Streaming movies and TV shows online has always been easier, with numerous platforms offering free access to the latest blockbusters and classic hits. HiMovies is a popular choice for people looking to fulfill their entertainment needs through an extensive library with zero subscription fees. However, with several downtimes, legal challenges, and domain changes, finding a more reliable alternative becomes a necessity.
Whether you’re looking for a site with fewer ads, a more stable streaming experience, or a platform with better video quality, we’ve got you. We’ve compiled a list of the 3 legal alternatives to HiMovies, breaking down their features, and pros and cons to help you find the best one for you.
The Best HiMovies Alternatives – Quick List
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown of the best sites like HiMovies to watch your favorite TV shows and movies in 2025:
- Popcornflix: Owned by Screen Media Ventures, Popcornflix is a legal streaming service featuring content for free.
- Tubi TV: Offers an impressive collection of movies and TV series from major studios like MGM and Paramount.
- YouTube: The top video-sharing platform worldwide. Hosts a vast selection of free movies, documentaries, and web series.
How to Access Streaming Sites Like HiMovies with a VPN

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can access websites without restrictions:
- Visit ExtremeVPN’s official website and sign up for a plan. This ensures you enjoy uninterrupted and protected streaming.
- Download the VPN app on the device you intend to stream on. Impressively, ExtremeVPN is compatible with multiple devices, i.e., iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows.
- Launch the ExtremeVPN app and connect to a server. If the streaming site is geo-restricted, then choose a server in the region where it is available.
- Visit the website. Now that your VPN is active, you can safely visit and stream from HiMovies or its alternatives without restrictions.
3 Best Streaming Platforms Like HiMovies – Detailed List
1. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is just the right alternative to HiMovies. The site has a diverse range of movies and TV shows to meet all your entertainment needs. It’s also one of the few platforms that has a dedicated app suitable for Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire Stick, and Roku.
With Popcornflix, you get access to exclusive original programming that features unique content you won’t readily find anywhere else. It’s also more straightforward to find videos to watch, thanks to its categorizations like horror, action, and documentary films. The good news for parents is that there’s a dedicated Kids’ Section where children can watch safe and age-appropriate content without running into adult-themed ads.

Yes, Popcornflix generates its revenue from ads. Though these ads may interrupt your viewing, they don’t necessarily ruin the streaming experience because they are comparatively shorter and less intrusive than pop-ups. These are also vetted ads, so there are no malware-ridden links like on unofficial streaming sites.
The biggest downside to Popcornflix is its limited content selection, especially if you compare it to others. You might also not find the latest blockbuster or trending Netflix series, but it still offers a decent variety of movies and TV shows. Additionally, Popcornflix is geo-restricted in some countries, so a reliable VPN like ExtremeVPN will come in handy for accessing it.
While Popcornflix is running today, it shut down recently. So we can’t say how long it is going to operate. Also, the interface seems black and you might also encounter problems while accessing the content. If that’s the case, here are the top alternatives to Popcorflix to help you get an interrupted streaming journey.
2. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is a free and legitimate website that offers thousands of movies and TV shows. Fox Corporation owns this platform, so it boasts of partnerships with major studios like Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate. Being a top leader for free movies and TV shows, you can expect to find diverse content, including reality TV, foreign films, Hollywood blockbusters, and even anime.
For budget-conscious viewers who want to stream content legally and ethically, turning to Tubi TV won’t be a bad idea. The site’s interface is easy to navigate and relatively straightforward. Since there are detailed descriptions of the video content and even trailers and IMDb ratings, making informed decisions on what to watch has never been easier.

It also frequently updates its library, providing fresh and the latest releases. You can also stream on the go because Tubi TV is compatible with several devices, like your mobile phone and even streaming sticks, ensuring you take entertainment with you anywhere you go. There’s a ‘Continue Watching’ feature that allows you to pick up where you left off on any device.
Unfortunately, Tubi TV is ad-supported, and though the ads are not so intrusive, they are still featured in movies and TV shows. Some content is also geo-restricted, so those shows or movies are only available in specific regions. So you might need a VPN if you want full access to Tubi’s content.
3. YouTube
YouTube is one of the top-rated platforms for free streaming. Unlike other free streaming sites like HiMovies, it is not limited to just movies and TV shows. Instead, it offers everything from Hollywood blockbusters and documentaries to web series and even user-generated content.
Curious about YouTube’s most significant advantages? The platform’s official partnership with production companies and studios means you can find legally uploaded movies and TV shows for free. It’s common for studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM to release full-length movies that are free to stream, though they may include ads.

YouTube also brings good news to parents with its kids section, YouTube Kids. This is a safe space for children to watch age-appropriate content. You can easily set up controls to filter content and ensure family-friendly streaming. YouTube’s video quality is also adjustable, allowing you to watch content in 4K or even lower resolutions based on your internet speed.
Subtitles are readily available on YouTube; several videos even come with auto-generated captions. The major drawback of the website is that not all movies or TV shows are free. Some content is part of YouTube Movies, meaning you must rent or purchase it.
Why Look for an Alternative to HiMovies?

HiMovies is a free streaming platform that allows you to watch TV shows and movies. It has a massive library with various video content to meet your entertainment needs. If it seems like a one-size-fits-all platform, why do you need an alternative for it? You may ask.
Despite its appeal, HiMovies has several drawbacks that prevent you from staying on top of your entertainment game. Let’s take a look at these reasons:
Security and Legal Concerns
The website’s operations aren’t legal, given that it hosts copyrighted content, exposing you to several risks. It lacks necessary security measures, leaving you vulnerable to data breaches.
If you’re concerned about the ethical implications of using an unlicensed site, it’s advisable to get a legal alternative site where you don’t have to worry about such issues.
Malicious Ads and Pop-ups
Unofficial websites like HiMovies can expose you to malware and phishing scams through intrusive ads and pop-ups. Just one wrong click can give a malicious IP access to your private information, like your passwords and personal records.
Because these sites change domains frequently, you risk clicking on a mirror site that could compromise your online privacy and security. It’s also very challenging to deal with redirects and pop-ups when all you want to do is just stream your favorite show.
Stream Quality and Technical Problems
You might also experience buffering and streaming problems. The servers on HiMovies are prone to slow loading times and other technical issues that can take away from the overall fun of streaming. HiMovies is also plagued with inconsistent content availability, as certain movies may disappear without notice.
Geo-restrictions
The platform is not available globally, so depending on your region, accessing the site’s content can be challenging. What’s the point of a free streaming site with a massive library if you don’t even get to access it from your region? In cases like this, you may need an alternative site. Alternatively, you can download and use ExtremeVPN to help you bypass geo-restrictions.
Is HiMovies Safe?

HiMovies lacks essential security measures. Understanding these risks is important if your plan is to stream content without jeopardizing your online safety.
There’s a high probability of encountering malicious ads. This is expected since the platform does not charge users for access, and it has to generate revenue somehow. So how does it generate this revenue? Through advertisement.
These ads can redirect you to harmful websites that contain malware, spyware, or phishing scams. Some pop-ups may even install unwanted programs on your device without your knowledge. You might even be confident in avoiding clicking on ads, but some scripts run in the background and compromise your system’s security.
HiMovies also does not provide a secure connection for users. It lacks HTTPS encryption, meaning hackers can intercept any data you enter while using the site. These hackers can check out your IP address, browsing habits, and even your login credentials for other platforms. If you stream on public Wi-Fi networks, you should know your information is even more vulnerable to theft.
HiMovies is not a safe or secure platform for watching movies and TV shows. If you’re concerned about safety, you can check out premium streaming services in this article. Alternatively, you can use a reliable VPN like ExtremeVPN to ensure a secure online presence.
Is HiMovies Legal?

HiMovies provides access to copyrighted content through third-party sources, which makes its legality questionable. Know that distributing or watching copyrighted material without proper authorization is illegal in many regions. Some countries even take extreme actions against similar streaming sites, shutting them down or blocking access to their domain.
It’s hard to say you’d be going to jail for going against copyright laws because the enforcement of these laws against individuals varies by region. In most areas, authorities truly just focus on shutting down illegal streaming sites rather than prosecuting individual users. While in a few areas with strict anti-piracy regulations, ISPs are required to monitor and report unlawful activities. This typically leads to warnings or even legal action for repeatedly accessing pirated content.
The safest way to enjoy movies and TV shows without legal risks is to use authorized platforms. Many free streaming services like Tubi TV provide legal access to films and series while compensating content creators through revenue generated from ads.
Why is HiMovies Not Working?

The site might not be working for various reasons, ranging from legal issues to technical difficulties. One of the major reasons why HiMovies stops working is domain takedowns. Either the government instructs ISPs to block access to the site, or it changes its domain itself, confusing users. When the platform shifts to a new web address, you might get an error message or find the website no longer available.
Server overload is another reason why HiMovies may stop working. Since it’s free, millions of users visit daily to watch movies, and such high traffic can strain the platform’s servers, causing slow loading times, especially during peak hours.
You can also check your end because things like a weak internet connection, an outdated browser, or even device incompatibility might be the problem, not the website itself. Sometimes, browser extensions like ad blockers or VPN settings also interfere with the site’s functionality. The simple solution might be to use a different browser or check your settings.
Regional restrictions are also on the list of possible reasons. If you reside in a country where ISPs block access to unauthorized streaming platforms or have HiMovies on its blacklist, you’ll surely need a VPN to bypass such restrictions. You might also be using an ad-blocker or anti-virus software that has detected a threat like malware and automatically blocks access to HiMovies.
The site may also be undergoing maintenance, which means HiMovies will be offline temporarily. Like any online platform, it occasionally undergoes updates to improve its performance, fix bugs, or add new features. However, it resumes normal operations after a short period.
How Can a VPN Help You Stream Safely?

A VPN plays a very important role in helping you stream safely by encrypting your internet connection, protecting personal data, and bypassing restrictions. By now, you may know that some free streaming sites expose you to risks such as malware, tracking, and ISP throttling. Fortunately, a VPN provides a secure and private way to stream content without compromising your personal information or online security.
The major benefit of using a VPN for streaming is data encryption. A secure VPN encrypts all internet traffic, making it unreadable to third parties, including hackers, ISPs, and government agencies. You can also easily bypass geo-restrictions when you stream with a VPN, accessing content and libraries that are normally unavailable in your region.
There’s no better way to protect yourself from intrusive tracking and targeted ads than a VPN, especially as many free streaming platforms rely on advertising for revenue. These websites even go as far as tracking your activities to deliver personalized ads. A VPN blocks unwanted tracking by masking users’ IP addresses.
ExtremeVPN lets you stream safely, knowing your internet protection is in the right hands. Aside from safety, you also get to use servers that are optimized for streaming. Overall, you’re sure to enjoy a smooth and secure streaming experience.
Why ExtremeVPN is Essential for Streaming

As you probably know by now, streaming movies and shows on free platforms can come with several challenges. ExtremeVPN helps overcome these issues by ensuring fast, secure, and unrestricted access. Here’s why ExtremeVPN is necessary for an optimal streaming experience:
Bypass Geo-restrictions and Access Blocked Content
With free and premium streaming services, many impose geo-restrictions, making certain content available only in specific regions. For example, Tubi TV is only available in the US. Even premium streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime have different content libraries based on regions.
This is where ExtremeVPN comes in. It lets you change your virtual location by connecting to servers in different countries. With 6,500+ servers in over 78 countries, you’re sure to enjoy full access to even restricted streaming platforms. If a site is blocked in your region, you can quickly connect to a server where it is available and start watching without limitations.
Avoid ISP Throttling for Faster Streaming Speeds
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often slow down your connection when they detect high data usage from streaming. They call it throttling, and it eventually leads to buffering, slow loading times, and poor video quality. But with ExtremeVPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, so your ISP cannot really track your activity.
It doesn’t matter what site you decide to stream on, you’re sure to enjoy a smooth and lag-free experience.
Protect Your Privacy and Stay Anonymous
Streaming on free movie websites can expose you to tracking, monitoring, and potential legal risks. Several free streaming platforms have questionable legality, which makes it important to keep your online identity private. So, how does ExtremeVPN help here? It masks your actual IP address, preventing websites, hackers, or even government agencies from tracking your activity.
ExtremeVPN uses AES-256 military-grade encryption, making it impossible for third parties to see your online activities. What’s even better? It operates on a no-log policy, which means it doesn’t store browsing history records, ensuring complete privacy. So, you can confidently stream on whatever site you choose without exposing your personal information.
Stay Safe from Malware and Phishing Attacks
There are many pop-ups, redirects, and malicious ads on free sites that can infect your device with malware or even lead to phishing scams. Just one wrong click can expose your device to viruses, spyware, or ransomware. But with ExtremeVPN, you can stay safe using advanced security features.
ExtremeVPN also prevents DNS leaks, which prevent hackers from intercepting your internet traffic. What happens if your VPN connection drops when using ExtremeVPN? In the rare case of this happening, an automatic kill switch disconnects your internet and protects your real IP from being exposed.
Enjoy Unlimited Streaming without Restrictions
Many VPNs have bandwidth limits that restrict how much data you can use per month. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially when you stream high-quality videos. With ExtremeVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth and can stream as many movies as you desire, and in whatever video resolution you want, without worrying about data caps.
You’ll also be delighted to know that there are no connection limits. You can use multiple devices under one subscription, connecting up to ten devices simultaneously with a single account. So, with ExtremeVPN, you can select high-speed servers designed for smooth 4K and HD streaming instead of worrying about bandwidth caps when streaming high-quality videos on websites like HiMovies.