Is 123Movies Safe and Legal in 2024? Not Unless You Do This

123Movies mirror clone sites often have viruses that can infect your device. The original 123Movies (also known as 123movieshub, GoStream, GoMovies, or Memovies) was shut down. Clone sites are working but most aren't safe.

To stream 123Movies securely and avoid viruses, you need online protection and to mask your IP. Cybercriminals can use your IP address to identify and track you, so hiding your online identity and activity is important when using free streaming sites.

Important. You can get in trouble for downloading or streaming copyrighted content. We at vpnMentor do not endorse any form of piracy. It's up to you to ensure the movies and TV shows you watch and download are compliant with copyright laws.

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Does 123Movies Still Work?

You can still watch 123Movies content through clones and mirror sites, but the official 123Movies no longer works as it was taken down by authorities due to copyright reasons. These 123Movies domains are run by third parties not affiliated with the original 123Movies.

Since they could be hosted by anyone, not all 123Movies clone sites are safe. Many will try to gather your personal data or track your online behavior. For others, there’s no guarantee of the quality of streams.

Is 123Movies Safe and Legal?

123Movies mirror sites are riddled with ads, pop-ups, misleading links, and potentially malicious software. Since there’s no way to tell who’s behind a clone and their motives, it’s wise to protect yourself online. You can avoid these risks by opting for a safer 123Movies alternative.

The legality of using 123Movies to watch movies depends on your location and its stand towards piracy and copyright infringement. In some countries, there’s nothing wrong with watching pirated content on online streaming platforms. In most countries, however, streaming, downloading, or distributing pirated content is prohibited.

The consequences of using 123Movies mirror sites depend on your region. For example, you could face jail time or hefty fines in some jurisdictions like Germany. That said, checking local laws before visiting a 123Movies mirror site is a good idea.

Here’s a table showing the prevailing stance on piracy and copyrighted content across countries:

Best Ways to Stay Safe While Streaming on 123Movies

Considering the potential risks that come with streaming on 123Movies clones and mirror sites, it's essential to take precautions to protect yourself. Here’s how to stay safe while streaming on 123Movies or similar sites:

• Use a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) sends your traffic through a private server, encrypting your internet connection. This makes it hard for third parties to track your online activities or steal your data. It also prevents malicious entities from targeting you based on your streaming habits.
• Install a reliable antivirus. Ensure you have a reputable antivirus program installed and updated on your device. This helps detect and block malicious software that might try to infect your device through deceptive ads or downloads.
• Check what you're downloading. Some 123Movies clones might prompt you to download software or media files. It's best to avoid downloading anything from these sites as they can contain malware or unwanted software.
• Use an ad blocker. Many of the risks associated with 123Movies clone sites and other free streaming sites come from malicious ads. An ad blocker can reduce the number of ads you see and decrease the chance of encountering a malicious one. Some high-quality VPNs come with built-in ad blockers.
• Don't share personal information. Never provide personal or financial information on any 123Movies mirror sites. Some might lure you with offers of premium accounts or special deals, but it could be a trap to gather sensitive data.
• Be wary of pop-ups. Close any unexpected pop-up windows immediately. These can be disguised attempts to trick you into downloading malware or revealing personal information.
• Update software. Ensure your browser, plugins, and operating system are always up-to-date. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
• Explore legal alternatives. Consider using legal 123Movies alternatives. While some might come with a subscription fee, they are safer and offer better quality content without the associated risks of 123Movies clone sites.
• Educate yourself. Be aware of the copyright laws in your country. Streaming copyrighted content without proper authorization can have serious legal repercussions.

The Best 123Movies Mirror Sites

After trying several 123Movies mirrors and clone sites, the most reliable one I found is https://ww2.123moviesfree.net/. It has a clean interface, supports full HD streaming and downloads, and updates its movie database regularly. However, it sometimes redirected me to some ad sites when I tried watching a movie.

All the other mirror sites I tried just didn’t cut it. They mostly kept redirecting me to unwanted sites with every click, making it impossible to select the movies I wanted to watch. Some tried to convince me to download shady software, while others made my experience unbearable with endless pop-ups.

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The Best 123Movies Alternatives

Since there aren’t many reliable and trustworthy 123Movies mirrors, the best option is to use a free and legal 123Movies alternative. This way, you can enjoy free movies without the risk of hacking and malware or potential legal issues for streaming pirated content. I tested dozens of streaming sites and found the following to be the best alternatives to 123Movies.

1. Tubi TV — An Easy-To-Use 123Movies Alternative With a Huge Library

Signing up for an account provides you with recommendations, parental controls, and watchlists

Tubi TV has a simple interface offering a vast collection of legal movies and TV shows for free. It's a well-organized platform, and you don’t need an account to enjoy its content.

However, it's ad-supported, which means you'll have to sit through some commercials, but the content library is extensive and of good quality. The service is available in the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Visit Tubi TV

2. Popcornflix — Jump Straight to Streaming Without Registering

Popcornflix even produces its own original content, providing you with unique shows and movies

Popcornflix is an excellent legal Movies 123 alternative that lets you watch content without subscribing. It features a wide range of films and TV shows, including popular titles and lesser-known gems. It also has a user-friendly interface with content categorized by genre, making browsing and discovering new films easy. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always have the latest blockbuster releases, and not all content is available in HD.

Visit Popcornflix

3. Crackle — Stream Sony Originals and Blockbuster Movies

Sign up for an account to save your progress on different movies and shows

Crackle is a streaming platform that offers a variety of movies and TV shows across different genres. It also features unique content not available on other platforms. However, its content library is smaller compared to other streaming platforms. It is free but ad-supported, and unfortunately, it is only accessible in the US.

Visit Crackle

4. Vudu — Watch HD and UHD Movies and Shows for Free

Vudu’s well-organized website clearly shows which movies are free and which you need to rent

While it is primarily known for its movie and TV show rentals and purchases, Vudu also offers a selection of free, ad-supported content. The platform boasts a vast library, including the latest releases, and provides high-definition and 4K UHD streaming options. Unfortunately, many of the latest and most popular titles require rental or purchase.

Visit Vudu

5. Plex — Enjoy over 600 Free TV Channels

Plex is available everywhere

Plex is a free, ad-supported streaming service that lets you watch a curated collection of movies, TV shows, and live TV channels. The service also has a media server platform that allows you to organize and stream your personal media collections, such as movies, TV shows, music, and photos, across various devices. However, you’ll need a paid subscription to access its premium features.

Visit Plex

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FAQs on Using 123Movies Safely

Can 123Movies harm my phone or computer?

Yes, many 123Movies clone sites carry viruses and trackers that can corrupt your devices or gain access to your data. While there are some trustworthy 123Movies mirrors, you might want to protect yourself with reliable ad and malware blocker. It’s also a good idea to use a strong antivirus product for added protection.

Does 123Movies track you?

Most 123Movies mirrors record your online activity using cookies, web beacons, third-party ad trackers, and IP loggers. This can put you at risk if hackers gain access to your IP, or if you accidentally download something that could put you in legal trouble. To avoid this, take precautions to keep yourself safe while streaming on 123Movies.

Can I use a free VPN to watch movies on 123Movies safely?

Using a free VPN to watch movies on 123Movies can put your data at risk. Many free VPNs have limited security features, so third parties can easily intercept your data or see your real IP address. The best way to stream safely on 123Movies is to use a reliable VPN with strong security and malware-blocking features.

Besides exposing your data and IP, some free VPNs even install malware on users’ devices, putting you at risk instead of protecting you. Others have low bandwidth caps, making them unsuitable for streaming on 123Movies.

Will I get sued for using 123Movies?

The legal repercussions of using 123Movies depend on your current location. In some countries, you’ll get off with a warning, while in others, you could get fined or even face jail time. To avoid getting into trouble, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the legality of using 123Movies in your country.

Conclusion

The official 123Movies website no longer exists, and most mirror sites carry viruses, ads, and trackers that can compromise your safety. The best option is to use free and legal 123Movies alternatives that provides similar content without putting you at risk. Additionally, use an adblocker and have antivirus software installed on your favorite streaming devices.