HiMovies is a famous movie and TV show streaming and downloading website. It is one of the most visited movie websites that provides various genres of TV shows and movies, including Tamil movies, Bollywood, Hollywood, Telugu, and Hindi, among others.
While HiMovies sounds like a great option from mainstream platforms, it is essential to understand the legal and safety implications of using the service to watch movies free online.
This article reviews whether HiMovies is safe and legal to stream, some frequently asked questions and much more.
Disclaimer: This article does not recommend or endorse the use of HiMovies or any other illegal streaming site. We stress that such websites are illegal and could result in severe legal consequences. Additionally, accessing these sites can put your private information and devices at risk of malware and cyber-attacks. Therefore, users should choose to use such platforms only after understanding the underlying risks and taking necessary online safety precautions.
Is it illegal to use HiMovies?
Most countries have implemented stringent measures to protect intellectual property by prohibiting the illegal downloading or streaming of copyrighted content.
HiMovies provides access to copyrighted movies and TV shows without the owner’s permission. Therefore, when you stream or download content from the website, you indeed infringe on the rights of copyright owners.
However, different countries have different laws and regulations guiding the use of copyrighted content. As such, reviewing laws specific to a particular region is crucial to fully understanding their position on intellectual property rights. The following are some positions on privacy in various countries.
| Position on piracy | Countries |
|---|---|
| Pirating is allowed for personal use | Spain, Poland, Switzerland |
| Pirating is illegal | China, Australia, Italy, Finland, Japan, France, Germany, Russia, United States, South Africa, Latvia, Great Britain |
| Pirating is illegal. Still, victims are not actively punished | Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Israel, India, Philippines, Mexico, Iran, Uruguay, Romania, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore |
It is critical to note that there is a thin line between streaming and downloading. On the one hand, streaming is downloading content directly from the servers and watching it in real-time without necessarily saving it on your device. On the other hand, downloading save the files onto your device for later access.
What are the legal consequences of using HiMovies?
You could face serious legal consequences if you’re caught using HiMovies. In most countries, copyright infringement is a serious offense that attracts legal penalties or imprisonment. Some countries require ISPs to block access to illegal streaming platforms such as HiMovies or collect users’ data.
While victims of HiMovies piracy could face legal actions in some regions, it is essential to note that using HiMovies is not prohibited everywhere. However, to stay safe, you should review the laws and regulations governing streaming and downloading online content in your country before visiting HiMovies.
Furthermore, using HiMovies securely with a reliable VPN is advisable to protect your online identity.
The quick guide to accessing HiMovies safely
The use of HiMovies to stream or download copyrighted content is illegal everywhere. However, there are various safety measures to stay private on HiMovies.
- Ensure that you use a VPN connection from the best VPNs discussed above.
- Install an antivirus program on your device.
- Ensure you have the correct mirror site, as the wrong one could expose you to severe threats.
Please note that we do not recommend or support using illegal sites to access copyrighted content. So, you should do it at your own discretion.
Is it dangerous to use HiMovies?
Yes, using HiMovies can be dangerous. Illegal streaming sites are known for hosting malware and spyware. These can infect your device and compromise your privacy. Hackers can also use the site to distribute viruses and malicious software.
Since HiMovies is an illegal streaming site, there is no guarantee that the content you’re streaming or downloading is safe. So, you should take protective measures when using HiMovies to stay safe from online threats.
Watch out for mirrors
When it comes to illegal streaming sites such as HiMovies, numerous mirror sites often pop up to replace the original site after it has been shut down. However, these mirror sites can be just as dangerous as the original site.
They often contain the same content and pose similar risks to your safety and security. There is no real accountability by the mirror sites. Hence, it’s essential to check their safety. In addition, mirror sites can contain malware and viruses that infect your device, leading to privacy concerns.
How to watch HiMovies in a safe way
While we do not support streaming or downloading copyrighted content, we believe there are key tips for safely watching HiMovies in regions where it’s allowed.
1. Use a VPN
VPNs help protect your online activity from ISPs and government authorities. Also, most providers have a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and encryption features that offer complete protection when using illegal streaming sites.
However, keep in mind that some VPNs do not provide complete protection. For instance, free VPNs will likely sell your data to third parties, exposing you to online threats. Moreover, free VPNs come with limited features that lower online protection.
For this reason, you should still exercise caution when choosing which VPN to use for streaming or downloading content from HiMovies. In addition, make sure that your VPN program is up-to-date to ensure you don’t miss important security updates and bug fixes.
2. Use antivirus software
Antivirus software can help detect and remove any viruses or malware that may have been downloaded to your device while using HiMovies. We have compiled the best antivirus programs in 2024 to help you securely use HiMovies.
Illegal sites are notorious for their pop-up ads and banners, which can be malicious and contain harmful software. However, some antivirus programs come with ad-blocker functionality to help prevent these ads from infecting your device.
Can a VPN keep me safe on HiMovies?
Using a VPN makes it harder for cybercriminals and ISPs to acquire personal information and track your online activities. A reliable VPN with help mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic.
However, using HiMovies to stream movies and TV shows can put your security at risk. Illegal streaming sites expose you to harmful and malicious content. Therefore, exercising caution is crucial when using HiMovies, even with a VPN.
Best HiMovies VPNs to stream safely
1. ExpressVPN
A top choice among leading VPNs for HiMovies that has everything you want for safe streaming.
Network of thousands of fast servers in more than 90 countries
TrustedServer technology (reliable security)
Provides robust data encryption with AES-256
User traffic usage is not logged at all
Split tunneling feature with functionality
Boasts Network Lock (kill switch) feature
Supports Tor over VPN
Peer to peer traffic allowed on most servers
Users can connect five devices at a time
30-day tested refund policy
Pros
- Has advanced security features on servers and apps
- Works well with all major streaming platforms
- Works as good as it claims
Cons
- iOS apps lack kill switch feature
ExpressVPN is known for its fast speeds, DNS leak protection, and strong AES 256-bit encryption. The VPN service also offers a network of over 3,000+ servers across 94 countries.
It also offers a split tunneling feature that allows you to route part of your internet traffic through the VPN while keeping other traffic on the local network. ExpressVPN also offers an internet kill switch that stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, thus ensuring that user data remains secure.
Also, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not store any information about its users’ internet activity. It also has a wide range of supported platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, and support for routers, smart TVs, and other devices.
2. NordVPN
One of the finest VPN services that works efficiently and protects you from any harm while streaming on HiMovies.
A network of over 5,000 fast VPN servers present in over 58 countries
Adequate threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)
Military standard, robust encryption available: AES-256
Features a user-friendly kill switch
Split tunneling feature with high efficiency
Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption
Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
No users’ data is stored
Each account allows users to connect up to six devices simultaneously
No-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Boasts excellent speed and features all across the servers
- Users’ data is extremely safe with no-logging policy
- Unblocks HiMovies seamlessly
Cons
- Desktop app may work little slow
NordVPN is supported across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, and can be used on multiple devices with a single account. It has 5000+ servers spread across 50+ countries, with the price starting at $3.49 per month.
The provider has AES-256-bit military-grade encryption to ensure the security and privacy of user data. NordVPN also offers a unique double VPN feature that routes traffic through two VPN servers for added security and privacy.
In addition, the service has a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts to keep users safe while browsing. Furthermore, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy and does not store any information about its users’ internet activity, ensuring that your data remains private.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Another top pick VPN for HiMovies that has extensive server network, which means you can access HiMovies safely anywhere in the world.
An extensive network of thousands of secure VPN servers present in 80+ countries
Supports Peer to Peer connections on most servers
Boasts customizable encryption; AES 128-bits and 256-bits
Solid protection against malware and adware with in-built MACE
Implements no-log policy
Runs on RAM-only VPN servers (privacy benefiting)
The split tunneling feature works as expected
Boasts a feature-rich kill switch
Each account allows connection to ten simultaneous devices
30 days full money-back guarantee
Pros
- Protects multiple devices simultaneously
- Implements a strong privacy policy
- Boasts double encryption mode for double protection
Cons
- Customer support may be little slow sometime
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers users a large network of over 35,000 servers in 84 countries. In addition, it uses AES-256 encryption to protect user data. It also offers split tunneling and an internet kill switch, which stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost.
Additionally, PIA offers a MACE feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, PIA also has a strict no-logs policy to ensure users’ data during internet activity is not stored on their servers.
The provider is compatible with multiple platforms, such as Windows OS, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. PIA is a paid service but offers a free trial and various subscription options starting at $2.03/month.
Legal HiMovies alternatives
If you’re in a country that outlaws downloading and streaming copyrighted materials, you should consider legal HiMovies alternatives. These options guarantee that you do not fall victim to legal consequences of illegal access and use of copyrighted content.
Many legal alternatives to HiMovies offer a safe and relatively affordable way to stream movies and TV shows. They include:
1. Netflix
Netflix is a widely known streaming platform offering various movies and TV shows, including exclusive content. The service is available in most countries and offers different subscription plans to fit any budget.
The service restricts access to its libraries based on your location. As such, it is advisable to use a credible VPN if you wish to bypass geo-restrictions.
The service provides three subscription plans, including a Basic plan that starts at $9/99 per month, a Standard plan at $15.49 per month, and a Premium plan at $19.99 per month.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has been rising in popularity over the last few years. The streaming platform offers a range of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content. Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, free shipping, and other benefits.
Membership fees are grouped into three tiers, including $14.99 per month, $139 per year, and Prime Video Membership at $8.99 per month. Furthermore, its Student membership plan costs $7.49 per month and $69 per year.
3. Disney Plus
Disney+ is a streaming platform focused on content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The service offers many popular movies, TV shows, and originals.
You can get access to content on Disney+ by choosing one of their subscription plans. Their membership plans include a Basic plan at $6.99 per month containing ads, a Premium plan for $10.99 per month with no ads, and support downloads for offline watching.
4. HBO Max
Like other legal platforms, HBO Max provides access to various movies and TV shows. However, compared to the likes of Netflix, the platform has a smaller database of movies and TV show collections.
You can choose from two plans: standard or basic. The standard plan provides access to Full HD (1080p), select titles in 4K HDR, up to 30 downloads at a time, and the capability to stream on three screens concurrently at $15.99 per month.
The basic plan supports 720p resolution, one screen-at-a-time screening capability, and 5 downloads at a time at $9.99 per month.
5. Hulu
Besides offering access to various movies and TV shows, Hulu is an excellent option for live sports. Its subscription rates are relatively cheaper compared to Netflix, but it hosts fewer collections.
Hulu offers various membership plans to fit different budgets and needs. You can switch plans or cancel your subscription at your comfort. Hulu plans start at $7.99 per month with ads and $14.99 monthly with no ads.
6. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a streaming platform that provides access to various original content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries. The service is available on Apple devices and includes exclusive content that can only be found on the platform.
New members are billed $6.99 per month after the 7-day free trial.
7. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is quite expensive if you compare it with other streaming platforms. The way the service works is entirely different from other sites. Unlike Hulu and Netflix, YouTube TV does not provide movies and TV shows libraries.
Instead, it offers you exclusive access to TV networks, such as CBS, ESPN, and Fox, with just a single subscription. Membership is billed at $64.99 per month with support for up to 6 household accounts.
8. Sling TV
Sling TV is another popular legal alternative to HiMovies. With Sling TV, you can watch live TV channels from various networks, including ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and AMC. In addition, the service also offers on-demand content, which includes a selection of movies and TV shows. The service has three plans to choose from.
The first is the Orange plan, which supports 31 channels and one device streaming at $40 per month. Second is the Blue plan, which supports 41 channels and three device streams at $40. Finally, the third plan is Orange and Blue, billed at $55 monthly. It supports 1 to 3 device streams and 47 channels.
Geographic streaming restrictions
The streaming platforms discussed above may have geographic restrictions. That means their content in one country may not be available in another due to licensing agreements and regional content restrictions.
For example, a movie on Netflix in the United States may not be available on Netflix in Australia.
If you’re traveling or living in a country where your favorite streaming platform is unavailable, you can opt for a VPN to unblock the content. However, checking each platform’s terms of service is essential to ensure a VPN is allowed.
Conclusion
Using HiMovies is illegal and can be dangerous. While it may seem like an excellent way to save subscription costs, it’s essential to consider the legal and safety implications of using the platform. So, instead, we recommend using legal streaming platforms, which offer a safe and legal way of enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows.
If you must access HiMovies, we recommend taking precautions such as using a VPN and Antivirus software, which provide some degree of protection when using HiMovies. However, you should know there is no guarantee of safety. Therefore, you should weigh the risks of using an illegal streaming site and consider legal alternatives.
FAQs
HiMovies is not illegal in itself. But you can get in trouble for using HiMovies, as the site enables streaming and downloading copyrighted materials.
The repercussions of using HiMovies differ based on the country of use. Some countries prohibit streaming and downloading illegal content, while others allow it for personal use. Therefore, you should check with the local laws and regulations to understand their stance on piracy.
Using a VPN can make tracking your online activity harder for authorities and ISPs, but that doesn’t rule out the risk of malware, viruses, or other online threats.
Some popular legal streaming platforms include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Disney+.
