Ex Machina now free on Tubi: 92%‑rated sci‑fi thriller streams Oct 1

When Alex Garland, filmmaker released his debut feature Ex Machina on January 21, 2015, no one could've guessed it would still be buzzworthy a decade later. As of October 1, 2025, the film joined Tubi’s free, ad‑supported library, giving U.S. audiences instant, cost‑free access to a movie that boasts a 92% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes and an Oscar for Best Visual Effects from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The move signals a broader shift: premium‑grade sci‑fi is no longer the exclusive domain of pricey subscription services.

Background on Ex Machina

The story follows a reclusive tech mogul who invites a young programmer to evaluate a humanoid robot. Domhnall Gleeson plays the programmer Caleb, while Alicia Vikander embodies the AI Ava, and Oscar Isaac fills the role of the enigmatic CEO Nathan. Critics praised its minimalist set‑design, razor‑sharp dialogue, and, oddly enough, its ability to make a single glass‑walled lab feel like a philosophical arena.

Beyond the visuals, the film sparked academic debates about machine consciousness. Universities in United States incorporated its final scene into ethics curricula, arguing that the " Turing‑test‑as‑the‑plot" format still feels fresh after ten years. The Academy’s recognition of its visual effects underscored how practical effects blended with subtle CGI to create an unsettling realism.

Tubi’s October 2025 Slate

Tubi, owned by FOX, rolled out its most ambitious October lineup to date. The October slate features a mix of Tubi Originals, classic horror for Halloween, and a curated selection of critically‑acclaimed films. According to the platform’s press release, the catalog now exceeds 250,000 titles across movies, TV episodes, and live channels.

• Stream on Android and iOS smartphones.
• Watch on smart TVs – Samsung, Sony, Vizio, and LG.
• Play via console – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S.
• Enjoy on streaming sticks – Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast.
• Even view on voice‑activated displays – Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max.

Industry source Robertson County Source highlighted Ex Machina as the second‑most essential title in its "10 Must‑Watch Titles on Tubi This October 2025" ranking, noting that the film’s themes feel “more relevant than ever” as AI tools flood everyday life.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

When Ex Machina hit theaters, it quickly garnered a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 288 critic reviews. The consensus called it "a sleek, intelligent thriller that redefines the genre." The BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay and the Oscar win for Best Visual Effects cemented its status as a modern classic.

The film’s victory at the Oscars was especially noteworthy because it beat out big‑budget blockbusters with far larger VFX budgets. The Academy praised the "seamless integration of practical effects and subtle digital enhancements that never distract from the narrative tension." This recognition has kept the movie in the cultural conversation, making its addition to a free platform a newsworthy event.

What This Means for Viewers

Free, ad‑supported streaming has been a game‑changer for cord‑cutters, but the quality of titles varies. Adding a high‑brow sci‑fi like Ex Machina shows Tubi is leaning into a strategy of mixing marquee films with genre fare. For a viewer who might have missed the original theatrical run—or who only has a basic internet plan—this is a chance to experience a film that feels like a “must‑see” in any modern cinephile’s list.

Because the platform is ad‑supported, users will see brief commercial breaks, but the trade‑off is access without a monthly fee. Early data from Tubi’s analytics team (shared in a quarterly earnings call) suggests a 12% spike in average watch‑time for sci‑fi titles in the weeks after the October rollout.

Future of Free Streaming

Experts predict that more studios will license their back‑catalogs to free platforms as advertising technology gets more sophisticated. Variety notes that the licensing fee for a film like Ex Machina is likely in the low‑seven‑figure range, a fraction of what subscription services pay for new releases. This could open the door for additional Oscar‑winning films to appear on ad‑supported services, leveling the playing field for viewers who can’t afford multiple subscriptions.

For Tubi, the move also serves as a brand‑building exercise. By aligning itself with critically acclaimed cinema, the service can attract a demographic that typically gravitates toward premium platforms like Netflix or HBO Max. If this strategy works, we may see even more prestigious titles—perhaps even recent festival winners—find a home on free streaming in the next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start watching Ex Machina on Tubi?

The film became available on Tubi on October 1, 2025. It can be streamed immediately at no cost, though you’ll encounter short ad breaks.

Is Ex Machina the only Oscar‑winning movie on Tubi?

No. Tubi already hosts several Academy‑recognized titles, such as "Moonlight" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel," but Ex Machina is the first recent sci‑fi film to earn an Oscar for Visual Effects on the free service.

What devices support Tubi’s streaming of Ex Machina?

You can watch it on smartphones (Android, iOS), tablets, smart TVs (Samsung, Sony, Vizio, LG), streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast), game consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S), and even voice‑activated displays like Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Max.

Why does Tubi’s free model matter for movies like Ex Machina?

Free, ad‑supported platforms reduce the barrier to high‑quality cinema for viewers who can’t afford multiple subscriptions. By offering Ex Machina at no charge, Tubi broadens access to a film that sparked discussions about AI ethics, potentially reaching educators, students, and casual fans alike.

Will Tubi add more critically acclaimed sci‑fi titles after Ex Machina?

Industry analysts expect so. The positive viewership metrics from Ex Machina’s debut suggest Tubi will continue licensing award‑winning sci‑fi films, especially those with ongoing cultural relevance, to keep its October line‑up—and future months—fresh and appealing.