Introduction
FMovies was one of the most famous online platforms that allowed users to watch movies and TV shows for free. Despite being extremely popular among viewers worldwide, the platform faced several legal and security challenges, ultimately leading to its shutdown.
History and Growth
- Launch Year: 2016
- FMovies gained massive popularity because it offered free access to a huge library of movies and TV shows without requiring any subscription or payment.
- By 2023, the website recorded nearly 374 million monthly visits, making it one of the most visited streaming platforms globally.
Legal Issues and Controversies
- From the start, FMovies was associated with copyright infringement.
- December 2016: It was removed from Google search results due to legal complaints.
- November 2017: Philippine media company ABS-CBN sued FMovies. The court ordered FMovies to pay $210,000 in damages.
- January 2018: The U.S. government listed FMovies as a “notorious market.” Later, ISPs like Telia in Sweden were ordered to block the site.
Shutdown of FMovies
- In August 2024, Vietnamese authorities, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) (which includes Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and other major studios), completely shut down FMovies and its associated domains.
- ACE called this a major win against piracy.
Malware & Security Risks
- In July 2025, reports linked FMovies-related sites to a large malware campaign that infected nearly 1 million devices.
- The malware was an “infostealer,” capable of stealing sensitive data like passwords, browsing history, and even cryptocurrency wallet details.
- FMovies was also filled with pop-ups and suspicious ads, making it unsafe for users, especially kids.
Current Status
- The original FMovies website is offline, but several mirror sites and fake clones still exist.
- These sites are considered high-risk because they may contain malware, phishing links, or illegal content.
Safe Alternatives
If you want to watch movies for free, there are legal and safe platforms, such as:
- Tubi
- Pluto TV
- Amazon Freevee
- YouTube Movies
- Plex
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Reason for Popularity | Free movies & TV shows |
| Legal Actions | Lawsuits, Google removal, ISP blocks |
| Shutdown | August 2024 (by Vietnam Police & ACE) |
| Security Issues | Malware, data theft risks |
| Current Status | Original site offline, fake mirrors active |
| Recommendation | Use legal streaming alternatives |