123 Movie Online – Latest Movies & Shows

No other platform evokes as much attention and controversy as 123Movies does. Originating in the mid-2010s, 123Movies emerged as the go-to option for people looking to catch up on the latest films and TV shows during that period. Due to its immense library and easy-to-use interface, people from all over the world used it, making it one of the most popular streaming sites in that era. Nonetheless, popularity does bring a lot of legal issues with it which eventually led to its shut down.

The evolution of 123Movies

Subscription-less streaming sites became increasingly popular after the introduction of 123Movies. Known by different names such as “GoMovies”, “GoStream” and “MeMovies”, this website based out of Vietnam allowed viewers to stream and download a lot of films and shows with no downsides to it. With its enormous library consisting of highly rated Hollywood films, hit TV series and even classic films, there was no doubt that it would be popular after its launch in 2015. On top of that, the simple layout of the website allowed users to easily navigate around the content.

The meteoric growth of 123 Movies attracted approximately 98 million visitors per month in 2018. Its traffic count made it one of the top competitors in the online streaming business; it used to get more engagement than even some legal platforms. Streaming websites suffered due to this popularity, but it turned out to be equally disastrous for the film industry and legal authorities, as the website’s operations were in direct violation of copyright laws. Subsequently, it led to the ire of the industry as well.

Legal Issues and the Shutdown

The success of 123 Movies came at an immense cost to the content creators and the entertainment industry, due to the blatant violation of the intellectual property system. This earned them a tag of “the most illegal popular site in the world” from the American Motion Pictures Association, which further reinforced the magnitude of the infringement. Additionally, in 2017, the US ambassador to Vietnam encouraged local authorities to take measures against the website’s operators citing the need for more rigid copyright law enforcement.

The culmination of the international concerted efforts came into existence when 123Movies announced it was shutting down its operations in March 2018. The users were informed using the message that was placed on the site’s homepage telling them to respect the people behind the films and TV shows by purchasing them. The closure served as a codename for a police investigation in Vietnam, showing how law enforcement was trying to control online piracy.

The Emergence Of Mirror Sites

The shutdown of 123Movies did not mark the end of its legacy. In its aftermath, several clone and mirror sites appeared in an attempt to cash in on the brand’s reputation. These sites used domain names and content libraries that were similar to the original ones in an attempt to attract the original users. Nonetheless, these mirror sites came with the cost of significant harm to the users, like malware and phishing, along with aggressive advertisement. These platforms are known as unauthorised, and so, are not advised to be used due to the cybersecurity experts.

Legal and Safe Alternatives to 123Movies

With the ever-increasing need for affordable streaming solutions, several legal platforms have surfaced which provide free or inexpensive services. These platforms help people bypass streaming services that are not allowed, and for some, this is the best way to access their favourite shows and films without concerns of security and legal issues.

Tubi TV

This is an advertising-supported, free streaming service with access to over 20,000 titles, and boasts some of the most comprehensive content libraries in the industry. Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi offers a diverse selection of films and TV shows across various genres. Its availability on over 20 devices such as smart TVs, smartphones, and streaming sticks makes Tubi a go-to choice for viewers looking to enjoy quality content at no subscription fee.

Pluto TV

In addition to thousands of films and TV shows, Pluto TV offers more than 250 live TV channels. This streaming service is ad supported, so it’s free to viewers in regions such as the US, UK, Germany, and Australia. Its user-friendly interface and unrestricted access to its content library makes this an appealing choice for people who have been using illegal streaming services such as 123Movies.

Crackle

One of the free movie streaming services, Crackle, owned by Sony Pictures, gives access to Hollywood blockbuster films, television shows, and its own proprietary content. Viewers do not have to violate any terms of service agreements or legal policies because Crackle operates on a legal model with ads. With accessible legal disclaimers out of the way, Crackle has further enhanced its reach by making its platform available on mobile phones, tablets, and even smart television sets.

Kanopy

Kanopy is a distinct platform that works alongside public libraries and universities allowing them to stream a mixture of films, documentaries, and educational content for free. To access videos through Kanopy, users need either a library card or credentials from their educational institution, making Kanopy popular among students. This service subscribes to ad-free viewing policies focusing on providing well-curated content which is independent, classic, and world cinema making it a dream come through for every cinephile out there.

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a one stop service for free content compilation from different websites which includes thousands of films, TV series, and 250 live channel content. With availabilities on the web browser, mobile application, and Roku devices, The Roku Channel is user friendly boasting ease of use together with advanced accessibility settings for the disabled. With less advertisement run times, the service provides ease of enjoyment of the constantly growing video library.

Lessons Drawn From The Tale

The history of 123Movies teaches us that consuming digital content in the contemporary world is quite challenging. Even though there is an abundance of free entertainment that is easily accessible, we should consider the consequences that come with utilizing illegal sites. The use of such websites not only puts the content creators’ hard work to waste, but also exposes the users to dire legal and security threats.