.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
Sometimes it seems like you need to have about 100 subscriptions to catch the best films and television - a costly business in these straitened times.
While it’s true that many films are exclusive to channels like Netflix and Disney+, there’s also an option that you’ve probably already paid for without thinking about it.
For the price of a TV Licence you get access to a large library of ever-changing films on the BBC iPlayer, while the likes of 4 on Demand, the STV Player, and My5 also have a catalogue of movies to choose from.
In the runup to Halloween, we’re looking at the best horror films you can catch without paying a penny - from classics of the genre, to cult gems and recent chillers you might have missed.
Here are 12 to get you hiding behind your sofa cushions.
For the price of a TV Licence you get access to a large library of ever-changing films on the BBC iPlayer, while the likes of 4 on Demand, the STV Player, and My5 also have a catalogue of movies to choose from.
.jpeg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. The Blair Witch Project
The film that launched a thousand found footage horrors, The Blair Witch Project still has the power to scare 25 years after its original cinema release. Three student filmmakers head to the wildeness to discover the truth about a local myth before disappearing. Their camera equipment is found years later and contains some disturbing footage. It's available on the BBC iPlayer. | Contributed
.jpeg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Shaun of the Dead
Possibly the greatest horror comedy of all time, Shaun of the Dead is Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright and Nick Frost's loving pastiche of zombie shockers. Don't stop me now...watching it on the STV Player. | Contributed
7. Candyman
A sequel to the 1992 horror classic about a supernatural slasher that can be summoned by saying his name five times in the mirror, Candyman stars Colman Domingo and is very nearly as good as the original. Catch it on the BBC iPlayer. | Contributed
.jpeg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Boys From County Hell
Another little-seen ghastly gem of recent years, 2020's 'Boys From County Hell' is a classy vampire horror set in Ireland. The construction of a new road releases a bloodsucker called Abhartach, the inspiration for Bram Stoker to write Dracula (according to the film anyway). The construction team responsible set out to make things right. See it on 4 on Demand. | Contributed