When it comes to streaming movies and TV series, Netflix is the first same that pops into mind. Launched in 2007, Netflix became the most-subscribed video-on-demand streaming service with 232+ million paid memberships across 190+ countries. But this platform’s subscription plan is expensive. Also, the streaming giant has started cracking down on account sharing, making it impossible for cinephiles to share an account with their near and dear ones. Thus, movie buffs are looking elsewhere to find other reliable free and paid platforms where they can enjoy their movies and TV shows.
And one such free website that has stood out for a long time is 123movies. The website’s name may appear sketchy, but it isn’t a scam. The site was launched in Vietnam and is considered a rich repository of high-definition movies from major motion picture studios. People enjoyed an extensive collection of movies until the MPAA complained about this site hosting pirated content. So, if you searched for the site and were thinking to yourself, did 123 movies get shut down? The answer is yes. Fortunately, when one door closes, several open. Here’s a list of the top free and paid platforms that make for the best Netflix alternatives.
Paid Platforms for Cinephiles
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Hulu
Hulu is an affordable streaming platform with a good library of TV shows, movies, and originals. The platform has 3000+ titles and partnered with top studios to bring classic shows like Frasier, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Simpsons, etc. There are also new and popular ones like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, Abbott Elementary, etc. These shows have received excellent reviews from critics and viewers.
The base plan is ad-supported, and content can be streamed on two screens at the same time. Additionally, the platform offers bundled plans that bring all the goodness of ESPN+ and Disney+ content, along with Huli movies and shows. You can also enjoy live TV with unlimited recording.
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Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is another excellent streaming service offering a vast collection of TV shows and movies without breaking the bank. The platform offers over 26000 titles with a combination of new and familiar content, such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag, etc. You will find tons of content to keep you entertained. This platform is quick in purchasing streaming rights of theatrical releases so that users can access new movies much earlier than on other platforms. You will even find over 101 Christmas movies to spice up your celebrations.
Furthermore, subscribing to this platform means leveraging Prime benefits on Amazon.
Other paid streaming platforms worth checking out are HBO Max, Mubi, and Paramount+. Mac users can check out Apple TV+, known for churning much better original shows than Netflix and other competitors.
Free Platforms for Cinephiles
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Amazon Freevee
Previously known as IMDb TV and IMDb Freedive, Amazon Freevee is one of the best free platforms to stream your favorite TV shows and movies. Amazon has partnered with Lionsgate, Sony, Universal, Disney, and more, to bring popular shows and movies on Freevee.
The only drawback is that the service is ad-supported, and you will have to watch commercials between shows and movies.
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The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is a free streaming platform where you can choose to watch TV series and movies. You can watch popular HBO titles like Raised by Wolves, Westworld, free live TV channels, and more.
The streaming service is updated regularly, and its catalog expands to add popular TV shows and movies. The service has partnered with Lionsgate, Sony, and other big names, along with local content providers.
The Roku Channel is available in Mexico, the UK, and the USA.
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Sony Crackle
Co-owned by Sony, Crackle is a popular free streaming service. You will find great content from Sony’s studio, along with popular Hollywood movies, cult classics, and loved sitcoms. Some popular movies and shows on this streaming platform are Melancholia, Sherlock, Train to Busan, Snatch, Hell’s Kitchen, etc.
Additionally, the platform hosts shows and movies from partner studios. But since the platform is free, you will have to watch 30-second commercials before watching shows or movies.
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Tubi
Tubi is another free streaming platform that does not ask for a user’s credit card to register to the site. It offers a massive library of content from studios like MGM, Lionsgate, Paramount, Warner Bros, etc. On Tubi, you can watch popular movies like Crazy on the Outside, Fist of Fury, Kill Plan, etc.
The platform doesn’t have mainstream content, but you’ll find niche content. Sign up for a free account and enjoy.
The Bottom Line
These are some popular free and paid platforms that are great alternatives to Netflix. If you were missing 123movies, you could check out the free streaming services and fulfill your movie-watching urges.