Even with the large selection of streaming services, such as 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 major company with premium ad-free subscriptions and live streaming.
When it comes to horror movies, YouTube offers a selection of free (with ads) and paid options for streaming. 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.
‘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 bring a fresh perspective to 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 becomes clear that they will come face-to-face with the feral siblings.
An Entertaining Watch
It’s no secret that 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.
‘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 set in a world overrun by 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 member of the group. 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 scattered throughout its plot. Some science fiction elements, along with an excellent performance from Fred Williamson, make this movie an entertaining watch on the Kings of Horror YouTube Channel.
‘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 events of the first movie. 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 among horror fans seeking 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 effective scares and a solid plot, although the acting is less than convincing. Overall, Krampus: The Devil Returns is a solid free watch on the V Horror YouTube channel.
‘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, particularly in its overuse of horror tropes and the controversial conclusion. However, it’s an excellent watch for anyone looking for a somewhat chaotic story they can enjoy without taking it too seriously.
‘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 lacks a lot of gore or jump scares, making it perfect for the more squeamish who prefer 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.
‘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 attempts to solve a series of recent murders on 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 it features a lot of entertaining scenes that contribute to solid pacing in this slasher flick. Its moody cinematography enhances the film visually and helps make it a cult classic among genre fans.
‘Moonchild’ (1994)
In a post-apocalyptic world ruled by a small group of ruthless and violent gangs, Moonchild follows one man, Jacob, who is released into the desolate landscape after escaping a facility. Getting to know the resistance, Jacob soon decides to help them in return for their help in finding his missing son, who had been taken away from him. As Jacob helps the resistance, he learns of his ability to transform into a werewolf and that the agency that created him wants him back.
Sci-Fi, Horror, and Action Collide in This SOV Horror Film
Z-grade cheese at its best. Director Todd Sheets did not skimp on the gore and world-building in this wonderfully absurd post-apocalyptic action-horror flick, made on a shoestring budget. Moonchild is the perfect horror movie to enjoy with a group of like-minded fans who can cheer and laugh in equal to the over-the-top kills and the shoddy costume work. You need a high tolerance for low-grade cinema, but out of all the SOV horror movies out there, Moonchild is exemplary of the best the sub-genre offers.
‘The Monster Project’ (2017)
A young group of aspiring filmmakers decides 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 watching the truth slowly unravel 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, a vampire, and a demon all in one night!
‘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 begins to experience strange occurrences in the mansion, which lead him on a terrifying yet entrancing journey to uncover the source of the haunting events.
The Changeling Is a Canadian Classic
One of the best aspects of The Changeling is that it doesn’t require blood, gore, or over-the-top effects for the story to be compelling. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, creating an atmosphere that makes this one of the most unsettling yet underappreciated films of the early 1980s. 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.
‘They Look Like People’ (2015)
Wyatt (MacLeod Andrews) has been struggling to find a place to stay, urged on by his mental health, which has led him to believe that there are monsters out there disguised as people after him. After a surprise reunion with once best friend Christian (Evan Dumouchel), the two bond as Christian himself is facing his own struggles at work and personal life. As the two spend more time together, Wyatt continues to become more paranoid and Christian slowly begins to believe in his friends’ claims of hidden monsters everywhere.
The Mind Can Be One’s Own Worst Enemy
When it comes to mental health, there are plenty of mistakes that filmmakers can make when trying to convey the personal struggles of their subjects. They Look Like People is first and foremost a sincere attempt at approaching complicated issues like schizophrenia and depression, with its horror elements slowly bubbling up as two friends begin to feed off of each other. This makes the shocking conclusion of the film all the more harrowing and horrifying. Perry Blackshear’s They Look Like People will make viewers question reality from delusion in this underrated indie gem.
