James Gunn, celebrated for his major contributions to Hollywood, has unexpectedly returned to the spotlight for his early venture into the horror genre. As of December, Gunn’s only horror film is now available for free streaming on Tubi, giving fans new access to this cult classic and bringing the James Gunn horror movie streaming experience to a wider audience.
James Gunn’s Shift to Directing with a Creature Feature
Before becoming a household name with blockbuster franchises for Marvel and DC, James Gunn carved out his directing debut in a distinctly different landscape. After scripting Zack Snyder’s “Dawn of the Dead” remake and the family adventure “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” Gunn took on both writing and directing duties for the 2006 horror comedy “Slither.” Set in a quiet South Carolina town, the movie tells the story of an alien organism that arrives on Earth, threatening to consume every living thing.
“Slither” offered audiences memorable performances from Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Tania Saulnier, Gregg Henry, and Michael Rooker. The movie joined Tubi’s no-cost streaming collection on December 1, introducing a new era of accessibility for fans and newcomers eager to discover Gunn’s first foray into horror. Its blend of alien invasion suspense and irreverent humor marked a significant milestone in Gunn’s progression as a filmmaker.
Why “Slither” Stands Out Among Gunn’s Films
Though James Gunn’s filmography includes box office hits and critically lauded projects, “Slither” remains a defining entry for genre enthusiasts. Drawing creative inspiration from 1980s classics like “Night of the Creeps” and John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” the film merges practical gore effects with comic wit, laying the foundation for Gunn’s later style. Gunn’s commitment to genre filmmaking is evident in “Slither,” as is his affection for horror’s gross-out tradition; the film is packed with unsettling moments, such as the infamous alien slug sequences and elaborate creature transformations, all realized through old-school effects.
With a confident mix of scares and laughs, the film avoids taking itself too seriously, offering
“genuinely unsettling and disgusting body horror,”
while delivering fast-paced, sharp dialogue that keeps the mood lively. For horror fans who seek a combination of visceral shocks and clever writing, “Slither” provides both in abundance. Its cult status has only grown over time, and the film’s reputation for providing
“all the gory blood and guts of monster mayhem”
ensures it remains relevant nearly twenty years after its release.
A Critical Success Despite Modest Box Office Returns
Despite underperforming financially, earning just $12 million globally against a $15 million production budget, “Slither” managed to win over many critics and genre fans. Its Rotten Tomatoes rating of 87% Certified Fresh gives the film one of the highest critical scores among Gunn’s works, only trailing titles such as
“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,”
“Avengers: Endgame,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and “The Suicide Squad.”
Audience reactions, however, were more reserved: “Slither” secured a 63% score from general viewers, still placing it among Gunn’s top 15 in audience approval. The film gradually built a passionate cult following, with its reputation growing as lists of the best horror movies of the 2000s, and the all-time greats, began to feature Gunn’s unique creature feature. Today, both fans of horror and of James Gunn’s directorial style look to “Slither” as a touchstone for inventive, entertaining genre filmmaking.
Exploring Tubi’s Growing Free Horror Movie Library
With “Slither” now highlighted in Tubi’s free catalog, viewers have a chance to revisit or discover James Gunn’s horror comedy alongside a wide range of horror offerings. December’s lineup has expanded with acclaimed titles supplementing the streaming selection. Notable additions include
“House At The End Of The Street,”
“The Menu,” “Oculus,” the 2019 update of “Pet Sematary,” and the action-horror hybrid “Underworld.”
For those eager to explore more, Tubi’s latest arrivals further span the genre. New streaming options also encompass “All Fun And Games,” “Climax,” “The Hole In The Ground,” “The Hitcher,” “Life After Beth,” and “Men.” This expanding roster ensures that fans of unsettling, imaginative, and high-energy horror have plenty to choose from, continuously refreshing with new and old hits each month.
The Enduring Appeal of “Slither” and Its Place in Horror
James Gunn’s “Slither” has become a symbol of the unexpected gems that can emerge at the crossroads of horror and comedy. Featuring performances from Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Tania Saulnier, Gregg Henry, and Michael Rooker, all set under Gunn’s inventive directorial vision, the film remains essential viewing for horror fans and devotees of Gunn’s career. The accessibility of free streaming on Tubi means a wider audience can experience the beginnings of a filmmaker who later shaped some of Hollywood’s largest franchises.
Gunn’s early experimentation with grotesque monsters, practical effects, and sharp humor in “Slither” echoes across his later successes. As fans rediscover, or watch for the first time, this cult horror gem, it stands as a reminder of the risks and creativity that define genre filmmaking at its best. Given its rising cult status, “Slither” is likely to continue inspiring discussions, list placements, and appreciation among both horror connoisseurs and those tracing the path of one of Hollywood’s most dynamic directors.
