Streaming platforms via the net are a great way to get one’s movie fix without leaving the comforts of home. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a monthly subscription to the likes of Netflix and Hulu. Fret not, because there are few free streaming services out there perfect for one’s next binge. Especially if they happen to be a horror fan.
If it’s a numbers game, the free streaming services actually offer quite an impressive selection of horror films. Some are timeless classics of the genre, others are bargain bin beasts, but there are plenty of diamonds in the rough. And they’re all 100% free.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – Tubi
Tubi is going to be a frequent player on this list, and it appropriately kicks it off with this sinister slasher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. One of the pillars of the slasher/splatter genre, this southern-fried nightmare has frightened viewers for decades, and it hasn’t stopped yet.
For those horror hounds looking for a prominent slice of the genre’s history, Leatherface and his cannibal clan will certainly offer something familiar to the table. Just be prepared for some stomach-turning scenes.
The Phantasm Series – Crackle
On the other hand, if viewers are looking for something more strange and surreal, they can never go wrong with Phantasm. This underrated sci-fi scare-fest and all its sequels can be watched at no charge on Crackle, with high recommendations.
The enigmatic horror cult classic has quite a buffet of strange beings to satisfy those looking for a dive into the bizarre. With zombies, other dimensions, killer orbs, and a malevolent figure known as “The Tall Man,” it’s a series that never fails to play a few mind games.
Clown (2014) – Pluto TV
If Pennywise was too tame or predictable, viewers seeking a case of coulrophobia (fear of clowns) might want to consider Clown on Pluto TV. It’s one thing to run away from an evil clown giving chase in a typical slasher flick, but what about transforming into one?
As uncomfortable and unsettling as that notion is, this underrated gem is currently available to watch at one’s leisure. Part monster movie, part body horror, all things people can expect from the mind of producer Eli Roth.
The Monster Squad (1987) – Crackle
The ’80s were a great time for horror movies, and not all of them had to be strictly for adults. Enter The Monster Squad on Crackle to scratch that itch for kitsch.
Watching kids duke it out with monsters is a staple of any good ’80s horror flick, be they gremlins or Freddy Kreuger, but there’s just something special about seeing them go up against the likes of Dracula and the Wolfman. Can’t beat the classics like these monsters.
The Blob (1958) – Crackle
Free streaming services are great for fans of vintage horror movies, and one thing that will never go out of style is retro sci-fi schlock. Fortunately, Crackle steps up to the plate with one of the most famous pieces of creepy campy classics, The Blob.
True, it’s not exactly spine-tingling by today’s standards, but as far as so-dated-it’s-timeless factors go, it’s pretty up there. It’s like watching a Universal Monster movie, watch for the atmosphere, not for the plot.
Bones (2001) – Tubi
No one could have predicted Snoop Dogg would make such an impressive horror actor. For those who haven’t seen this forgotten horror from the hood, Bones is readily available on Tubi to be enjoyed in its spooky yet stylish glory.
Snoop Dogg plays Jimmy Bones, the ghost of a ’70s gangster who seeks revenge on the crooked cops who murdered him and hid his body beneath an old house. It’s a gothic supernatural slasher flick, that deserves to be brought out of the boneyard.
The Jack in the Box (2019) – Tubi
Some of Tubi’s horror selections belong at the bottom of the bargain bin, but not this creature feature from the UK. The Jack in the Box isn’t the average killer clown movie, but one that does quite a lot with the small budget it was given.
A spin on the traditional Jack-in-the-box toy, the clown in question is actually an ancient demon locked inside a musical prison. It’s a simple-yet-effective slasher flick that at least tries something different, don’t let this one go under the radar.
Stage Fright (2014) – Crackle
This film is what happens when Scream meets The Phantom of the Opera. The answer lies on Crackle in the form of Stage Fright, a slasher movie musical.
As wild as that combo might sound, the film is bizarrely entertaining. It’s a tongue-in-cheek parody of musical movies while at the same time being a decently gory slasher flick. Not to mention, it’s also nice to see Meat Loaf getting back in the musical game.
Count Dracula (1970) – Tubi
Christopher Lee is pretty much synonymous with Dracula, having played the character longer than any other actor. And yet, one of his most remarkable performances shamelessly goes underappreciated. It can, however, be watched for free on Tubi.
Count Dracula is a Spanish/Italian film featuring Lee in a rather restrained but accurate performance of the title role. While it might not be as well-known as the rest of his work, it’s certainly one that stands out due to its tie-in to the actual novel.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) – Tubi
As many hits and misses as there are in Tubi’s horror collection, there are some timeless classics like Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow. The Headless Horseman has been a horror icon since before the invention of film, so why wouldn’t he come in first place on a list of free horror flicks?
Burton’s version of Washington Irving’s original American haunting checks the boxes for several classic horror tropes, not that anyone’s complaining. The director is absolutely in his element, and his love for the genre truly shines here.
