When Putlocker vanished, many people were left wondering where they could go to
keep up with their favorite movies and TV shows. If you've been searching for
"
what happened to Putlocker" or if you're trying to find "
sites like Putlocker," you're not alone. Let's be honest: Putlocker made streaming simple. Whether you were looking for "
Star Wars The Force Awakens" or "
Deadpool & Wolverine," it often delivered. But since the original site is no longer around, users
have been turning to other options.
So, let’s talk about the best Putlocker alternatives that actually work in 2025.
If you're wondering, "Is Putlocker safe? Is Putlocker legal? Is Putlocker free?"
We’ll also cover that and explain how to
watch movies online safely.
The Rise and Fall of Putlocker
Before we jump into the alternatives, it helps to understand what made Putlocker
so popular in the first place. It wasn’t just the vast collection of titles like
"
John Wick" or "
How to Train Your Dragon." It was convenient.
Putlocker allowed anyone with an internet connection to stream movies without
needing to sign up or pay. Naturally, that raised legal questions. Was it too
good to be true? Turns out, yeah. Legal pressure and domain shutdowns eventually
led to its demise.
Today, the original Putlocker is gone, but many clones exist with names like
Putlocker Today,
Putlocker VIP,
Putlocker PE,
Putlocker IO, and
Putlocker Plus. Some of them
are full of ads or downright dangerous. That's why it’s smart to look for
better, safer options.
Is Putlocker Legal? Let's Clear That Up
This is one of the most asked questions: is Putlocker legal? The short answer is
no, at least not in most countries. Sites that offer copyrighted content without
proper licensing generally operate outside the law.
While some Putlocker alternatives host legal content, most do not. Watching
movies on these platforms can land you in legal trouble, depending on your
country’s copyright laws.
So if you’re thinking, “
How do I watch movies on Putlocker?” the better question is: should you? We recommend using legitimate
alternatives. Many free and low-cost streaming services offer similar
convenience without the risk. Now, without further ado, let's begin with our
list of top movie sites that are similar to the original Putlocker.
Putlocker Alternatives
1. Popcornflix (Free & Surprisingly Good)
Popcornflix
offers a solid catalog of free movies and TV shows, all completely legal. You
won’t find the latest theatrical releases here, but you will find cult classics,
indie films, and familiar faces from Hollywood.
It’s a great pick if you just want something to watch on a lazy afternoon.
Unlike sketchy Putlocker clones, Popcornflix doesn’t bombard you with pop-ups or
suspicious links.
There are apps available for most platforms, and you don’t even need to sign up.
That alone puts it ahead of many "
Putlocker alternatives."
2. Tubi (Legal Free Streaming Platform)
Tubi is
hands-down one of the best options out there. It's owned by Fox, which means it
offers a huge range of licensed content for free. No strings, no malware, no
dodgy redirects.
While you won't find "Deadpool & Wolverine Putlocker" here, you will find
other major films and popular TV series. The catch? Ads. But they’re manageable.
If you've been searching Putlocker Reddit threads for safe streaming options,
chances are you've seen Tubi recommended. It's a strong, legitimate replacement.
3. SolarMovie (Fans Favorite)
SolarMovie
has been around for a while and continues to attract users looking for free
streaming. It's not 100% legal, so take caution and always use a VPN if you
decide to visit.
It offers a wide range of movies in HD, often within days of their release. It’s
the kind of place you might go looking for "Star Wars The Force Awakens
Putlocker" and actually find it.
The interface is sleek and easy to navigate, which makes it one of the more
pleasant Putlocker alternatives to use.
4. 123Movies
Another well-known name in the game,
123Movies
has been a go-to for many since Putlocker went down. Like Putlocker, it’s had
its share of domain changes and takedowns.
You can find new releases, old favorites, and even anime. It’s not as safe or
legal as some other options here, but it continues to be popular.
Make sure you have
ad-blockers and security tools in place. If you're a fan of
"
John Wick Putlocker" or "
Putlocker Today" style sites, this is one that keeps popping up in forums.
5. Crackle (Sony's Hidden Gem)
Crackle is owned by Sony, so you know it's legit. It doesn’t have everything,
but what it does have is quality. Think of it as the opposite of sketchy sites
like Putlocker PE or Putlocker IO.
You’ll find movies,
TV series, and even original programming. It's ad-supported,
but again, the ads are relatively short and not invasive.
The real win is safety. No malware, no fake buttons, no wondering if Putlocker
is safe or not. With Crackle, you can relax and watch.
6. FMovies (Risky But Popular Option)
FMovies is for those who don’t mind dancing on the edge. It's similar in vibe to
old Putlocker sites. You can find nearly any movie you want, including recent
ones.
It’s fast, looks clean, and works well—but it lives in a legal gray area. If
you're asking "Is Putlocker free?" or "How do I watch movies on Putlocker?"
you’ll find similar answers here: yes, but proceed with caution.
FMovies is often mentioned in Putlocker Reddit threads, and for good reason.
It's feature-rich but not exactly on the right side of the law.
7. Plex (Not Just a Media Server Anymore)
Plex has evolved. While originally known as a media server for your own
collection, it now offers free ad-supported streaming.
The content is varied—you’ll find movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more.
Think of it as a mix between Popcornflix and Netflix Lite.
It may not offer "
Putlocker VIP" levels of content, but it’s totally legal and
completely free. A great pick if you want peace of mind.
8. Peacock Free (NBCUniversal's Entry in the Game)
Peacock Free is the no-cost tier of NBC's streaming service. It offers a decent
selection of movies,
classic TV shows, and even live news.
You won't find "How to Train Your Dragon Putlocker" here, but there are plenty
of family-friendly options and older fan-favorite films.
Its interface is clean, and because it’s backed by NBCUniversal, you know it’s
safe and legal. No need to wonder if this is another fly-by-night Putlocker Plus
wannabe.
9. YesMovies (Regularly Updated)
YesMovies has been another Putlocker alternative that's survived over the years.
It offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows, often with minimal ads.
It’s not completely legal, so again, use at your own risk. But if you're
browsing "
Putlocker Reddit" threads, you’ll definitely see it mentioned.
It’s especially popular for hard-to-find international titles and indie films.
10. Kanopy (Free with a Library Card)
Kanopy is unique. If you have a
library card or a university email, you might
already have free access to it.
It features a huge collection of indie films, documentaries, and even some major
releases. It’s the kind of platform that puts quality first.
Think of it as the thoughtful cousin to your usual "
Putlocker IO" fix. No ads,
no risks, just well-curated content.
11. Vudu (Free Section)
Vudu, owned by Fandango, offers a free tier loaded with decent movies. Yes,
you’ll have to watch a few ads, but that’s a small trade-off for high-quality
streaming.
You won’t find "
Deadpool & Wolverine Putlocker" on the free side, but you
will get access to solid mainstream titles.
If you're looking for Putlocker alternatives that don’t compromise on quality,
Vudu's free catalog is worth checking out.
12. MoviesJoy (Sleek and Simple)
MoviesJoy is another user-friendly Putlocker alternative. It boasts a massive
library and a clean layout, making it easy to dive right in.
It doesn’t require sign-up and usually streams in HD. But again, it operates in
a legal gray area. Use a VPN and protect yourself.
It’s particularly good for finding newer movies, the kind you might’ve once
searched for under "Putlocker Today."
13. Internet Archive (For Old School Movie Lovers)
If you're into classic films or documentaries, the
Internet Archive is a
treasure chest. It's completely legal and offers thousands of movies free to
stream or download.
You won’t find "
John Wick Putlocker" here, but you will discover public domain
gems, old cartoons, and forgotten TV specials.
No frills, no fluff, just timeless content for those who appreciate film
history.
Final Thoughts
Putlocker is gone, and while some versions of it (like Putlocker PE or Putlocker
VIP) still float around, they’re not reliable. Whether you're asking "
Is
Putlocker safe?" or "
Is Putlocker legal?" the safest route is to stick to legit
platforms.
From Tubi and Popcornflix to Kanopy and Plex, there are plenty of Putlocker
alternatives that give you access to free, high-quality entertainment without
legal risks.
Now that you know where to go, it's just a matter of picking your next movie.
FAQs
Is Putlocker still working in 2025?
Some clone sites exist, but the original
Putlocker is long gone. Most clones are unsafe.
Is Putlocker legal or safe to use?
No. It operates outside the law in most countries, and many clones contain
malware or trackers.
Are there any legal free streaming sites?
Yes. Tubi, Popcornflix, Crackle, and Kanopy are all legal and free.
What are the best Putlocker alternatives in 2025?
Tubi, Plex, SolarMovie, 123Movies, and Popcornflix rank among the top.
How do I watch movies on Putlocker now?
You really shouldn't. Use safer, legal alternatives.