Halloween is the season for movies. There is no better way to spend a Fall night than curling up on the couch with a film that’s sure to give you nightmares. However, deciding what film to watch can be a challenge. There are tonnes of horror films to choose from, spanning a massive range of tones and sub-genres, meaning it is very easy to get overwhelmed and succumb to decision paralysis.
Thankfully, this is where Tubi comes in. This free, ad-supported, streaming service has a massive catalog of horror films. Its offerings cover everything from classic drive-in flicks to modern cult favorites and critically praised international films. Because of this, Tubi is a great way to expand your horror cinema horizons and dip your toes into some movie genres and styles you wouldn’t usually try.
So, if you’re looking for something to watch this Halloween season, here are ten excellent horror films you can watch on Tubi right now.
Flux Gourmet Is A Deliciously Gross Black Comedy
Directed by Peter Strickland and released in 2022, Flux Gourmet is a fascinating dark comedy that is sure to make your skin crawl. The film follows Stones, a journalist who is invited to a remote artistic institution to document the day-to-day activities of the performance artists currently working there. Alas, this soon takes a weird turn when Stones learns that the group’s work (dubbed sonic catering) is focused on using food to make odd sounds.
Even worse, the artists involved in the project have a tumultuous relationship, something that Stones’ presence only exacerbates. While not a traditional horror film, Flux Gourment is guaranteed to leave you feeling unnerved. Thus, it’s a great Halloween film for movie fans who are not fans of the horror genre’s most well-known tropes.
Possessor Is An Intense Sci-Fi Horror
Released in 2020, Possessor quickly cemented itself as a cult classic, and it’s easy to see why. Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg (who also worked on Infinity Pool), the film follows Tasya Vos. Tasya is a unique assassin, as rather than killing her target herself, she hijacks bodies, forcing unwitting people to kill both the target and themselves.
However, jumping between minds soon starts to take a toll on Tasya as she slowly loses connection to her original personality. Even worse, Tasya’s higher-ups are becoming worried that her desire to try and maintain a civilian family life is holding her back as a killer, putting even more pressure on her. Possessor is a stylish and twisting sci-fi psychological horror that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Caveat Is A Twisting Mystery
Directed by Damian McCarthy, Caveat follows Isaac, a drifter with amnesia. When Isaac is offered a job looking after his landlord’s ill daughter, he accepts it, presuming it will be an easy task. However, he soon discovers that this is far from a regular job. Firstly, the daughter lives on a remote island, far away from civilization.
Secondly, the daughter frequently wanders around the house carrying a creepy rabbit toy and a crossbow. Even worse, while trying to figure out what is going on, Isaac discovers something much more sinister might be happening. A tense and creative film, Caveat will keep you guessing until the very last scene.
Fright Night Still Holds Up
Arriving on screens in 1985, Fright Night was directed by Tom Holland (who would go on to direct Child’s Play). Charley Brewster is a teenager obsessed with Fight Night, a late-night horror host show fronted by quasi-vampire hunter Peter Vincent. However, when Charley suspects that his neighbor is a vampire, he has to put all his creature-killing knowledge (most of which he’s picked up from film) to good use.
Fright Night is unmistakably 1980s, and that works in its favor. Its combination of memorable visual effects and silly antics makes it a fantastic choice for a Halloween movie night, especially if you have friends who are not into intense scares. Because of this, Fright Night totally holds up.
The Love Witch Is A Retro Throwback
Directed by Anna Biller and launching in 2016, The Love Witch aimed to emulate the look and feel of 1960s horror. After being suddenly widowed, a young witch named Elaine Parks moves to Arcata, California. At first, this new location does her good, as Arcata is surprisingly accepting of witchcraft. However, Elaine’s life quickly spirals out of control when a series of romantic incidents leads to terrible consequences for both her and her lovers.
It is hard to understate how great the movie is. Not only is The Love Witch a perfect emulation of 1960s horror, but it also uses the era’s aesthetic and conventions to explore gender in a fascinating and engrossing way. Because of this, The Love Witch is a fantastic film for viewers who appreciate horror with a deeper edge.
Hatching Is Strange But Brilliant
Known as Pahanhautoja in Finland, this 2022 film was directed by Hanna Bergholm. The movie follows Tinja, a young gymnast who will stop at nothing to earn her mother’s adoration. However, this is much easier said than done, as Tinja’s mother is an influencer who is obsessed with presenting the image of a perfect family to her army of viewers and followers. When her mother kills a crow by snapping its neck, Tinja decides to raise the egg it left behind in secret.
However, this egg starts to grow unnaturally big, making it hard to hide. Even worse, when the egg hatches, Tinja finds that there isn’t a cute baby bird inside. Absurd, gory, and utterly memorable, Hatching is a unique take on horror that all film fans should check out at least once.
Sick Nurses Will Turn Your Stomach
Released in 2007 and directed by Piraphan Laoyont and Thodsapol Siriwiwat, Sick Nurses is a Thai slasher film. In a run-down hospital, Dr. Tar and seven nurses have been running an evil scheme where they sell the bodies of dead patients on the black market. However, when one of the nurses threatens to expose the scheme, Tar and the others kill her to keep her quiet.
Naturally, in true slasher tradition, the slain nurse returns from the grave to take her revenge on the people who had wronged her, leading to several memorable kills. While it doesn’t break from the expected format too much, slash fans will find a lot to love in Sick Nurses. However, the gore means it might not be the best for those with weak stomachs.
The Hallow Is A Twisted Folk Tale
Directed by Corin Hardy (who also worked on 2018’s The Nun), The Hallow launched in 2015. The movie follows Adam Hitchens, a conservationist who travels to a remote Irish village. As Adam and his family explore the woods surrounding the town, they witness many odd and confusing sights. Their confusion only grows when the locals inform them that local legends say the forest is inhabited by vicious, fairy-like creatures.
Naturally, Adam doesn’t believe them. However, as events continue to grow stranger, he is forced to reconsider his doubts. A fantastic film dripping with folk horror energy, The Hallow is a must-watch film for those who love twisted takes on classic myths.
Carnival of Souls Is A Classic
Released in 1962 and directed by Herk Harvey, Carnival of Souls is widely regarded as a classic film. The film follows Mary Henry, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when she is the sole survivor of a car crash. Keen to escape the incident, she moves to Utah and tries to start a new life. However, just as she gets settled, she begins to have visions of a ghoulish man.
It is easy to see why Carnival of Souls is so praised. The film features fantastic direction and numerous creative shots. Combine this with the film’s tense and forboding atmosphere, and you’re left with a movie that will linger in your mind long after it ends.
The Thing from Another World Is A Classic Flying Saucer Picture
Often regarded as one of the best sci-fi films of the 1950s and one of the best flying saucer pictures ever made, 1951’s The Thing from Another World was directed by Christian Nyby (or Howard Hawks, depending on which story you believe). When a mysterious craft crashes near a research base at the North Pole, Dr. Arthur Carrington calls the Air Force for help. When they arrive, Capt. Patrick Hendry and his team quickly discover the remains of an alien spaceship and a strange being frozen in the ice.
Naturally, the team starts to debate what to do with this body. Alas, these discussions are short-lived as the creature escapes from the ice and begins to cause havoc. A classic slice of sci-fi horror, The Thing from Another World is as thrilling today as it was in 1951, making it a must-watch film for horror lovers.
