3 overlooked films you can stream for free this weekend (August 14-16)

      If your plans for the weekend involve lounging on the couch and unsure of what to watch next, think of this as your go-to guide. This week’s selection features a bonus – every film mentioned is completely free to stream. I searched through the collections of Tubi and Pluto TV and found a stoner comedy, a Swedish vampire movie that changed the genre, and a Korean horror film that continues to be discussed years later. So, add these free movies to your weekend watchlist right away!

      We have also compiled guides for the best new movies to stream, the top films on Netflix, the best offerings on Hulu, the finest free movies, and the best selections on Amazon Prime Video.

      **Smiley Face (2007)**

      - **Genre:** Comedy

      - **IMDb:** 5.9/10

      - **Rotten Tomatoes:** 64%

      Jane (Anna Faris), an aspiring actress without a job, unwittingly consumes a full batch of her roommate’s cannabis-infused cupcakes just before a day filled with errands. What ensues is a frantic, one-day adventure across Los Angeles as Jane tries to replace the cupcakes, attend a significant audition, and settle her debt with her dealer, all while becoming increasingly high. However, her growing paranoia and absurd distractions derail her plans at every turn.

      I highly recommend this film mainly for Anna Faris, who fully immerses herself in the role of a stoner, turning this low-budget comedy into an exemplary display of slapstick humor. She even earned a Best Actress award at the Method Fest for her performance, which is evident as she navigates straightforward tasks like an obstacle course. While the film lacks polish and critics had mixed reactions upon its release, it perfectly fits the bill if you’re looking for something light and amusing.

      Stream *Smiley Face* on Tubi.

      **Let the Right One In (2008)**

      - **Genre:** Horror, Romance

      - **IMDb:** 7.8/10

      - **Rotten Tomatoes:** 98%

      Oskar, a lonely twelve-year-old boy who faces bullying at school, befriends Eli, the peculiar new girl who moves in next door and is only seen at night. As their friendship deepens, a series of mysterious deaths begins to plague their snowy suburb in Stockholm. Oskar soon uncovers Eli’s dark and bloodthirsty secret. Instead of adhering to conventional vampire horror clichés, the film portrays Eli’s condition as tragic, intertwined with themes of isolation, first love, and quiet violence.

      Director Tomas Alfredson filmed the entire movie in subdued blues and silences, allowing the tension to build steadily rather than relying on jump scares. Child actors Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson deliver impressively mature performances, successfully handling scenes that demand genuine emotional depth. The climactic scene towards the end is a masterclass in creating tension and visual narrative.

      Stream *Let the Right One In* on Rakuten Viki.

      **The Wailing (2016)**

      - **Genre:** Horror, Mystery, Thriller

      - **IMDb:** 7.4/10

      - **Rotten Tomatoes:** 99%

      In a tranquil mountain village in South Korea, a mysterious and violent illness suddenly afflicts the residents, prompting them to commit family murders. A bumbling police officer named Jong-goo takes it upon himself to investigate the horrific crime scenes. When his daughter begins to exhibit the same symptoms, his search for answers transforms into a frantic race against time.

      What begins as a simple investigative procedure gradually evolves into something much more bizarre, fusing shamanistic rituals, possession, and paranoia. The tense exorcism scene midway through stands out as one of the most mesmerizing moments in contemporary horror cinema. I recommend this film for its dedication to a slow burn, allowing the mystery to unfold over two hours before revealing its full picture. This measured approach culminates in one of the most discussed endings in recent horror films.

      Stream *The Wailing* on Tubi and Pluto TV.