We here at Bad Movie Blog have a love-hate relationship with Tubi. On one hand, it’s free and has just about any B-movie or direct-to-video schlockfest you could ask for.
On the other, most of what’s on there makes Sharknado look like The Godfather. Still, we can’t look away. Like rubberneckers passing a car crash, the appeal is undeniable.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly why Tubi’s movies are so bad, yet so hard to stop watching. Strap in, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the dredges of Tubi’s catalog.
Read More - Here’s Why Hulu Ads Are Too LoudThe Quality of Movies on Tubi
1. Free Streaming Service
We can’t complain too much about the selection on Tubi considering everything is free, but let’s be real – most of these movies belong in the bargain bin.
We’re talking straight-to-DVD sequels, knock-off disaster flicks, and anything starring a former A-lister looking to revive their career.
2. Cheesy Goodness
While the acting and production values usually leave much to be desired, some of these movies achieve a kind of “so bad they’re good” quality.
How can you not love a disaster movie called Avalanche Sharks or a sci-fi thriller like 2-Headed Shark Attack? The cheesier and more over-the-top, the better. Pop some popcorn, grab some friends, and enjoy the unintentional hilarity.
3. Hidden Classics
Occasionally, Tubi manages to license a legitimate classic that flies under the radar. While sifting through the dreck, you may stumble upon an old Hitchcock or Kubrick film, or an ’80s cult classic like Heathers or The Lost Boys.
Read More - Yes, You Can Watch Movies in Spanish in Hulu! Here’s How!Reasons for the Low Production Value of Tubi Movies
1. Lack of Funding
The movies on Tubi are largely low-budget indie flicks and B-movies. The filmmakers work with what they’ve got, but let’s be honest, it’s not much.
No big studio is bankrolling these cinematic masterpieces. No A-list actors are attached. Budgets are miniscule. Sets, costumes, and effects suffer as a result. But hey, we’re not expecting The Avengers here.
2. Amateur Acting
Working for scale (or less), the actors in Tubi originals and exclusives are typically not members of the Screen Actors Guild. Some are earnest amateurs, others are has-beens, and a few are stars on the rise. But at this stage of their careers, most are still honing their craft.
Their lack of experience shows through strained line delivery, awkward body language, and emotions as subtle as a sledgehammer. Still, there’s something charming about the raw enthusiasm.
3. Clichéd, Nonsensical, or Just Plain Bad Writing
The writing in these films ranges from trite to ridiculous to downright incoherent. Cliched characters, illogical plot twists, and cringey dialogue abound.
While such absurdity can provide unintentional humor, too often we’re just left scratching our heads wondering what the writer was thinking. If anything.
Alright, the production values are poor, the acting’s not great, and the writing’s subpar. But Tubi’s low-budget, over-the-top offerings fill a need for mindless entertainment.
How to Find the Gems Among Tubi’s Catalog
We’re not going to sugarcoat it—there’s a lot of straight-up garbage on Tubi. As fellow streamers on a budget, we feel your pain.
But don’t lose hope! If you dig deep enough, there are some diamonds in the rough. Here are our tips for sorting the cinematic wheat from the chaff.
1. Check the reviews
Don’t just go by the promotional blurb on Tubi’s site. Do a quick Google search of the movie title along with “reviews” to get the real scoop.
Look for trusted review sites that cater to genre fans. If it’s getting mostly 3-4 star reviews, it might be worth your time. Under 2 stars? Keep scrolling.
2. Follow your interests
Tubi has a decent selection of cult classics, campy horror, cheesy sci-fi, and obscure foreign films. Focus on categories and genres you already enjoy. Y
You’re more likely to stumble on an oddball gem that was made for fans like you. And if you end up hating it, at least you didn’t waste time on some random thriller or rom-com.
3. Don’t judge by the poster
Or the production values. Some of Tubi’s best finds are low-budget indies and foreign films with terrible cover art and effects.
Give anything a shot if the plot sounds interesting. After all, you’ve got nothing to lose but time, and you might discover an new favorite director or film movement.
4. Check Tubi’s spotlights
Tubi’s content team actually curates some decent collections like “Not on Netflix” and “Award Winners”. Their picks tend to be a cut above the rest. At the very least, you know someone at Tubi HQ believes in these films enough to feature them.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it, fellow streamers. When you’re scrolling through the free movies on Tubi, don’t expect to find any hidden gems or critically-acclaimed masterpieces. We’re lucky if we can even find something mediocre that doesn’t make our eyes roll out of our heads. But hey, can’t beat free, right?
At least we can get a few chuckles from the terrible CGI effects and cringeworthy acting in these bargain bin rejects. Just be sure to lower those expectations down to the floor, stock up on snacks, and be prepared to revel in the absurdity. Happy viewing!