10 Underrated Halloween Movies to Stream for Free This Week

Halloween isn’t limited to rewatching Hocus Pocus or going through the usual Halloween and Friday the 13th movies again. Although the holiday seems perfect for scary slasher films and jump-scare marathons, there are many lesser-known, unique horror movies – including gothic classics and funny horror-comedies – that are equally worth watching. The good news is you can watch these films this week without spending any money!

As a huge horror fan, I’m always on the lookout for great movies, and I’m thrilled with what’s available on free streaming platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and YouTube (even with the ads!). You can find *so* much spooky cinema – everything from seriously bloody creature features to delightfully campy cult comedies. These films may not always be blockbusters, but they’ve definitely become classics in horror history. Honestly, whatever kind of Halloween mood I’m in – whether I want something sexy and fun, genuinely gothic and chilling, or over-the-top ‘80s gore – these free services always deliver. It’s a fantastic selection!

Scary Movie Is a Horror Comedy Classic That Never Gets Old (YouTube; free with ads)

As a huge movie fan, I always think about how much of a moment Scary Movie had when it came out in 2000. A lot of people remember it just for being really over-the-top and silly, but honestly, I think it’s actually a surprisingly clever film. It really was both a fun tribute and a pretty sharp critique of those late ‘90s slasher flicks like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Although it’s primarily a comedy, the film significantly shaped the horror-comedy genre for a new audience. Characters such as Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) quickly became popular with viewers, and the film’s playful, disrespectful style impacted many spoofs afterward, though none achieved the same level of success. Watching Scary Movie now shows how clever its humor truly was. Beyond the physical comedy and somewhat rude jokes, there’s a film that really understood horror conventions, and that’s why the jokes were so effective.

Children of the Corn Turns a Stephen King Short Story Into Rural Terror (Tubi and Plex)

Some horror movies have become their own unique style, though they aren’t always appreciated by everyone. Children of the Corn, adapted from a story by Stephen King, initially received some doubt from critics when it came out. However, horror enthusiasts have since made it a beloved, long-lasting tradition to watch every year.

The film centers on a couple who unexpectedly find themselves in a deserted town controlled by a disturbing group of children. These children worship an evil being referred to simply as “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” What truly makes Children of the Corn stand out isn’t just its frightening supernatural elements, but the unsettling feeling of loneliness and the incredibly memorable villain, Isaac, portrayed with creepy accuracy by John Franklin. Though it doesn’t have the same level of refinement as larger Stephen King adaptations such as The Shining or Misery, the movie possesses a unique and sinister appeal.

Creepshow 2 Is a Morbidly Fun Anthology of Terror (Tubi)

Anthology horror films don’t often get the praise they deserve, but Creepshow 2 shows that this style can still be really effective. As a follow-up to George A. Romero and Stephen King’s Creepshow (1982), the sequel often lives in the shadow of the original. However, it still offers three frightening stories that have gained a dedicated following over time.

Some standout stories are “The Raft,” about a group of young people terrorized by a creepy, shapeless creature while on a lake, and “The Hitchhiker,” a truly frightening tale featuring an unstoppable ghost who keeps repeating, “Thanks for the ride, lady!”

Even though the movie wasn’t as expensive to make as the first one, its fun, comic book style and dark humor make it a must-watch for Halloween. Creepshow 2 really captures that great balance between silly and scary, making it perfect for people who enjoy horror stories told in short segments.

Sleepy Hollow Is Tim Burton’s Gothic Horror at Its Finest (YouTube; free with ads)

It’s hard to find many movies that embody the spooky, gothic feel of Halloween as well as Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999). Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane, an unusual detective who is sent to a small town to investigate a string of beheadings. The one responsible, naturally, is the Headless Horseman, brought to life with a truly frightening performance by Christopher Walken.

The movie is a visual treat, completely infused with Burton’s distinctive style: think misty forests, rooms lit by candles, and elaborate gothic details that make each scene resemble a dark painting. Combined with Danny Elfman’s eerie music, it’s one of Burton’s most immersive films. While it was well-received when it came out, Sleepy Hollow is often overlooked in favor of Burton’s lighter, more playful movies like or Edward Scissorhands. However, if you’re looking for a darker, more intense side of Burton’s work, Sleepy Hollow is a must-watch for Halloween.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Is Guillermo del Toro’s Most Overlooked Horror Project (Tubi)

Based on Alvin Schwartz’s popular (and frightening) books for kids, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) successfully blends familiar feelings with real scares. The movie, produced by Guillermo del Toro, takes several short stories and connects them into one story about a cursed book that terrorizes a group of teenagers.

While it wasn’t a huge box office hit, Scary Stories has gained a dedicated fanbase over time, especially with younger viewers who’ve found it later on. Now streaming for free on Tubi, it’s a great pick for Halloween watchers looking for spooky fun with a touch of nostalgia.

Pumpkinhead Is a Gory and Vengeful Creature Feature (Tubi)

Stan Winston, famous for creating the special effects in films such as Aliens and Jurassic Park, also directed the movie Pumpkinhead (1988). This resulted in one of the most visually impressive monster movies of the 1980s. The film centers on a father (Lance Henriksen) overcome with grief who calls upon a powerful, vengeful demon to get revenge on the teens who caused his son’s death. The story that unfolds is a dark and thought-provoking cautionary tale, full of a haunting atmosphere and featuring a stunning monster created by Winston.

Despite not being a hit when it was first released, Pumpkinhead has gained a dedicated following among horror enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of traditional stories, sadness, and realistic special effects. It shows us that truly great horror movies often explore powerful human feelings such as loss and the desire for payback.

Fright Night Is the Perfect Mix of Horror and Humor (Tubi)

Even before Twilight or True Blood brought vampire stories back to popularity, Tom Holland’s Fright Night (1985) offered a clever and self-aware take on the genre. The movie centers around a teen who realizes his charming new neighbor is actually a vampire. When no one will listen to him, he enlists the help of a former horror TV show host to defeat the monster.

Blending horror, comedy, and a clear love for old-school monster films, Fright Night was well-received for successfully mixing real scares with lighthearted fun. Chris Sarandon’s portrayal of the charismatic yet frightening vampire, Jerry Dandrige, is still considered a standout performance in the vampire genre. Although critics liked it, Fright Night didn’t get as much attention as some of the bigger horror series at the time. However, its devoted fanbase has continued to expand, particularly after a 2011 remake brought the story to a new generation of viewers.

Hellraiser Is a Gory Nightmare That Redefined Body Horror (Tubi)

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser (1987) was a truly unique horror film for its era. It introduced viewers to the Cenobites-sadomasochistic beings led by the now-famous Pinhead-and delved into themes of desire, obsession, and the frightening consequences of giving in to temptation. Though some viewers were disturbed by its intense visuals and graphic nature, horror enthusiasts celebrated Hellraiser as a daring and groundbreaking example of body horror. The film’s realistic special effects, shocking gore, and bizarre backstory ultimately spawned .

While horror fans in the know certainly appreciate it, Hellraiser is often overlooked by those who only watch horror around Halloween, preferring slasher films. But first-time viewers are in for a truly frightening experience! This movie’s unsettling mood and disturbing imagery are incredibly important to the history of horror. And it’s currently streaming for free on Tubi, making it a must-see for anyone looking for something extra dark and gruesome this spooky season.

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark Is a Sexy, Campy Horror Comedy (Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex)

Cassandra Peterson’s Elvira is a truly iconic figure in the horror world. The film featuring her cleverly mixes raunchy humor, striking gothic imagery, and a touch of playful commentary on small-town life. The story centers around Elvira unexpectedly inheriting a haunted house in a rather conservative town.

Cassandra Peterson’s captivating personality shines throughout the film, blending the playful attitude of a classic horror host with real comedic talent. While some critics initially thought it was just fluff, audiences loved Elvira’s confident sexuality and sharp humor. The movie has since gained a dedicated following and become a Halloween staple. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark isn’t just over-the-top fun; it’s a tribute to horror movies and the culture surrounding them. If you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted Halloween film, this is a must-see.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space Is the Ultimate Cult Horror Comedy (Tubi and Pluto TV)

No Halloween movie list is truly complete without Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988). What started as a simple, potentially fleeting idea turned into one of the most imaginative and long-lasting cult horror comedies ever made. The movie is about alien clowns who invade a small town, using things like balloon animals and cotton candy cocoons to scare and attack people. Even though it sounds ridiculous, the amazing practical effects and clever ways people are eliminated make it a truly memorable film.

The film’s blend of scary moments, humor, and over-the-top style attracted a dedicated following that continues to expand over time. When it first came out, reviews were very mixed, but Killer Klowns has become one of the most cherished cult favorites in the horror genre. Its unique atmosphere, creative imagery, and fantastic music make it a film you can watch again and again.

2025-10-05 18:13