To borrow the words of Ghostface, what’s your favorite scary movie on Netflix? With Halloween approaching, the spooky season is officially here, and we’ve curated a list of the best horror films currently streaming on the platform.
Which is more horrifying: watching a film that chills you to the bone or scrolling through the vast array of choices on your streaming services for hours, only to end up sleeping without pressing play on anything?
The latter scenario is all too familiar. It’s the hidden trick behind the treat of Netflix’s extensive catalog, especially since it boasts some of the best horror movies ever made—you just need to know where to look.
Alternatively, you can rely on our guide to the most terrifying Netflix movies to add to your watch list before October 31. Prepare yourself; we have spine-tingling sights to show you.
Creep (2014)
This unsettling found footage film originates from the creative minds of Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, with Brice starring as Aaron, a videographer heading to a remote cabin for a dubious job.
Duplass plays Josef—his client—who wishes to record a video diary for his unborn child before he succumbs to a brain tumor. Creep begins oddly, escalates to uncomfortable, and culminates in sheer terror. A sequel followed in 2017, equally compelling and also available for streaming on Netflix.
Words by Chris Tilly
It Follows (2014)
David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows is exhilarating because it brings something entirely new to the horror genre while also showcasing its retro influences.
Words by Chris Tilly
His House (2020)
Directed by Remi Weekes, this film is a superb example of bone-chilling suspense, following a refugee couple from South Sudan who face a malevolent force in their new British home. More than just a horror movie, it poignantly explores the immigrant experience and survivor’s guilt, featuring outstanding performances by leads Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Wunmi Mosaku.
Words by Chris Tilly
The Ritual (2017)
While The Ritual doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it remains an incredibly eerie thriller with a genuinely disturbing conclusion.
Directed by David Bruckner and based on the novel by Adam Nevill, the film follows a group of friends hiking through a Scandinavian forest, only to be hunted by an ancient, evil entity. Its blend of psychological and supernatural horror, combined with breathtaking visuals, crafts a haunting narrative centered on grief and guilt.
Words by Chris Tilly
Calibre (2018)
Speaking of the horrors that can happen in the woods, don’t miss Matt Palmer’s Calibre.
The narrative centers on two friends grappling with moral dilemmas after a hunting trip goes horribly wrong in the Scottish Highlands.
Words by Chris Tilly
The Platform (2019)
This gripping and grotesque horror film is set within a dystopian vertical prison where inmates on each level receive food through a descending platform.
Those on the upper floors enjoy lavish feasts while those below face extreme deprivation. Director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia skillfully utilizes this chilling premise to create a biting commentary on social inequality and human nature, making it a must-watch this Halloween.
Words by Chris Tilly
Cam (2018)
Cam is a cautionary techno-thriller exploring the dangers of having a divided online persona, viewed through the lens of a sinister digital doppelgänger. Madeline Brewer excels in her dual roles as the vulnerable Alice and her seductive clone, Lola. Writer and director Isa Mazzei’s integration of her personal experiences (inspired by her time as a camgirl) elevates this thrilling narrative.
Words by Tom Percival
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Based on the Stephen King novella of the same name, the ghoulish Gerald’s Game showcases Jessie, a woman handcuffed to a bed with no hope of escape.
While it may sound mundane, trust us—this chilling tale, coupled with Mike Flanagan’s inventive direction, will keep you glued to your seat. But beware, it does entertain some grisly moments.
Words by Tom Percival
Malevolent (2018)
Basing itself on the book Hush, Malevolent follows a group of con artists who specialize in faking paranormal activities but encounter a genuine ghost.
As expected, their experience goes terribly wrong, yet if you enjoy thrills and chills, you’ll find great entertainment in this tale of karmic retribution. The film’s greatest strength lies in the satisfaction of seeing bad people face dire consequences, coupled with its beloved ghost-house style that adds charm to the horror.
Words by Tom Percival
The Wailing (2016)
When a mysterious infection begins spreading through Gokseong village, local police officer Jong-goo suspects that the outbreak is connected to a strange newcomer in town.
Though The Wailing is quite lengthy, you won’t notice the time passing as you’ll be too captivated by your fear. We won’t spoil the story, but this horror film is like an all-you-can-eat buffet—there’s something for everyone!
Words by Tom Percival
Circle (2015)
Fifty strangers wake up to find themselves in a deadly game where a randomly chosen individual is executed every two minutes. Will they escape? Well, this is a horror film, so you can guess the outcome.
If you love reality TV, this terrifying flick is right up your alley! It captures all the drama of a reality show with engaging villains and a straightforward concept that masks some surprising depth.
Words by Tom Percival
The Babadook (2014)
Amelia’s life becomes a living nightmare.
The Babadook is a thought-provoking, truly spooky masterpiece that lingers in your mind for days, months, and even years. While the titular monster may lurk in the shadows, Jennifer Kent focuses on our emotions, our diminishing spirits, and how trauma and grief can drain our compassion. Resentment can unveil our greatest fears.
Words by Cameron Frew
Life (2017)
When a scientist on the ISS revives a dormant cell from Mars, it unintentionally fosters the growth of an extraterrestrial organism named Calvin. Initially appearing benign, Calvin quickly turns deadly once it escapes the lab, leading to chaos.
With a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Ferguson, Life slipped under the radar without due recognition. It possesses a profound sense of danger and dread, augmented by impressive VFX, and the ending is simply chilling.
Words by Cameron Frew
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
A small-town sheriff investigates the disappearance of three residents from Bright Hope and uncovers a frightening connection to a cannibalistic Native American tribe. The West may be on its last legs, but it will leave behind screams, not silence.
S. Craig Zahler’s slow-burn Western blend is a finely crafted horror story set against the backdrop of the blood-soaked caves and desolate expanses of old America. It’s a unique film that stands apart from its predecessors.
Words by Cameron Frew
It Chapter Two (2019)
After 27 years, tragedy reunites the Losers’ Club in Derry, where Pennywise resurfaces to feast on fresh fear and flesh. They made a pact: if the clown ever returned, they would come back to finish the job.
Stand By Me famously queried, “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus, does anyone?” It Chapter Two answers with a resounding, frightening yes, offering an epic and harrowing adult sequel to the nostalgic Goonies, successfully adapting the most challenging section of Stephen King’s masterwork.
We’ve also compiled lists of the best scary movies on Prime Video and the Hulu horror films worth adding to your watch list.
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