Popcorn was a popular streaming platform allowing visitors to watch movies and TV shows for free. However, it started facing problems over time. Authorities started cracking down on the platform because it didn’t have the proper rights to stream content.
This led to the shutdown of the website. With it no longer reliable, people are now looking for other sites to enjoy movies. To help you through, we’ve put together a list of 17 free sites like Popcorn Time. From apps with huge libraries to sites that don’t require registration, this list has everything you need.
The Best Popcorn Time Alternatives: Quick List
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown of the 17 free alternatives to Popcorn Time in 2024:
- Putlocker: A popular choice for Hollywood lovers, thanks to its amazing features.
- 123Movies: Access a variety of shows for free and without registration.
- Kodi: This great streaming site has a wide range of content with exceptional add-ons.
- YTS: Enjoy the best quality videos, from 720p up to 4K, with no subscription required.
- Stremio: An on-demand video streaming platform that has a Real-Debrid service and doesn’t support ads.
- PrimeWire: From animations and cartoons to TV shows, PrimeWire offers all kinds of content for free.
- Plex: This site is popular for its clean setup, excellent features, and reliable performance.
- BBC iPlayer: Allows you to access a wide range of content for all kinds of audiences regardless of age and preference.
- DuckieTV: A great platform that offers a customizable TV series calendar that keeps track of the films you’re interested in.
- FlixTor: This free movie site gained popularity because of its library of diverse collections and the ability to stream TV series for free.
- Crackle: A free-to-use streaming service that has a decent library of TV series and movies.
- Subsmovies: Allows you to download new movies in 1080p HD quality without membership.
- MoviesJoy: Has a vast collection of HD movies and series, all for free and with no ads.
- Tubi: A free and legal site that has many great features, including parental control, viewing watch history, and adding titles to a personal queue.
- Popcornflix: An excellent Popcorn Time alternative site that not only has a similar name but offers many movies to stream without buffering.
- Crunchyroll: Your top destination for watching many anime series and movies.
- GoMovies: Be it Hollywood or old-time Bollywood classics, you’ll find them all on this platform.
What You Need to Know Before Accessing Sites Like Popcorn Time?
There are many sites that let you stream movies and shows for free. However, they can be unsafe and risky, so it’s important that you be cautious. Free sites are packed with hidden trackers and malware that can harm your device if not accessed carefully. Also, most of these platforms don’t host content themselves and lack legal rights.
In many countries, streaming or downloading copyrighted content without permission is technically illegal – the entertainment industry takes action against individuals and businesses that engage in such activities, so you may get into legal trouble.
Depending on where you live, you might get a warning, a fine, or even lose your internet access if caught. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) monitor what you’re streaming and can slow down your internet speed if they think you’re using too much data on these sites.
If you still want to explore, read, and adhere to your country’s laws and regulations about copyright infringement. Also change your IP address using a top-notch VPN like ExtremeVPN to protect yourself from the online threats these websites contain. ExtremeVPN hides your activity from ISPs and lets you stream without buffering or getting blocked by location restrictions.
Top 17 Alternatives to Popcorn Time: Detailed List
1. Putlocker
Putlocker is a popular choice for movie fans, especially those who want to watch popular films and series for free. The site doesn’t require a subscription or an account before you can stream. It offers a wide selection of content that covers nearly every film genre you imagine.
The site primarily focuses on Hollywood movies, though it also includes other international titles. It organizes its large library into various categories to make it easy to browse. Episodes from TV series are also well-arranged to provide a neat and user-friendly interface.
Each movie has a brief description, so you can quickly see what it’s about before deciding to watch it. Some descriptions also include screenshots from the film. We also found the site’s media player to be very functional. It allows you to adjust volume, enter full-screen mode, and more for a beautiful viewing experience.
However, there are some downsides as well. While testing the site, we found it disturbing to see a lot of ads. Plus, the player may become slow sometimes. Fortunately, there are many Putlocker-like sites available online.
2. 123Movies
123Movies is another high-ranking free platform on the list. The site hosts links to various TV series and movies for you to stream at no cost. It has an easy-to-use, straightforward interface and supports any type of device.
Whether you want to find old classics or newly released titles, you can surely find it here on its huge catalog of series and movies. The platform has been shut down multiple times, but it still continues to operate with several of its proxy and mirror links. Though they may not be safe, a better option would be to check out 123Movies alternatives.
Despite its great offerings, 123Movies is still a pirated website that illegally distributes copyrighted content. Hence, you must use a reliable VPN like ExtremeVPN and an antivirus when using the site. Also, be cautious of the ads, as they may land you on malicious pages.
3. Kodi
Kodi is an open-source, legal, and free service that allows you to access its media collection through a clean and easily navigable user interface. It organizes its content into various types, enabling you to quickly and easily view them.
The library presents you with additional information gathered from the internet to give you an insight into the movie’s details. This information contains movie poster art, cast information, descriptions, albums, and other related media from your library collection. We tested and accessed the site on various devices. It supports all systems and processor-intensive formats, such as Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos, and HDR.
Kodi isn’t just for playing media. With its exceptional add-ons, you can stream video and audio from many online sources, check for weather forecasts, and even add features like a live TV DVR. Plus, as the service works legally, you’re not breaking any law when you download movies or install the app on your device.
Most people use Kodi for add-ons. However, avoid including add-ons that aren’t officially offered by the Kodi site. Though they can significantly expand your streaming options, accessing them can land you in trouble.
4. YTS
YTS/Yify TV removes the need to subscribe to premium streaming services. It is a widely-recognized torrent site that allows you to stream your favorite content directly and even download it for offline viewing. YTS boasts a high-quality audio-visual experience by supporting all video formats from 720p up to 4K.
While reviewing the platform, we noticed that it doesn’t offer movie recommendations. However, has a massive collection of content and presents the best ones on its homepage. You can also use the search filter icon to search for a title you want.
The official website was shut down in 2015 after about five years of operations, but many other proxy sites exist now, and they are as great as the original platform. However, we recommend to proceed with caution on these links.
5. Stremio
Stremio may look like a basic media player and content aggregator. But with the right add-ons and a Real-Debrid service, it can become your favorite on-demand video streaming app.
Stremio supports many devices, such as iOS, Androids, Windows, Linus, macOS, Steam Deck, Apple Vision Pro, and many others. Another interesting fact about the service is that it doesn’t support ads – you can stream videos without any interruptions.
Like Kodi, you can also install plugins and add-ons on Stremio. However, make sure to stick to the official ones. Many unofficial Streamio add-ons allow you to stream copyrighted content, but they can get you in legal hot waters.
6. PrimeWire
PrimeWire is a great alternative to Popcorn Time where you can stream animations, series, movies, and cartoons in HD. It’s completely free to use, and you don’t need to register or sign up before using this platform. The site has a large collection of content that you can access anytime you want.
PrimeWire is blocked in several parts of the world because of the regulations in those countries. However, you can use ExtremeVPN to get around this. Just connect to a server in a country where it is accessible and enjoy your favorite movies. You can also explore websites like PrimeWire, offering similar content.
While streaming, you might encounter pop-up ads often. Be cautious because you might be attacked by malware or phishing with just a click on those ads.
7. Plex
Plex is a media powerhouse for accessing local content on a wide range of platforms. Its unique and clean interface is compatible with multiple devices. The platform has earned a great reputation for its easy setup, excellent organizational tools, and reliable performance.
As long as you have the app, you can access your media library across multiple devices. You can also share your library collection with third parties with the new, cross-platform Plex app.
Plex also offers the Watch Later feature that lets you download movies for offline viewing. However, the team is removing some of these features to upgrade them for later release. The service also offers a paid plan. However, you can stream content conveniently with the free version and benefit from features like media server capabilities, remote access, and subtitle support.
8. BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is a video-on-demand platform owned by BBC. You can stream the site on many devices, such as mobile phones, computers, smart TVs, and Tablets. For UK viewers, iPlayer content is free from ads.
BBC iPlayer, iPlayer, and BBC Media Player are all different media services that allow you to access and experience the same content. By law, a valid TV License is required to use the service. You can download shows to enjoy offline, so you never miss out, even without an internet connection.
With the site, you can pause and restart live TV anytime at your convenience. It offers a wide variety of categories and channels to choose from. Its personalized recommendations help you to discover new shows based on your viewing history.
It’s also designed to be family-friendly, and it features popular children’s programs from CBBC and CBeebies. With its built-in TV guide, you can see what’s coming up next and search for shows from A to Z. The platform also has accessibility features like audio descriptions and sign language support for all audiences.
If you want to catch up on missed episodes, watch live broadcasts, or explore new content, BBC iPlayer makes it easy and fun.
9. DuckieTV
DuckieTV allows TV fans to organize their viewing schedules and manage torrent downloads. It’s especially useful for tracking and downloading favorite TV shows. The site features a personalized calendar that keeps users updated on upcoming episodes so they never miss a show.
The information is always current to give you a clear view of what’s airing and when. DuckieTV has a built-in blocking-resistant torrent search to find the right downloads directly within the app. Using the integrated DuckieTorrent client, you can connect DuckieTV to popular torrent clients such as BitTorrent, µTorrent, BitTorrent, Transmission, qBitTorrent, and many others.
This allows you to monitor your downloads without having to switch between apps. The site can even automatically download new episodes as soon as they’re available, just for your convenience. Plus, it supports subtitle search and offers show information with the option to mark episodes you’ve already watched.
The service is available in 18 languages and accessible anywhere in the world. This makes managing and downloading TV shows simple and efficient.
10. FlixTor
FlixTor is another site like Popcorn Time that offers a large number of movies and TV series. The platform has gained popularity because of its large content library and the ability to stream TV series for free.
However, because it violates copyright laws, FlixTor faces constant challenges. It is blocked in some countries and may be restricted in more regions as authorities crack down on illegal streaming sites. Those who can’t access the website can check out other options like FlixTor to stream movies.
FlixTor provides a tempting way to watch movies and shows without paying; therefore, using it comes with risks. Since it operates illegally, you may be exposed to potential legal consequences and cybersecurity risks like malware or phishing attacks.
11. Crackle
Crackle is a free online platform offering an adequate selection of movies and TV shows. It has about 700 movies and over 100 TV shows. These might not be a lot, but they are still far more than some platforms’ collections. While reviewing the site, we found some of the top movies, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, To Yuma (1957), Concussion, El Mariachi, and many others on the site.
Since Crackle is free to use, you don’t have to worry about costs. The service depends on ads to sustain its services and continue to operate. However, unlike free streaming sites like Popcorn Time, these ads carry little to no risks. They’ll only occasionally interrupt your streaming, which can, at times, be frustrating.
The site doesn’t require you to create an account to watch content. The main advantage of signing up is that you can add content to your watchlist. The Crackle website is easy to use, with a simple black, orange, and white color scheme.
In the top-right corner of the website, there’s an icon to access your profile settings. There, you can update your details, turn off notifications, and adjust parental controls and captions. At the top of the page, there are icons for the home page, TV shows, movies, and search. The search feature works well and allows you to search by title, actor, or genre.
12. Subsmovies
Subsmovies is a website that allows you to stream movies, TV shows, and other content with subtitles in most languages. The platform was created to make shows accessible to a global audience so that people from different language backgrounds can enjoy content they might not otherwise understand.
Therefore, the content reaches viewers worldwide, not just those who speak a specific language. Subsmovies has a search feature to help you quickly locate specific titles. It also provides a range of lifestyle content, such as cooking videos, travel vlogs, and many others. The app’s interface is simple and easy to use, which makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
13. MoviesJoy
MoviesJoy lives up to its name by allowing its fans to enjoy happy moments at no cost. This streaming site lets you find almost any title that comes to mind to watch or download. It also doesn’t require signup or registration before you can enjoy streaming.
It offers exclusive HD-quality content with subtitles. Upon reviewing the movie library, we found shows for different genres and categories, such as history, comedy, sports, thriller, and more. The site also updates new releases daily to keep you updated in the entertainment world.
More than 10,000 thousand titles are available for you to stream or download on this website, and you don’t have to worry about ads. All you need is an internet source, a device, and your time to enjoy the experience.
As with most free movie streaming services, you’ll be going to see a lot of advertisements on the site. The ads can pop up in the middle of streaming which may be disturbing. If you prefer more of an ad-free experience, consider exploring sites like MoviesJoy.
14. Tubi
Many well-known video streaming services can take up a large part of your monthly budget if you subscribe to them. But Tubi offers a free alternative with a library of popular TV shows that rivals many paid platforms. However, since it’s free, the platform includes ads and lacks some features, such as HD streaming and offline downloads.
Despite these limitations, Tubi still offers plenty of great features. Its library has about 50,000 movies and shows which is more than double the amount it had by 2023. The site is available on all major platforms such as web and mobile devices.
Tubi also has apps for media streaming devices like Android TV and Apple TV. Although it’s optional, signing up for the service comes with perks such as parental controls, viewing watch history, and adding titles to a personal queue.
Tubi’s maximum streaming resolution is 720p, but not all of its movies reach that quality. Many popular films are only available in about 540p resolution. This limitation is a significant downside and it would be less of a problem if all content were available in at least 720p.
15. Popcornflix
Popcornflix is one of the best Popcorn Time alternatives you can use to stream content online. The site makes streaming easier and more convenient for you on any device. One noteworthy aspect of this site is that you don’t need to log in to watch movies. Just visit the website, search for a title, and start streaming immediately.
You can stream tons of movies for free and only have to watch a handful of ads, which isn’t a bad trade-off. With Popcornflix, you can’t experience buffering while watching movies. This only happens when you have a slow device or internet connection and is not a problem with the site itself.
The site had recently faced a shut down from authorities. Although it’s still working though a new mirror site, it might not be safe to access. Fortunately, there are many great alternatives to Popcornflix available that you can access.
16. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a great online streaming service that offers a large catalog of anime and other content at affordable prices. It is available on most major streaming players, such as Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. It’s also available on mobile devices like Android and iOS and has a web version.
The website has a calendar that shows episode release dates, similar to an electronic programming guide. Crunchyroll is a great option for anime fans, but it also has something for everyone. The user interface is slightly different across platforms, but the content is the same.
The site offers a free plan, but it comes with limited features. If you want access to the entire ad-free catalog, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial of any premium subscription tier. Remember to cancel before the 14 days elapse if you’re not interested in continuing the plan because you will be charged after the free trial. The premium plan starts at $14.99 per month.
17. GoMovies
GoMovies offers top online streaming services free of charge. It stores the latest content in a variety of genres and allows you to download movies to watch later or stream on the go. The site features plenty of films, web-based series, and TV series.
The platform offers access to everything from Bollywood to Hollywood blockbusters. The movies are also available in various languages and are of excellent quality. The website’s display quality and the volume of the audio player are a few of its standouts.
Due to legal issues, GoMovies keeps changing its domain name to maintain its operations. Many of its proxy sites are available today. Yet, to be secure, avoid these fake sites. It’s much better to try alternatives to GoMovies instead.
The site allows you to download unlimited hours of video to watch later without any delay. You also don’t need to sign up before you can access the content.
Top Platforms Like Popcorn Time: Quick Comparison Table
If you’ve read up to this point and you are about to choose a platform that aligns with you, here’s a comparison table. This table also gives insight into each platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
Website | Requires sign up | High-definition quality | Geo-restrictions | VPN compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
123Movies | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Kodi | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
YTS | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Stremio | No | Yes | No | Yes |
PrimeWire | No | Yes | No | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes | Yes, you need a VPN to access some restricted regions | Yes |
Duckie TV | No | Yes | No | Yes |
FlixTor | No | Yes | Yes, restricted in some countries | Yes |
Crackle | No | Yes | Yes, only available in the US | Yes |
Subsmovies | No | Yes | No | Yes |
MoviesJoy | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Tubi | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Popcornflix | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Plex | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Crunchyroll | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Putlocker | No | Yes | No | Yes |
GoMovies | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Best Popcorn Time Proxy Sites (Updated 2024)
Since the original Popcorn Time website shut down recently, many similar sites have started to pop up. These websites share a similar layout to the official domain and offer a huge content library.
Here are the top Popcorn Time proxy sites that are working at the time of writing:
Sr No. | Alternative/Proxy | Status |
---|---|---|
1. | https://popcorntimeonline.xyz/ | Working |
2. | https://popcorntimetv.com/ | Working |
3. | https://popcorntime.app/ | Working |
4. | https://popcorntimeonline.cc/ | Working |
5. | https://tmdb-popcorn-time.netlify.app/ | Working |
Note that while these sites provide access to the website, some of them may not work in your regions. Plus, these links display ads containing malicious software that can harm your devices. Get ExtremeVPN and connect to a server, and you can protect yourself and bypass the restrictions in no time.
Why Should I Use the Alternatives to Popcorn Time?
Here are some noteworthy reasons to consider using an alternative to Popcorn Time:
Vast Library
The alternatives mentioned above give you access to a huge library of content without asking for any payment. Instead of subscribing to services like Netflix or Hulu, you can stream movies and TV shows for free without the need to sign up. It’s a tempting option for those who don’t want to spend money on subscriptions.
Variety of Content
Many of these alternatives offer the latest movies and episodes right after they are released—sometimes even before they’re available on paid streaming platforms. This makes them appealing to people who want to stay up-to-date with new content without waiting.
They also have a wide range of content, from classic movies to the latest TV shows. You can even get hard-to-find indie films or international content that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
Ease of Use
Most of these sites are user-friendly, with simple interfaces that don’t require complex setups. You can start watching immediately without having to deal with complicated software or settings. They also work across different devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and even smart TVs.
These flexibilities make it easy for you to watch content wherever and whenever you want. Many of these platforms are also ad-free or have minimal ad interruptions, which provides a smoother streaming experience.
What is the Best VPN I Can Use for Popcorn Time Alternatives?
ExtremeVPN is your best bet for streaming safely on free websites like Popcorn Time. Our stealth VPN servers protect your privacy and help you avoid tracking or slow speeds while streaming.
That’s not just all; ExtremeVPN offers many other features that include:
Hides Your IP Address
ExtremeVPN hides your real IP address, so no one can see your actual location or track what you’re watching. It does this effortlessly because of strong features like AES-256 encryption and an automatic kill switch. These features add an extra layer of security to your device.
Therefore, you can keep your online activity private and avoid getting tracked by your internet provider. This encryption also scrambles your data so that others can’t read it. That is, hackers or trackers can’t easily see what you’re doing online.
Bypasses Geo-restrictions
With ExtremeVPN, you can connect to servers in different countries. We offer a fast and global network of over 6500 servers in more than 78 countries. With its intelligent algorithm, ExtremeVPN finds and connects you to the optimal server location. You can also select a server location from the servers list that more closely aligns with your needs.
This lets you access content that might not be available in your country and, as a result, watch a wider variety of shows and movies.
Prevents ISP Throttling
Sometimes, internet providers slow down or throttle your speed when they see you’re streaming a lot. ExtremeVPN protects you from this bandwidth throttling by creating an encrypted VPN tunnel between you and the VPN server. With this, your ISP can’t monitor your streaming, and there won’t be any grounds for throttling.
You can also enjoy ultra-secure, easy-to-connect, and high-speed VPN servers that will provide a buffer-free streaming experience.