The Best Monster Movie of All Time Is Finally Streaming Again, and ’80s Horror Fans Love It

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It’s the perfect time for a scary movie, and streaming services know people are craving horror! The 1980s classic *Poltergeist* is now available on a major streaming service, and Peacock is offering a wide selection of horror films for everyone. While most subscription services have added new titles for Halloween, the best movie to return online this October is actually available on a free platform.

Now that October is here, a standout new addition to streaming is the 1981 classic, An American Werewolf in London. You can watch the movie for free with ads on Tubi, Fandango at Home, and The Roku Channel. It’s also available on Kanopy for library card holders. Interestingly, even though it was made by Universal Pictures, it isn’t currently on their streaming service, Peacock.

An American Werewolf in London’s Effects Stand the Test of Time

When *An American Werewolf in London* came out, it quickly became important to the horror genre, largely because of Rick Baker’s incredible make-up effects and creature design. While the werewolf itself was uniquely designed, the most groundbreaking part of his work was the transformation scene, where David’s body painfully stretches, twists, and breaks as he turns into the beast.

The werewolf transformation in *American Werewolf* is widely considered the most realistic and impactful in film history. Unlike earlier movies which often showed the change happening off-screen or used editing to hide the process, *American Werewolf* vividly portrays the agonizing and unnatural physical contortions of the transformation. This groundbreaking work earned Rick Baker the very first competitive Academy Award for Best Makeup, a category he would dominate, ultimately winning seven awards and receiving eleven nominations – more than anyone else.

An American Werewolf in London Remains the Peak Horror-Comedy

An American Werewolf in London set the standard for special effects in horror films and continues to influence how horror comedies are made today. David Naughton and Griffin Dunne give fantastic performances as they skillfully balance the movie’s humor and scares, but they aren’t the only ones responsible for its success; the entire cast contributes to both the laughs and the frights.

Jenny Agutter, playing nurse Alex Price, and John Woodvine as Dr. J.S. Hirsch, are key to the film. Agutter portrays a deeply emotional connection with Naughton’s character, grappling with personal trauma, while Woodvine plays a doctor consumed by the mystery surrounding what happened to David on the moors. Both actors deliver strong performances and also bring moments of humor – Woodvine’s bit about pretending to be dead on the phone is just one example of the film’s subtle wit.

Beyond the main actors, the supporting cast truly makes the comedy and horror in *American Werewolf* shine. Michael Carter, famous for playing Bib Fortuna in *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi*, is in a frightening chase scene on the London Underground, complete with deadpan humor – he insists the scary noises are “not in the least bit amusing.” Brian Glover, who played the boisterous chess player at the Slaughtered Lamb, is also great, switching between loud jokes and genuine fear. And surprisingly, even Frank Oz – known as the voice of Miss Piggy and director of *Little Shop of Horrors* – pops up with a funny cameo.

New Movies Streaming on Tubi

Tubi is getting everyone ready for Halloween with a spooky selection of horror films! Along with classics like *An American Werewolf*, you can now stream monster movie favorites such as *Arachnophobia* and *From Dusk Till Dawn*. Comic book fans can enjoy *30 Days of Night*, and those who prefer remakes will find *The Ring* (2002) and *The Grudge* (2004). Plus, the first three *Saw* movies are also available for streaming.

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2025-10-06 22:10