21 Best Putlocker Sites, Free Alternatives to Go in 2025!
Putlocker, popular for pirated streaming, is loved by avid viewers for its vast library of movies and TV shows and its simple accessibility. Due to its illegal distribution of copyrighted content, authorities have shut it down multiple times, leaving users searching for alternatives.
Although Putlocker’s original website is no longer reliably accessible, several mirror and proxy sites have emerged over time. Yet, these sites carry risks that can compromise your device and personal information. For this reason, exploring best free alternatives is a wiser option for streaming your favorite movies and shows in 2025.
This guide explores Putlocker mirrors, the risks of using such sites, tips for safer access, and a comprehensive list of the 21 best alternatives to Putlocker.
Disclaimer
At Gadgets Nurture, we do not encourage or support piracy in any form. Using unauthorized platforms to watch copyrighted content is illegal and unsafe. The information provided in this guide is purely educational, aiming to inform readers about Putlocker, its risks, and safer alternatives. We strongly recommend choosing legal streaming services to protect your privacy, support content creators, and avoid potential legal consequences.
Putlocker Sites (Proxy & Mirrors)
The original Putlocker shut down, but there are several clones and mirrors that exist, allowing users to access its content. However, these sites can be risky. Some of the commonly accessed Putlocker proxies and mirrors include:
- Putlocker.vip (Working)
- Putlocker.best (Working)
- w5.putlocker.to (Working)
- putlocker.pe (Working)
- gigamaxcinema.com (Working)
- Putlockerhd.to (Working)
Important Disclaimer: These mirror sites are often the first option for viewers familiar with Putlocker, but using them can expose your device and personal information to significant risks.
Why was the Putlocker Site Closed Down?
Putlocker was a giant in the world of free streaming, but its success inevitably drew the attention of copyright authorities. The platform hosted vast amounts of movies and TV shows without obtaining the proper licenses, directly violating copyright laws. Its widespread popularity and the sheer volume of illegal content made it a prime target for legal action.
In 2016, the High Court in the United Kingdom issued an order to shut down the website, citing copyright infringement as the primary reason. This was followed by the Australian Federal Court blocking access to Putlocker and other similar websites. Despite these actions, the site continued to resurface under new URLs, often using mirror and proxy domains to evade bans.
The repeated shutdowns were driven not just by legal pressures but also by the increasing awareness among governments and Internet Service Providers about the risks associated with pirated platforms.
The closures were necessary to protect intellectual property rights and to curb illegal streaming that threatened the revenue of legitimate content creators. Even though Putlocker’s legacy persists through its clones, the original platform was permanently forced offline due to these ongoing legal battles.
21 Best Alternatives to Putlocker
Here are the top 21 Putlocker alternatives in 2025, with descriptions to help you choose the right platform:
123Movies
123Movies is one of the oldest free streaming platforms, offering movies, TV series, anime, and Asian dramas. No registration is required, but ads are present.
Tubi
Tubi offers a large catalog of films and TV shows for free, primarily for US users. Registration is not required, and content can be accessed via VPN outside the US.
Crackle
Owned by Sony, Crackle provides a growing library of movies and TV series. VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark can unblock it outside the US. Ads are moderate, and registration is optional.
FMovies
FMovies quickly adds new content and organizes it by genre, country, and popularity. It works well with VPNs, although users may encounter intrusive ads.
Peacock TV
NBC’s streaming platform offers thousands of free titles, live channels, and original shows. A subscription plan is optional. VPNs can bypass US restrictions.
SolarMovie
SolarMovie has an accurate search system and a large international section, including Asian films. No registration is needed, but pop-ups are frequent.
Vudu
Vudu is a legal VOD platform offering movies and TV shows. Users need a free account, and VPNs help access it outside the US. (Url: https://athome.fandango.com/.)
MoviesJoy
MoviesJoy streams HD movies and TV shows with minimal ads and requires no registration. VPNs are compatible.
IMDb TV (Freevee)
Amazon’s Freevee offers movies, TV shows, and original content. Requires an Amazon account, limited to US users, and a VPN is needed elsewhere.
Xumo
Xumo offers live channels and on-demand movies. Available to US users, but can be accessed via VPN. Ads are moderate. (URL: https://www.xumo.com)
GoMovies
GoMovies has a minimalistic design with low ad interference. No registration is required, and it works with VPNs.
PopcornFlix
PopcornFlix provides a catalog of movies with no TV content. Registration is optional, and ads are moderate. (URL: https://popcornflix.com/)
AZMovies
AZMovies streams HD movies, including cult classics. Mirror links ensure accessibility, but users may encounter pop-ups.
FilmRise
FilmRise offers over 20,000 titles, including TV shows and movies. VPN is needed for geo-restricted access, and registration is required.
PrimeWire
PrimeWire organizes content by IMDb rating, genre, and release date. Works well with VPNs and does not require registration.
YouTube
YouTube allows free viewing of movies and shows uploaded legally. Ads are present, but YouTube Premium removes them. (URL: https://www.youtube.com/)
Megashare
Megashare hosts international films and TV series in HD. Users should enable VPN and antivirus protection due to the lack of HTTPS.
5Movies
5Movies offers minimal ads and a clean interface, focusing on ease of navigation and search. VPN compatible.
Yidio
Yidio aggregates content from multiple streaming platforms, acting as a search engine. Registration is required, and VPN split tunneling works for access.
Afdah
Afdah offers a large collection of movies in HD. Streams are updated quickly, but content may be pirated. VPN is recommended.
Vumoo
Vumoo provides a user-friendly interface, minimal pop-ups, and HD content. VPNs work to access content outside restricted regions.
How to Access Putlocker Sites Safely?
If you decide to use Putlocker mirrors, you can reduce risks by following these precautions:
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is your first line of defense. A good VPN conceals your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity, and encrypts your internet traffic so that hackers cannot intercept your data. It also adds protection against malicious scripts or malware that may be present on pirated streaming sites.
While free VPNs might seem appealing, they often compromise privacy and performance. A premium VPN service, such as NordVPN, balances security and streaming speed, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted video playback. Antivirus software is another essential safeguard, providing real-time protection against threats that may slip past VPNs or pop-up blockers.
By combining a trusted VPN with antivirus protection and exercising caution when interacting with advertisements or download prompts, users can navigate Putlocker-like sites with a reduced risk of compromising their privacy. Nevertheless, the safest way to enjoy movies and TV shows is still through legitimate streaming platforms.
FAQs
Is Putlocker legal?
No, Putlocker streams copyrighted content without permission, making it illegal.
Can Putlocker harm my device?
Yes, malware and phishing attempts are common on its mirrors.
Are there free legal alternatives?
Yes, platforms like Tubi, Crackle, PopcornFlix, and Peacock TV offer free and safe content.
Do I need a VPN for these sites?
Importantly, no, but remember that VPNs enhance privacy and help access geo-restricted content.
Can I download movies from these alternatives?
Some platforms, like Vudu, YouTube Premium, and Tubi, support offline downloads.
Ending Lines
Putlocker may no longer be reliably accessible, but the demand for free streaming content has led to multiple alternatives. While many offer similar features, users must be cautious of security and legal risks. The safest way to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows is by opting for legal platforms or combining VPN protection with free streaming.
By choosing wisely, you can enjoy endless entertainment without compromising privacy, safety, or the law.
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