The following guide lists the best Putlocker Alternatives for watching free movies, TV series, and more online.
Putlocker was one of the most popular free streaming sites in its prime, pulling in millions of users worldwide. Frequent shutdowns and legal pressure eventually killed the original site, leaving fans hunting for replacements that actually work.
The good news is that several legitimate and safe options have emerged in 2026, covering everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films and live TV.
What Happened to Putlocker?
Putlocker rose to fame as a top free site for streaming movies and TV series. The original Putlocker.bz was shut down by UK authorities in 2016 after being labeled one of the world’s biggest piracy threats, and the clones and mirrors that followed have been hit by waves of domain seizures ever since.
ACE and the MPA seized hundreds of pirate streaming domains in Q1 2025 and another 100 in Q2 2025, with Putlocker-branded clones repeatedly caught in those sweeps.
If you visit any of the surviving mirror sites, you’ve probably noticed they’re packed with pop-ups and sketchy ads that make picking a movie a chore.
We can clean those up with the help of Surfshark VPN, which has a built-in “CleanWeb” feature that blocks ads and malware on websites and apps.
Our reviews team at TROYPOINT has ranked the best Putlocker alternative sites below based on safety, content library, categories, user-interface, ad frequency, VPN compatibility, speed, popularity, and feedback from the TROYPOINT Insider.
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The following list was last updated on Fri, Aug, 21, 2026
Best Putlocker Alternatives in 2026
Below you will find verified replacement websites for Putlocker that are 100% legal to access.
1. Tubi
Official Website: Tubi
Tubi is the most reliable free streaming service available right now. The catalog has grown past 280,000 titles and pulls in over 100 million monthly active users, with everything from blockbuster movies to classic TV and a deep anime section.
The app is readily available for use on every device and this includes Smart TVs, Media devices, mobile phones, and more.
2. Pluto TV
Official Website: Pluto TV
Pluto TV pairs live TV with a deep on-demand library. Owned by Paramount, it carries 250+ free live channels plus thousands of movies and shows on demand. Cord-cutters can also grab the Pluto TV M3U playlist to stream those channels inside an IPTV player.
The platform is a great pick if you like to channel surf or want to watch Movies (& Shows) with instant playback.
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3. The Roku Channel
Official Website: The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel offers free movies, TV shows, and live news channels with a household reach of about 145 million. While it was originally built for Roku devices, users can also download on compatible options, including Android/Google TV & Fire TV systems.
The platform mixes new releases with classic titles as well as Roku originals and more.
4. XUMO Play
Official Website: XUMO Play
XUMO Play blends 290+ live channels with an on-demand catalog of free movies and shows. It’s now jointly owned by Comcast and Charter, and comes pre-installed on tons of popular Smart TVs for immediate entertainment.
If you want more than just Video-on-Demand, give Xumo Play a try.
5. Plex
Official Website: Plex
Plex still runs an ad-supported streaming service with thousands of free movies, shows, and live FAST channels. It is easy to install/navigate and has a plethora of fabulous titles that are constantly being updated.
If you want a more premium experience, you can opt for the “Remote Watch Pass” which is currently priced at $2.99/month or $29.99/year. For a full-fledged subscription, Plex also offers the Plex Pass which is $6.99/month or $69.99/year.
6. Samsung TV Plus
Official Website: Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus has quietly become one of the biggest free streaming platforms on the planet, with 88 million monthly active users and over 700 free live channels. No signup or account is required, and the on-demand library covers movies, sports, news, and reality TV.
You don’t need a Samsung device either. The web player works in any browser, and apps are available on Galaxy phones, Android TV, and the Samsung Smart TV ecosystem.
7. Prime Video (Free with Ads)
Official Website: Prime Video
Amazon shut down Freevee in September 2025 and folded the catalog into a “Watch for Free” tier inside Prime Video. You don’t need a Prime subscription to use it, just a free Amazon account.
The free section includes hundreds of ad-supported movies and shows, including former Freevee originals like Bosch: Legacy and Jury Duty.
8. Sling TV Freestream
Official Website: Sling TV Freestream
Sling TV Freestream offers more than 200 live TV channels and thousands of on-demand movies and shows for free. There’s no subscription required and no credit card on file.
It’s a strong pick if you want a mix of live TV and on-demand content without paying a dime.
9. Fandango at Home (Formerly Vudu)
Official Website: Fandango at Home
Fandango at Home runs a free ad-supported section alongside its rental and purchase store. The “Free with Ads” library includes plenty of titles in HD quality.
Streaming stability is solid, and high-definition playback is the norm rather than the exception.
10. YouTube (Free Movies Section)
Official Website: YouTube
YouTube’s free movie section is a hidden gem for streaming fans. The lineup rotates between Hollywood hits, indie titles, and a growing slate of free-with-ads originals.
The selection changes often, but it’s a safe and reliable place to catch a free movie without sketchy redirects.
11. Kanopy
Official Website: Kanopy
Kanopy is a free, ad-free streaming service tied to your local public library or university. If your library participates, you sign in with your library card and unlock a catalog of more than 30,000 titles, heavy on indie films, documentaries, and Criterion-style classics.
There are no ads, no subscription fees, and no rentals. Most libraries cap monthly play credits, but for film fans it’s one of the best free options out there.
12. Hoopla
Official Website: Hoopla
Hoopla is the more mainstream cousin of Kanopy. It’s also free with a participating library card, but the catalog leans toward Hollywood titles, recent TV seasons, and family-friendly picks. On top of movies and shows, Hoopla also carries audiobooks, ebooks, and comics.
Most libraries hand out a set number of monthly borrows, and titles can be streamed or downloaded for offline viewing through the mobile apps.
13. Popcornflix
Official Website: Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a free streaming site that offers a large collection of movies and TV shows without registration. The platform features content across various genres including action, comedy, horror, drama, and family-friendly titles.
Similar to other Putlocker alternatives, Popcornflix is ad-supported and provides licensed content, making it a popular choice for users seeking a legal streaming option. Its simple interface and extensive on-demand library make it easy to browse and start watching with just a few clicks.
Are Putlocker Alternative Websites Legal?
The legality depends on which platform you pick. Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, and others listed above are 100% legal because they have licensing deals with content owners.
Unofficial streaming sites on the other hand, sit in a legal gray area. Sticking with verified platforms is the safest way to avoid headaches.
The end-user is responsible for all content accessed through unverified apps. For verified options, see our list of legal streaming apps.
Are They Safe?
Legitimate platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Samsung TV Plus are safe to use because they’re backed by major media companies and don’t push harmful ads or malware.
Unofficial streaming sites are a different story. Pop-ups, malicious ads, and even drive-by viruses are all common risks.
To stay safe, always scan a site with VirusTotal first and use a VPN for privacy.
TROYPOINT Tip: Always use a VPN to protect your identity and security when streaming free movies and TV shows with third party applications.
Final Thoughts from Troy
The original Putlocker has been dead since 2016, and the clones still floating around in 2026 are a malware roulette wheel I wouldn’t spin on my worst day.
Every service in the list above is licensed, free, and safe to use on any streaming device. So stacking some of these alternatives like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Kanopy can replace Putlocker without costing you a dollar.
Do you have another Putlocker alternative you use that isn’t on our list? Drop it in the comments below!
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