3 free streaming horror movies that every sci-fi fan needs to see ‣ Diverse Daily

There is absolutely no better way to get into festive mode for Halloween than by watching horror movies designed to induce chills and offer thrills (cue my unintended poetic charm). Maybe we are all gluttons for punishment, but watching people make a series of bad decisions amidst a horrifying situation is one of modern entertainment’s greatest pastimes. The horror genre is always expanding and evolving. Just this year alone, we’ve seen stellar productions that fit squarely in this category, including Obsession, Backrooms, Evil Dead Burn, Scream 7, Resident Evil, and more. Horror is riding at an all-time high and shows no signs of slowing down.

There are several options available on streaming platforms for viewers to get their annual (or persistent) horror fix. Famously, Hulu always features a Huluween section every year full of terrifying streaming content. Netflix also has several options sure to meet the horror standard, including The Ritual, Gerald’s Game, Ready or Not, The Black Phone, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and so much more. But if you’re looking for some freebies away from the traditional subscription platforms, there are options available. Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, and the Roku Channel all include horror features in their lineup, ready for streamers to dive into. Here are some of the best options available.

The Faculty

It’s a teenager’s true horror

The 90s were a breeding ground for teen horror films. After all, this is where the Scream franchise originated. But in 1998, director Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk till Dawn, Alita: Battle Angel) posited the question every teen thinks of at least once during their high school career: “What if the school faculty was actually a sinister alien cabal bent on world domination?” The Faculty pits Jordana Brewster (in her film debut), Josh Hartnett, Clea DuVall, and more against teachers who’ve been infected with an alien ear worm. No, this isn’t that awful pharmaceutical brand jingle you can’t get out of your head. We’re talking about an actual ear worm. It’s an alien parasite that inhabits a host (via the ear) and takes control.

The Faculty is a true 90s classic that heightens anxiety in the old “who can you actually trust?” mentality. You can stream the film for free on Pluto TV, with ads, of course. While the movie might be a tad campy given its age, it’s a quality that has become part of the film’s charm with time. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.

number of users: 80 million
notable shows: The Andy Griffith Show (1960), Sanford and Son, The Twilight Zone, Charmed

The Void

This one is a bloody good time

This Canadian horror film brings practical effects back to horror in a big, gruesome way. As movies have evolved, CGI has proliferated and overtaken practical effects as the preferred method of film production. Just look at most major motion pictures now to find that something as simple as blood in violent action sequences is often digitally added in post. True horror fans are typically supporters of practical effects, and The Void absolutely delivers on this front. It’s a Lovecraftian horror that follows a group of people who find themselves trapped in a hospital by a threatening group of mysterious hooded figures. Soon, something monstrous and horrifying begins unfolding within the hospital. I’ll leave the plot details there, as I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises for the uninitiated.

With The Void, you can bet that the blood, gore, and supernatural elements presented on camera are entirely practical and oh-so-messy. It’s a deliciously gruesome affair that is sure to delight fans of the genre. This one can be found on Xumo for your viewing pleasure.

notable shows: Chicago Fire, Portlandia, The Rockford Files
notable movies: Ip Man, Nymphomaniac Volume I, The Craft

Dark Skies

We are definitely not alone

Fear is often derived from a gap in our knowledge. The unknown is scary simply because we don’t know what to expect. Aliens (extraterrestrials) tangibly present that fear of the unknown because no one truly knows what to expect from visitors from another planet. What would be their ultimate goal in coming here? With the topic of aliens reaching a fever pitch in recent years thanks to UAP disclosures from military officials, that mystery is ripe for exploration. Dark Skies presents this in an alien abduction format, though a much more horrifying one at that. The film follows a traditional American suburban family who begin experiencing strange incidents around their home, particularly at night. Soon, they begin to suspect that an otherworldly entity is targeting their home for invasion.

Dark Skies builds anticipation with each passing day (and night) within the film. Soon, the darkest fears that reside in the furthest corners of our minds are unearthed, and the film’s characters have to deal with this new reality. It’s a perfectly chilling experience that will make an excellent addition to your Halloween horror lineup. If you’re inclined to explore the darker side of alien visitations, check out Dark Skies on the Roku Channel.