12 Sites That Serve as a Putlocker Alternative for Free Streaming
It can be confusing to pick a Putlocker alternative now that the original site is gone. In this guide, you get both classic free streaming pages that follow the same style as Putlocker and safer legal platforms with licensed movies. You now have options that range from quick no-signup streaming to fully safe services with fewer worries.
Generate Now!Part 1. Does Putlocker Not Work Anymore?
The original Putlocker site was taken down years ago after facing multiple copyright complaints, and since then, hundreds of look-alike pages have popped up under the same name and disappeared, and still do. Most of these sites claim to be the "official" Putlocker, but they're not. They're full of annoying pop-ups, fake download buttons, and sometimes even introduce malware that can damage your system or steal personal data.
Back in its prime, Putlocker was one of the popular choices for many to stream movies online for free. It hosted a massive library and barely required anything else, which made it a favorite for casual movie nights. But now that it's gone, you're better off exploring other options that actually work today. Luckily, there are several free sites like Putlocker and legal platforms available as well to fill that gap. So if you've been missing the old Putlocker days, you can still stream movies and series freely like you used to.
Part 2. Top 12 Sites like Putlocker That Offer the Same Experience
If you are looking for a Putlocker alternative, here are the 12 best free sites and the legal online platforms available to you.
1. Vexmovies
Vexmovies places its newest releases right on the front page and lets you stream films and shows instantly, without any signup steps. Its layout separates Movies, TV Shows, and Genres in a clear spread, and you also pick the language that suits you. Titles from Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM appear across this Putlocker alternative, along with international sections and options to filter by production labels.
You also get a library that reaches back to 2002 and includes Bollywood, Korean, and French titles, so you are not restricted to only Hollywood content. The site uses three different servers for playback and shows very few ads on the page and inside the player.
Pros:
- Search by choosing a production house, such as Netflix or Ma,x when you want titles from that brand.
- A single click turns the player into a full-screen view and hides the top menus during playback.
- Subtitle support appears on many of the movies and shows.
Cons:
- Subtitles do often match the vocals on some titles.
- Lots of mirror links out there.
2. 123Movies
123Movies is another free Putlocker alternative where you stream movies and TV shows without having to create an account or subscribe to a plan. Just visit the site, choose a movie or episode, and start the stream. The catalog covers action, animation, fantasy, romance, thrillers, documentaries, and other common genres, so you can settle on something for any kind of mood.
Every title page shows the summary, cast, and basic info before you press play, so you know what you are about to watch. The default player can run on phones, laptops, and any device that has a browser and internet access.
Pros:
- Most titles stream in HD when your connection is stable.
- You can switch between several servers for the same title if one fails to load or the streaming is slow.
- Genre filters also include sections for biographies, sci-fi, and war stories, so you are not limited to only the main categories.
Cons:
- Ads still show up when you search for a title or move around the site.
3. YouTube
In select countries, YouTube has its own section for movies and TV shows that you stream completely free with ads. You do not need an account or subscription to start watching. On the homepage, open the "Movies and TV" tab and then select Free with Ads to reach the library. It has the older titles and often the latest release right out of the cinema, and they are all organized into easy categories.
Playback starts almost instantly, and because it runs on YouTube's servers, you don't face buffering or lag. The catalog covers genres like drama, sci-fi, thriller, animation, horror, mystery, family, documentaries, and westerns. You also have the option to view the entire free catalog by selecting "View All." Every title plays in smooth HD quality, and you can also change the resolution manually to compensate for your internet speed.
Pros:
- Movies and shows stream directly from YouTube's official servers in reliable HD quality.
- Streaming starts in less than 5 seconds.
- No pop-ups or shady redirects to other pages.
Cons:
- Ads appear at intervals during playback.
- The Movies and TV section is not available in all regions.
4. Tubi TV
The next legal and free Putlocker alternative in the list is Tubi TV. This website has gone through a big update and redesign. On the homepage, you see a clear banner that says "Free Movies and TV," "Fewer ads than cable," and "No subscription required".
When you click on Start Watching, it takes you straight to the home screen. At the top, you see a menu where you can browse by Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, Spanish content, and Tubi Kids.
If you go to Movies, you reach a large library of titles directly from the main page. Your usual genres are there, including romance, martial arts, sci-fi, and family content. Simply click on a title, play it, and the movie starts on your device within a few seconds. If you open a TV show, you do not just see one episode; the full season appears with all episodes listed.
Pros:
- Totally free, legal, and safe content.
- Separate categories for each section keep all types of viewing in one place for you.
- Licensed content in glorious HD resolution.
Cons:
- Movies and shows are supported by ads, so you still see commercial breaks during playback.
5. Soap2Day
Soap2Day gives you one of the largest libraries of free movies and TV shows on any free platform. On the homepage, you see a section for TV Shows with its own big library and a separate section for Movies. In the Movies section, there are also genre categories, so you move through the catalog by type instead of scrolling everything in one long list.
If you only want to select from the top 250 movies, you can choose that category, and the page filters the list so you see those popular titles only. The same thing happens when you choose Best Movies. All of this content is free to watch, and there is also an advanced AI search to help you find what you are into.
Pros:
- Genre filters let you narrow the catalog quickly when you already know the style of movie you want.
- TV shows and movies are on the same service.
- Share streaming links directly on your social.
- An Android APK app is available for streaming on the go.
Cons:
- Lots of pop-ups appear when clicking the play button on the player.
6. Vudu (Fandango at Home)
On the Vudu site, Fandango at Home opens up and offers you a long list of movies and TV shows, but the section that draws attention is the Free tab. When you click View All Free Movies and TV, you reach pages full of free content divided into different categories and sections. For a quick test, you can open a movie or a TV show and see all the episodes in the series. Selecting Watch Free starts playback instantly, and the video begins right in the browser.
There are many pages of content available for you to explore, including newly added titles and older shows. The only condition is a quick, free registration that takes less than half a minute to complete, and you have to watch a few ads. You can even use an email address that you don't use often. Once you log in, all the movies and TV shows in the Free section become ready to stream with no hidden fees.
Pros:
- A dedicated Free section separates paid and free titles.
- The Top 200 lists for both movies and TV help you discover what's trending on the platform.
- A registered account unlocks all free content right after login.
Cons:
- You need a VPN to access the free service in geo-restricted regions.
- Signing up is mandatory to view free content.
7. Sling TV Freestream
The Freestream section in Sling TV is an inspiring selection of live channels that you can access completely free. Along with live TV, it also features a large on-demand video library filled with reality shows, documentaries, adventure programs, and paranormal series.
At the top, you'll see filters that let you browse by Movies, TV Shows, or other categories. In the Movies tab, the list instantly switches to show only free titles. You'll find familiar names such as James Bond, The Infiltrator, and Blitz.
Just click Watch Now, and the stream starts within seconds in full quality. The service performs smoothly and lets you move from one title to another with ease.
Pros:
- Offers both live channels and on-demand titles in one place.
- Quick playback with no registration or sign-up steps required.
- The genre filter makes searching for movies and TV shows faster.
Cons:
- Ad interruptions may appear during streaming sessions.
8. Xumo Play
Xumo Play has been a popular option for free entertainment for years and is a great Putlocker alternative now for US residents. It offers TV shows, movies, and a huge collection of live channels with a built-in program guide. When you open the Live Guide, you see how many channels are available, all streaming smoothly.
If you head to the Free Movies and TV section at the top, you'll find a massive library arranged into categories. These include suspense, mystery, drama, adventure, Black cinema, classics, documentaries, kids and family, and more. You can play any film or show instantly, and every video loads right away in full quality.
Pros:
- Live channels also give you a variety of streaming movies and series.
- The category filters make it simple to explore by mood or region, including Bollywood and faith-based options.
- Playback starts right away with no registration steps.
Cons:
- Only available in the US.
9. Plex TV
Next on this list of Putlocker alternatives is Plex TV. You get a large library with live TV channels, TV shows, and movies. On the homepage, there is a Plex Picks row with top hits, along with many other options. Just scroll through and you'll see page after page of free content.
If you click on Most Popular in the US, Plex TV shows you the titles that many viewers choose to view. There is a Watch for Free button. Press it, and within a few seconds, the movie starts playing. There is also a Recently Added section that shows new content that appears on Plex TV, so you always see what has just arrived.
Pros:
- Totally legal and free site like Putlocker.
- Live TV, TV shows, and movies are all under one online platform.
- Ads are there, but they won't redirect to sites with Malware.
Cons:
- Some movies or shows may not appear in every region or on every device.
- No download support.
10. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is one of the oldest and most trusted free streaming sites still active today that requires no registration for instant playback. It has a massive library of films, TV series, and live TV channels, all visible right on the homepage. The main sections include Home for featured titles, Live TV, and On Demand. On the left side, you see categories such as Action, Black Collective, Comedy, Classics, Documentaries, Western, and Sci-Fi, making it easy to browse what you want.
If you open the Sci-Fi section, you'll find evergreen series such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and others that are worth watching. The site even supports Continue Watching, so anything you started appears at the top for quick access when you return. Some regions may require content verification through an IP check, which is common across major streaming sites.
Pros:
- Offers an impressive mix of movies, series, and live TV channels all in one place.
- Works on every device that has a browser.
- Organized subcategories in the On-Demand section.
Cons:
- Some channels or titles may not be available in every region.
- Occasional ad breaks appear during playback.
11. YesMovies
Launched years ago, YesMovies has lasted longer than most other free streaming sites like Putlocker that often vanish or shift domains. Its library stretches past 10k titles, and this provides you with plenty of films and shows to pick from. You can browse the catalog by IMDb rating, release decade, or genre, and the quick search filters make it easy to find what you need. Many users find it more organized than several paid Putlocker alternatives.
YesMovies is an online streaming platform, so there is no app for mobile devices. Depending on your country, local rules may place the legal responsibility on you instead of the site itself. It also does not include any feature to save or download a title for later viewing.
Pros:
- Offers something for everyone.
- Worldwide accessibility.
- A scheduler is there to let you know which titles are coming soon.
Cons:
- You have to select the old site on the main page to access content.
- Often redirects to sites that encourage you to download shady software.
12. Divicast
Among all the free Putlocker alternatives, Divicast stands out for being available most of the time and for how often its library refreshes. New movies, trending titles, and even "coming soon" previews appear weekly or monthly, so the collection is never outdated. You can explore current hits and upcoming releases from the same dashboard without navigating between tabs.
Searching is simple because every search can be refined by genre, video quality, type, or release year. The foreign content section is also packed with movies and TV shows in multiple languages. Several playback servers are offered under each title, and when one stream stops responding, the next one resumes from the same point automatically.
Pros:
- Android APK is available to give you mobile access for on-the-go streaming.
- There are quick-share buttons that let you post any link on social networks.
- Streams are offered in both SD and HD quality, so you can pick the format you prefer.
- Latest releases land pretty fast.
Cons:
- Videos cannot be downloaded, and playback sometimes freezes midway through a title.
- Ads pop up on every click.
Part 3. FAQs of Putlocker Alternative
Q1. What replaced Putlocker?
A1. Free sites stepped into the gap after Putlocker disappeared. Vexmovies, 123Movies, Soap2Day, YesMovies, and Divicast all stream movies and shows in a similar way, with no monthly fee or signup. They sit closer to the old Putlocker style than the fully legal platforms with licenses that viewers still prefer today.
Q2. What are the alternative sites for Putlockers 2026?
A2. In 2026, you can still find plenty of alternatives to Putlocker. Free options such as Vexmovies, 123Movies, Soap2Day, YesMovies, and Divicast give you the same experience and collection. For safer, legal platforms, you can turn to Tubi TV, Plex TV, and Pluto TV whenever you want to watch free movies and shows at home safely, almost anytime.
Q3. Is Putlocker still safe?
A3. The original Putlocker.com shut down after copyright and piracy crackdowns, so that site is no longer operational. Since then, countless mirror sites have appeared and disappeared, all pretending to be official. Their goal is to push pirated streams and aggressive ads that carry malware risks, so they are not safe.
Conclusion on Putlocker Alternative
Putlocker had its time, but it is not a viable option anymore for your movie nights anymore. A Putlocker alternative is what you need, and with the help of this guide, you now have many platforms, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. Now, you enjoy your films and shows at home with less hassle and more control.
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Natalie Carter
Editor-in-Chief
My goal is to make technology feel less intimidating and more empowering. I believe digital creativity should be accessible to everyone, and I'm passionate about turning complex tools into clear, actionable guidance.
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