Penka Hristovska
Published on: March 9, 2025
Fact-checked by Kate Davidson
Short on time? Here’s the best MoviesJoy alternative in 2025:
- Pluto TV. Pluto TV is completely free and offers hundreds of movies and TV shows — all of which you can watch without signing up. Plus, it’s 100% legal so it won’t get you into any trouble!
If you’re tired of dealing with MoviesJoy, you’re not alone. The site regularly shuts down unexpectedly, offers poor video quality for many titles, and there’s always the risk of malware making its way onto your device if you end up clicking on a suspicious ad. More importantly, MoviesJoy hosts copyrighted content without permission, which could land you in legal trouble.
That’s why I’ve handpicked the best and safest MoviesJoy alternatives. These sites are reliable, easy to use, and completely legal. Plus, they actually let you watch in HD quality without the shady risks.
Pro Tip: A VPN like ExpressVPN keeps your data and devices secure while streaming on any site. The VPNs we recommend also don’t log your online activity, so they won’t know when or what you’re watching. Still, it’s your responsibility to follow the laws in your region. Streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal, with or without a VPN, and we at Safety Detectives don’t support copyright infringement.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
9 Best MoviesJoy Alternatives in 2025
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is the best MoviesJoy alternative — it offers a huge selection of movies, from 1950s classics to the latest releases. It also has TV shows like Yellowstone and Luther, anime (including titles like Naruto), documentaries, and more. Everything is divided into clear categories, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for — and it’s entirely free. However, Pluto TV does show ads to support the free content.
I like that you can save your favorite movies and TV shows to watch later, and you don’t even need to sign up for an account to do so. Pluto TV even lets you continue watching where you left off, whether it’s a movie or a TV series — something that you can’t do on MoviesJoy.
Pluto TV is available in 35 countries on 4 continents, making it one of the most widely accessible free streaming platforms. However, content varies by region, so some movies and shows may not be available where you are.
2. Plex
Plex offers a great mix of movies, TV shows, and more. Its movie selection spans from classics like Buster Keaton’s Go West (1920s) to modern releases from the 2020s. If you’re more into TV, there are many old classics plus more modern favorites like Mad Men. Since it’s free, you’ll have to sit through some ads — but that’s pretty standard.
One of my favorite features is the built-in ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. I always rely on IMDb scores to pick what to watch, so having them right there is a huge plus. Searching for specific titles is also really easy, and the categories are well-organized.
You don’t even need an account to start watching, but signing up lets you save titles to a watchlist and track what you’ve already seen. One gripe I had with Plex is that it doesn’t allow some ad blockers — I had to disable mine before I could start streaming. However, once I’d done that everything ran smoothly.
3. Tubi
Tubi has one of the biggest selections of blockbuster movies, with hits from the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. It also offers a huge library of TV shows, including classics from the 1990s and newer releases from the 2020s. It’s available in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and several Latin American countries.
I really like Tubi’s unique categories, like Highly Rated on Rotten Tomatoes and Not on Netflix, which make it easy to find something unique to watch. Another thing I like is that movies and TV shows have their own dedicated sections instead of being mixed like they are on Plex. Sometimes I just want to browse one or the other, and Tubi makes that simple.
You don’t need an account to start watching, and if you do sign up, you can set parental controls and get personalized recommendations. Since it’s free, you’ll see some ads, but that’s expected.
4. Crackle
Crackle is a great choice if you’re looking for movies and TV shows in specific genres.
The movie selection covers a wide time range from the 1950s to the 2020s, with a nice mix of blockbusters and indie films.
However, the majority of movies fall between the 1980s and 2010s, and the site doesn’t display the release year for films, which is kind of annoying. On the TV show side of things, the library is large but leans more toward lesser-known, “B-grade” series.
You don’t need an account to start watching, but since the service is free you’ll need to tolerate unskippable ads. Signing up lets you set parental controls, add items to your watchlist, and save your watch progress.
Crackle is only available in the US, and video quality is limited to 720p. If you’re looking for something with broader availability and higher-quality streams, Pluto TV or Tubi are better options.
5. Popcornflix
Popcornflix has a good mix of movies and TV shows from the 2000s to recent releases, with some older classics thrown in. I think it’s very convenient that movies and TV shows get their own separate sections, which makes browsing a lot easier.
Instead of overwhelming you with too many categories, Popcornflix keeps things simple with clear genre buttons to help you find something to watch. And if you’re looking for something specific, the search function works really well.
I particularly like that you don’t need an account to start watching, but signing up lets you save titles to a watchlist. It’s also completely free, though you’ll have to sit through ads like with most free streaming services. The only catch is that Popcornflix is only available in the US and Canada.
6. YouTube
YouTube Movies is only a viable option for free movies in the US. You can find free films across various genres like action, comedy, drama, horror, and more, from channels such as Public Domain Films and Popcornflix.
YouTube offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface with the option to create an account for a more personalized experience. With a YouTube account, you can save videos to your Watch Later playlist and queue up movies to watch next. You’ll also enjoy access to additional features like closed captions and the ability to interact with fellow viewers via the comments section.
You don’t need an account to watch movies, but note that YouTube collects data on your viewing habits and activity to recommend videos and display personalized ads regardless. You can opt out of ad targeting and disable personalized recommendations in the settings.
7. Sling TV (Sling Freestream)
Sling TV’s “Freestream” service offers a wide selection of free movies and TV shows, but the selection isn’t as extensive as Pluto TV or Plex’s. You’ll find dozens of movies spanning multiple decades, plus TV shows dating back to the 1980s, including classics like Kids in the Hall and more modern picks like Line of Duty and Forensic Files.
The search function feels a bit clunky, and the library is a bit sparse when relying on it, but browsing through the categories helped me find something to watch. While the layout could use some improvement, it still gets the job done.
I love that you can start watching anything you want without signing up for an account, but if you sign up for one, you become eligible to win cash prizes every month by watching at least 30 minutes of TV per day. An account also lets you add shows and movies to your watchlist so you don’t forget anything.
8. Fawesome
Fawesome is perfect for themed collections of TV shows and movies, with more of a focus on slightly older titles. It highlights categories like Women’s History Month, Oscar Movies, and Based on True Stories, which makes it easy to discover something interesting.
You’ll find movies like The Next Three Days and Stephen King’s The Mist, along with TV shows like The Fall. If you’re looking for Spanish-language films, the En Español section has some good picks like La Señora del Cielo.
The layout is clean and easy to navigate, though it doesn’t have a simple “Movies” button — you’ll need to browse through Collections, Shows, or Best Movies instead. You don’t need an account to start watching right away, but signing up lets you add items to your watchlist for later. It’s completely free, but you’ll have to sit through ads, and it’s only available in the US and Canada.
9. Fandango At Home
If you’re into B movies, Fandango is the place to get them. It has a large free library that includes a decent selection of B-grade movies and TV shows — just don’t expect big-name blockbusters. The movie lineup mostly consists of titles from the 2000s onward.
The TV selection is similar — there’s a mix of older and more modern shows, but you won’t find any major hits. Some examples include Keeping Up Appearances, The Chosen, Highlander, Alf, and more. I actually found that the TV shows include more mainstream choices than the free movies, which was surprising but welcome.
Fandango doesn’t let you watch any free content without an account or ads, but if you want to skip them, you have the option to rent or buy the movies. Keep in mind that Fandango at Home is only available in the US.
Is MoviesJoy Legal?
Technically, it depends on where you are. Watching movies on websites like MoviesJoy is essentially the same as piracy, and the laws surrounding piracy vary depending on the country. In some places, streaming pirated content for personal use may not result in legal consequences, while in others, even accessing such sites could lead to serious legal issues.
MoviesJoy, like many other unauthorized sites, offers content without the consent of the creators or distributors. This has led to the site being shut down in the past due to copyright infringement allegations.
At SafetyDetectives, we always recommend using legitimate streaming platforms to make sure you’re streaming safely and legally.
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming Sites Like MoviesJoy
Using a VPN with sites like MoviesJoy comes with many benefits. A VPN masks your real IP address, making it harder for third parties to track you, and it encrypts your internet traffic, so your ISP can’t see what you’re watching and where. And if the site isn’t available in your location, the VPN can access it by connecting to a server location where it’s accessible.
VPNs also help you avoid ISP throttling. Many ISPs intentionally slow down high-bandwidth activities like streaming, leading to buffering and lag. Since a VPN hides your data, your ISP won’t know you’re streaming and can’t limit your connection.
The top VPNs also come with built-in security features, like ad blockers and malware protection. This is useful when browsing free streaming sites since they often have intrusive ads or shady pop-ups. A good VPN keeps your connection private and helps you avoid potential security risks.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Streaming Sites Like MoviesJoy in 2025
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free streaming site?
That depends on what you’re looking for. My favorite is Pluto TV because it offers a wide range of movies and TV shows from many genres — and it has plenty of blockbusters and latest titles. But there are other legitimate options that provide free, legal access to movies from different eras and different convenient options, like watch later lists.
The sites I recommend are supported by ads and don’t require shady downloads, unlike many unauthorized streaming sites that come with risks like malware, intrusive ads, and potential legal issues.
Which website is best for watching movies for free?
The best website for free movie streaming is one that’s legal, secure, and offers a good selection. The streaming services I recommend provide a solid mix of movies across different genres without requiring a subscription.
These platforms operate with proper licensing, so you don’t have to worry about copyright issues or security threats. While they include ads, it’s a small trade-off for free access to high-quality content. If you’re looking for international films, some sites specialize in non-English movies and even offer subtitles.
Is MoviesJoy safe to watch?
No. MoviesJoy is an unauthorized streaming site, which means it comes with serious risks. Since it doesn’t have official licensing agreements, it could be taken down at any time, and there’s no guarantee that the site is free from malware or intrusive ads.
Many free streaming sites rely on aggressive pop-ups or third-party ads that could contain malicious links. If you still choose to visit MoviesJoy, use a strong ad blocker and avoid clicking on suspicious elements. For a safer experience, stick to legal streaming services that prioritize user security.
What’s better than MoviesJoy?
MoviesJoy is an illegal operation, so legal streaming sites are a better alternative because they offer safer and more reliable access to content. The streaming alternatives I recommend provide free movies without the risks associated with piracy sites — meaning you won’t have to worry about sudden shutdowns, intrusive ads, or potential legal trouble. If you prefer ad-free viewing, some platforms offer premium options with a wider selection of content.
