10 Best Hidden Gems on Tubi

As a child of the 80s and 90s, I was raised with a healthy dose of fear from both fictional monsters lurking under my bed and real-life horrors that seemed to be right outside my doorstep. Growing up in the cold war era, nuclear annihilation always seemed like an imminent possibility, and movies like “Threads” only served to fuel that fear. Now, watching it again as an adult, I find myself both terrified by its depiction of a world gone mad and saddened by how eerily relevant it still feels today.

During the approaching holiday season, you might be busy hanging up Christmas decorations and crafting your festive menu. Similarly, when it comes to movies, your list for watching this time of year probably includes familiar favorites you watch annually. This isn’t exclusive to the holidays – chances are, you often revisit some movies throughout the entire year. While there’s nothing wrong with that, the issue lies in overlooking lesser-known treasures that may be overlooked by algorithms.

This collection features some fantastic gems that you can enjoy right away on a dependable streaming platform. The catch? Occasional advertisements, but if that’s not a problem for you, these are the hidden treasures worth watching on Tubi.

10 ‘The Gate’ (1987)

In “The Gate,” we follow the adventure of Glen, a 12-year-old boy, who together with his neighbor Terry, uncovers mysterious activities in their shared backyard. After an old tree is felled, they stumble upon a peculiar hole in the ground. Strange occurrences ensue, but things take a dark turn when they employ a heavy metal record to recite some songs. The duo accidentally opens a gateway to another dimension. Something lurks on the other side, eager to escape.

An Unrecognized Piece of 1980s Horror

In this film titled “The Gate“, Stephen Dorff makes his acting debut as the character Glen. This 1980s horror offering captures the essence of the decade’s horror trends, including satanic fears, eerie dream sequences, and top-notch practical effects using stop motion and forced perspective techniques. You can count on being amazed by it. While it might push the boundaries for younger viewers, it remains a good choice in introducing them to the horror genre.

9 ‘Tyrannosaur’ (2011)

Joseph is extremely aggressive and unpredictable in nature, often referred to as an untamed beast. Yet, upon encountering Hannah, a survivor of domestic abuse, Joseph experiences a change of heart and chooses to display kindness towards her, which unexpectedly stirs up a deep-seated rage within him against the husband. Beneath his apparent demeanor lies a reservoir of anger waiting to be unleashed.

The Bleakest Film You Have Never Seen

In a different phrasing:

8 ‘Amores Perros’ (2000)

The movie titled Amores Perros, translated to Love’s a B**ch in English, is a Mexican production that weaves together the tales of various characters representing different societal strata, whose lives become intertwined by chance. Prior to his foray into Hollywood, Alejandro González Iñárritu directed this film, which stands as one of the most outstanding foreign dramas of its era, featuring an anthology-like structure.

Iñárritu’s Best Film

Among the director’s works, “Amores Perros” stands out as a particularly powerful drama. Unlike the usual, it offers an unconventional narrative and carries a raw, gritty feel. While it doesn’t mimic Tarantino’s style, it shares similarities with Iñárritu’s signature approach to storytelling, where fate plays a significant role. Keep an eye out for Gael García Bernal making his big-screen debut in this film.

7 ‘Border’ (2018)

“Border” tells the tale of Tina, a unique customs officer with an extraordinary ability – she can sniff out anything and detect the unusual. Tina appears distinct in some way. An intriguing moment occurs when a man sharing her facial characteristics passes through customs, making Tina wonder if they share a connection. The movie adapts from the short story “Border” by John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote “Let the Right One In.

A Wonderful Fantasy Film

Though many became acquainted with its name during the 2019 Oscars (it was nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling), not many took the time to watch this winner of the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes. Known as Border, this captivating fantasy film blends elements of folk horror as it delves into a thought-provoking tale about love that transcends human boundaries.

6 ‘The Hunt’ (2012)

In a tiny Danish town, Lucas serves as a dedicated kindergarten teacher who is deeply integrated within the community. Unfortunately, an incident occurs when Klara, the daughter of one of his closest friends, attempts to kiss him. Lucas firmly rebuffs this behavior. In retaliation, Klara falsely accuses him of inappropriate conduct, which is swiftly believed by everyone. Consequently, a damaging investigation follows.

What Makes It Scarier is That It Could Happen

Prior to captivating audiences globally with their collaboration on “Another Round“, Thomas Vinterberg and Mads Mikkelsen had already delivered an exceptional performance in the film “The Hunt“. Despite being nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, this masterpiece often goes unnoticed. However, it is a nearly flawless psychological thriller that delivers a chilling premise that feels alarmingly real.

5 ‘The Wolf of Snow Hollow’ (2020)

In “The Wolf of Snow Hollow,” we follow the tale of John Marshall, a deputy sheriff grappling with alcohol issues as his small town encounters a string of bizarre and gruesome killings. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he notices similarities to local werewolf folklore, leading him reluctantly to entertain the notion of the supernatural.

Comedy and Horror in Perfect Balance

Under the guidance of writer, director, and star Jim Cummings as Deputy Marshall, “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” presents a unique blend of murder mystery and comedy horror. With his proven versatility in genre-bending storytelling, Cummings skillfully combines these distinct elements in a compelling film that may seem challenging to achieve. The impressive musical score by Daniel Hart is an added treat not to be overlooked.

4 ‘Horror in the High Desert’ (2021)

“Terror in the Arid Wasteland” – This mockumentary chronicles the events following the mysterious disappearance of hiker Gary Hinge, who ventured into the Nevada desert to explore local folklore. However, Hinge himself vanished without a trace. As the investigation unfolds and crucial evidence comes to light, viewers are given a glimpse into the gruesome reality that befell the ill-fated hiker. Warning: it’s a chilling account of terror and horror.

The Best Mockumentary in Years

This movie is both a mockumentary/found-footage style film and a prime example of horror subgenre tropes, yet it stands out as one of the best in its category. It’s incredibly terrifying, and the last ten minutes will undoubtedly make you jump out of your seat and turn on the lights. If you’re a fan of found-footage films, you’ll likely be captivated by it – which is great news because it has led to an entire series.

3 ‘Threads’ (1984)

In the movie titled Threads, humanity stands on the brink of annihilation as the most dominant nations in the world detonate nuclear weapons against each other. The narrative unfolds in a small English town, Sheffield, where inhabitants endure the terrifying consequences of radiation and the impending doom of humankind. The film primarily explores the survival of the human species, narrated from the viewpoint of one of the survivors who managed to escape the catastrophe.

The Best in Nuclear Horror

As a movie connoisseur, I’ve recently encountered a chilling masterpiece that, while not strictly categorized as a horror film, will undeniably haunt your dreams for nights on end. The haunting echo of sirens heralding a nuclear launch serves as a relentless reminder of the grim possibilities lurking in our world. This film, revered for its unparalleled portrayal of its subject matter, transports you to a time when the specter of global nuclear anxiety loomed large. Despite being set during an era of widespread fear and uncertainty, it paints a harrowing picture of what might unfold if the power-hungry leaders among us ever decide to push that fateful button.

2 ‘Macbeth’ (2015)

In the play “Macbeth“, a Scottish military officer emerges victorious in battle and is subsequently told by a group of witches about a future prophecy: they foretell that Macbeth will someday ascend to the throne as king. Driven by his ambition and encouraged by his wife, he sets out on a path fueled by greed, disregarding any obstacles in pursuit of this prediction. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless work is often underestimated.

A Great Adaptation Not Many People Saw

As a passionate cinephile, I must say that Justin Kurzel’s often overlooked masterpiece, “Macbeth,” boasts an extraordinary lineup of talent. Michael Fassbender takes on the titular role, while Sean Harris, Paddy Considine, Marion Cotillard, and Elizabeth Debicki add their brilliance to the mix. Despite receiving critical acclaim, this film was unfortunately not marketed well, resulting in disappointing box office numbers. However, its visual allure is undeniable, and it boasts one of the most impressive ensembles ever assembled for a Shakespeare adaptation.

1 ‘Jesus Camp’ (2006)

Jesus Camp is a chilling documentary offering an up-close look at religious camps in America, specifically focusing on the Kids on Fire School of Ministry. Here, children are taught the fundamental aspects of evangelical Christian religion, transforming them into church soldiers who aggressively spread their beliefs to anything they encounter.

A Chilling Depiction of Reality

This list includes some great horror movies, but none are as unsettling as “Jesus Camp.” Although it’s not a documentary about a crime scene, it’s hard not to suspect that something dark is happening to these children. Despite being nominated for an Academy Award, the film has faced criticism from some viewers who believe it’s biased in its portrayal.

2024-11-30 22:02