The best 123movies alternatives in 2020

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For anyone who managed to snag movies from the 123movies site, you know there was a wide selection of material. The site, which originated in Vietnam, allowed users to download high-def films from major studios. Like most sites of that ilk, it was a boon if you didn’t mind taking the risk of streaming a movie that is normally only available on commercial services.

Interestingly, the site also didn’t require a registration or subscription. If you used a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you were almost untraceable (in truth, your Internet Service Provider always knows your identity and location, even if you use a VPN). And, the site didn’t even show you a barrage of banner ads, which is the case for many movie download sites.

When the site went down, users started wondering what could replace it. Fortunately, this also coincided with the rise of legal, legitimate sites that do require a paid subscription but also let you stream many movies and shows without having to rent them individually. Here are some of the top picks that do not require a rental or purchase fee per video. These services will meet the need for those who prefer a diverse, unusual assortment of films.

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Our top legal alternatives to 123movies

Netflix
A powerhouse of original programming that started as a way to order DVD discs by mail, Netflix stands out because of the extensive library. There is a show or movie for just about any taste -- from science fiction to true crime documentaries to romance movies. For those with eclectic tastes, the suggestion engine is quite unique in that it knows what you watch and what you like. There are suggestions based on your past viewing that will surprise you, including little-known classic rock documentaries and sci-fi shows no one remembers anymore.

Hulu
With plans starting at $5.99 per month, Hulu is one of the more affordable paid (and legal) services. Like Netflix, there are original shows and movies, including a recent documentary about Hillary Clinton. You could argue that Disney+ tends to have more movies available in 4K resolution with HDR, but Hulu has a deeper archive of older television shows like sitcoms and dramas that were popular in their day and then completely melted into obscurity. Hulu also stands out because it was one of the first to offer original shows and movies.

Youtube
It’s hard to overstate the importance of YouTube as a viable alternative to sites like 123movies. While you won’t find too many Hollywood films (unless you specifically rent or purchase them), there are certainly many high-quality documentaries, user-created sitcoms, and even feature-length movies that are entertaining (if not exactly professional). In terms of pure entertainment value, some of the gameplay videos with explanations are worth investigating just for the sarcastic jokes, weird personalities, and cultural commentary.