to find content from any year.
AZMovies has a big downside, however. Ad intrusion is really high on the platform. Besides banner ads, while we were trying to watch Creed 3, we also got pop-ups and intrusive advertisements. You can limit this with the help of a good ad blocker, which makes it much easier to enjoy AZMovies.
3. Spacemov: Best Putlocker alternative for new releases in HD
What We Liked
- Large library of movies and TV shows
- Informs users of video quality
- Several filtering options to sort out content
What We Didn't Like
- Ads can get annoying
Visit: Spacemov
Spacemov is a great alternative to Putlocker, with a vast array of TV shows and movies. We really liked that each stream had a handy little label that told us whether a film was cam or HD quality, and we saw loads of HD streams when testing the site.
There are, unfortunately, adverts – so make sure you use a powerful ad blocker like the one that comes bundled with NordVPN. This will block ads while ensuring your activity online is hidden.
One thing we love about Spacemov is that it’s one of the fastest sites like Putlocker to upload new movie releases. You can then sort through content with categories and filters. When testing the site, we found recent cinema releases only a week or two after they hit the big screen!
4. SolarMovies: Lots of movies, including Asian productions
What We Liked
- Decent video quality
- Wide range of Asian content
- Very few ads
What We Didn't Like
- Copyrighted content
Visit: SolarMovies
SolarMovies is another good Putlocker alternative. While testing the site, we found that it has a decent library, even if it’s not as impressive as that of other entries on the list. The content on the site also has pretty good video quality.
We were also happy to see a lot of Asian productions on the site, which makes it a great destination if that’s what you’re looking for. Just know that there’s not a lot of anime.
What makes SolarMovies pretty unique is its approach to advertising. Most free movie sites bombard you with ads, but SolarMovies has very few ads. This makes it one of the best places to watch free movies online without frustrating interruptions. We were also able to find some of the best Netflix shows on the platform.
5. PrimeWire: Free movie streaming with downloadable videos
What We Liked
- Easy-to-use interface
- Wide range of filtering options
- Includes category with IMDb ranking for shows and movies
What We Didn't Like
- No distribution rights for content offered
Visit: PrimeWire
PrimeWire is a simple site. We found its interface very lightweight, making jumping in and enjoying a movie or series fast. Browsing for media was also a breeze for us in PrimeWire, thanks to helpful thumbnails and intuitive navigation. Not to mention, ad intrusion is pretty low. With an ad blocker, you can even avoid them altogether.
PrimeWire offers special treatment to premium members. With a membership, you can download the content you watch and get access to higher video quality. While this is a nice bonus, the free version still works great.
We recommend sticking to free content, but if you do choose to create an account, make sure you use a throwaway email address, don’t share personal information, and download NordVPN to safeguard your data.
6. Subsmovies: Movies and TV shows in a range of languages
What We Liked
- Large movie library
- Subtitles in many languages
- Simple to navigate
What We Didn't Like
- Ads that may contain malware
Visit: Subsmovies
Most free movie sites tend to only cater to English speakers. Subsmovies breaks conventions, offering a huge library of movies in various languages. There’s still English content, but if you’re fluent in another language, you might find something closer to home!
Categories made it simple for us to hop through the content library, and we saw a bunch of new movies that had only just been released. But we also had to contend with adverts. These popped out in a new tab and encouraged us to click on malicious links – never click on any links in ads shown on free movie sites, as you could fall victim to phishing scams.
7. MoviesJoy: An ad-free alternative to Putlocker for movies and TV series
What We Liked
- Recently released movies and TV shows
- Simple-to-use interface
- HD movies
What We Didn't Like
- Filters include year and genre only
Visit: MoviesJoy
MoviesJoy is another gem of a free movie website that shows no adverts. This was a refreshing change of pace for us after testing other streaming sites that bombard you with pop-up adverts. We did notice that its library is smaller than Putlocker, but it has HD movies and TV shows.
While we were looking for content, we had a few limited filters at our disposal. We could search by genre or by year, but that’s about as far as the options went. We found the search bar to be pretty effective, but we’d love to see the filter functionality extended.
While there are no ads, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to use a VPN. You should only be accessing unofficial movie streaming sites with the protection of a service like NordVPN. Venturing onto such websites without VPN protection can risk your online security.
8. YesMovies: A slick user interface with very few adverts
What We Liked
- Slick website
- Quick loading times
- Latest releases
What We Didn't Like
- Many HD streams in 720p
Visit: YesMovies
YesMovies is another Putlocker alternative for fans of HD movie streams. We saw the latest releases and titles from past years, and launching a stream was simple and fast – particularly because YesMovies has very few adverts.
We were also particularly impressed by the interface. Most free movie sites skimp on design and functionality, but YesMovies felt very slick to us. The only real downside that we noted is that many HD streams are actually in 720p rather than 1080p. But it’s still better than cam content!
9. ZMovies: Lots of ads, but a varied library with extensive filters
What We Liked
- Extensive filtering options
- Genre and release data appear when hovering over thumbnail
- Movies dating back to 1915
What We Didn't Like
- Several pop-ups
Visit: ZMovies
ZMovies is one of the better Putlocker alternatives for serving up a huge range of filters for finding specific content. These filters focus mostly on content genre and year of release, though they’re laid out in a super-cluttered way that made the site feel clunky to us.
Another drawback of ZMovies and the reason that this site appears further down on our list is the adverts. We saw plenty of pop-up ads, and worse, they all opened in a new tab, forcing us away from the page. This can make loading streams a bit tedious, and there is always the possibility of malware if you accidentally click on an ad.
The easiest way to enjoy ZMovies without interruption is to get an ad blocker. NordVPN comes with one built-in, and it’ll stop your internet service provider from seeing that you’re accessing illegal streams.
10. 5Movies: A good Putlocker alternative for finding hidden gems
What We Liked
- Filtering options include IMDb ranking
- Large library of movies and TV shows, including the latest releases
What We Didn't Like
- Copyrighted content
Visit: 5Movies
Like ZMovies, 5Movies serves up a lot of filters that can help you find the content you want to watch. One of these is an IMDb-rated list, which showed us a load of top-rated, hidden gems that we’d never seen before.
The only place that 5Movies falls down is in offering content from the last decade or so, but not much else. Even if a movie prior to 2009 was rated well on IMDb, you’re unlikely to see it on 5Movies. For older content, we recommend picking another Putlocker alternative.
Putlocker Legal Alternatives
Most options below aren’t free streaming sites, but they are 100% legal and safe to use. Many offer a free trial so that you don’t have to commit right away. A few legal alternatives are completely free of charge, too, but they don’t rival Putlocker’s impressive library.
If you’re more interested in free and legal movie platforms, check these out:
- Peacock TV: An ad-supported free streaming service with popular shows and sports. Subscriptions get rid of the ads.
- Pluto TV: A great streaming site for golden oldies that you struggle to find elsewhere.
- Crunchyroll: This site offers access to free and legal, high-quality anime shows and movies.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a legal platform with a bigger library, one of the alternatives below might be a good choice. Keep in mind that a paid subscription is required for all of these options.
11. Netflix: Hugely popular legal movie streaming platform
What We Liked
- Easy-to-use interface
- Large selection of movies and TV shows, including originals
- Great video quality
- Foreign movies from around the world
What We Didn't Like
- Content differs by country
Visit: Netflix
Netflix is a well-known streaming service with a ton of different shows and movies. We were impressed with its vast content library when testing the site. Netflix is a great choice if you’re looking for an alternative to Putlocker.
You can even get access to a bigger database of movies and shows if you use a VPN to access Netflix content in America when you’re not in the US. On Netflix US, we could stream TV shows like Supernatural that we could not find on any other of Netflix’s content libraries.
Netflix is usually the default choice for streamers when buying a subscription to online streams. However, it has fallen out of popularity with password-sharing controversy in recent years. If you truly want to experience everything Netflix has to offer, make sure that you download a VPN like NordVPN to change your IP address and unblock foreign content libraries!
12. Hulu: A decent library and live sports content
What We Liked
- Live TV streams (especially for sports)
- Access to Disney+ and ESPN+
- Cheaper than Netflix
What We Didn't Like
- Only available in the US and Japan (unless you use a VPN!)
Visit: Hulu
Hulu is a great alternative to Netflix if you’re more into watching live sports. We were happy to see that it’s a little cheaper than Netflix, but it does have fewer movies and shows available. Still, they’ve recently added streams of live sporting events to their roster of shows and movies, and we have used Hulu to watch college basketball.
In most countries, the website is not available, in which case you need a VPN to access Hulu.
13. Prime Video: Amazon’s streaming solution with a vast movie and TV show library
What We Liked
- 26,000+ titles
- Available in most countries worldwide
- Great video quality
What We Didn't Like
- Have to pay to watch some of the content
Visit: Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is another cheaper alternative to Netflix. We were impressed with its vast library of 26,000+ movies and 2,700+ TV shows. Moreover, Amazon Prime Video is available in most countries.
While on the platform, we were happy to watch The Wheel of Time, an original production. The stream had great quality, and we did not experience any lag.
Prime’s collection of titles is filled with classics, new releases, and amazing originals. Not to mention, if something’s not included in Prime Video, you can buy it off Amazon and watch it on demand.
14. Disney Plus: Stream your happily ever after with Disney’s alternative to Putlocker
What We Liked
- Extensive library of Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content
- Parental controls
- Clean interface with no ads
What We Didn't Like
- Not available worldwide
Visit: Disney Plus
Disney Plus is a more specialized streaming service. Instead of having a whole bunch of movies and shows from different companies, Disney Plus focuses on all things Disney. This means you gain access to popular titles such as Aladdin (both the new and the old versions) as well as all kinds of family-friendly shows and movies.
Disney Plus isn’t just perfect for your kids, however. It also has some extremely popular originals. We were able to watch The Mandalorian and newer MCU productions like WandaVision, Loki, and Hawkeye. We could also download movies and watch them on our mobile devices.
Not to mention, if Disney Star is available in your country, you’ll find a lot of content from Hulu on Disney Plus as well.
15. YouTube TV: Live TV from over 70 networks on one platform
What We Liked
- Free access to older movies
- Can watch 70 different networks
- Great video quality
What We Didn't Like
- Only available in the US (use a VPN to unblock YouTube TV)
Visit: YouTube TV
YouTube TV is one of the more expensive streaming services out there, but for good reason. Instead of containing a few movies and shows, YouTube TV gives you access to over 70 different networks, such as Fox, ESPN, ABC, and CBS. Moreover, when we were testing YouTube TV, we were very excited to see old classics like Home Alone!
YouTube TV is currently only available within the United States. Still, with its amazing offer of networks, it’s definitely worth a look. That’s why we’ve found a workaround that’ll let you watch YouTube TV from any country. Simply download NordVPN, connect to a US VPN server, and you’ll be able to step right past those geo-blocks!
16. Sling TV: Watch US live TV with low-cost subscriptions
What We Liked
- Can stream movies and TV shows on mobile devices
- Excellent alternative to those with no cable
What We Didn't Like
- Pricey compared to other streaming providers
Visit: Sling TV
Sling TV is kind of like YouTube TV: it gives you access to a bunch of different television networks, and it’s only available for US audiences. The big difference is that for Sling TV, you customize what channels you want to access. This makes it a great option for US viewers who like some live channels but don’t want to pay for a full cable subscription.
Also, like YouTube TV, you can unblock Sling TV from elsewhere in the world with NordVPN. Whether you live in Europe or you’re a US resident on vacation, don’t get frustrated by geo-blocks – get NordVPN to log into Sling TV from abroad.
17. Max: Stream a vast range of big blockbusters
What We Liked
- Simple-to-navigate interface
- Popular movies and TV shows, including originals
- Movie releases on the same day as theater releases
What We Didn't Like
- Only available in the US
Visit: Max
Max, formerly HBO Max, is AT&T’s streaming platform, encompassing all of their (and Warner’s) big productions, like Game of Thrones, the Lord of The Rings, Westworld, some DC productions, the Sopranos, and many more.
It’s relatively affordable but has a big downside. It’s only available in the US. If you want to access HBO Max from anywhere else, you’ll need a VPN and a US-based credit card. Without that, there’s no workaround.
18. Paramount Plus: The best shows and movies with low subscription costs
What We Liked
- Wide range of content
- Access to live sports streams
- Affordable bundle with SHOWTIME
What We Didn't Like
- Available in the US
- Not much original content
Visit: Paramount+
Paramount Plus is a US streaming service with a solid library of movies, plus access to live sports and local CBS programming. It’s not the cheapest streaming service, and it could benefit from more original content to draw in an audience. But we’ve routinely used Paramount to access CBS shows that aren’t available elsewhere or are on time-limited exclusivity deals.
You know the drill. Paramount is a US streaming platform, so you’re only going to be able to watch it in the US. If you don’t have a US IP address, you can get one quickly and easily with NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee!
19. Fubo: Live TV shows, movies, and sports under one roof
What We Liked
- Great choice for live sports
- Sometimes offers free trials
- Extensive library of movies and TV shows including recently released content
What We Didn't Like
- Live streams in 720p
Visit: Fubo
We love to watch Fubo for live-streaming sports and TV shows that aren’t typically available in regions outside the US. When you download NordVPN and get a US IP address, you can access the website from anywhere in the world. Coupled with the occasional free trials offered by Fubo and you can often watch big-name sporting events and big movie releases for free!
There’s a downside, however. Most of Fubo’s live streams are capped at 720p to avoid overloading the service. But these are still HD streams, and it’s one of the few places to access a vast range of live TV channels without cable.
20. Apple TV+: Cheap subscriptions, but content library needs some work
What We Liked
- A lot of original content
- Affordable subscription plans
- Available in more than 100 countries
What We Didn't Like
- Smaller library than competitors
Visit: Apple TV+
Apple TV is a bit of an unknown entity. It’s less popular than the likes of Netflix, Paramount, or Hulu. Yet it offers one of the cheapest subscription models and has a lot of great TV shows and movies. We really enjoyed watching the Morning Show on Apple TV+, which is an original to the platform. The video was crystal clear, and the stream was seamless.
Still, its library is quite a bit more limited than those big-name competitors, so perhaps it’s going to take a while for people to disassociate Apple with simply being a smart tech manufacturer.
IMPORTANT:
VPNOverview does not condone piracy or downloading copyright content.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Putlocker Alternatives?
So, why can’t you simply fire up a Putlocker alternative on your regular internet connection? Well, you could, but we strongly advise against it unless you know the risks you’re dealing with:
- Putlocker alternatives can be unsafe. We’ve vetted each of these Putlocker alternatives, but there’s no way to know if malicious ads could pop up on any of these websites. Use NordVPN’s ad blocker to block malicious ads and prevent other potential malware infections.
- Watching pirated content poses risks. Even if you don’t upload pirated content yourself, you could have your internet shut down for streaming on Putlocker alternatives. In rare cases, people are even fined. But with NordVPN, your IP address and online activity are hidden, so your provider won’t see what you’re doing online.
- Legal platforms are often region-locked. If you’re outside of the US, for example, you won’t be able to access the best legal movie sites, like Fubo, Hulu, Sling TV, Max, and Peacock TV. NordVPN can change your IP address and unblock all of these sites!
NordVPN isn’t expensive. When you consider the money you’ll save accessing movies for free, it’ll actually work out cheaper. Plus, you can now get a time-limited 69% discount on NordVPN to start watching movies!
How to Watch Putlocker Safely
A quick word on using Putlocker and other free streaming sites safely. Since these websites are illegal in most regions, you should take the necessary precautions to stay safe from prying eyes, viruses, and malware if you choose to venture into them.
If you want to use Putlocker specifically, make sure you:
- Access a safe Putlocker mirror.
- Use good antivirus software. Currently, our best antivirus for malware protection is Norton 360.
- Protect your internet connection by using a powerful VPN. Our pick of the bunch is NordVPN.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
With a VPN and the best antivirus software, you’re well-protected against malware and malicious website admins that aim to steal your data.
Putlocker Mirrors: Is it Dangerous to Use Putlocker?
In terms of device safety, bear in mind that there’s not just one Putlocker website. The level of risk depends on the specific mirror or copy you’re visiting. Since losing the original website, mirrors and copies have popped up. Mirror site hosts could have bad intentions.
Files can be altered to contain viruses, and malicious advertisements can be placed anywhere. The wide variety of mirrors means that some are safe while others aren’t.
This means that you are at risk when using sites such as Putlocker. Whether it’s fines for downloading content or accidentally reeling in a virus, the many mirrors of Putlocker are not the safest sites to visit. We recommend choosing Putlocker alternatives instead!
Final Thoughts: Use NordVPN to Safely Access Putlocker Alternatives
While Putlocker shut down, mirror sites have popped up that keep the fan-favorite website alive. But they’re generally quite unstable, and what’s more, many Putlocker mirrors and proxy sites are not guaranteed to be safe.
It’s much safer to choose a Putlocker alternative that’s been vetted by our cybersecurity experts like FlixTor, AZ Movies, or Spacemov. And above all, make sure you use a VPN to protect yourself and obscure your internet traffic from your ISP and other agencies.
NordVPN is the safest VPN to use for Putlocker alternatives right now, and you can get it at 69% off if you act now!
Interested in knowing more about alternatives to popular streaming platforms? Check out some of our other articles below!
- The Best LookMovie Alternatives to Stream Movies Online
- The Best FlixTor Alternatives Working Right Now
- The Best HDToday Alternatives
If you have any more questions about Putlocker alternatives or staying safe on free movie sites, check out our FAQ section below!
The answer is probably no. Streaming copyrighted content from a site such as Putlocker is not allowed in most countries. While site operators face the greatest risks, even watching copyright material can land you in hot water.
But this is far less likely when you use a VPN service like NordVPN. Want to know more about fines for piracy in general? We’ve written up a guide to potential fines for downloading copyright material.
Depending on the country you live in, you could get a fine for using a site like Putlocker. Also, because the original Putlocker website is no longer online, you can only access copies of the site, called mirrors.
Hosts of these copies might inject viruses or other malicious software into their mirrors. This means that you run the risk of getting a virus when using them.
The original Putlocker site shut down and its remaining mirror and proxy sites are not guaranteed to be safe. We advise following our recommendation of safe Putlocker mirrors.
But to ensure you’re not at risk of malware or other cybercrime, download our recommended VPN, NordVPN. It’ll cloak your IP, encrypt your data, and keep you safe on Putlocker mirrors and sites like Putlocker.
Our favorite legal Putlocker alternative is Netflix. While there are plenty of others, you can get a US IP address from NordVPN to access Netflix US from any country in the world! The same trick works for other countries, too, which opens up a huge range of unseen content from other regions! Alternatively, consider:
- Sling TV
- Paramount+
- Hulu
- Fubo
- Max
