Something Stinks! Reeker and Reeker 2 Return to Tubi October 19 with a Frightfully Fun Horror Revival
The early-2000s creature features return with remastered editions, a new streaming release, and some seriously foul-smelling collectibles.
Seth Metoyer | More Horror
There's something special about independent horror filmmakers who know how to have a little fun with their movies, especially when they're resurrecting titles that have spent years lurking in the darker corners of home video history.
Case in point: Reeker and Reeker 2: No Man's Land, two creature features from writer-director Dave Payne that are getting a new lease on life this Halloween season.
Both films arrive on Tubi for free, ad-supported streaming on October 19, giving longtime fans an opportunity to revisit the madness while introducing an entirely new audience to one of horror's more peculiar monsters.
And apparently, the people behind these movies want you to experience the horror through your nose, too.
I recently received a promotional package from the Reeker team here at More Horror, and I have to give them credit. They went all out with a wonderfully disgusting collection of goodies celebrating the films' return.
But first, a little history.
A Forgotten Corner of 2000s Horror
Released in 2005, Reeker arrived during a particularly interesting period for the genre. Horror was experiencing something of an identity crisis, with Hollywood remaking established franchises, extreme horror gaining momentum, and independent filmmakers experimenting with increasingly bizarre ways to terrify audiences.
Payne's film offered its own twisted contribution to that landscape.
The story follows a group of friends who find themselves stranded at an isolated desert motel, where an unseen threat begins picking them off in increasingly gruesome circumstances. Their attacker is a mysterious, decomposing entity whose arrival comes with an unmistakable warning: an absolutely unbearable stench.
It's a ridiculous premise in the best possible horror-movie tradition. There's something beautifully absurd about creating a monster whose most memorable supernatural calling card is body odor from hell.
But beneath the creature-feature gimmick, Reeker also plays with mystery, dark humor, and some interesting narrative twists. The film premiered at South by Southwest before eventually reaching audiences internationally.
The follow-up, No Man's Land: The Rise of Reeker (2008), expands the mythology while taking the story back to the desert. This time, a sheriff and his son become entangled with a group of criminals, and their increasingly desperate circumstances lead them straight into
the path of the foul-smelling killer.
The second film operates as a prequel, exploring more of the mythology surrounding the creature and its origins.
Both movies belong to that wonderfully strange era when horror filmmakers could take a relatively simple concept, throw in some gore, dark comedy, and supernatural weirdness, and see how far the whole thing could go.
Reborn, Remastered, and Ready to Stink Again
The filmmakers have revisited both movies with newly remastered editions, including 4K presentations featuring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio for compatible digital formats.
Originally distributed in the United States through Lionsgate and Paramount Home Video, the films are now returning through an independent re-release effort spearheaded by their original creators.
And with both titles arriving on Tubi on October 19, audiences can catch up on the franchise just in time for Halloween.
The filmmakers are also promoting physical editions and collectible merchandise through the official Reeker website, including some particularly creative scratch-and-sniff packaging.
Which brings me back to that box sitting on my desk.
The Smell of Fear (and Some Truly Questionable Candy)
When the Reeker promotional package arrived, I immediately appreciated the presentation. The box features artwork from both films, accompanied by the sort of lurid, over-the-top promotional design that brings back memories of browsing horror titles at the local video store.
Inside were copies of both movies, scratch-and-sniff collectibles, a zombie-shaped hanging air freshener, and a few other goodies.
And then there was the durian-flavored candy.
Now, anyone familiar with durian knows the tropical fruit has earned quite a reputation for its powerful aroma. Naturally, someone thought turning that experience into candy would make an excellent promotional item for a horror franchise about a monster that smells like death.
I decided to give it a try.
At first, I was pleasantly surprised. The candy had this buttery, caramel-like flavor that reminded me of a Werther's Original. I thought maybe durian candy had an unfair reputation.
That initial sweetness turned out to be a spectacular deception.
Within moments, the flavor began transforming into something considerably less pleasant. I managed to keep the candy in my mouth for approximately one minute before surrendering.
I have experienced some unsettling things in my years covering horror movies, and somehow a piece of candy managed to become one of them.
The package also included a hanging zombie air freshener that apparently carries its own offensive aroma. I decided to leave that one sealed. Some mysteries deserve to remain unsolved.
The whole experience was ridiculous, disgusting, and genuinely entertaining, which makes it a remarkably appropriate way to promote these particular movies.
Giving Independent Horror Another Life
Beyond the novelty of the promotional package, there's something worthwhile about seeing filmmakers return to their older projects and introduce them to contemporary audiences.
The mid-2000s produced an enormous number of independent horror releases. Some developed dedicated cult followings, while others gradually disappeared into the vast machinery of distribution, changing formats, and shifting viewing habits.
Today, streaming platforms offer these movies another opportunity to reach audiences who might have missed them the first time around.
I particularly appreciate the effort Payne and his team have put into this revival. They've gone beyond simply making the films available again, embracing the strange identity of the franchise and building a promotional campaign around its most memorable characteristic.
It's the kind of creative enthusiasm I enjoy seeing from independent filmmakers.
And frankly, horror needs room for this sort of weirdness. Sometimes you want an atmospheric ghost story or a psychologically devastating descent into madness. Other times, you're perfectly happy watching a grotesque supernatural creature terrorize people at a desert motel while wondering what terrible thing everyone just smelled.
There's room for all of it.
Where to Watch Reeker and Reeker 2
Reeker and No Man's Land: The Rise of Reeker are scheduled to premiere on Tubi on October 19, 2026, with both films available to stream free with ads.
Fans can also explore the remastered releases, trailers, behind-the-scenes features, and collectible merchandise through the franchise's official website.
Official Website: https://www.reekermovie.com/
Official YouTube: @ReekerOfficial
Special thanks to the Reeker team for sending over the promotional package and reminding me that sometimes the best horror marketing comes with a warning label.
As for the durian candy, I survived. Barely. I think I'll stick to Red Vines when I watch the movies.
