Tubi, like many streaming platforms this month, is rolling out the red carpet for horror with curated “Terror on Tubi” programming. Though robust, horror fans know that it only scratches the surface of Tubi’s deep, obscure well of programming and library selections. There’s a wealth of deep cuts and Halloween horror movies lurking on the platform, like the newly returned “Freddy’s Nightmares.”
If the overwhelming selection causes decision paralysis this Halloween season, consider this a starter pack of horror movies to add to your watchlists, from charming forgotten favorites to gems set around Halloween, and many of them only available on Tubi.
Arachnophobia
Creepy crawlies and spiders, in particular, serve as regular fixtures of Halloween, and this pinnacle of spider horror movies lives up to its title. It revolves around an arachnophobe protagonist forced to confront his fears in the worst possible way when the small town he’s just relocated his family to is invaded by a new species of spider. A species that happens to be extremely aggressive and highly venomous. There’s no shortage of horrifying moments as the spider offspring quietly sneak into homes and attack oblivious humans doing innocuous things like putting on shoes or turning off lamps. But the showdown in the wine cellar is a spine-tingling, suspenseful battle for the ages.
The ‘Burbs
Gremlins and The Howling filmmaker Joe Dante’s dark comedy, penned by screenwriter Dana Olsen, hinges on a simple question – what if the new neighbor on the block could be a serial killer? Imaginations run wild after a secretive family moves in, prompting a paranoid amateur investigation that leads to chaos and maybe even murder. Starring Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, Corey Feldman, Dick Miller, Courtney Gains, and more, there are a lot of genre vets in the cast. It’s an ensemble dark comedy that veers into horror, making it a great watch for Halloween gatherings. There’s also a TV series adaptation on the way from Peacock.
Felidae
Those seeking more hidden horror gems this October should add this grim animated film for grown-ups to their watchlists. Michael Schaack’s adaptation of Akif Pirinçci’s crime fiction novel follows a cat named Francis as he’s drawn into a murder investigation shortly after moving into a new neighborhood with his owner. There’s a serial killer picking off the area’s cats in savage ways, not to mention sexual violence, psychological horror, and hints of Satanism. In other words, horror and crime collide in R-rated ways in one of Germany’s most expensive animated features, contrasted by its vibrant art style. Life is violent on the streets, and despite appearances, this bleak tale isn’t remotely suitable for children.
The Hills Have Eyes
A Halloween pick for the adrenaline junkies. This intense remake was prompted by Wes Craven himself, paving the way for a bloody and intense update. The suburban Carter family are caravanning from Ohio to California with their two dogs in tow but wind up stranded in the desert. They are relentlessly hunted and killed by a twisted and sadistic cannibal family in the desert hills. In director Alexandre Aja and writer Grégory Levasseur’s hands, this updated version of The Hills Have Eyes is an onslaught of suspenseful violence and faster pacing. The cannibal family is also much more monstrous.
The Hunger
Tony Scott’s directorial debut loosely adapts Whitley Strieber’s 1981 novel of the same name, centered around a love triangle between a gerontologist and a pair of vampire lovers. The alluring Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) sets her sights on Sarah (Susan Sarandon) when her vampire lover John (David Bowie) begins a painful descent into an eternal living-death. The erotic horror movie oozes gothic atmosphere and style, featuring Bauhaus and practical effects by the legendary Dick Smith.
I Am Not a Serial Killer
John Wayne Cleaver (Max Records) adheres to a strict therapy regimen and rules to ward off his sociopathic, homicidal impulses. His darker nature makes him deeply curious when a string of murders ensues in his small midwestern town, leaving behind traces of black goo. This adaptation of Dan Wells’ novel offers a unique blend of supernatural mystery and a sweet yet strange coming-of-age tale. While it doesn’t wholly embrace Halloween, the holiday does factor into the film’s events. Christopher Lloyd also stars.
Murder Party
Before Green Room and Blue Ruin, filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier quietly debuted with Murder Party. The horror comedy follows Christopher (Chris Sharp), a nice guy with no plans for Halloween, until he finds a mysterious party invitation on the way home. With a DIY costume assembled and a host gift baked, Christopher treks over to the costume party in a nondescript warehouse. There, he finds that the partygoers plan to murder him in the name of art, though everything that could go wrong does to hilarious results. Hyper-violence and a glorious bloodbath make for one of the most fun final acts, with a satisfying conclusion to Christopher’s venture out on Halloween night. Look for The Toxic Avenger‘s director Macon Blair as a lovesick werewolf.
Neon Maniacs
This ‘80s monster fest features a group of homicidal monsters that live under the Golden Gate Bridge by day but come out at night to slaughter. When a teen escapes their clutches, they spend the rest of the film hunting her down and killing anyone in their path. Each monster has a personality and costume of his own, from samurai to mad doctor, which makes their final battle set during the high school Halloween dance a perfect cover. Creatures, silliness, and an ‘80s synth score make for a perfect Halloween party.
Slugs
This slimy, gory creature feature about toxic waste-spawned slugs is from the mind of Pieces’ Juan Piquer Simon. These killer slugs are downright gruesome in their kills, making for some really fun surprises. This small town has no clue what’s happening, and only health worker Mike Brady is on the case. The kills are much more isolated and spread apart at first, but they really ramp up their attack on Halloween, when everyone is out and about in costume. The holiday theming may be light, but the gory kills make this another perfect Halloween watch.
The Strangers: Prey at Night
One last family trip before boarding school leads to a grueling fight for survival when the masked trio comes knocking once more in Johannes Roberts’ stylish but lighter sequel. Bailee Madison, Lewis Pullman, Christina Hendricks, and Martin Henderson star as the family unit forced into harrowing chase sequences and lethal confrontations. Roberts borrows a page or two from John Carpenter and Christine in this survive-the-night thriller with an earworm soundtrack. It’s the standout pool sequence that ensures this sequel has legs.
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