Looking for Putlocker? You won’t find it anymore because the website is permanently closed. It may not look like it, but it is good for you if you want to watch movies and shows without headaches.
I remember using Putlocker years ago when legal streaming was expensive and limited. Back then, it felt like the only way to catch up on shows or watch movies without paying $20 per rental. But I spent more time clicking through broken links and dodging pop-ups than actually watching anything.
These days, there are so many good legal alternatives that work better than Putlocker. Let me show you the best ones, what they offer, and how to get the most out of each platform.
Important note: I’m only discussing Putlocker to help you understand better options. I don’t support watching movies or shows illegally. Everything I recommend here is completely legal and safe.
What Was Putlocker?
Putlocker was a website that provided movies and TV shows for free. It didn’t host the videos itself – instead, it collected links to content uploaded on other sites.
The site had a huge library of everything from new releases to classic movies. You could find almost any show or movie there, which made it popular with people who couldn’t afford multiple streaming services.
But Putlocker free streaming came with several problems. The links didn’t work correctly, the video quality was terrible, and the site was full of dangerous ads. With every click, you deal with pop-ups trying to install fake software or steal your information.
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Why Putlocker Kept Disappearing
Putlocker was repeatedly shut down because it helped people access copyrighted content without permission. Copyright law considers this illegal, even when the site doesn’t host the content directly.
Movie studios and TV networks spent years fighting Putlocker. Every time they shut it down, copycat sites would appear with similar names. But these copycats were usually even more dangerous than the original.
The Motion Picture Association made sites like Putlocker a top priority for shutdown because they cost the industry billions in lost revenue.
Why Legal Alternatives Are Better
The streaming world has completely changed since Putlocker’s heyday. Legal options now offer:
- Better video quality – HD and 4K instead of grainy, pixelated videos.
- Reliable streaming – Links are not broken, and servers do not crash during the good parts of videos.
- Safety – You are safe from malware, viruses, or identity theft risks.
- Convenience – Works on all devices with one click.
- Customer support – Help is available when things go wrong.
Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about legal problems or your computer getting infected.
Best Free Legal Alternatives
1. Tubi – The Top Putlocker Replacement
Tubi has become the best replacement for Putlocker, and it’s not even close. They have over 40,000 movies and TV episodes, all completely free with just ads to support the service.
What you’ll find on Tubi:
- Recent movies – Films that were in theaters just a year or two ago
- Classic Hollywood – Golden age movies from the 1940s-1980s
- Horror collection – One of the best free horror libraries online
- International films – Movies from Korea, Japan, India, and Europe with subtitles
- TV series – Complete seasons of shows like Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay’s shows, and classic sitcoms
- Original content – Tubi is starting to make its own movies and shows
The ads on Tubi are much shorter than traditional TV commercials, usually 15-30 seconds every 15 minutes. That’s way better than Putlocker’s dangerous pop-ups that tried to install viruses on your computer.
Best for: People who want the largest free movie collection with minimal ads.
Website: https://tubitv.com
2. Pluto TV – Free Cable Alternative
Pluto TV lets you watch both live TV channels and on-demand movies. It’s like having cable TV for free. They have over 250 live channels plus thousands of movies and shows that you can watch anytime.
Live channels include:
- Movie channels – Dedicated channels that play movies 24/7, sorted by genre
- News channels – CNN, NBC News, CBS News streams
- Comedy channels – Stand-up comedy and funny shows all day
- Kids channels – Safe content for children with popular cartoon networks
- Sports channels – Highlights, classic games, and sports documentaries
On-demand library:
- Paramount movies – Since Paramount owns Pluto TV, you get access to many of their films
- TV shows – Complete series from networks like Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon
- Reality TV – Full seasons of shows like Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race
Best for: People who miss channel surfing and want both live TV and movies in one place.
Website: https://pluto.tv
3. YouTube Movies – Hidden Free Gems
YouTube Movies has hundreds of free films with ads that many people don’t know about. While YouTube is known for short videos, its movie section has grown into a serious Putlocker alternative.
Free movie categories:
- Classic Hollywood – Films from the 1930s-1970s whose copyrights have expired
- Independent films – Movies from smaller studios looking to build audiences
- International cinema – Foreign films with English subtitles
- Documentaries – Educational content on every topic you can imagine
- Action and horror – B-movies as well as cult classics
What’s great about YouTube Movies:
- Excellent quality – Google’s servers mean perfect streaming every time
- Works everywhere – Available on every device that has YouTube
- Easy discovery – YouTube’s recommendation system helps you find new movies
- Community reviews – Comments help you decide what’s worth watching
Best for: For people who want reliable streaming and don’t mind older or independent films, YouTube Movies is a great Putlocker alternative.
Website: YouTube.com
4. Vudu’s Free Section (Now Called Fandago At Home)
Vudu (now owned by Fandango) started as a paid rental service but has built an impressive free section supported by ads.
Free content includes:
- Recent releases – Movies that were in theaters within the last few years
- Popular TV shows – Full episodes of current and classic series
- Family movies – Disney-style films perfect for kids
- Action blockbusters – Big-budget films with major stars
The reason why Vudu’s free section works well:
- High-quality streaming – Fandango’s technology ensures high-quality and smooth playback
- Good selection – Its partnerships with major studios provide newer content
- Easy interface – Simple to browse and find what you want easily
- Cross-platform – Works on all major streaming devices
Best for: The people who want newer movies for free and don’t mind occasional ads will find it a great option for free streaming.
Website: https://athome.fandango.com
Network and Studio Apps with Free Content
1. The Roku Channel – Expanding Beyond Roku
The Roku Channel works on most streaming devices now, not just Roku players. Their free movie section has grown to rival paid services.
Content highlights:
- Live news channels – ABC News, NBC News, and other major networks
- Movie premieres – Films that debut on the Roku Channel before other free services
- Classic TV – Full seasons of shows from the 1980s-2000s
- Kids’ programming – Safe, educational content for children
Website: https://therokuchannel.roku.com
2. IMDb TV (Now Amazon Freevee)
Amazon Freevee (formerly called IMDb TV) leverages Amazon’s massive resources to offer free premium content.
What makes Freevee special:
- Amazon originals – Some shows made for Prime Video also appear here for free
- Licensed movies – Films that Amazon has licensing deals for
- TV classics – Full seasons of popular shows from previous decades
- Ad quality – Since Amazon runs it, the ads are high-quality and relevant
Website: Amazon FreeVee
3. Network Websites and Apps
Most major TV networks now offer free content on their websites and apps:
- CBS provides full episodes of current shows like NCIS, Young Sheldon, and The Price is Right, plus classic series from their vault.
- NBC offers next-day viewing of current shows, plus classic Saturday Night Live episodes and full seasons of The Office.
- Fox has recent episodes of shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and their reality shows.
- ABC provides free episodes of current hits plus classic shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives.
- CW makes all its superhero shows available for free, including The Flash, Arrow, and Riverdale.
Library-Based Streaming Services
1. Kanopy – The Hidden Gem
Kanopy requires a library card but offers an amazing selection that rivals Netflix in quality. Many people don’t know their local library provides free access to this service.
Kanopy’s strengths:
- Independent films – Movies from Sundance and other film festivals
- Foreign cinema – Films from around the world with professional subtitles
- Documentaries – Educational content on every subject
- Classic films – Restored versions of important movies from film history
- No ads – Completely ad-free experience since libraries fund it
How to access Kanopy:
- Check if your local library partners with Kanopy
- Sign up using your library card number
- Get several free credits per month to “borrow” movies
- Watch unlimited content within your credit limit
Website: https://www.kanopy.com
2. Hoopla – Books, Movies, and More
Hoopla also uses your library card and includes movies alongside books, music, and TV shows.
Content available:
- Recent movies – Films that libraries license for digital lending
- TV series – Complete seasons of popular shows
- Documentaries – Educational content perfect for students
- International content – Movies and shows from other countries
Website: https://www.hoopladigital.com
Paid Services That Beat Putlocker
If spending some money doesn’t concern you, these services offer much more value than illegal sites and are also not risky:
1. Netflix ($15/month)
Netflix remains the gold standard for original content. Their movie selection includes:
- Netflix originals – Movies made exclusively for the platform
- Licensed blockbusters – Major films from Hollywood studios
- International films – Content from Korea, Spain, India, and other countries
- Documentaries – Award-winning documentaries on every topic
Website: https://www.netflix.com
2. Amazon Prime Video ($9/month)
Amazon Prime Video comes with Amazon Prime membership, which also includes free shipping. Movie benefits:
- Prime originals – High-budget films starring major actors
- Recent releases – Movies that were in theaters within the last year
- Classic films – Older movies included at no extra cost
- Rental options – New releases available to rent before other services
Website: https://www.primevideo.com
3. Disney+ ($8/month)
Disney+ has every Disney movie ever made. It also features:
- Marvel movies – All superhero films listed in chronological order
- Star Wars content – Every movie and show in the franchise
- Pixar films – All animated classics and new releases
- National Geographic – Nature documentaries and educational content
Website: https://www.disneyplus.com
4. Max ($10-16/month)
Max (formerly HBO Max) offers premium content, including:
- HBO series – Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and current hits
- Warner Bros movies – Major blockbusters are often available the same day as theaters
- DC content – Superhero movies and shows
- Adult animation – South Park, Rick and Morty, and similar shows
Website: https://www.hbomax.com
5. Hulu ($8/month)
Hulu is mainly known for providing current TV shows, but it also has a great collection of movies:
- Next-day TV – Current episodes of network shows
- Hulu originals – Award-winning series and films
- Comedy specials – Stand-up from popular comedians
- Horror collection – One of the best scary movie selections
Website: https://www.hulu.com
Advanced Money-Saving Strategies
Subscription Rotation Method
You can rotate the subscriptions of various platforms instead of paying for multiple services all the year round:
- January-March: Netflix (catch up on originals)
- April-June: Disney+ (Marvel and Star Wars content)
- July-September: Max (HBO shows and blockbusters)
- October-December: Hulu (current TV season)
If you follow this, you will be able to watch content for every platform for $96 per year instead of $480 for all four services.
Family Sharing
Most streaming services allow sharing with family:
- Netflix: Up to 5 profiles, multiple simultaneous streams
- Disney+: 7 profiles, 4 simultaneous streams
- Amazon Prime: 2 adults plus children
- Hulu: 6 profiles, 2 simultaneous streams
You can split costs with family members to reduce individual expenses.
Student Discounts and Deals
Many services offer significant student discounts:
- Hulu: $2/month for students (normally $8)
- Amazon Prime: $7/month for students (normally $15)
- Spotify Premium: Includes Hulu for $6/month
- Apple TV+: Often free with new Apple device purchases
Bundle Packages
Look for service bundles that save money:
- Disney Bundle: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $15/month
- Apple One: Apple TV+, Music, and iCloud for $17/month
- Amazon Prime: Video, Music, and free shipping for $15/month
Tips To Discover Content
Finding Specific Movies
When looking for a particular movie across platforms:
- Use JustWatch.com – Search for any movie and see which services have it
- Check Reelgood.com – Similar service with user ratings
- Use each platform’s search – Sometimes movies appear in search but not in browsing
- Look for director or actor pages – Find similar content you might enjoy
Discovering New Content
Each platform has different strengths for content discovery:
Tubi excels at horror and international films, Pluto TV is great for stumbling onto random good movies, Kanopy offers the best documentaries and art films, and YouTube has the most diverse selection of independent content
The “New Putlocker” Sites
Avoid any site claiming to be the “new Putlocker” or “Putlocker 2025.” These are scams designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware.
The people behind these sites know you’re looking for free content, and they’re ready to take advantage. They often look professional but are much more dangerous than the original Putlocker ever was.
Red flags for fake Putlocker sites:
- Asking you to download special software
- Requiring credit card information for “verification”
- Excessive pop-ups that won’t close
- Poor video quality despite claiming HD
- Requests for personal information
If you see any site claiming to replace Putlocker, avoid it, close your browser, and try one of the legal alternatives instead.
Device-Specific Recommendations
For Smart TVs
Best options: Tubi, Pluto TV, and Amazon Freevee all have excellent smart TV apps with easy navigation using your remote.
For Mobile Devices
Best options: YouTube Movies and Vudu work great on phones and tablets, with offline viewing options for some content.
For Computers
Best options: All services work well in web browsers, but Kanopy and Hoopla offer the best quality for serious movie watching.
For Streaming Devices
Best options: Roku Channel and Pluto TV were designed for streaming devices and offer the smoothest experience.
My Honest Take
As someone who has already used Putlocker when options were limited, I can tell you that legal streaming now is infinitely better. I had wasted hours hunting for a working link, dealing with pop-ups, and watching movies that looked like they were filmed with a potato.
The free legal options available today have more content than Putlocker had, and all content is in high quality and streams seamlessly. When I want to watch a movie now, I find it instantly and start watching immediately in perfect quality.
Some services indeed cost money, but for $6-15 a month, you get access to thousands of movies and shows that stream perfectly on any device. That’s less than most people spend on lunch in a single day.
If money is really tight, start with Tubi, Pluto TV, and check what your library offers through Kanopy. You’ll find plenty of movies to watch than you have time for, and all are entirely legal and safe.
The variety available now is incredible. Between free and paid services, you can find any content you want – from the latest blockbusters to obscure foreign films, from classic TV shows to cutting-edge documentaries.
Bottom Line
Watching movies with Putlocker is frustrating, risky, and often disappointing, and it is outdated. The movie streaming world has completely changed since then.
Legal alternatives are now more convenient, safer, and often free. You can watch what you want, when you want, without worrying about viruses, legal trouble, or broken links.
Don’t waste time looking for the “next Putlocker.” The future of movie streaming is not some risky or sketchy site; it’s legal platforms that are actually better than anything Putlocker ever offered.
The best part? You can start watching great movies tonight without any risk or frustration. Pick one or two services from this list, set up your account, and start enjoying movies the way they were meant to be watched – in high quality, without interruption, and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Putlocker in its original form is no longer active. While similar sites still appear, they are unofficial, often unsafe, and may contain harmful content.
No, Putlocker is not considered legal or safe. It typically offers pirated movies and TV shows without proper licensing, which violates copyright laws. Additionally, many Putlocker-like sites are known to contain pop-up ads, trackers, and malware that can harm your device or compromise your personal information. It's best to avoid these sites and use legal streaming platforms instead.
The best alternatives to Putlocker are streaming platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, and Peacock. These services provide free access to a large selection of movies and TV shows, supported by ads. Unlike Putlocker, they are safe, legal, and don’t put your device or personal data at risk.
Yes, platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, and Peacock Free offer free, legal streaming with ad support. They provide a safe and legitimate way to watch movies and TV shows.
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