Subversive by nature, horror is one genre where some of the best works are those thatfly under the radar. Not all great horror movies get the appreciation they deserve from critics and the theater-going public. But thanks to the internet and streaming services, these indie terrors have an opportunity to scare the pants off people on a larger scale than ever before. YouTube is a big part of that, with the video-sharing platform allowing viewers access to a wide range of horror films, from obscure cult classics to actual legendary classics. Read on to discover some of the best horror movies you can watch for free on YouTube.
For more recommendations, check out our list of thebest horror movies on Netflixor thebest horror movies on Shudder.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US YouTube.
‘The Isle’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 4.9/10
Set in 1846 on a remote Scottish island,The Isleis a period horror film directed byMatthew Butler-Hart, who also co-wrote the script with producerTori Butler-Hart. The movie follows three shipwrecked sailors who find themselves on an island with four strange residents. When it becomes clear that there’s no escape from the foggy isle, one of the sailors uncovers an ancient mystery involving a ghostly siren. The film starsConleth Hill,Alex Hassell,Fisayo Akinade, and Tori Butler-Hart, among others.The Islehas received generally favorable reviews from critics and an even better reception from fans. The film has also received a number of accolades, including the Jury Prize for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Film at the 2018 London Independent Film Festival. The movie presents dark, atmospheric cinematography that makes full use of its picturesque setting. Buoyed by brilliant performances and haunting music,The Isleis a totally immersive horror drama that’s eerie and beautiful.
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‘Jessabelle’ (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 28% | IMDb: 5.4/10
Jessabelle
Jessabelleis a 2014 supernatural horror film directed and edited bySaw 3DdirectorKevin Greutertfrom a script written byBen Garant. The film starsSarah Snookas Jessie Laurent, appearing alongsideMark Webber,David Andrews,Joelle Carter, andAna de la Reguera. After a tragic accident, Jessie moves to Louisiana with her estranged father and finds mysterious videotapes left by her late mother, which lead her to a terrible secret.Jessabellereceived mixed to negative reactions from critics at the time of its release, performing marginally better with audiences. The movie’s plot has been criticized for its cliches, especially in the early half of the movie, and the general lack of focus. However, despite its flaws, the film does offer some slow-burn chills and it’s a great showcase of Sarah Snook’s abilities pre-Succession. Though it never truly fulfills its potential,Jessabelleis still an interesting watch for fans of classical ghost stories with tense, atmospheric storytelling.
‘Jacob’s Ladder’ (1990)
Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Jacob’s Ladder
Directed byAdrian Lyneand written byBruce Joel Rubin, this psychological horror thriller is considered one of the best horror films of the 1990s.Jacob’s Laddertells the story of Jacob Singer, a Vietnam War veteran who is haunted by his experiences and suffers from PTSD, which causes frequent, bizarre hallucinations.Tim Robbinsstars as the titular protagonist, appearing alongsideElizabeth PeñaandDanny Aiello. Featuring a mind-bending narrative,Jacob Ladderis the story of a man trapped inside his own mind trying to navigate life between reality and imagination after a traumatic event. On its release, the movie was only moderately successful at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics. However, the film has become a favorite among genre fans and garnered a cult following, going on to be a significant influence on future works in the genre.Jacob’s Ladderis considered a major inspiration for the horror franchiseSilent Hill, which includes five games and a 2006 film adaptation byChristophe Gans. A remake directed byDavid M. Rosenthalwas released in 2019 starringMichael EalyandJesse Williams.
‘The Legend of La Llorona’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 7% | IMDb: 3.2/10
The Legend of La Llorona
The Legend of La Lloronais a supernatural horror film directed byPatricia Harris Seeley, who also co-wrote the script withJosé PrendesandCameron Larson. The movie follows a family vacationing in Mexico who are tormented by La Llorona, a malevolent spirit that traps children in a world between the living and the dead. The film starsAutumn Reeser,Danny Trejo,Antonio Cupo, andZamia Fardiño.The Legend of La Lloronareceived rather negative reviews from critics at the time of its release. The movie does have its share of issues, both in terms of the plot and the visual effects. However, Autumn Reeser and Danny Trejo are the film’s saving grace, with performances that help take you through the story. Ultimately,The Legend of La Lloronaisn’t exactly a modern classic, but as a simple ghost story, it’s still quite entertaining.
‘Terrifier’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 57% | IMDb: 5.6/10
Written and directed byDamien Leone,Terrifieris an indie slasher film that features enigmatic serial killer Art the Clown, who targets young women on Halloween night. The movie starsJenna Kanell,Samantha Scaffidi, andCatherine Corcoran, withDavid Howard Thorntonas Art. The movie’s maniacal villain was first introduced in the anthology filmAll Hallows’ Eveand has subsequently spawned two sequels,Terrifier 2(2022) and the upcomingTerrifier 3. While the movie has received rather mixed reviews,Terrifierhas garnered a cult following and received two nominations for Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Its star, Art the Clown, has been hailed by horror fans as a modern slasher icon. ThoughTerrifier 2is arguably a better movie, the original film features great special effects and brutal action. The movie is as grindhouse as horror can get, focusing more on style than plot or character development. The result is a film that’s wildly entertaining, even if it lacks much substance beyond the sheer thrill.
‘The Collector’ (2009)
Rotten Tomatoes: 29% | IMDb: 6.3/10
The Collector
The Collector: An ex-convict attempts a heist on his employer’s country home to settle debts, unknowingly entering a house rigged with deadly traps set by a more sinister intruder. As his plan unravels, he must navigate a perilous environment to survive and outwit the mysterious collector.
The Collectoris a horror thriller film that was the directorial debut ofMarcus Dunstan, who also co-wrote the script withPatrick Melton. The duo is best known for writing the horror action-comedyFeast.The Collectorfollows broke ex-convict Arkin O’Brien, who decides to break into his new employer’s house and rob a valuable gem, only to find out that a masked man has already broken in and imprisoned the family.The PunisheralumJosh Stewartstars as Arkin, appearing alongsideMichael Reilly Burke,Andrea Roth,Juan Fernandez,Karley Scott Collins,Madeline Zima, andRobert Wisdom. On its release,The Collectorgot a generally negative reception from critics but fared quite well at the box office, earning fans with its gritty, no-holds-barred narrative.The Collectoralso spawned a sequel,The Collection, with Dunstan returning to direct and co-write with Melton and Stewart reprising his role of Arkin O’Brien, withEmma Fitzpatrick,Lee Tergesen, andChristopher McDonaldappearing as new cast members.
