Putlocker was one of the most popular free movie streaming sites before it was shut down. While there are many Putlocker mirrors and clones today, they’re generally unreliable and unsafe.
Our cybersecurity experts tested dozens of streaming sites to bring you this list of the 20 best Putlocker alternatives that are working right now:
- FlixTor: Huge library of movies and TV shows with few ads
- AZ Movies: Putlocker alternative that works best with an ad blocker
- Spacemov: Best Putlocker alternative for new releases in HD
- SolarMovies: Offers lots of movies, including Asian productions
- PrimeWire: Free movie streaming site 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 ads
- ZMovies: Lots of ads, but a varied library with extensive filters
- 5Movies: A good Putlocker alternative for finding hidden gems
- Netflix: Hugely popular movie streaming platform
- Hulu: A decent library and live sports content
- Prime Video: Amazon’s streaming solution with a vast library of movies and TV shows
- Disney Plus: 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 blockbusters
- Paramount Plus: Offers some of the best shows and movies at a low subscription cost
- Fubo: Live TV shows, movies, and sports under one roof
- Apple TV+: Offer cheap subscription but a limited content library
Want to watch free movies online without compromising your safety? We recommend you use a trusted VPN, like NordVPN, to access free streaming sites anonymously and keep your online activity private. NordVPN also allows you to access US-only streaming websites from anywhere.
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Continue reading the article below for a full breakdown of why these are the best Putlocker alternatives in 2024.
Putlocker (also known as Putlockers or Putlockerz) was a popular website for streaming movies and TV shows online. The original Putlocker site was shut down nearly a decade ago. While many Putlocker clones and mirrors exist today, these sites are prone to going offline and are not safe, leaving many turning to Putlocker alternatives.
We tasked our cybersecurity experts with finding the best sites like Putlocker for free movies and TV series. Some of the sites listed below are blacklisted by internet service providers (ISPs) in certain countries. We used NordVPN to bypass restrictions and access them anonymously during our tests.
Besides helping you circumvent restrictions, NordVPN hides your online activities from the prying eyes of internet service providers (ISPs) so you can stream privately. It also improves buffer speeds, protects you from malware, and blocks annoying ads.
The 20 Best Putlocker Alternatives
Can’t find your favorite movies or TV shows on Putlocker? Are you worried about the safety of Putlocker clones and mirrors? We’ve got you covered with our alternatives to Putlocker.
Note:
Some of the sites listed below are not licensed to show the content in their libraries. In some jurisdictions, accessing such platforms may result in fines and other consequences. VPNOverview does not encourage piracy. We recommend checking your local laws before venturing on these sites.
1. FlixTor: Huge library of movies and TV shows 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 its content
Visit: FlixTor
FlixTor is one of the biggest unofficial streaming platforms — for good reason. 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.
We were impressed to see that FlixTor has minimal ad intrusion. Ads are usually common on free streaming sites, so it’s a breath of fresh air to have a platform that barely shows any. We recommend using NordVPN when visiting FlixTor to hide your IP address and shield you from potential threats lurking on this site.
Flixtor is an excellent alternative to many popular streaming platforms that no longer exist. It quickly became one of the top Soap2day alternatives after the site shut down in June 2023.
2. AZMovies: Putlocker alternative that works best with an adblocker
What We Liked
- Filter content by genre, type, and release year
- Most recent releases
- Minimalistic interface
What We Didn't Like
- Intrusive pop-ups
Visit: AZMovies
AZMovies is a top-rated Putlocker alternative. Like Flixtor, we found that it has an impressive library and decent video quality.
The site was also easy to navigate. We could browse titles based on genre, type, and launch year. These filters are handy if you want to watch something specific, as it’s easy to sort through AZMovies’ huge content library.
Unfortunately, ad intrusion is high on AZMovies. But you can stop these pesky ads using a good ad blocker. AZMovies may be blocked in some countries and regions. If you can’t access this site, you can use NordVPN to spoof your location and bypass geo-restrictions.
3. Spacemov: Best Putlocker alternative for new releases in HD
What We Liked
- Large library of movies and TV shows
- Indicates video quality
- Several filtering options to sort out content
What We Didn't Like
- Annoying ads
Visit: Spacemov
Spacemov is a great alternative to Putlocker, with a vast array of TV shows and movies. We like that each stream has a handy little label that indicates whether it’s cam or HD quality. We saw loads of HD streams when testing the site, and you can sort through Spacemov’s vast content library with different filters.
Another thing we love about Spacemov is that it’s one of the best free streaming sites for new movies. When testing the site, we found recent cinema releases only a week or two after they hit the big screen!
Unfortunately, Spacemov is blacklisted by ISPs in many countries. However, you can use NordVPN to circumvent these restrictions and access Spacemov anonymously. NordVPN also has a built-in ad blocker that blocks pesky ads, which are rife on this site.
4. SolarMovies: Offers 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 has a decent library, although it’s not as impressive as other entries on the list. The site also offers pretty good video quality.
We were happy to see a lot of Asian productions on SolarMovies, which makes it a great option if that’s what you’re looking for. Just know that there’s not a lot of anime. We also found some of the best Netflix shows on the platform.
SolarMovies has very few ads. It’s one of the best places to watch free movies online without getting bombarded with ads. We recommend using NordVPN when visiting SolarMovies to protect your privacy and stream anonymously.
5. PrimeWire: Free movie streaming site 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 straightforward; it’s easy to jump in and enjoy a movie or series. Browsing for media was also a breeze on 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 has special options for premium members. With a membership, you can download content and access higher video quality. While this is a nice bonus, the free version still works great.
We recommend sticking to free content, but if you choose to create an account, use a throwaway email address and don’t share personal information. Also, download NordVPN to safeguard your privacy.
6. Subsmovies: Movies and TV shows in several languages
What We Liked
- Large movie library
- Subtitles in many languages
- Simple to navigate
What We Didn't Like
- Ads may contain malware
Visit: Subsmovies
Most free movie sites only cater to English users. Subsmovies breaks the convention, offering a huge library of movies in various languages. There’s still English content, but if you’re fluent in another language, there’s something for you, too.
Submovies’ categories made it easy for us to hop through its content library, and we saw a bunch of new movies that had just been released. But we also had to contend with adverts. These ads popped out in new tabs and directed us to click on malicious links — never click on any links in ads 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 a free movie website that does not show adverts. We noticed that its library is smaller than Putlockers’, but it has HD movies and TV shows.
We had a few filters at our disposal to look through its content. We could search by genre or by year, but that’s about as far as the options went. We found the search bar pretty effective, but we’d love to see the filter functionality extended.
While there are no ads on MoviesJoy, we can’t vouch for its safety. Like other unofficial movie streaming sites, we recommend using NordVPN when visiting MoviesJoy to bolster your online security.
8. YesMovies: A slick user interface with very few ads
What We Liked
- Slick website
- Quick loading times
- Latest releases
What We Didn't Like
- Many HD streams in 720p
Visit: YesMovies
YesMovies is a top-rated Putlocker alternative for fans of HD movies. 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 particularly impressed with YesMovies’ interface. Most free movie websites skimp on design and functionality, but YesMovies felt slick. The only downside we noticed is that many YesMovies’ HD streams are in 720p rather than 1080p. But it’s still better than cam content!
Be sure to use a premium VPN, like NordVPN, when accessing this website to keep your information private.
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, serving up a 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 why 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 you’ll infect your device with malware if you accidentally click on an ad.
We’d never visit this site without a trusted VPN like NordVPN. This VPN protects you from threats on free movie streaming sites with its malware blocker. NordVPN also hides your traffic so your ISP can’t monitor your online activities, ensuring you can stream freely and safely on ZMovies.
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 has many filters that allow you to easily find any movie or TV show you want to watch. One of these filters is an IMDb-rated list, which showed us a load of top-rated, hidden gems we’d never seen before.
The only area that 5Movies fails is offering content from the last decade or so, but not much else. Even if a movie released before 2009 was rated well on IMDb, it’s unlikely to be on 5Movies. For older content, we recommend picking another Putlocker alternative.
Legal Putlocker Alternatives
Most of the platforms below aren’t free streaming sites, but they are 100% legal and safe to use. Many offer a free trial, so you don’t have to commit right away. While there are some legal alternatives that are completely free of charge, they don’t rival Putlocker’s impressive library.
If you’re more interested in free and legal movie platforms, check these out:
- Peacock TV is an ad-supported free streaming site with popular shows and sports. You can subscribe to get rid of the ads.
- Pluto TV is an excellent streaming site for golden oldies that you won’t find elsewhere.
- Crunchyroll is a free and legal site for high-quality anime shows and movies.
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 movie streaming platform
What We Liked
- Easy-to-use interface
- Large selection of movies and TV shows, including exclusive content
- 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 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 access to a more extensive database of movies and shows if you use a VPN to access Netflix content in other countries, like the US. On Netflix US, we could stream TV shows like Supernatural that we could not find on any other Netflix library.
Netflix is the default choice for many movie lovers. However, it has fallen out of popularity in recent years due to its password-sharing ban. 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 also enjoy 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.
Hulu recently added streams of live sporting events to its roster of shows and movies. We even used Hulu to watch college basketball during our tests.
Unfortunately, this site is not available in most countries, so you’ll need a VPN to access Hulu if you’re not in the US or Japan.
13. Prime Video: Amazon’s streaming solution with a vast library of movies and TV shows
What We Liked
- 26,000+ titles
- Available in most countries worldwide
- Great video quality
What We Didn't Like
- You 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 could watch The Wheel of Time in excellent quality and did not experience any lag.
Prime’s collection of titles includes 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: 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) and 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 could 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.
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, but for good reason. Instead of just a few movies and shows, YouTube TV gives you access to over 70 networks, including Fox, ESPN, ABC, and CBS. Moreover, while testing YouTube TV, we were excited to see old classics like Home Alone!
YouTube TV is currently only available within the United States. Still, it’s worth a look. That’s why we’ve found a workaround that lets you watch YouTube TV from any country. Simply download NordVPN and 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
- Allows you stream movies and TV shows on mobile devices
- Excellent alternative for users with no cable
What We Didn't Like
- Pricey compared to other streaming sites
Visit: Sling TV
Sling TV is similar to YouTube TV: it gives you access to different television networks, and it’s only available for US audiences. The big difference is that Sling TV allows you to 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 anywhere in the world with NordVPN. Whether you live in Europe or are a US resident on vacation, don’t get frustrated by geo-blocks — get NordVPN and log into Sling TV from abroad.
17. Max: Stream a vast range of blockbusters
What We Liked
- Easy-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 one 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-issued credit card.
18. Paramount Plus: Offers some of the best shows and movies at a low subscription cost
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 limited-time exclusivity deals.
Paramount is a US streaming platform, so you can’t access it outside the US. If you don’t have a US IP address, you can easily get one with NordVPN. This VPN offers a 30-day free trial, so you can stream Paramount for a week at no cost.
19. Fubo: Live TV shows, movies, and sports under one roof
What We Liked
- Great choice for live sports
- Offers free trial sometimes
- Extensive library of movies and TV shows including recently released content
What We Didn't Like
- Live streams in 720p
Visit: Fubo
We love using Fubo to live stream sports and TV shows that aren’t typically available in regions outside the US. Since we aren’t in the US, we use NordVPN to get a US IP address and access Fubo. With NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee and the occasional free trial Fubo offers, you can often watch big-name sporting events and movies 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+: Offers cheap subscriptions but a limited content library
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 less popular than the likes of Netflix, Paramount, or Hulu. But it offers one of the cheapest subscription plans 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 more limited than those of big-name competitors.
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 that as it exposes you to major risks:
- Putlocker alternatives can be unsafe. We’ve vetted each of these Putlocker alternatives, but there’s no way to know if (or when) malware may pop up on any of these websites. That’s why we recommend using NordVPN to block malicious ads and other potential threats.
- Watching pirated content poses risks. Even if you don’t upload pirated content, you could get in trouble for streaming on Putlocker alternatives. In rare cases, people are even fined. NordVPN hides your IP address and online activity, so your ISP and other parties can’t see what you’re doing online.
- Legal platforms are often region-locked. If you’re outside of the US, you won’t be able to access some of the best movie sites, like Fubo, Hulu, Sling TV, Max, and Peacock TV. NordVPN can change your IP address and unblock all these sites with a few clicks!
NordVPN isn’t expensive. Considering the money you’ll save accessing movies for free, it works out cheaper. Plus, you can get a limited-time 58% discount on NordVPN and start watching movies!
How to Watch Putlocker Safely
Since sites like Putlocker are illegal in most regions, you should take precautions to stay safe from viruses, malware, and the prying eyes of ISPs.
If you want to use Putlocker specifically, make sure you:
- Access a safe Putlocker mirror.
- Use good antivirus software. Currently, Norton 360 is our best antivirus for malware protection.
- Secure your internet connection using a powerful VPN like NordVPN.
Save big with up to 58% off a two-year subscription!
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
With a good VPN and trusted antivirus software, you’re well-protected against malware and malicious website admins that may try to steal your data.
Are Putlocker mirrors safe?
Bear in mind that there’s not just one Putlocker website. Since the original Putlocker site was shut down, many mirrors and clones have popped up — some are safe, while others aren’t.
The level of risk you’re exposed to depends on the specific Putlocker site you’re visiting. Some websites host viruses in files or target users with malicious ads.
Visiting Putlocker is generally risky. That’s why we recommend choosing Putlocker alternatives instead!
Final Thoughts: Accessing Putlocker Alternatives
Since Putlocker shut down, many Putlocker alternatives have sprung up to become fan favorites. Unfortunately, many of these sites aren’t safe. It’s best to stick to a Putlocker alternative that’s been vetted by our cybersecurity experts like FlixTor, AZ Movies, or Spacemov.
Above all, use a VPN to protect yourself and hide your online activities from your ISP and other parties. NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming, and you can get it at 58% 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 Free Movie Streaming Sites
- The Best FlixTor Alternatives Working Right Now
- The Best HDToday Alternatives
If you have any questions about Putlocker alternatives or staying safe on free movie sites, check out the FAQ section below!
The answer is probably no. Streaming copyrighted content from sites like Putlocker is not allowed in most countries. While site operators face the greatest risks, 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 clone sites might inject viruses or other malicious software into them. This means that you run the risk of getting a virus when using them.
The original Putlocker site shut down nearly a decade ago, and we can’t guarantee that Putlocker mirrors are safe. We recommend opting for one of our Putlocker alternatives.
And, to reduce your risk of exposure to malware and other online threats, 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. 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 content from other regions! Alternatively, consider:
- Sling TV
- Paramount+
- Hulu
- Fubo
- Max
