Realistically, Tubi is reminiscent of that neglected corner thrift store where you discover a new gem every time, only with everything being free of charge, and it is somehow not awkward to take a peculiar combination of cult and Oscar-winning films. This service, which lives off the notoriety of not taking itself seriously, is still able to shock you with what it has tucked away in its library. So if you love classic TV shows, are a movie buff who is always on the lookout for overlooked films, or are just tired of watching the latest blockbuster chosen by your algorithm-driven streaming service, then Tubi might just be the perfect solution for you. Alas, the advertisements are present, but that is the ‘price’ of getting the service for free. Therefore, turn down the lights, bring your favorite snacks, and keep on streaming. The nine best movies and shows, counted down for maximum suspense, to watch on Tubi right now are presented here.
9. The Rig
Meant to be a mix of an eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension, The Rig is a show that you will definitely want to watch if you haven’t been able to get it out of your mind. Originally a Prime Video series, it has now been made available on Tubi and chronicles a group of Scottish oil rig workers finding that they are completely stranded in the middle of the North Sea because of a strange fog that started to come down. What at first is an ecological anomaly turns out to be a deeper and more bizarre one, including the occurrences of the supernatural, ecological warnings, and an evil that is of cosmic horror in nature. The claustrophobic setting here makes every other unpleasant moment almost suffocating to the viewer, while the cast makes their respective characters start losing their minds in reality with their acting simultaneously. As one of the reviewers put it, “Macpherson has created a creepy and captivating tinderbox,” which is exactly what The Rig feels like: a slow burn that you cannot look away from.
8. Ghost in the Shell
Anime lovers, get ready for a visual treat. Ghost in the Shell is not just an animated sci-fi flick; it is one of the most influential cyberpunk titles that brought about the likes of The Matrix as well as Ex Machina. The story happens in a technical metropolis where humans and machines are almost at par in terms of being biologically and technologically. Major Motoko Kusanagi is a hybrid of man and machine who is after a hacker called the Puppet Master, who is very difficult to catch. Years later, the film’s aesthetics have not lost their calming factor, and it is still full of neon skylines, despair, and the age-old question of identity that seems to be ahead of its time. Several critics have lauded it as “a complex and thoughtful treat for the anime fanatics, and a perfect starting point for the newcomers,” and they have been fair. It is not merely a movie but an experience that stays with you long after the last credits roll.
7. Memento
Nolan’s Memento is the kind of movie that you have to keep up with. Guy Pearce is Leonard, a guy who cannot form new memories after a traumatic event, and so he spends his time piecing together his life and his wife’s murder through the use of tattoos and Polaroids. The catch? The movie is played backwards, so you are experiencing his confusion as it happens in the film. It is a gripping, puzzling story to which you give your full attention, and maybe a second (or third) viewing is needed. ‘A tour de force that rewards those who watch with undivided attention,’ is how the critics put it, and that is quite modest. It is one of the cleverest and most emotionally impactful thrillers, and now you can stream it on Tubi, so there is no excuse not to watch it.
6. Moonstruck
Romantic comedies couldn’t be more untidy or romantic than Moonstruck. The no-frills widow from Brooklyn, Loretta Castorini, whom Cher portrays, is absolutely wonderful. The film turns into a brilliantly chaotic mix of family fights, Italian-American friendliness, and big, messy love in no time. It won three Academy Awards, and it still gets them; it is rib-tickling, heartwarming, and full of love. One reviewer called it ‘an uproariously funny love tribute,’ and it couldn’t have been said more accurately. Together with the great performances and the unforgettable ‘Snap out of it!’ scene, it is a perfect mood lifter for any night in.
5. Fargo
Fargo is a kind of movie that makes one ask why the Coen Brothers are called geniuses of cinema. It is a darkly comic crime thriller that mainly focuses on the stark white landscape of a frozen winter in Minnesota, where even the most brutal killings are shown with deadpan humor. The performance of Frances McDormand as the insanely pregnant police chief, Marge Gunderson, remains one of the greatest and most memorable of cinematic history, calm, soft, and completely unconcerned with the insanity surrounding her. In consequence, one reviewer was prompted to say, “Fargo gives an unusual crime story and a good portrayal by McDormand.” Through the grim satire, quirky offbeat small-town antics, and mournful tragedy, this is a movie that stays with the viewer long after the solstice.
4. Train to Busan
Zombie genre films have been milked extensively and then brought back to life, but “Train to Busan” breathes new life into the genre. It is essentially a thriller shot on a high-speed train during a viral outbreak. The combination is energetic and touching, as Gong Yoo imparts to the character of a father a desperate desire to save his daughter, and through their tangled relationship, the film gets its emotional core. It never loses tempo, but it’s the very human moments of sacrifice, fear, and passing kindness that make it unforgettable. Among the testimonials was the statement “a thrillingly original and purely entertaining take on the zombie genre,” which was very accurate. It is a merciless, beautiful rollercoaster that will make you both gasp for breath and break your heart.
3. Columbo
Columbo would be the closest equivalent to a patron saint of comfort TV if such a figure existed. The character of the frazzled, seemingly forgetful detective that Peter Falk brought to life is the ultimate example of the art of genius with no effort. The show’s magic lies in its smart and unique setup. The audience is informed who the perpetrator is from the get-go, but watching Columbo silently chip away the suspect’s overconfidence little by little is truly gratifying. Falk puts a smile on your face with his warmth and humor, even though his character is always underestimated, so that every episode is like an intimate duel of wits and snuggling with him. “Columbo broke the mold for detective shows, unveiling whodunit in the very first scene,” one critic wrote. It’s classic TV, halfway mystery, halfway character study, and totally addictive.
2. The Carol Burnett Show
Before the existence of SNL or Key & Peele, the Carol Burnett Show was already there, the supreme masterclass in sketch comedy that elevated the standards for the following years. For 11 seasons, Carol Burnett and her crew (Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway, and others) churned out comedy that was a perfect mixture of slapstick, parodies, and sentiment. The cast chemistry is pure lightning, and still, their sketches remain because of the smart writing and genuine charm. “Is there a more popular sketch comedy show?” one critic asked, and the answer would definitely be no. Whether you are coming back to it for nostalgia or watching it for the first time, it is impossible not to smile.
1. 12 Angry Men
There are very few movies that managed to withstand the test of time to be equally good across eras, like 12 Angry Men. Sidney Lumet’s 1957 courtroom drama is minimalist to the extent of perfection: one room, twelve men, and one decision that could mean life or death. The story is led by Henry Fonda as the only juror who dares to question an apparently unchallengeable verdict, thereby confronting his co-jurors not only with their biases but also with their humanity. The tension in the movie is all created by the conversations and the actions; nevertheless, the movie is as fascinating as any present-day thriller. It received the verdict “a brilliantly written, dramatically effective courtroom classic” from critics, and they were absolutely right. That job is a time capsule and an eternal reflection on justice, compassion, and beliefs when watching it nowadays.
So, this is the best of Tubi’s selection, the cream of the crop, easily accessible through streaming. If you are looking for nostalgia, suspense, or just intelligent and soulful movies to fill your evening, this list shows you don’t need to pay a subscription fee to find cinematic gems. Every time Tubi doesn’t get the same level of attention as Netflix or Prime Video, but if you take a closer look, you will see it’s actually one of the best-kept streaming secrets.