Robert Englund is a well-known figure in the horror genre, largely thanks to his unforgettable role as Freddy Krueger in eight A Nightmare on Elm Street films. He’s done a lot of other work in horror, both acting in and directing projects, including a recent appearance on Stranger Things. When he was most famous for A Nightmare on Elm Street in the 1980s, Englund also directed a lesser-known horror film that is now available to stream.
Four years after first portraying Freddy Krueger in the 1984 horror classic, Wes Craven’s original, Robert Englund directed his first film, 976-EVIL, in 1988. After being unavailable for a while, the supernatural horror movie recently became available to stream for free on Tubi, starting April 1st. The film centers on Hoax Arthur Wilmoth, a teenager who is bullied and lives with his strict aunt and cousin. He gains demonic abilities through a costly phone service, and uses these powers to get revenge on those who have wronged him.
Robert Englund’s 976-Evil Is Even More Over-The-Top Than A Nightmare on Elm Street
As a big fan of the original Nightmare on Elm Street, I’ve seen the series go in some wild directions. While it definitely got more and more over-the-top after the first film, 976-EVIL is just on another level when it comes to being delightfully cheesy. It fully leans into its low-budget B-movie roots, and honestly, it’s fantastic. The plot itself, tapping into those 80s Satanic panic fears, is already pretty out there, but Robert Englund’s performance is pure, theatrical fun. It’s just a kitschy, gory blast with wonderfully cheesy practical effects. Seriously, you’ve got demonic possessions, fish falling from the sky, and even a rock ‘n’ roll demon elf – it’s intentionally ridiculous, and Englund nails that perfect 80s cheese vibe.
The horror film 976-EVIL didn’t resonate with critics or viewers, despite aiming for a campy style. It received low scores on Rotten Tomatoes—15% from critics and 28% from audiences—with many finding the pacing slow and the blend of intentional camp and gritty ’80s visuals uneven. Some viewers also felt the humor was cheap and accidental. Still, the film, which marked Robert Englund’s directorial debut, was popular enough to spawn a sequel, 976-EVIL II, in 1992, though Jim Wynorski took over as director. While the sequel isn’t currently on Tubi, you can stream it on The Roku Channel and Prime Video.
Other Horror Movies Now on Tubi
Tubi is a great choice for horror fans, and it’s all free! This April, they’re adding classic and newer films like both versions of Carrie and Child’s Play, the first two Jeepers Creepers movies, and the original Scream trilogy. You can also find Cabin Fever, It Comes at Night, Zombieland 2: Double Tap, and You’re Next on the platform.
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2026-04-11 17:13