AZMovies (commonly considered A to Z movies) is a website for serious cinema enthusiasts who do not care to miss a title. The site grants users access to its massive A to Z list of movies no fan can ignore.
This article tells you all you need to know about AZMovies. Is it legal? How can you use it safely? Are there any legal alternatives to this website? Keep reading; we will provide you with answers to those questions and many more!
AZMovies: A general panorama
Video streaming is all the rage these days. This segment of digital activities had already increased rapidly before 2020. But then, the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, created an unprecedented demand for home entertainment, and exploded every online video streaming platform. Some more than others, depending on what they offer to the public — and AZMovies offers basically everything.
AZMovies’ claim to fame is two-pronged: its title catalog is massive and 100% free of charge. So, the website has gathered a large user base of movie enthusiasts who like that they can find every movie they want to see anywhere without paying fees.
All these free benefits can make people a bit suspicious and raise some questions about the site. Is the site legal? Is it safe to watch the site’s content? Can I minimize the risks if it’s unsafe to use? Are there any alternatives that can offer a similar experience without the risks or in a fully legal way?
The answers to those questions will vary with your location, for the most part — although one solution will be universal: use a VPN to watch this site, ExpressVPN, preferentially. But we get ahead of ourselves — more on that later, though.
Let’s tackle each issue individually.
Is it legal to use AZMovies?
The answer depends on the jurisdiction you inhabit. We’ve seen no proof that AZMovies has paid for the worldwide distribution rights of any content it offers on its website. Hence, it follows that any meaningful definition of the word pirates all of the site’s content. But that in itself doesn’t make it illegal.
You see, piracy isn’t illegal in every country. And even in many countries where it’s outlawed, it’s not actively prosecuted by the government.
Consider the countries of the world by their stance on piracy. There are three possibilities:
- Piracy is legal or allowed as long as it’s limited to personal use and you do not profit from distributing copyrighted material.
- Piracy is illegal, and offenders are actively prosecuted and punished whenever the government catches them red-handed.
- Piracy is illegal, but individuals rarely face legal problems because of this type of activity because the government has much more urgent issues requiring attention and resources.
It would behoove you to know your government’s stance on piracy, but we can give you some orientation. Switzerland, Spain, and Poland have the most advanced legislation regarding copyright. Therefore, you can enjoy using any copyrighted material, even without paying for it, if you keep it strictly for your personal use and do not attempt to monetize it.
Then there are the countries that proscribe the use or possession of any copyrighted material you haven’t paid for. They will punish you as soon as they have the chance. The United States and China are the most well-known jurisdictions in this group, but they’re far from alone. South Africa, Russia, Portugal, Latvia, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Finland, and Australia are also on this list.
Naturally, you don’t want to get caught breaking the copyright laws in any of these countries because you will have to face a punishment that can go from a fine to a time in jail, depending on the country in question. But is it very likely for you to get caught? As a general rule, you shouldn’t take any unnecessary risks. Caution will go a long way, and there are good ways for you to enjoy any website you want without risking your rights or freedom.
The third group of countries includes those that pay homage to the principle of copyright and intellectual property but do little or nothing to enforce it. This list comprises Uruguay, Slovenia, Slovakia, Singapore, Romania, Philippines, Netherlands, Mexico, Iran, Israel, India, Greece, Egypt, Denmark, Czech Republic, Colombia, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil.
The previous paragraphs should give you a good idea about where you stand on the issue of AZMovies’ legality according to your country. As you can see from the three lists, using this website is illegal in most countries. But that doesn’t mean it can get you in trouble unless you live in one of the jurisdictions that have adopted the more rigid stances against piracy.
Before we move forward, let’s tackle an issue in any user’s mind: Is downloading a movie the same as streaming it regarding legality and copyright? Some think that since when you’re streaming a movie, you don’t end up owning a file that includes the content, streaming can’t possibly be as big a deal as holding an illegal copy of a movie. This is just silly. Streaming a movie is downloading it!
It’s a different type of download, and you’re not creating a local file to store the film. Instead, the download feeds the cache in your browser or media player, and it’s happening in real time. But it’s still a download, and if you think that getting subtle about owning the file will get you out of legal trouble if you get caught, then you’re in for a surprise.
Don’t try to fool yourself. Streaming copyrighted material is no different than downloading in any meaningful sense, even if you don’t end up with a copy for later use. If you want a more graphic example, it’s like when you are streaming a movie, you’re downloading a torrent. You choose the torrent, add it to your cue, finish it, watch it, and then delete it as soon as you finish it. Streaming a movie is the same process, except you preview your downloaded torrent in real time.
What are the legal consequences of streaming movies from AZmovies?
The legal consequences of streaming the content on AZMovies differ from country to country because the stance on copyright laws varies, too. Let’s take Germany as an example. If the authorities find you downloading copyrighted content, you’ll get a serious fine. However, you could get away with a warning in many other countries.
Granted, it’s much harder to prosecute streamers because the streaming process leaves almost no evidence behind once it’s concluded. But an IP address can be tracked easily, so it’s still risky.
However, few governments try to find and prosecute Internet users watching illegal movie streams. For the most part, when a government actively fights this issue, it will go against the source (AZMovies, in this case) rather than against the individual users. However, some countries sometimes crack down on copyright infringement, which can be very aggressive. A fine could reach you in the mail and be a severe financial setback.
We understand why users like free movie websites. We like movies too! However, some risks are just not worth it. And as far as we are concerned, nothing is more important than keeping ourselves safe when we’re online. Does that mean you must give up your AZMovies entertainment? No, it instead means that you have to learn to be careful.
Can I enjoy AZMovies more safely?
Let’s be clear about one thing: if AZMovies is illegal in your country and using it means that you are running a considerable and unnecessary risk to your freedom or finances, you must rest assured that we do not condone the use of the website in your country. However, there are plenty of countries where streaming films from AZMovies carries no risk or criminal implications. So, if you are in one of those jurisdictions, there’s no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of unlimited free movie content.
And in those countries where using AZMovies is allowed, you should still strive to have a safer experience. It would be best to consider protecting yourself from third-party observers tracking your activities, viruses, malware, malicious websites, and other digital risks you could be facing as an AZMovies user.
If you haven’t done it already, you must immediately implement two security measures. First, you must have excellent and reliable antivirus software installed on your device to browse around AZMovies. Second, you must get an account with a top-notch VPN service.
The best VPN for video streaming is NordVPN. It’s potent, versatile, safe, and cost-effective. A VPN like Private Internet Access or ExpressVPN encrypts all of your incoming and outgoing traffic. Everything you do goes through a server in the VPN network. This has two effects. First, any external observer won’t know what you’re doing. They will just be able to tell you’re always connected to a single server on the Internet. But because of the encryption, they will have no idea what you’re doing, let alone streaming movies.
If you adopt the antivirus/VPN combo (and, before you ask, yes, you will need to pay for both things; otherwise, they will give you a service worthy of what it’s costing), then you will be as well protected as possible from malware and external spies of all types.
The VPN will make you anonymous. It will hide your video streaming activities from everybody (even the AZMovies website itself, as it will think you’re hailing from an IP address other than yours). So this neat little tool could enable you to stream your AZMoves safely, even in the most authoritarian anti-piracy countries. You could never get caught if you stay within the VPN’s secure tunnel. However, we would advise you to find out your jurisdiction’s stance on copyright and act accordingly. Ask a lawyer if you must, but do not take safety risks.
Note:
Like any other piece of content on PrivacySavvy, this article is provided as-is for entertainment and informational purposes only. We are not releasing this information as legal advice or in a lawyering capacity, so you should not take it provided as such. Every country has its laws and a legislative process that keeps them current according to every jurisdiction’s needs. Consequently, every rule can change at any time, according to a country’s legislative body. Suppose you have any concerns regarding your country’s laws and legislation on this subject, by all means. In that case, we encourage you to seek the advice of a local expert who can give you the most updated and correct information.
How dangerous is it to watch movies from AZMovies?
If you’ve read this far, you must know if you can use AZMovies where you live. We have not discussed security risks in detail, except for mentioning fines.
So, how safe is AZMovies? Assessing the safety of a website like this isn’t very easy. The answer hangs from factors that are not evident from the outside and remain controlled by who hosts the website.
A website’s owner can use its web pages to distribute malicious software. Ads are a persistent means of delivery for malware. That same owner can configure the website to track your data and your activities within the site.
It can even use its web pages to read the content from cookies that other websites have left in your browser. No, we do not know AZMovies to engage in any of those fishy practices. Instead, we’re saying that you shouldn’t assume that any website is safe to use just because you like its content. In any case, even if AZMovies was unsafe in each of the ways we mentioned if your antivirus is online and you are connected through your VPN, you will remain safe anyway.
Beware of mirrors
When a website reaches the status of AZMovies, mirrors keep popping up around the web. It’s unavoidable. A mirror is an almost exact copy of the original site with the same capabilities. Every mirror attempts to look as authentic as the original site. But they’re not. They’re hosted by somebody else, and the mirror’s owner can use them to spread malware, inject viruses through ads, and do any of the nasty things we have already mentioned.
Our advice is for you to avoid using mirrors completely. If you must use them, ensure you have an antivirus and a VPN active on your device.
Can a VPN really keep me safe on AZMovies?
So, by now, you have seen how the movies you can stream from AZMovies can be free of charge but not of hazards. So, one has to wonder if watching content on this website is even worth it. The answer is yes. You have nothing to worry about if you ensure the security measures to protect your devices and local networks from external threats. And the best security measure you can implement is using a good VPN.
The encryption in top VPNs today is AES 256-bit. This is not only the commercial, industrial standard. It’s also the military standard worldwide and the intelligence agencies’ encryption. It’s that good. And you can have it! Having your traffic encrypted with AES means that any third party attempting to intercept your traffic will see nothing but a stream of seemingly random white noise. It’s the ultimate disguise.
And some VPNs are better than others for specific tasks. NordVPN and ExpressVPN, for example, have a very advanced security mechanism that blocks advertising and pop-ups so that you can watch your AZMovies uninterrupted. That is convenient. But more importantly, those measures will keep you safe when you come across a website that uses the AZMovies brand to spread malware and other malicious software.
Best AZMovies VPN comparison table
| NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming services | AZMovies, Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+ | AZMovies, Sky Go, Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | AZMovies, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN |
| Servers | 6,000+ in 61 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 devices | unlimited devices | 8 devices |
| Avg speed | 112Mbps | 86Mbps | 149Mbps |
| Supported devices | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers, Smart TVs |
| Cheapest plan | $3.39 | $1.99 | $6.67 |
The best VPNs for AZMovies in 2024
We’ve insisted on a VPN as the primary tool to keep you safe as an AZMovies user. However, you must know that not every VPN will do the trick. VPNs are not the same, and there is a broad spectrum of services available out there, so it’s essential to choose one that will help you.
First, you must avoid free VPNs at all costs — no pun intended. Free VPNs are low on the resources you’ll need for video streaming, and they pose privacy risks that you don’t need, especially in the case of AZMovies.
But, among those good VPNs, some are tailored to emphasize security over speeds. Those won’t do either. Ideally, the type of VPN you need will guarantee your privacy and security at the same high level as the best in the business. But it would be best to have your chosen VPN give you the high transfer speeds necessary to support HD video streams since you are looking for a tool to safely enjoy the AZMovies website and its mirrors.
And how can you choose suitable options in a market that’s already fraught with competing providers? You don’t have to. We’ve done the work for you. This is the part where we tell you all about the best three VPNs to use in tandem with AZMovies.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN offers some of the VPN-verse’s most advanced and effective security features. As a result, it’s one of the safest (if not the safest) VPNs in the industry. In addition, it includes a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, DDoS protection, ad-blocker, and many more desirable features.
A unique feature in NordVPN is CyberSec, which blocks every server known to host malware and eliminates all advertising. This improves your streaming by increasing speeds and convenience and making it safer.
NordVPN keeps no logs on user activity. This is an essential feature in any VPN because it’s the only thing on which you can count as a privacy protection policy. And you can be sure about this because the NordVPN network is made of RAM-based servers only.
It means that all the information they have is volatile and disappears every time they reboot — which happens about once a week. So NordVPN designed its network so that it couldn’t collect user data even if it wanted.
The network spans more than 60 countries and includes more than 6,000 servers. There is the option to run your traffic through two layers of encryption, and it works with every video streaming platform we’ve tested (including NetFlix, Disney Plus, and many others). In addition, it supports P2P and has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try NordVPN for 30 days without risking any money.
If you want an excellent VPN service that will secure your AZMovies experience in the best possible way, NordVPN is the way to go.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a top-notch VPN that offers one of the best services available for a meagre price. That’s why it’s acquired a colossal reputation despite being one of the most recent VPNs in the industry.
It has a long list of beneficial security features developed in-house and exclusive to this provider. Those features include Camouflage Mode, Whitelister, and CleanWeb. CleanWeb is the most relevant feature regarding AZMovies because it blocks ads and malware on every website you browse. In addition, this provider allows any number of devices to connect to the network, and a kill switch always protects every single one.
This vendor also sticks to a strict zero-logs policy. And the software Surfshark provides for mobile and desktop devices is among the most user-friendly you can find in the VPN world.
Last but not least, Surfshark is so cheap that it can fit practically any budget without sacrificing speeds, security, quality, or even extra features such as the kill switch.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most respected names in VPN land. The service has been around for a long time, and it always offers excellent service. It’s one of the best VPNs for video streaming. It’s one of the few VPNs that can unblock almost every premium video streaming platform out there, so AZMovies poses no challenge to it. The connections are the fastest in the market, and the server network is extensive.
ExpressVPN’s network comprises RAM-only servers (like NordVPN’s), keeps no logs, and has many excellent security features.
The one downside to ExpressVPN is that it is one of the most expensive VPNs. But you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee before deciding if the fee they will charge you monthly is worth it.
Features a good AZMovies VPN should have
- 256-bit AES encryption: This is a strong security and encryption protocol to protect your online privacy and data.
- No-logs policy: A strict no-logs policy is ideal as the provider does not share data with third parties. Also, it should have at least one independent audit to prove it does not store data.
- Protection against Leak: A good VPN protects the user against any leaks that could compromise safety or security. Using a VPN with DNS leak protection is recommended, even if not all VPNs have full leak protection.
- Kill switch: It automatically disconnects your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents any unencrypted data or online activity from being exposed, which could compromise a user’s privacy and security.
- Extensive server network: A great AZMovies VPN should have many servers worldwide to ensure users can find one nearby, resulting in fast streaming speeds. However, some VPNs with a smaller number of servers but well distributed can also provide a good experience.
Accessing AZMovies safely
As we’ve explained, AZMovies is not a legal website in every country in the world. And even if you hail from one of those countries where you could not face any legal problems because of this website, some risks remain present, so you still need to be cautious. And how do you do that? Just use the following steps:
- Choose a premium VPN service. NordVPN or ExpressVPN will be the best option for this task. Also, make sure that your antivirus is up and running.
- Launch the VPN software that is available for your device.
- Use your credentials to log into the VPN network. Choose a server. Since geo-blocks are not an issue with AZMovies, you can pick one that is close to you to enjoy better speeds.
- Head over to the AZMovies website in your browser.
- Enjoy your movies!
Legal alternatives to AZMovies
Websites that are free and legal simultaneously are not the rule on the Internet. In fact, they’re exceedingly rare. So, if you want to enhance your entertainment with copyrighted material, the shortest path is to join a video streaming platform where you would need to pay for a subscription. It’s also the safest way, for the most part. In addition, the fees you pay for these types of websites are very low when you consider the amount of available content.
This section will show you some legal AZMovies alternatives so you can still watch many movies online with increased peace of mind.
1. Netflix
Everybody knows Netflix. It’s become the world’s premier video streamer, hosting an extensive catalog of shows and movies. However, the catalog varies according to your country of origin. This is not a problem if you have a VPN account. Logging into Netflix from a server in the US will grant you all the content that US-based Netflix users can enjoy.
2. Amazon Prime Video
It’s a platform similar to Netflix, but the catalog is much smaller and cheaper. That being said, it features exclusive content that is enough for many users to prefer this option.
Also read: How to change the country to watch Amazon Prime Video US anywhere.
3. Disney Plus
This platform needs no introduction when it comes to entertainment. Disney Plus is a video streaming platform concentrated on Disney content, and if you’re a fan, this will be the thing for you. Among the most popular shows at Disney Plus right now is the Star Wars spin-off “The Mandalorian.”
4. HBO Max
This platform also distributes content from a specific network (HBO). However, it includes some additional material, too, and the catalog is expanding steadily.
Catalog size is not HBO Max’s primary advantage. But it offers many highly successful TV shows that many users will be happy to see exclusively, like “Band of Brothers,” “Rome,” “The Sopranos,” and “Game of Thrones.”
5. Hulu
Hulu sells itself as an excellent platform to watch live sports. And it is! It’s cheaper than Netflix, but the movie catalog is also smaller. Hulu is not online everywhere globally, so you could use a VPN to see it, depending on your location.
6. YouTubeTV
YouTubeTV is a different concept than the rest. It sells you a subscription that gets you to access the content of 70 TV networks (Fox, ESPN, ABC, and CBS, among them).
Before you go ahead and choose any of the alternatives, you need to be aware that some are not available in every country. The US and the UK are the leading platforms’ main markets, and some focus entirely on them. However, your VPN service will grant you access to all their content if you just pick a server from the network based in a country where the catalog is available.
How do I fix my computer if it gets infected with a virus from AZmovies
Pop-ups, push notifications, and unauthorized ads on AZmovies often carry viruses, making it difficult to avoid them even if you are cautious. Clicking on these ads or pop-ups may lead to the automatic installation of malicious software or redirect you to dubious websites.
Some ads claim that your device is infected and prompt you to download cleaners to remove viruses, which introduces a Spigot virus to your device. This puts your online security at risk and may lead to data leaks. Additionally, intrusive pop-ups may start appearing all over your screen.
Below are some of the signs that your computer is infected with a virus and how you can fix it:
An unknown default search engine
If you notice an unfamiliar default search engine when you open your browser, it could be a sign of browser hijacking caused by malware from sites like AZmovies. This malware assigns a fake default search engine to collect your personal data.
To fix this issue, delete any new applications or extensions, scan with an antivirus, and reset your browser. You can follow the steps below for various browsers:
Microsoft Edge
- Open the menu in your browser.
- Click on the settings option.
- Look for the option to reset settings.
- Select this option and choose to restore the settings to their default values.
- Finally, click the reset button to complete the process of resetting your browser settings.
Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the Menu button in your browser.
- Open the Help section.
- Select More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click on the option to Refresh Firefox.
- Confirm that you want to refresh Firefox.
- Wait for Firefox to finish the process of refreshing and restoring its default settings.
Google Chrome
- Open the settings menu in your browser.
- Navigate to the advanced settings section.
- Look for the option to reset and clean up your browser.
- Select this option to begin the process of resetting your browser and removing any unwanted extensions or settings.
An unknown calendar event may appear on your Apple device
You can fix this with the following steps;
- Open your calendar app.
- Click on the ‘Calendar’ option at the bottom of your screen.
- Look for the suspicious event and click the ‘info’ icon next to it.
- Scroll to the bottom and click on the ‘remove‘ option.
- Confirm that you want to delete the calendar event by clicking the ‘delete calendar’ option.
Are you still getting suspicious signs on your computer?
- Are you experiencing slower-than-normal device performance?
- Do you face difficulty when restarting or shutting off your device?
- Is your hard drive working excessively without any apparent reason?
If yes, follow these steps for MAC and Windows to fix it.
On MAC OS
- Run your antivirus software and thoroughly scan your computer to detect malicious files or programs.
- Open your Activity Monitor and check for any unusual activity from an app consuming too much CPU when idle.
- Once you have identified the suspicious app, click “Quit Process” to stop its activity before closing the Activity Monitor.
- Type the name of the suspicious app in the Finder search bar and locate its file.
- Drag the file to the Trash and then empty the Trash to remove the app from your computer altogether.
On Windows
- Disconnect your device from the internet to prevent the virus from spreading.
- Reboot your device in safe mode.
- Use your antivirus software to scan your device thoroughly and locate any viruses.
- Delete the virus or isolate it in quarantine to prevent further damage.
- Back up important files and documents using the 3-2-1 rule – make three copies, save two on an external hard drive, and keep one offsite.
- Transparent temporary files and browser cache from your device.
- Change all your passwords to prevent any unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Consider reinstalling your operating system if the virus cannot be removed, but only as a last resort.
FAQs
Unless you’re in Switzerland, Spain, or Poland, watching movies streamed from the AZMovies website is illegal in your country. However, the answer to this question can be nuanced depending on your government’s official stance on copyright laws and intellectual property issues. So, the best thing for you to do is to talk to a lawyer to find out precisely what you can expect from your government and law enforcement agencies regarding this issue.
Again, there’s no generally valid answer. It depends solely on the country where you live. You could be left alone to do whatever you want online or have a warning or a fine. You could even spend some time in jail. It’s all about your jurisdiction and how it deals with copyright issues.
There are plenty of those. Some of the most famous ones include HBO Now, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Netflix. Each of those needs a subscription, which could be unavailable depending on your country.
Some reliable AZMovies alternatives include Crackle.com, Moviefone.com, Popcornflix.com, Yidio.com, and AZMovies.com.
Yes, AZMovies is an excellent destination for anyone seeking to watch the latest and classic movies in high definition online at no cost. The platform has a vast collection of movies from various genres, including action, comedy, romance, horror, and more, catering to movie enthusiasts’ diverse tastes and preferences.
