Tubi has one of the most massive catalogs of ad-supported, free-to-stream content you will find anywhere. Within this vast catalog, however, it can be challenging to pinpoint what you want to watch, even when browsing blockbusters, classics, and tags like ‘movie night’ and ‘staff recommended.’ It can be a daunting task, especially if you’re looking for something off the beaten path.
There are ample hidden gems on Tubi, and while we implore you to take a look for yourself, don’t be a slave to the algorithm! These 14 titles will get you started on the right track of digging a bit deeper into the streaming site’s impressive catalog.
‘The Gate’ (1987)
The Gate is the story of Glen, a 12-year-old who, alongside his best friend and neighbor, Terry, discovers something is brewing in his backyard. When an ancient tree is cut down, they discover there’s a hole in the ground. Spooky stuff happens, but things go really bad when they use a heavy metal album to chant some lyrics. Glen and Terry unearth what is basically a portal to another dimension. And something wants out.
An Unrecognized Piece of 1980s Horror
Starring Stephen Dorff in his debut as an actor (he plays Glen), The Gate is a solid approach to 1980s horror with everything the decade represents in the genre: satanic panic, spooky dream sequences, and the absolute best practical special effects, including stop motion and forced perspective. Trust us when we say that you will be impressed. When it comes to gateway horror set for young viewers, The Gate does overstep its boundaries, but it’s a fine pick.
‘Tyrannosaur’ (2011)
Joseph has lived a troubled life and has closed himself off and become hostile to those around him, friends and strangers. However, when he meets Hannah, a victim of an abusive relationship, who begins to lean on Joseph for support, he slowly opens himself up to her. As the two form some semblance of a relationship, Hannah’s desperation to find a person like Joseph leads to a shocking revelation.
A Difficult Pill to Swallow
Written and directed by House of the Dragon’s Paddy Considine, Tyrannosaur is wonderfully led by Peter Mullan and Olivia Colman in one of her best performances. The movie, while bleak and somewhat nihilistic at points, hides a meditative and thought-provoking exploration of cycles of violence and the price of revenge. The ending, in particular, is utterly shocking and tragic in a way that makes the film unforgettable.
‘Border’ (2018)
Border is the story of Tina, a customs agent with a very particular talent: she can smell everything and detect the impossible. Tina looks… different. One day, a man with the same facial features as hers goes through customs, and Tina sees they may have something in common. The film is based on the short story Border by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Let the Right One In).
A Wonderful Fantasy Film
While many heard its name at the 2019 Oscars (it was nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling), few people took the time to see this winner of the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes. Border is a strangely compelling fantasy film that plays with folk horror elements while contemplating an honest story about romantic connection outside the human realm.
‘The Hunt’ (2012)
Lucas is a kindergarten teacher in a very small town in Denmark. The community is tight-knit, and the teacher is a valuable part of it. The problem is that the daughter of one of Lucas’ best friends, Klara, tries to kiss him and Lucas completely rejects the child’s actions. In revenge, Klara accuses him of sexual molestation; everyone believes her, and a hunt ensues.
What Makes It Scarier is That It Could Happen
Before Thomas Vinterberg and Mads Mikkelsen impressed the entire world with Another Round, there was The Hunt, which is undoubtedly the actor’s best performance. Although it was nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, most people have forgotten about it. Still, it’s a near-perfect psychological thriller that will leave you shaking with its very believable premise.
‘The Wolf of Snow Hollow’ (2020)
The Wolf of Snow Hollow follows the adventures of a deputy sheriff named John Marshall, who starts drinking again when his town begins experiencing a series of strange and grisly murders. Marshall digs around and sees the resemblance to the legends of werewolves in the area, and, of course, is forced to believe in the impossible.
Comedy and Horror in Perfect Balance
Written and directed by Jim Cummings, who also stars as Deputy Marshall, The Wolf of Snow Hollow is a murder mystery movie that blends well with the tone of comedy horror that its director has proven he can adapt very well. Cummings manages to mix the different genres in a well-executed film with a not-so-easy premise to pull off. The score by Daniel Hart is a delight not to be missed.
‘Horror in the High Desert’ (2021)
Horror in the High Desert is a mockumentary that follows the aftermath of the disappearance of hiker Gary Hinge. Hinge went to investigate local legends in the Nevada desert, but he vanished. As key pieces of evidence are found, viewers are treated to the truth of what happened to the very unlucky hiker. Hint: it’s a nasty piece of nightmare fuel.
The Best Mockumentary in Years
The film is a mockumentary/found footage film that checks every item on the list for the tropes of the horror subgenre, but it still is one of the best films of its genre. It’s insanely scary and its final ten minutes will leave you trembling as you run to turn on the lights. You’ll probably fall in love with it if you have a thing for found footage movies, and that’s a good thing because it has spawned an entire franchise.
‘Threads’ (1984)
In Threads, the world is facing extinction as the most powerful countries in the world bomb each other with nuclear devices. A small town in England, Sheffield, becomes the subject of the story as its residents are subjected to the horrors of fallout and the inevitable fall of man. The film is told from the perspective of one of the survivors, but it’s mostly centered around the survival of the human species.
The Best in Nuclear Horror
It’s not strictly a horror movie, but it’s horrific enough to cause sleepless nights for some time as you think about the sirens announcing a nuclear launch. It’s widely considered one of the best films about its subject. And even though you would think it belongs to a time of “worldwide nuclear panic,” it presents a rough idea of what would happen if the madmen who rule the world decide to press the button at some point.
‘Macbeth’ (2015)
In Macbeth, a medieval officer in Scotland triumphs at war and receives a prophecy by a covenant of witches: they predict Macbeth will one day rule as king. His ambition and his wife’s conviction are enough to push him towards greed as he decides to follow the prophecy, whatever the cost. It’s one of the most underrated adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic.
A Great Adaptation Not Many People Saw
Justin Kurzel’s massively underseen film stars Michael Fassbender as Macbeth, as well as Sean Harris, Paddy Considine, Marion Cotillard, and Elizabeth Debicki, among others. Even though it was critically acclaimed, it was poorly marketed, and the box office performance wasn’t very good. Still, it’s a visually striking version of the story with one of the best ensemble casts of the Shakespeare film universe.
‘Jesus Camp’ (2006)
Jesus Camp depicts the life of children attending the Kids on Fire School of Ministry, a Pentecostal summer camp in Devils Lake, North Dakota. The movie offers an unsettling inside look at the church, capturing their religious fervor and strict teachings to make young kids soldiers for Christ.’ While some of these practices exist in other forms of devout or ritualistic Christianity, the documentary offered an intimate look into practices seldom seen by those on the outside.
An Early Look at Evangelical Indoctrination
What many forget is that within the broader sphere of Christianity, numerous denominations exist, each with drastically different beliefs and practices. For the evangelical church that practices exercises like speaking in tongues, Jesus Camp provided viewers with a glimpse into the intense and unfamiliar practices that are part of the unique doctrine. While not inherently evil, the practices and political and religious indoctrination are undoubtedly questionable and head-turning; the documentary is like a car crash you can’t look away from, but at least you learn something at the same time.
‘Sun Choke’ (2015)
Janie (Sarah Hagan) is recovering from a violent psychotic episode that has seen her under the watchful eye of a strict caretaker, Irma (Barbara Crampton). Under a rigorous, holistic regimen that dictates every moment of Janie’s existence, she begins to become resentful and slowly strays from her home in secret. It is in these wanderings that Janie meets Savannah (Sara Malakul Lane), with whom she begins to form an obsessive and unhealthy relationship.
Drowning in the Sunlight
An unsettling, slow-burning towards an inevitable collapse, Sun Choke is a compelling character-driven, psychological horror film that will crawl under the viewer’s skin. Here, Sarah Hagan shines as a young woman whose entire existence feels caustic and fragile; it is easy to get lost in watching her try to navigate her situation and those around her. The approach here is slightly experimental, and the plot remains purposefully ambiguous. However, for those looking for a movie like an A24 production, they will find Sun Choke a fascinating and tragic portrayal of declining mental health.
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