The 10 Best Putlocker Alternative Streaming Sites in 2026

The 10 Best Putlocker Alternative Streaming Sites in 2026

Discover the best Putlocker alternative streaming sites, both official and unofficial. In this guide, you’ll also learn how to stay safe while using free movie streaming platforms and how to protect your privacy online.

Best Putlocker Alternatives in 2026

Putlocker was once the go-to site for watching movies and TV shows online for free. But in 2026, the original site is long gone. What remains are unreliable clones filled with broken links, intrusive ads, and serious security risks.

Thankfully, there are still many Putlocker alternative sites that allow you to stream movies and series  some unofficial, and some completely legal.

This guide lists the 10 best replacements for Putlocker, divided into:

• Popular unofficial streaming sites
• Legal free streaming services
• Safety tips and VPN recommendations

For more streaming options beyond what we’ve covered here, check out our full guide to the Best Putlocker Alternatives in 2025

Popular Putlocker Alternatives (Unofficial Sites)

Looking for free sites that feel like classic Putlocker? These unofficial platforms are popular for their huge libraries, fast playback, and simple layouts. Just remember: they may host unlicensed content and often rely on ads to stay online.

 Cineby

A sleek, modern streaming site with a surprisingly smooth experience. Cineby is known for quick loading, minimal clutter, and a large collection of recent movies and trending titles.

 Dorawatch

Great for action lovers, drama fans, and binge-watchers. Dorawatch usually provides multiple streaming links per title, so you can switch instantly if one doesn’t work.

 Goojara

A favorite for classic movie lovers. Goojara has a massive archive of old films, cartoons, and cult TV shows, backed by stable servers and HD streams.

 MappleTV

Clean, beginner-friendly interface that makes browsing easy. MappleTV lets you explore content in a way that feels similar to major streaming platforms.

 RidoMovies

Frequently updated with trending releases and HD options. RidoMovies offers multiple mirrors per movie to reduce buffering and downtime.

Legal Putlocker Alternatives (Safe & Licensed)

Prefer streaming without pop-ups, malware risks, or legal gray areas? These fully licensed, ad-supported platforms let you watch thousands of movies and shows for free  safely and legally.

 Tubi TV

A powerhouse of free streaming with a massive catalog of movies, TV series, and originals. Backed by major studio licenses, Tubi delivers reliable HD streams with regular content updates.

 Pluto TV

A unique blend of live TV channels and on-demand movies. You can flip through channels like cable or pick a film from its large library of classics and studio content.

 Plex

More than just streaming, Plex combines free movies, live TV, and a personal media server so you can organize and watch your own files alongside licensed content.

 The Roku Channel

A well-curated mix of movies, shows, live TV, and Roku Originals. It’s easy to use and offers fewer ads than many other free platforms.

 YouTube Movies

Home to a rotating selection of licensed, ad-supported films in HD. While you won’t always find the latest releases, it’s a goldmine for classics and indie favorites.

Key Takeaways: Best Unofficial Putlocker Alternatives

If you’re chasing that old Putlocker vibe  fast access, huge libraries, and no sign-ups  these sites are the crowd favorites:

• Cineby — A sleek, modern platform with an ad-free option and a massive collection of recent and trending movies.
• Dorawatch — Perfect for bingeing dramas, action flicks, and thrillers with multiple backup links per title.
• Goojara — A treasure trove for classic films, cartoons, and cult TV shows with stable HD streams.
• MappleTV — Clean, Netflix-style browsing that makes finding something to watch quick and effortless.
• RidoMovies — Known for speedy playback, HD quality, and a catalog that’s updated with the latest releases.

Key Takeaways: Best Official Putlocker Alternatives

Want the Putlocker-style variety without the risks? These licensed platforms let you stream for free with peace of mind:

• Tubi TV — A fully legal, ad-supported giant with thousands of movies, shows, and originals in HD.
• Pluto TV — Flip through live TV channels or dive into a rich on-demand movie library from major studios.
• Plex — Watch free films, live TV, and even stream your own media from one tidy dashboard.
• The Roku Channel — A thoughtfully curated mix of movies, series, live entertainment, and Roku Originals.
• YouTube Movies — A rotating lineup of licensed films and cult favorites available globally in HD.

Facts & Expert Analysis: Why Look for a Putlocker Alternative?

Putlocker might be a nostalgic name, but in 2026 it’s no longer a reliable place to stream. Here’s why millions of viewers have moved on to better options:

• The original Putlocker is gone — What you’ll find today are copycat domains with broken links and inconsistent performance.
• Clone sites are risky — Many are loaded with aggressive ads, tracking scripts, and potential malware traps.
• Better platforms now exist — From polished unofficial sites to fully legal, ad-supported services, you have far safer and smoother choices.
• A VPN adds a safety layer — It helps reduce tracking, protects your privacy, and lets you access content that may be geo-restricted in your region.

The Most Popular Free Sites Like Putlocker

Note: These are unofficial platforms and may host copyrighted content. Check your local laws before using them and avoid sharing personal information.

1. Cineby

Cineby grabs attention with its clean layout, fast loading speed, and optional ad-free viewing. It’s a go-to spot for finding trending movies and recent releases without dealing with cluttered pages.

Pros

• Massive movie library
• Option to watch without ads
• Smooth, quick playback

Cons

• Unofficial platform

2. Dorawatch

If you love action, thrillers, and drama series, Dorawatch is a strong pick. Each title usually comes with multiple streaming links, so you can switch instantly if one fails.

Pros

• Simple, easy-to-use layout
• Multiple mirror links
• Strong TV series collection

Cons

• Pop-up ads

3. Goojara

Goojara is a favorite among fans of classic films, cartoons, and older TV shows. Its servers are stable, and many streams are available in HD.

Pros

• HD streaming quality
• Huge archive of old and new titles
• Fast-loading pages

Cons

• Ads

4. MappleTV

MappleTV offers a minimal, beginner-friendly interface that feels familiar to users of major streaming platforms. Browsing by categories and quality is quick and effortless.

Pros

• Clean, simple design
• Multiple quality options
• Well-organized categories

Cons

• Ads

5. RidoMovies

RidoMovies keeps things fresh with frequent updates and trending titles. Multiple mirrors per movie help reduce buffering and downtime.

Pros

• Regularly updated catalog
• HD streaming options
• Fewer buffering issues

Cons

• Ads

The Best Free Legal Alternatives to Putlocker

If you want safe, legal, and malware-free streaming, there are several excellent platforms that let you watch movies and TV shows without paying a subscription fee. These services are ad-supported, which means you get free access while the platform earns revenue through short commercial breaks — just like traditional TV, but online.

Here are the top legal streaming sites like Putlocker that are actually worth your time in 2026:

1. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is one of the largest free streaming platforms in the world, offering hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes across nearly every genre imaginable. From Hollywood blockbusters to indie films and classic sitcoms, there’s always something to watch.

Because Tubi partners with major studios, you get licensed, high-quality content instead of risky pirated streams.

Pros

• HD streaming available
• Massive content library
• Studio-licensed movies and shows

Cons

• Ad interruptions during playback

2. Pluto TV

Pluto TV delivers a unique experience by blending live TV channels with a strong on-demand movie library. You can flip through channels just like cable or jump straight into a movie whenever you want.

Its partnerships with major networks mean you’ll find everything from cult classics to reality TV, news, and comedy.

Pros

• Free live TV channels
• Large selection of cult classics
• Backed by major studio partnerships

Cons

• Ad-supported viewing

3. Plex

Plex is more than just a free movie streaming site — it’s also a powerful personal media server. Along with its ad-supported movies and TV shows, Plex lets you organize and stream your own downloaded media across devices.

It’s a great option for people who want both free streaming and personal media management in one place.

Pros

• Wide selection of free movies
• HD streaming quality
• Stream your own personal files

Cons

• Includes ads in the free version

4. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel offers a surprisingly strong lineup of free movies, TV shows, and Roku Originals. Even if you don’t own a Roku device, you can still access the platform via web browsers and mobile apps.

Compared to many free streaming services, Roku’s ads are often less frequent, making for a smoother viewing experience.

Pros

• Seamless Roku device integration
• Curated, high-quality content
• Includes live TV options

Cons

• Some content is region-locked

5. YouTube Movies (Free Section)

Most people think of YouTube for short videos, but it also hosts a rotating collection of free, fully licensed movies. These films are uploaded legally by distributors and supported through ads.

While you won’t usually find brand-new cinema releases, you can discover classic films, documentaries, and hidden gems in HD quality.

Pros

• Available worldwide
• HD video quality
• 100% legal licensed content

Cons

• Limited selection of recent blockbusters

Are Putlocker Replacements Safe & Legal?

Not all Putlocker-style sites are created equal. While many unofficial platforms offer free access to movies and shows, they often come with hidden downsides you shouldn’t ignore.

Unofficial sites can expose you to:

• Malware hidden behind fake play buttons
• Tracking scripts that monitor your activity
• Legal risks from unlicensed content
• Phishing ads and suspicious redirects

On the other hand, legal streaming platforms like Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube operate with proper licenses. That means you can watch your favorite movies and shows without worrying about viruses, privacy threats, or legal trouble  just a few ads in exchange for safe, reliable streaming.

Expert Security Tips for Using Putlocker Alternatives

Free streaming is convenient, but your safety should always come first. If you explore Putlocker-style sites, follow these simple precautions to reduce risks and protect your privacy.

 Use a VPN

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it much harder for trackers, advertisers, or suspicious sites to monitor your activity.

 Use an Ad Blocker

Many unofficial streaming pages rely on aggressive pop-ups and redirects. A good ad blocker cuts down malicious ads and prevents you from landing on risky pages.

 Never Share Personal Information

Avoid entering your email, phone number, card details, or any personal data on these sites. Legitimate streaming platforms don’t ask for sensitive information to let you watch content.

Best VPNs for Safe Streaming

A reliable VPN adds an extra layer of privacy when you stream, especially on free platforms. These services are known for fast speeds, strong security, and wide server coverage.

 NordVPN

With servers in 127 countries, NordVPN delivers excellent speeds for buffer-free streaming and robust encryption to keep your activity private.

 Surfshark

A budget-friendly option that doesn’t cut corners. Surfshark includes a built-in ad blocker and a large server network for smooth, secure browsing.

 ExpressVPN

Ideal for beginners, ExpressVPN combines an easy-to-use app with top-tier privacy features and consistently reliable streaming performance.

Final Thoughts

While Cineby and similar platforms offer huge libraries, they come with risks. If you want peace of mind, stick to legal services like Tubi TV or Plex.

Using a VPN and ad blocker will greatly reduce risks when exploring free streaming sites.

Putlocker may be gone, but better and safer options are now available in 2026.

FAQ: Sites Similar to Putlocker

Is Putlocker down?

Yes. The original Putlocker website has been offline for years. What you’ll find today are clone or mirror sites that are not connected to the original platform.

What is Putlocker’s new website?

There is no official new Putlocker website. Any site claiming to be the “new Putlocker” is simply an unofficial clone.

Are free streaming sites legal?

Only licensed platforms such as Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube are legal. Unofficial sites may host copyrighted content without permission.

Can I get a virus from Putlocker alternatives?

Yes, many unofficial streaming sites contain pop-up ads, fake buttons, and hidden malware. Using an ad blocker and antivirus protection is highly recommended.

Do I need to create an account on these sites?

Most unofficial sites do not require sign-up. Be cautious if a site asks for personal details, as this can be a red flag.

Why do these sites have so many ads?

Since they don’t charge users, many unofficial platforms rely heavily on ads to generate revenue, which often leads to intrusive pop-ups and redirects.

Is it safe to download movies from these sites?

No. Download buttons on unofficial streaming sites are often linked to malicious files or phishing pages.

How can I stream safely on free movie sites?

Use a VPN, an ad blocker, and avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups. Never share personal or payment information.

Which Putlocker alternatives are completely safe?

Legal, ad-supported platforms like Tubi TV, Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube Movies are safe to use.

Can a VPN make these sites legal?

No. A VPN protects your privacy but does not change the legality of the content you access. Always follow your local laws.