Hey there! If you were a fan of Pubfilm for watching free movies and shows online, I‘ve got you covered. I know you must be bummed that Pubfilm shut down. But don’t worry, there are plenty of great alternatives still out there I want to share with you in this guide.
I‘ve done my homework to find the very best Pubfilm replacement sites in 2023 so you can keep streaming your favorite content. I’ll also give you tips to stay secure, and break down how these sites work to help you make the best choice. Let‘s dive in!
Contents
Why Did Pubfilm Shut Down?
First, a quick recap of what Pubfilm was for those unaware. Pubfilm was a free streaming site that offered tons of movies and TV shows without needing an account. Unfortunately, it got in trouble for copyright complaints around illegal streaming. Entertainment companies don‘t play around with piracy, leading to legal action that forced Pubfilm to shut down.
Be Smart – Think Safety with Streaming Sites!
I want to start by saying I don’t endorse piracy or anything illegal. The sites I’ll suggest here are all legitimate services operated by well-known companies, not shady websites. But you should still be smart about protecting yourself when using free streaming platforms.
Here are a few quick tips:
- Avoid sites asking you to “register” or demanding credit card info – That‘s a red flag for scams. Legit free options don’t require that.
- Use a VPN – A Virtual Private Network like NordVPN adds a layer of privacy and security when you stream. It also unblocks geo-restricted content.
- Don‘t download random apps or plugins – Streaming sites don’t require anything extra. Apps could be malware.
NordVPN is my top choice for security. It has superfast speeds for HD streaming, watertight privacy policies, and excellent platform support. You can try it risk-free for 30 days which is nice.
Okay, let‘s look at the best streaming sites like Pubfilm now!
17 Best Pubfilm Replacement Sites in 2023
I‘ve organized this big list into paid subscription services, completely free options, and rental/purchase platforms. Take your pick!
Paid Subscription Streaming Services
These operate just like Pubfilm did in terms of offering unlimited streaming for a flat monthly fee. But they have legal licensing deals with studios, so you get peace of mind.
1. Netflix
You can‘t talk streaming without mentioning Netflix. It‘s the big daddy with over 220 million subscribers worldwide! Netflix offers:
- A huge on-demand catalog of movies, shows, Netflix originals, and more.
- Intuitive interface and high-quality streams up to 4K.
- Personalized recommendations so good, it‘s scary.
- Options to download for offline viewing.
- Plans from $9.99 to $19.99 depending on video quality and number of screens you want to watch on.
Still trying to get through Stranger Things? Netflix is the perfect spot to pick up where you left off.
2. Hulu
Hulu has over 43 million customers in the U.S. alone and is popular for its extensive TV show collection. Fun facts about Hulu:
- Lets you watch shows from ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, MTV and many more channels.
- New episodes are added the day after airing so you stay current.
- Has its own original shows like The Handmaid‘s Tale which won 8 Emmys!
- Ad-supported plan only costs $7.99/month. To remove ads, it‘s $14.99.
If you‘re a TV junkie, Hulu is a goldmine to fill up your watchlist.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video comes bundled with an Amazon Prime membership. Subscribers get:
- Access to watch over 20,000 movies and shows including exclusives like The Boys.
- Options to add over 150 premium channels like Showtime, Starz, and more.
- Perks like free expedited delivery on Amazon purchases.
- Can have up to 3 simultaneous streams.
- Standalone Prime Video is $8.99/month but Prime membership with shopping benefits is $14.99 monthly or $139 annually.
Prime Video brings excellent value by combing entertainment and shopping perks.
4. HBO Max
HBO Max merges the best of HBO with blockbuster movies and shows from various channels like TBS, Cartoon Network, Studio Ghibli and more.
Things to know about HBO Max:
- Get access to iconic HBO shows like Game of Thrones, Westworld, Euphoria etc.
- Over 2,000 movies from acclaimed directors like Ridley Scott, Stanley Kubrick.
- No ads interrupting your viewing on any plan.
- $9.99 monthly with ads or $14.99 for the ad-free plan.
You can‘t beat HBO Max for the ultimate range of quality programming.
Paid Streaming Services summary
| Service | Starting Price | Notable Content | Screens | Ads? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $9.99/month | Originals, Movies, Shows | 1-4 | No ads |
| Hulu | $7.99/month | Huge TV collection | 2 | With ads |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99/month | Exclusives like The Boys | 3 | No ads |
| HBO Max | $9.99/month | Game of Thrones, DC Movies | 3 | With/without ads |
Completely Free Streaming Services
Here are some options similar to Pubfilm that are 100% free but supported by ads.
5. Tubi
Tubi is probably the most popular free streaming site out there today. Fun facts on Tubi:
- Requires no signup, just start streaming. Has over 25,000 movies and shows!
- Content from big studios like Warner Bros., Paramount, Lionsgate.
- Totally free but has ads like commercial breaks as the tradeoff.
- Available on pretty much any device – iOS, Android, Roku, Firestick etc.
If you can handle a few commercials, Tubi will satisfy your cravings across any genre you want.
6. Pluto TV
Pluto TV takes a novel approach being structured like traditional cable TV. You get:
- Over 350 channels categorized by genre like drama, comedy, action, sports etc.
- The ability to casually flip through channels is super neat.
- An on-demand library with thousands of hit movies and popular shows.
- Works on phones, tablets, web, connected TVs. Completely free.
I think couch potatoes will adore Pluto TV for replicating the nostalgic channel surfing experience.
7. The Roku Channel
Don‘t need a Roku device to enjoy The Roku Channel. Salient points:
- Absolutely free access to thousands of hit movies, popular shows, viral videos, and more.
- Option to supplement with premium subscriptions like Showtime which get neatly integrated.
- Available on the web, mobile devices along with Roku streaming players.
- Intuitive navigation and selections tailored for you.
The Roku Channel succeeds by blending free content with premium channel add-ons in one interface.
Free Streaming Services summary
| Service | Content Highlights | Platform Availability | Paid Upgrades? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | 25,000+ movies & shows | Apps for all devices | No paid tiers |
| Pluto TV | 350+ channels, on-demand library | Web, mobile apps, TVs | No paid upgrades |
| The Roku Channel | Movies, shows, web videos | Roku devices, web, mobile | Can add premium channels |
Rental/Purchase Streaming Platforms
These options let you pay for only the specific movies/shows you want without a recurring subscription.
8. Vudu
Vudu is Walmart‘s on-demand streaming service with a vast catalog where you can:
- Rent or buy over 250,000 new release movies and shows.
- Get the latest movies same-day they come out on DVD/Blu-ray.
- Rentals are typically $3.99 and yours for 30 days.
- Purchases vary from $9.99-$19.99 depending on quality with no expiration.
- Watch across mobile devices, smart TVs, consoles, and the web.
For the most flexibility getting the newest films and shows on-demand, Vudu is a top choice.
9. Google Play
Google Play Movies & TV lets you:
- Buy or rent from latest blockbusters to classics across thousands of titles.
- Build a library of purchases that remain in the cloud to rewatch anytime.
- Leverage frequent sales with prices under $10 for movie purchases.
- Access anywhere with downloads for offline viewing.
- Buy in up to 4K quality where available.
It‘s hard to beat the convenience of Google Play for amassing a collection of flicks and shows to own digitally.
10. Apple TV
Apple‘s iTunes-replacement also offers movie/TV show sales and rentals:
- HD purchases start at just $7.99 with frequent sales under $10.
- Generous 30-day watch period on rentals before they expire.
- Huge catalog from major studios plus indies.
- Anything you buy ports straight to the TV app across Apple devices.
- Get extras like deleted scenes, director‘s commentary etc.
For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, buying or renting on Apple TV seamlessly complements their collection.
Rental/Purchase summary
| Service | Starting Rental Price | Purchase Price | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vudu | $3.99 | $9.99 | N/A |
| Google Play Movies & TV | $2.99 | $7.99 | N/A |
| Apple TV | $3.99 | $7.99 | N/A |
Safety Reminder!
I want to reiterate the importance of staying vigilant with security and privacy while streaming, especially on free platforms. Make use of a leading VPN for the best protection.
NordVPN is my personal recommendation. It has blazing speeds perfect for streaming, military-grade encryption, zero logging policies, and works great across mobile devices, smart TVs, consoles, and more.
An added benefit is NordVPN allows you to change your virtual location which helps access region-locked content on sites like Netflix. You can try it 100% risk-free for 30 days.
Summing It All Up
Whew, that was quite the comprehensive guide, huh? While the loss of Pubfilm is unfortunate, there are still so many phenomenal paid and free alternatives for streaming movies and shows.
- Paid services like Netflix give you unlimited access to catalogues packed with exclusives and originals. Budget from around $8-$15/month depending on features.
- Completely free options like Tubi and Pluto TV let you watch without paying anything thanks to ads. Just be vigilant about safety.
- Rental/purchase platforms like Vudu and Google Play provide the greatest flexibility to get the latest movies on-demand without subscriptions.
At the end of the day, think about your preferences across content, features, device support and budget. With such diverse choices, you‘re sure to find the best Pubfilm alternative to scratch your entertainment itch. Happy streaming!
