The Best Free Horror Movies on YouTube, Ranked

Even with the large selection of streaming services like Netflix available worldwide, it can start to feel like they’re all just recycling the same movies from one platform to another. There are free streaming platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi, but many overlook one of the best sources of free movies: YouTube. Originally boasting the slogan “Broadcast Yourself,” the video-sharing platform started by featuring amateur uploads from users but quickly grew into a giant company with premium ad-free subscriptions and live-streaming.

When it comes to horror movies, YouTube has a selection of free (with ads) and paid options available to stream. However, numerous channels are dedicated to uploading free horror movies for viewers to stream at no charge. Two of the most well-known channels are Kings of Horror and V Horror, offering a library of over 100 films. If you’re looking for something outside the streaming box to watch, here are some of the best horror movies you can stream on YouTube for free.

17

Patient Seven (2016)

The horror anthology film Patient Seven stars the respected Michael Ironside as a dark psychologist interviewing patients at a psychiatric hospital. Each patient’s unique condition and mental state give clues to how they are interconnected with someone referred to as “Patient Seven.” Every segment showcases Dr. Marcus’ twisted methods, making this movie feel like a combination horror-thriller at times.

An Atmospheric Watch With Solid Acting

The patients’ unique stories keep the pacing on point, while the surprise ending, which comes out of left field, leaves an impression that viewers seem to love or hate. In addition to Ironside, the cast features Jack Plotnick as Dr. Victor and Amanda Graeff as Sarah (Patient Four). Patient Seven is a testament to Ironside’s incredible talent as an actor and his ability to give a compelling performance. That’s not to say the movie is without faults, especially the use of too many horror tropes and the controversial conclusion. But it’s an excellent watch for anyone looking for a somewhat chaotic story they don’t have to take seriously to enjoy.

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16

The Legend of Jack and Jill (2021)

Was the original “Jack and Jill” nursery rhyme not dark and gory enough for you? The Legend of Jack and Jill might be the perfect watch to shake up your favorite childhood tale. This British horror movie was first released in 2021 and has gained over 4.2 million views since its addition to the V Horror YouTube channel. The plot follows Jack and Jill after they escape from a psychiatric facility with their mother, only to travel “up the hill” to where they will reside for the next decades. However, when people start going missing, and a group of hikers travels to the hill, it’s clear they will come face-to-face with the feral siblings.

An Entertaining Watch

It’s no secret both critics and fans felt let down by this low-budget horror production. Yet, it can be an entertaining choice when you’ve already watched all the mainstream titles and need something new. There’s a lot of cliché to the characters, and the overall quality is lacking in some areas. Still, it is a fascinating alternate universe for Jack and Jill, which includes some gore and a unique backstory.

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15

Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption (2011)

Fans of post-apocalyptic horror B-movies may already be familiar with Ryan Thompson’s Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption, a 2011 film where the world is filled with zombies. The plot follows John Knox, played by Johnny Gel, who struggles to survive among the living dead. He meets a group of survivors who take him in and make him an official group member. Unfortunately, Knox’s new love interest is kidnapped from their camp, leaving the group no choice but to head out and save their friend from the raiders while avoiding the zombies.

A Fun and Cheesy Zombie Movie

Like many low-budget zombie productions, the special effects in this movie are questionable, and many of the scenes are far from realistic. It’s not on the same level as a George Romero zombie film, but Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption has some fun and exciting scenes hidden throughout the scattered plot. Some science fiction elements and an excellent performance from Fred Williamson make this movie an entertaining watch.

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14

Krampus: The Devil Returns (2016)

Krampus: The Devil Returns, also called Krampus 2: The Devil Returns, is a sequel to the holiday horror movie Krampus: The Christmas Devil, not to be confused with 2015’s successful film Krampus. This installment takes place several years after the first movie’s events. It follows former Officer Jeremy Duffin as he tries to deal with life in the aftermath of his wife’s murder and his daughter’s abduction. Duffin returns to his roots to try to stop Krampus from terrorizing more children in their town while hoping to save his daughter.

‘Tis Always the Season to Watch a Krampus Movie

The folklore of Krampus is a staple with horror fans looking for a genre movie to watch during the holiday season. Krampus is an anthropomorphic monster believed to originate from Germany that appears during the Advent season to punish children who have misbehaved throughout the year. Audiences agree that this sequel improves on the first film, with scares and a good plot, though the acting is less than believable. Overall, Krampus: The Devil Returns is a solid free watch on YouTube.

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13

The Evil Down the Street (2019)

The Evil Down the Street is a demonic horror movie that’s said to be inspired by real events. The plot follows a family that moves into a new home only for strange things to happen. Almost every horror cliché is stuffed into this just-over-90-minute story, but the movie has some successful supernatural stings to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Compared to other horror movies, this is a tame watch that doesn’t have a lot of gore or jump scares, perfect for the more squeamish who want a more atmospheric horror experience.

A Light Watch for Fans of Thrillers

There’s a horror film for every type of fan, and this one is best for those just getting into the genre or those who don’t want something too traumatizing. Most of the movie’s scenes feel more like a thriller than anything, with unpredictable characters and exciting cinematography. It’s a relatively quick and free watch on the YouTube channel Kings of Horror.

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12

Hell House LLC (2015)

Fans of found footage movies presented as documentaries should check out Hell House LLC. The movie has inspired several sequels and was generally well-received among the horror community. The film follows a documentary crew as they investigate an abandoned hotel that was once the site of a haunted attraction that left fifteen dead on its opening night. When they get in touch with the sole survivor of the night and get her to join them, the horrific events of the past re-emerge.

Hell House LLC does an incredible job of consistently creating a creepy atmosphere throughout the film. On the surface, it’s a found-footage mockumentary, but once you get into the meat of the plot, it becomes clear it’s more of a haunted house movie than anything. There’s quite a bit of shaky camera movement, but as a whole, Hell House LLC is a celebrated addition to the found footage genre and is well worth a watch.

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11

The Corrupted (2010)

The 2010 horror movie The Corrupted is a lesser-known production by writer-directors John Klappstein and Knighten Richman. The plot follows a group of friends who head out for a weekend of partying at a lake house in rural Alberta, Canada. While playing the guitar by the lake one night, one character is approached by an unknown woman who summons him to follow her. When he meets back up with his friends, it’s clear something is different about him. The result is a night of paranoia as friends turn on each other.

A High-Energy Horror-Sci-Fi Combo

If you’re a fan of science fiction movies with a touch of horror/thriller, The Corrupted checks all the boxes. It has an independent film feel with a truly creative take on the genre. The movie’s special effects are impressive for what it is as a whole, and there’s a palpable tension in most of the scenes. The Corrupted only has a runtime of 76 minutes, so it’s well-paced and a quick watch.

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10

The Changeling (1980)

The Changeling is a 1980 supernatural horror mystery starring George C. Scott as the film’s main character, John Russell. The plot begins with Russell losing his wife and daughter in a tragic car accident, which prompts him to uproot his life and relocate to Seattle. He ends up renting a mansion that’s sat vacant for many years, which only adds to his lonely existence as a musician. Russell starts experiencing strange occurrences in the mansion, which take him on a terrifying yet entrancing journey to learn the source behind the strange, haunting events.

The Changeling Is a Canadian Classic

One of the best things about The Changeling is that it doesn’t need blood, gore, or over-the-top effects for the story to be compelling. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful and creates an atmosphere that makes this one of the most unsettling yet underappreciated films of the early ’80s. It has elements of a psychological mystery thriller that make the story impactful, so much so that it stays with many viewers long after their first watch.

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9

Blood Cult (1985)

Known as one of the first direct-to-video horror movies, Blood Cult was released in 1985 by Christopher Lewis. The movie follows police detective Ron Wilbois as he tries to solve a group of recent murders at a Midwestern college campus. However, it doesn’t take long for Ron to become a target, leaving the detective unsure who he can trust in his own personal life. It’s soon revealed that the murders are due to a satanic cult and their need for human sacrifices.

A Stand Out of 80s SOV Horror

When it comes to Blood Cult, the low quality is part of the movie’s charm. The gore is so over the top that it looks incredibly unrealistic in the best way and has a lot of entertaining scenes that make for solid pacing in this slasher flick. Its moody cinematography enhances the film visually and helps make it a cult classic among genre fans.

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8

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

The Taking of Deborah Logan stars Jill Larson in the titular role as Deborah, an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The plot follows a student documentary crew filming Deborah and her daughter, Sarah, to document the condition and its progression. Yet, the longer the team works with Deborah, the clearer it becomes for them that something supernatural has a hold on her, and she’s not just suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

A Great Example of a Mockumentary Done Right

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​​The Taking of Deborah Logan is a unique movie that perfectly blends different types of horror cinema. It’s a consistently scary and tense story about possession, with a plot with a fair amount of depth. There’s no shortage of jump scares, and the film’s first and second halves are incredibly disturbing in different ways. The movie’s slow pacing and convincing performances earned The Taking of Deborah Logan a modest following among found-footage horror fans.

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7

Alice, Sweet Alice (1976)

A young girl named Alice is suspected of the murder of her younger sister, Karen, during a First Holy Communion ceremony. This causes a rift in the family, with the parents suffering from loss and trying to decide how to approach Alice for the crimes and whether it was even her fault. Meanwhile, tenants in the building are being brutally murdered, which raises further questions as to if a young girl is even capable of such horrendous crimes.

A Slasher with Depth

Alice, Sweet Alice stars a young Brooke Shields as a cold, calculated killer, a role that has garnered accolades from horror fans. The movie has found a dedicated cult following over the decades, with its unique approach to the slasher genre, dealing with themes of sibling rivalry, parental neglect, and loss of innocence. For slasher fans, Alice, Sweet Alice is thick with an uneasy atmosphere but still throws in stylish, memorable moments of gory chaos. For a microbudget slasher, the style, performances, and themes make the ’70s horror stand-out a wonderful choice to watch for free on YouTube.

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6

Night of the Demons (1988)

On Halloween night, a group of teenagers decides to throw a Halloween party at Hull House, an abandoned funeral parlor with a dark past. Their celebrations end up awakening an evil entity, which begins to transform some of the teens into turning on the others in a horrific fashion. Those remaining have to fight for their lives, hoping the house will release its grip on them as the morning comes.

Perfect to Throw into Your October Watch-list

Night of the Demons is an underrated Halloween horror film. While it has garnered cult status, the movie is hardly mentioned in the same vein as other holiday classics like Halloween or Trick ‘r Treat. However, the Kevin Tenney horror movie offers some great practical effects and a devilishly entertaining mix of horror and comedy. For the cool factor, the movie includes one of the best goth antagonists of all time in Amelia Kinkade, whose iconic dance to Bauhaus’s Stigmata Martyr as Angela burned in the memory of any kid who caught this gem in the 80s. Scream queen Linnea Quigley (Night of the Living Dead, Silent Night, Deadly Night) also appears in an equally creepy, demon-possessed role.

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5

Milk and Serial (2024)

Two friends who run a YouTube channel where they always try to one-up each other go a bit too far when one stages a murder during their birthday party. The sound of gunshots attracts a neighbor who seems to be suffering from mental health issues. Taking pity on the man, they two offer to spend some time with him, but as they get to know each other, things escalate, and the lines between ‘it’s just a prank bro’ and reality start to blur.

It’s Just a Prank Bro

Director and lead actor Curry Baker released Milk & Serial for free on his YouTube channel. It quickly started making the rounds online, with many championing it as one of the best found-footage horror movies ever made. The praise is not undeserved, as Baker offers a dark look at the hazards of social media, mixing it with some deeply disturbing visuals. The entire film is uneasy to watch, from the violence to Baker’s unnerving performance, which is everything you would want in a horror movie.

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4

Terrifier (2018)

Two sisters party hopping during Halloween come across a sinister-looking clown at a restaurant. At first, offended by the ‘creep,’ the two move on with their night, unaware that the clown is following them with murder on his mind. As the two escape into a building, they find the harlequin massacring everyone in a gristly manner while hunting them down.

Art The Clown in his First Feature Film

Art the Clown is now a horror staple, and while his beginnings are in a short film, the first feature film is what kicked off his infamy for brutality. Extremely gory and over-the-top, Terrifier is a spectacle of practical effects meant to shock. The first movie was just a taste of what was to come, but it still offers plenty of memorable moments of terror that will crawl under the viewer’s skin.

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3

Citadel (2012)

Tommy and his wife Joanne live in a dilapidated apartment complex, struggling to get by. After the birth of their child, Tommy is soon thrust into despair when Joanne is murdered. Becoming increasingly paranoid of others, Tommy shuts himself in. Still, when the same group breaks into his home, and he realizes his attackers are violent kids, he reaches out to a priest for help. Together with a blind child who can sense the creatures, the three head to an abandoned complex where they believe the monsters are staying.

An Abaonded Building Full of Feral Children

Combining urban horror and paranoia with a tale of killer feral children, Citadel is one hell of a ride to try to get through. The movie is claustrophobic, brooding, and a deeply emotional journey through loss, with a polish that makes it feel more big-budgeted than it actually is. Citadel is an underrated horror film from start to finish, and it certainly should have gotten more buzz on release; it is utterly haunting, especially for those with kids.

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2

The Monster Project (2017)

A young group of aspiring filmmakers decide to make a sensational documentary about people who believe themselves to be real-life monsters. They gather a police officer who claims to be a skinwalker, a tattooist who rules the night as a vampire, and a young woman who believes a demon possesses her to an abandoned mansion rumored to host demonic activities for a series of interviews. Their skepticism soon turns to terror as they learn that their interview subjects are all what they claim to be.

Calling Monsters to a Satanic Abandoned Mansion, What Could Go Wrong?

The Monster Project may not deliver the same scares as other found-footage horror films, but the premise here will delight any fan of creature features. Think of The Monster Project as a love letter to classic horror tropes, using classic monsters and giving them fresh life in a new format. Getting to know each monster and the truth slowly unraveling works perfectly to build up to the chaos that follows; it is the only found footage film where a crew has to face off against a werewolf, vampire, and demon all in one night!

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1

The Beyond (1981)

The murder and entombment of a Warlock in the 1920s set off a series of events that would bring unspeakable terror to a town. The home where the warlock’s body rests is inherited by an unexpected woman named Liza Merrill, who moves from New York to renovate it. When the renovations awaken the evil, though, people around town start dying horrifically. Liza works with a local doctor to try to navigate the mysteries around her home, forcing them to face an ancient evil.

An Ancient Evil Terrozies a Small Town

The ‘Godfather of Gore,’ Lucio Fulci, was revered for making some of the best horror films of the 70s and 80s. While Fulci was known for his bringing prolonged gory deaths to the screen, it is the elements of cosmic horror that have made The Beyond to be considered his masterpiece. The ending here is utterly sinister, and it would go on to inspire many other filmmakers to blend Lovecraftian horror with shock. Still, those unfamiliar with the director’s work should be aware of the indulgence of the madman, as not everyone will appreciate a five-minute scene of someone being slowly eaten by spiders.

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