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.
Quick Guide: How to Download Movies From 123Movies Safely in 3 Easy Steps
- Hide your IP address. By hiding your actual IP when using 123Movies clone sites, snoops and hackers can't track you.
- Use virus and malware protection. Since 123movies can give you a virus, or worse, invest in a premium all-in-one adblocker.
- Start watching movies. Go to a trustworthy 123Movies mirror site (like 123moviesfree.net) and watch movies for free.
Pro Tip: Use a VPN to Stay Safe While Watching 123Movies
A VPN is the easiest way to encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address. By routing your traffic through its private server network, a VPN prevents third parties from accessing your private information, helping you stay anonymous online.
Some VPNs also offer ad, tracker, and malware protection. This is an excellent solution when visiting streaming websites that have annoying pop-ups or dangerous software. On top of that, premium VPNs have thousands of fast servers worldwide for uninterrupted streaming in HD.
Military-Grade Security Features
DEAL: Save 49% + 30-day money-back guarantee
Editor's Choice for Security
Our Score: 10.0
High-level encryption keeps you safe online
Verified to not collect or share data
Visit ExpressVPN
Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.
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:
| The legal stance of piracy | Country |
| Piracy permitted for personal use | Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Poland |
| Piracy is illegal and prosecuted | United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada (though penalties are less severe), Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Israel, Greece, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, and Philippines |
| Piracy is illegal but not actively prosecuted | Russia, Brazil, Poland, India (though there are efforts to combat it), many countries in Africa, China (enforcement varies by region), Latvia (enforcement can be lax), and Uruguay (enforcement can be lax) |
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.
Perfect for Streaming on All Devices
DEAL: Save 49% + 30-day money-back guarantee
Editor's Choice for Streaming
Our Score: 10.0
Safely stream content without interruption
Watch movies and TV shows in UHD
Visit ExpressVPN
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. Plex — Enjoy over 600 Free TV Channels
Plex is available everywhere
Plex is a free, ad-supported streaming service that lets you watcha 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.
Perfect for Streaming on All Devices
DEAL: Save 49% + 30-day money-back guarantee
Editor's Choice for Streaming
Our Score: 10.0
Safely stream content without interruption
Watch movies and TV shows in UHD
Visit ExpressVPN
Best VPNs for 123Movies in 2024
- ExpressVPN — Impressive speeds for uninterrupted streaming. Plus, its military-grade encryption and Threat Manager feature keep you safe on 123Movies. The latter blocks third-party URLs associated with trackers and malicious websites.
- CyberGhost — Simple, intuitive apps that even beginners can use to keep them safe on 123Movies clone sites. Its Content Blocker feature also automatically stops ads, trackers, and malware.
- Private Internet Access — Customizable settings to optimize your connection for optimal safety on 123movies. Plus, a built-in ad and malware blocker called MACE.
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
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.
Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN
