123Movies network, which included GoMovies, GoStream, MeMovies, and 123movieshub, was a collection of illegal file-streaming websites based in Vietnam. They allowed users to watch movies for free, but the Motion Picture Association of America named it the “most popular illegal site” in March 2018.
The Vietnamese authorities shut it down soon after as a result of a criminal investigation. As of July 2022, it is advised to avoid such websites and instead use authorized and legitimate sources for streaming content due to potential security risks and violation of copyright laws.
123 Movies Website
The 123movies website was once known for offering illegal access to movies and TV series, receiving recognition from the United States and the United Kingdom for its services. However, in 2017, the site faced numerous appeals from copyright holders and was eventually blocked.
Despite this, the site continued to exist, changing its address. In 2018, the developers shut down the project, recognizing the importance of respecting the rights of copyright holders. The 123movies website is now no longer in operation.
Why 123 Movies was shut down?
123movies was shut down due to copyright infringement issues, where the website provided access to copyrighted content without authorization, violating the intellectual property rights of content creators and owners.
This resulted in legal challenges and pressure from the film industry, leading to its eventual shutdown. The US ambassador to Vietnam had reportedly been in talks with the local Minister of Information and Communications to shut down illegal video streaming sites, including 123movies, which was listed as a notorious site by the MPAA.
The MPAA estimated that the site received 98 million visitors per month and was the “most popular illegal site in the world”. On March 19, 2018, a notice was posted on the site’s homepage announcing its shutdown and encouraging users to respect filmmakers by paying for movies and TV shows.
Where you Watch HD Movies Free
There are some legal free streaming services that you can use to watch movies and TV shows online. These services are supported by ads, and they offer a limited selection of content. Some of the popular free streaming services include:
- Pluto TV: This service offers a variety of channels, including movies, TV shows, news, and sports, and it’s available on multiple devices.
- Crackle: This service is owned by Sony Pictures and offers a variety of movies and TV shows, including some original content.
- IMDb TV: This service is owned by Amazon and offers a selection of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free with ads.
- Tubi TV: This service offers a variety of movies and TV shows, including some popular titles.
- Popcornflix: This service offers a selection of movies and TV shows, including some indie films and documentaries.
It’s important to note that while these services are legal, they may not offer the latest releases or the most extensive libraries. Additionally, the availability of content may vary based on your location.
Some popular legal streaming services
There are many popular legal streaming services available that provide access to a vast selection of movies and TV shows. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Netflix: Netflix is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows, including original content. It’s available on multiple devices and offers multiple plans with varying prices.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is a subscription-based streaming service that’s included with an Amazon Prime membership. It offers a selection of movies and TV shows, including some original content.
- Hulu: Hulu is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a variety of movies and TV shows, including some original content. It also offers a live TV option that includes live sports and news.
- Disney+: Disney+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a selection of movies and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
- HBO Max: HBO Max is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a variety of movies and TV shows, including original content and shows from HBO, Warner Bros., and other networks.
These services provide high-quality video streaming and access to a vast selection of movies and TV shows. The availability of content may vary based on your location, and each service may have different pricing plans and subscription options.
Reappearance 123 Movies
The MPAA reported in October 2018 that the closure of 123movies, 123movieshub, gostream, and gomovies, as a result of a criminal investigation in Vietnam, was a significant development in combating illegal film piracy services.
However, numerous copycat sites emerged in at least eight other countries. Despite the FBI’s shutdown of connected or similar sites like WatchAsap, they redirected to other file-sharing sites.
While the original 123 movies was blocked in India, numerous clones appeared in the country. The reappearance of 123 movies in different iterations under different domains, however, may still face shutdown due to copyright infringement issues.
Video Quality At 123 Movies
The 123movies website is known for its diverse range of video content. It offers a mix of high-quality movies and TV shows in HD with resolutions of 1080p and higher, as well as low-quality, illegally obtained copies filmed in theaters using basic cameras or phones. The site offers multiple video resolution options for the viewer to choose from directly within the player, making it easy to adjust to suit their internet connection.
