As anticipation builds for The Hunt for Gollum—the standalone Middle-earth adventure hitting theaters in December 2027—fans of Elijah Wood have a perfect way to revisit the actor's offbeat side. Wood's criminally underrated zombie comedy Cooties is set to land on Plex for free streaming starting July 1, 2026.
Released in 2015 to a limited theatrical run and mixed reviews, Cooties has since earned a devoted following as a cult classic. The film follows a trio of elementary school teachers—played by Wood, Rainn Wilson (The Office), and Alison Pill—who must fight for survival when their students turn into bloodthirsty monsters after eating contaminated chicken nuggets. Yes, you read that right: the outbreak starts with tainted lunchroom nuggets, leading to a gleefully gory and absurd horror-comedy romp.
Directed by Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion, Cooties also features Leigh Whannell (The Invisible Man) in a supporting role, adding to its genre cred. The film's irreverent tone and over-the-top violence have aged surprisingly well, making it a must-watch for fans of the best Blumhouse horror movies and offbeat zombie fare.
Why 'Cooties' Deserves a Second Look
While critics initially dismissed Cooties as silly nonsense, its blend of sharp humor and splatterhouse effects has won over audiences over time. The movie doesn't take itself seriously—and that's its greatest strength. Watching Wood, Wilson, and Pill fend off hordes of possessed children with everything from fire extinguishers to makeshift weapons is pure, unapologetic fun.
For those who missed it in theaters, the free streaming debut on Plex is the perfect chance to catch up. And if you're already in a horror-comedy mood, you can also check out Wood's recent appearance in Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, which hits Hulu on July 2, 2026.
More Free Streaming Gems Coming to Plex
July 2026 is shaping up to be a great month for free streaming on Plex. Alongside Cooties, the platform is adding Bruce Willis' underrated WWII thriller Hart's War, giving subscribers a double dose of underappreciated cinema. Whether you're in the mood for zombie kids or wartime drama, Plex has you covered.
So mark your calendars: Cooties streams for free on Plex starting July 1, 2026. It's the perfect appetizer before The Hunt for Gollum brings Wood back to Middle-earth—and a reminder that sometimes the best horror comedies come from the most ridiculous premises.
