Currently, 123movies has built a reputation as a go-to source for offering free streaming of Hollywood films, and other indie movies, as well as everything in-between. Even though the site enjoyed a massive success, it has gone through many shutdowns and iterations. It is a story of controversy, and a string of lawsuits and factual repositioning.
However, the wonders of free streaming movies online are usually risky. There is always a gamble with free streaming platforms. It’s either a ton of fun with free streaming or hackers will steal all your personal data with phishing websites. Whether you’ve tried “123movies free streaming” or “Soap2Day,” you are never completely safe. Before we go into it, let’s make sure you grasp all elements of this famous—if not notorious—website.
What is 123movies?
123Movies is an example of the unofficial free online streaming option, also known as the Netflix of the internet. It began as a basic website in Vietnam in 2015. In no time it started growing popularly it became famous so quickly that the owners could hardly believe themselves. Why? Because it delivered what everyone wanted: the unlimited and immediate availability of thousands of films and programs with no charge.
And it was not limited to movies only. This site had everything: from sitcoms to anime, documentaries and even unknown foreign language films. No subscription, no fee: it’s simple, just click and play. While for personal users the Internet danced them into the twenty-first century, for copyright holders it was a waking nightmare.
A brief timeline of 123Movies
- 2015: Launched quietly in Vietnam.
- 2017: Accustomed to claiming the title of ‘the most popular illicit site in the world’ according to the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America).
- 2018: Closed officially, due to legal issues.
- Post-2018: Came back, again and again, Holden-like, under one name/URL, and then under another hidden name/URL.
Though the original 123Movies website has been closed down, its iterations are still on the internet.
What is 123movies called now?
Oh, here things start to get a bit complicated. As you can see, 123Movies is a digital disguised identity entertainment platform that downloads and streams movies to its users.
Today it subsists under innumerable name iterations. Have you come across GoMovies, GoStream, 123MoviesHub or their alternatives? Yup, that’s all 123Movies. It exists as clones and mirror sites throughout the internet. They are established by ingenious operators familiar with the ways of avoiding regulation constraints.
But beware! Not all these sites are safe. Quite a number of these; contain viruses, have phishing scams, and even come with pop-up advertisements. Some may even steal your data quicker than a spy within a James Bond film.
Is 123movie down?
The short answer? Yes. But also no. Confused? Let me explain.
I have to stress that the first 123Movies were released a long time ago. It became too hot for its creators after attracting legal attention and was officially removed in 2018. Governments globally tightened the screws saying so as a result of alleged infringement of copyright laws. For a number of months it appeared that streaming media was no longer going to be available for free.
But the internet doesn’t play by the rules. Like, many new fake sites also dawned after that. Some were even indistinguishable from the real thing. Thus, as soon as the ‘‘real” 123Movies went offline, the concept lived on, so to speak. But do not bet on these fresh new variants to be steady: They come and go quicker than your side character in a horror movie.
What replaced 123Movies?
After the top tier of 123Movies was shut down the latter part of last year a number appeared to fill that gap. Here are a few platforms that have taken the spotlight:
Legal alternatives (For the Goody-Two-Shoes):
- Tubi – Free but ad-supported.
- Pluto TV – A combination of live stream and movies on demand.
- Crackle – A social platform Sony has set on for the 123Movies audience.
Not-so-legal alternatives (For the rebels):
- Putlocker – As close to iconic as it can be, although it is struggling to stay afloat.
- Fmovies – A clean and dark 123Movies look alike.
SolarMovie – From my point of view, it has a better interface.
All are somewhat similar but none are as uniquely inviting as 123Movies. However, you need to be very cautious and that is because, streaming on these sites is like walking a thin bridge over a pool of malware.
Is 123movie a free online movie streaming site?
Before we go any further, let’s dispel the elephant that has been lurking in the room. Yes, 123Movies is free – for the better or the worse. It thrives on a simple principle: allow people to watch movies, series and TV-Shows without paying a single cent. No registration. No hidden charges. Just press play.
But how in the name of the trick does this happen? Spoiler alert: it’s not really magic.
The procedure of online 123Movies streaming
Here’s the secret sauce:
- Third-party hosting: In fact, the site doesn’t host the files of the movies. Instead, it only points the user to other servers where the files are stored.
- Advertising: Online advertisements (sometimes narrow and of the aggressive type) pay the operational bill. Some may know it as pop-ups, autoplay videos and banners as far as the eye can see.
- Sketchy partnerships: Nevertheless, some highly questionable mirror sites exist and get involved in cooperation with dubious subjects. This contributes to their rather ill repute.
However, these sites like 123Movies have a supplementary problem: you have to pay your safety and privacy for free movies. It is indispensable to stress on the consideration that a cybersecurity threat is located at any given place. So, is it worth it? Well, like all things in life, it depends on your risk taking ability.
How to stream on 123movies free?
Watching movies on 123Movies is surprisingly easy. But as you have seen, simple does not necessarily equal safety, so be very careful. Here’s how it’s done:
Steps to stream on 123Movies free:
- Find a working site: In order to watch movies on 123Movies, find an active 123Movies mirror/clone. One should ensure they read the recent user reviews in order to distinguish a fake site.
- Equip Your Browser: You should put an ad-blocker and an antivirus software. Using these tools, you may protect yourself from silly pop-ups and dangerous malware.
- Search for your movie/show: Enter the title you are looking for directly into an advanced search box located at the top of the site.
- Click and watch: Choose link among available servers on the list. If one doesn’t work, try another one of them.
- Beware of pop-ups: This is because other windows may open once you click on the play button.
- Don’t download anything: Stick to streaming. When it comes to downloads, then one is surely getting a straight ticket to having viruses.
While the process seems harmless, remember: free comes at a cost. Legal and cybersecurity risks are endemic and are part and parcel of operating in the digital environment.
Is 123movies legal?
Spoiler alert: 123Movies is not legal. The site works in an unauthorized manner and without regard to copyright laws. Let’s break it down.
Copyright problems and legal repercussions
- Unauthorized content: 123Movies hosts movies and TV series in its platform without having the necessary copyright license. That is a staggering and elementary example for a copyright infringement.
- Legal backlash: The copyright violation or giving out or attaining unlawful break is a criminal endeavor in numerous states. They can even be subjected to fines or legal notices.
Local limitation and dangerous of consumption
The legalities of using 123Movies vary with jurisdiction.
- Countries with Strict Laws: England, America and Australia are countries which do not condone piracy at all. Users here are at high risk of getting sued.
- VPN Workarounds: Some users, however, can avoid such restrictions by using VPN systems. But it only makes the act less personal due to the layers of anonymity involved.
In other words, if you have no desire to have a record with the law, please avoid 123Movies. Instead, you can go to the paid services like Netflix or Hulu.
Is 123movies safe?
123Movies is a digital minefield. Yes, it is free but it can take your data, security or sanity away from you in the process. Here’s why.
Malware, phishing, and concerns related to the protection of data are the three types of threats.
- Malware Risks: Almost all 123Movies clones contain malware in their platforms. This is simplified as, click one link and your device is infected.
- Phishing Schemes: Some of the fake sites resemble the legal sites for streaming with an intention of ripping off your identity.
- Tracking Cookies: These sites may monitor your activity and pass this information to those interested in the market. And this is Creepy.
Risks of Ads and Pop-ups
- Relentless Pop-ups: Just scrolling over any link in the site could lead to pop-up, pop-under advertisements, and banners. Some actually take you to risky locations, well at least their home page did when I checked.
- Fake Updates: Be Wary of pop-ups which tell you to install an update or software which they insert is necessary for your computer’s functioning. Such are usually disguises – Trojan horses for malware.
If you must have to use 123Movies well, don’t do so without a shield. The best shield for this are; A VPN, strong antivirus software, and common sense.
Should kids use 123 Movies to watch movies?
Here’s the honest truth: One thing is very clear, 123Movies is not safe for kids. Although with apparent freedom of resources and multiple full-length movies, the dangers are much higher than the benefits gained.
Inappropriate content
- Unfiltered access: There are no parental controls or age filters implemented to prevent under age people from using this service. It takes children only a heartbeat to come across some Adult Material.
- Graphic Ads: Some pop-ups contain sexually-charged or otherwise shocking pictures which make the presented site improper for minors.
Continued absence of filters based on the age of the user
123Movies does not cater to children. That is why young users have no protection and can easily stay on R-rated content. Parents, take note: this is a red flag.
Luckily, parents can use parental controls apps like FlashGet kids to configure limits on such sites. With FlashGet Kids, parents can enjoy A Better Streaming Experience with FlashGet Kids
FlashGet Kids can help limit most of the risks listed above, when it comes to kids using 123movies. It is a parental control tool that can restrict certain apps and help you monitor what your kid is doing on their phones in real time. So, if you’re concerned about your child spending time on 123movies or any other app like it, try using FlashGet Kids parental controls. It offers:
- App to ensure your child doesn’t install any malware.
- Screen mirroring to check if they are watching R rated content.
- Keyword detection to ensure they don’t search for mature content.
- Browser safety to ensure safety when they surf the web.
All in all, FlashGet Kids takes all the stress away from parents, when they wish to protect their kid’s privacy and digital lives. On top of that, this app is free to install and use. So, test it out without spending a penny on its features.
Safer alternatives for kids
- Netflix Kids: You can create kids profiles to keep kids entertained with a ton of content suitable for their age.
- Disney+ Kids Mode: It as a subcategory mainly provides its content tailored for children and teenagers.
- YouTube Kids: Free but allows a limited select range so that it may be watched by kids.
Conclusion
Among all sites, 123Movies changed streaming by providing free and immediate access to movies and series. The site clearly had a lot going for it – branding and all – but it also had its problems: the legal problems, the viruses, the lack of security. These clones and mirrors are still with us today, for all that the original site is off the air.
For families, it is even considered as unsuitable for kids, has no limit, or has content that should not be viewed by children. Luckily, legal and safe platforms such as Netflix and Tubi to some extent can be a good alternative for this. Even though “123movies free streaming’’ looks appealing, it comes at a price that interferes with privacy and security. Stream wisely, and use tools like FlashGet Kids to keep your family safe.
