Horror movies are always a good idea, no matter the time of year. Thanks to Netflix, you have access to a wide variety of scary films that can keep you on the edge of your seat. From psychological thrillers to supernatural hauntings, there’s something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of the top 20 horror movies on Netflix that you simply can’t miss. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a frightful night!
Key Takeaways
- Netflix offers a diverse selection of horror movies.
- The list includes psychological thrillers, supernatural hauntings, and more.
- Each movie promises to deliver chills and thrills.
- Perfect for a night in with friends or solo viewing.
- These movies are highly rated and widely recommended.
List Of Top 20 Horror Movies on Netflix
| Rank | Title | Release Year | Director | Main Cast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald’s Game | 2017 | Mike Flanagan | Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood |
| 2 | His House | 2020 | Remi Weekes | Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu |
| 3 | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark | 2019 | André Øvredal | Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Austin Zajur |
| 4 | Silent Hill | 2006 | Christophe Gans | Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean |
| 5 | Hubie Halloween | 2020 | Steven Brill | Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen |
| 6 | The Babysitter | 2017 | McG | Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell |
| 7 | Under the Shadow | 2016 | Babak Anvari | Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi |
| 8 | Hold the Dark | 2018 | Jeremy Saulnier | Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgård, Riley Keough |
| 9 | Rebirth | 2016 | Karl Mueller | Fran Kranz, Adam Goldberg |
| 10 | Spectral | 2016 | Nic Mathieu | James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer |
| 11 | Fear Street Trilogy | 2021 | Leigh Janiak | Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch |
| 12 | Run | 2020 | Aneesh Chaganty | Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen |
| 13 | Mr. Harrigan’s Phone | 2022 | John Lee Hancock | Jaeden Martell, Donald Sutherland |
| 14 | Things Heard & Seen | 2021 | Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini | Amanda Seyfried, James Norton |
| 15 | The Strays | 2023 | Nathaniel Martello-White | Ashley Madekwe, Bukky Bakray |
| 16 | Run Rabbit Run | 2023 | Daina Reid | Sarah Snook, Lily LaTorre |
| 17 | Intrusion | 2021 | Adam Salky | Freida Pinto, Logan Marshall-Green |
| 18 | Final Destination | 2000 | James Wong | Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Seann William Scott |
| 19 | Texas Chainsaw Massacre | 2022 | David Blue Garcia | Jacob Latimore, Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher |
| 20 | Choose or Die | 2022 | Toby Meakins | Iola Evans, Asa Butterfield |
1. Gerald’s Game
Released in 2017 and directed by Mike Flanagan, Gerald’s Game is a gripping adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. The story revolves around Jesse (Carla Gugino) and her husband Gerald (Bruce Greenwood), who head to a secluded cabin for a romantic getaway. Things take a dark turn when Gerald dies suddenly, leaving Jesse handcuffed to the bed with no way to escape.
As Jesse struggles to survive, she faces not only physical challenges but also psychological ones. Carla Gugino’s performance is stunning, capturing the layers of horror from Jesse’s past. The film is very faithful to the book, making it a must-watch for Stephen King fans.
The movie is disturbing, thought-provoking, and memorable, with brilliant acting from the two main protagonists.
With a strange dog and a creeping demon with red eyes lurking in the shadows, the tension builds to a climax you won’t see coming.
2. His House
His House is a unique British horror film that dives deep into themes of grief, guilt, and the refugee crisis. The story follows a young couple who escape war-torn Sudan, only to find themselves in a rundown house in England. The house itself seems to be haunted, reminding them of their past traumas.
The film is not just about supernatural scares but also about the ongoing refugee crisis. The couple struggles with assimilation and the haunting memories of their journey. The house becomes a symbol of their unresolved guilt and grief, making it a powerful narrative that stays with you long after the credits roll.
A haunting exploration of guilt and displacement, His House is a must-watch for anyone looking for a horror film with depth and meaning.
3. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Who says PG-13 horror films can’t be terrifying? Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark adapts Alvin Schwartz’s children’s book series into a spine-chilling movie. Directed by André Øvredal, this film brings to life the nightmares that haunted many childhoods. When the movie sticks to the actual scary stories, the film soars. You’re more frightened than you expect to be during a kid-centric horror movie.
The story revolves around a group of teens who discover a book of scary stories that come to life. The film features top-notch creature actors and a mature take on gateway horror, making it a must-watch for both young and old horror fans. With a runtime of 108 minutes, it stars Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, and Austin Zajur.
4. Silent Hill
Based on the popular video game series, Silent Hill is a visually impressive horror film. However, like many video game adaptations, it suffers from inane dialogue, a muddled plot, and an overlong runtime. The story follows a mother searching for her adopted daughter in the eerie, fog-covered town of Silent Hill. As she delves deeper, she encounters terrifying creatures and uncovers dark secrets about the town’s past.
5. Hubie Halloween
Hubie Halloween is a surprisingly fun Adam Sandler original that could set the right tone for your holiday movie marathon. Sandler plays Hubie Dubois, an awkward guy living in Salem, Massachusetts. Despite being a target of mockery for the entire town, he becomes its only salvation when supernatural events start to occur. The film features a lot of the Sandler comedy troupe, including Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, and even a reunion with Happy Gilmore co-star Julie Bowen. While most of the Sandler Netflix movies are pretty horrible, this one is actually kinda sweet and funny.
6. The Babysitter
Released in 2017, The Babysitter is a horror-comedy directed by McG. The film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 71% and an IMDb rating of 6.3/10. It stars Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell, Hana Mae Lee, Bella Thorne, and Emily Alyn Lind. The runtime is a brisk 85 minutes.
The story flips the common trope of a kid having a crush on their babysitter. In this case, the babysitter, Bee, played by Samara Weaving, is part of a Satanic cult. One night, young Cole discovers Bee’s dark secret and finds himself in a fight for his life as the cult will stop at nothing to keep their secret safe.
The Babysitter is not your typical horror film. It’s more goofy and super gory, reminiscent of the campy horror movies from the 1980s. If you’re looking for a fun, blood-soaked trip to suburbia, this movie is a must-watch.
7. Under the Shadow
Set in 1980s Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war, Under the Shadow deftly blends seemingly disparate genres to deliver an effective chiller with timely themes and thought-provoking social subtext. The story follows a mother, Shideh, and her daughter, Dorsa, as they face not only the horrors of war but also a sinister presence in their home.
Directed by Babak Anvari, this film is a unique mix of haunted house scares and social commentary. Expect some jump scares and a tense atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The movie’s ability to intertwine personal and national trauma makes it a standout in the horror genre.
A genuinely scary horror, with a ripe, tense atmosphere that’s largely absent of violence and gore, Under the Shadow channels some deep-rooted fears about Iran’s cultural climate, twisting them into a living, breathing terror.
8. Hold the Dark
“Hold the Dark” is a grim, unsettling, and ultimately unforgettable Netflix horror flick. Set in the remote Alaskan wilderness, the film follows a retired wolf expert, Russell Core, who is called to investigate the disappearance of a young boy. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers dark secrets and faces primal fears.
The movie is directed by Jeremy Saulnier, known for his intense and atmospheric storytelling. The film’s eerie setting and slow-burn tension make it a standout in the horror genre. The cast, including Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgård, and Riley Keough, deliver powerful performances that add depth to the chilling narrative.
Hold the Dark is not just about the supernatural; it also explores the darkness within human nature. The film’s haunting visuals and unsettling score create a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
The high daytime body count is surprising for a movie that takes place mostly in the dark. This contrast adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere and keeps viewers on edge.
9. Rebirth
In Rebirth, a single mom’s life turns upside down when her daughter starts recalling painful memories from a past life. This movie dives deep into the psychological horror genre, making viewers question the nature of reality and memory. The sense of danger is palpable throughout the film, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The story is reminiscent of the classic Frankenstein tale, deserving a deeper look without giving away its surprises.
10. Spectral
In this pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller, a military team maneuvers through the remnants of a European city. They soon discover that their adversary—code-named Spectral—is not of this world. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intense action sequences and eerie atmosphere.
11. Fear Street Trilogy
The Fear Street Trilogy is a must-watch for horror fans. Directed by Leigh Janiak, this trilogy is based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine. The trilogy tells a cohesive story about the cursed town of Shadyside and its generational horrors. Each film is set in a different time period, offering a unique flavor of horror.
- Fear Street: Part One – 1994: This film introduces us to the town of Shadyside, where a group of teenagers tries to survive a series of brutal killings. The movie has a fun, slasher vibe with a queer romance at its center.
- Fear Street: Part Two – 1978: This installment takes us back to a summer camp massacre, inspired by the horror trends of the ’70s and ’80s. It focuses on two estranged sisters who must come together to survive.
- Fear Street: Part Three – 1666: The final film dives into the origins of the Shadyside curse. While the ending might be a bit of a letdown, it wraps up the saga in a generally satisfying way.
The trilogy works best when watched together, but each film can stand on its own. If you’re looking for a mix of slasher, teen horror, and folk horror, this trilogy is for you.
12. Run
Released in 2020 and directed by Aneesh Chaganty, Run is a suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film stars Sarah Paulson, known for her roles in American Horror Story, as the overbearing mother of Chloe, a homeschooled and disabled teenager. Chloe starts to suspect that her mother is hiding secrets from her.
The movie is self-aware and doesn’t keep its cards too close to its chest for too long. In fact, it lays everything out on the table just 30 minutes in, daring the audience to come along for the thrill ride that unfolds. This approach makes the film both suspenseful and engaging.
It’s a real treat to see Paulson dig into something darker here, given that she almost always plays the good guy in scarier fare.
While the movie is suspenseful, it doesn’t have any serious twists or turns, so pretty soon it starts to become repetitive and almost tedious. However, the strong performances and the unique storyline make it worth a watch.
13. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
Based on a novella by Stephen King, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is a unique blend of horror and drama. The story revolves around a young boy who befriends an elderly billionaire. When the old man passes away, the boy discovers that he can still communicate with his friend through a smartphone that was buried with him.
The film captures the sentimentality and the minutia of small-town life well, making it a standout in the horror genre. The eerie connection between the living and the dead is both unsettling and intriguing, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Title: Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
- Director: John Lee Hancock
- Main Cast: Jaeden Martell, Donald Sutherland
- Genre: Horror, Drama
The movie is a testament to Stephen King’s ability to weave horror into everyday life, making the ordinary seem extraordinarily frightening.
14. Things Heard & Seen
“Things Heard & Seen” is a chilling horror film based on the novel “All Things Cease to Appear” by Elizabeth Brundage. The story follows a young couple, Catherine and George, who move into a country home with a dark past. Amanda Seyfried stars as Catherine, who begins to uncover the eerie secrets of their new home, town, and even her marriage. James Norton plays her suspicious husband, George, adding to the tension and mystery.
The film is co-directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who blend old-school psycho-sexual thriller elements with modern horror techniques. This combination creates a terrifying experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite its potential, the terrors in “Things Heard & Seen” are overwhelmed by a banal and uninspired adaptation that fails to connect to its haunting source material.
Key Points
- Based on the novel “All Things Cease to Appear” by Elizabeth Brundage
- Stars Amanda Seyfried and James Norton
- Co-directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
- Blends old-school thriller tropes with modern horror techniques
15. The Strays
Neve seems to have it all—a good life, wealth, and high social status. But her perfect world is threatened when people from her alarming past show up. This social thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat as Neve’s life unravels.
16. Run Rabbit Run
Run Rabbit Run is a terrifying psychological thriller directed by Daina Reid. Nestled in the breathtakingly gorgeous landscape of Australia, the film features an undeniably incredible performance from Succession star Sarah Snook. She plays a successful fertility doctor whose daughter, played by Lily LaTorre, seems to be possessed by the spirit of her deceased sister, Alice.
The movie is a gripping watch not only because it centers on a haunting mystery but also due to the breakout role for young LaTorre, who fearlessly enchants on screen against Snook. The unsettling foundation of the film’s premise is enhanced by the beautiful yet eerie Australian backdrop.
All a mother wants is for her child to feel protected and loved. So, when a single mom hears that her daughter is uncovering painful memories from a different life—her world is now filled with an immediate sense of danger.
In short, this isn’t just a horror movie but a psychological slow burn drama without any thrills, tension, suspense, blood, or nudity. After a while, the movie gets under your skin, making you question what is real and what is not.
17. Intrusion
Moving into a new home should be a joyful experience, but for a young wife, it turns into a nightmare. After their newly built house is broken into, she is not only terrified but also begins to question the true identities of those around her. The sense of danger is immediate and overwhelming.
18. Final Destination
Final Destination is a classic horror film that has left a lasting impact on the genre. Directed by James Wong and starring Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, and Seann William Scott, the movie introduces us to Alex, who has a premonition of a plane explosion. He manages to save himself and several classmates by getting off the flight, but soon, Death comes after them one by one.
The first film was a standout with its incredible cast, well-choreographed death scenes, and impressive CGI, creating a thrilling and memorable viewing experience. The movie’s unique concept made us scared of everything from showers to Parisian cafe signs.
Netflix also offers Final Destination 2, Final Destination 3, and Final Destination 5, so you can continue the terrifying journey. With a sixth movie coming next year, now is the perfect time to catch up with Death and his ingenious methods of murder.
19. Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The 2022 version of Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the ninth installment in the franchise. Directed by David Blue Garcia, this film takes place 50 years after Leatherface’s 1973 killing spree. A group of young entrepreneurs travels to Texas to auction off old properties and create a trendy area. However, they stumble upon an old orphanage occupied by an elderly woman named Ginny and the notorious serial killer, Leatherface.
Key Details
- Director: David Blue Garcia
- Release Date: February 18, 2022
- Cast: Jacob Latimore, Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
- Runtime: 81 minutes
- Genre: Horror
Plot Summary
The group’s plans take a dark turn when they discover the orphanage is not abandoned. What follows is a bloody and terrifying game of cat-and-mouse, filled with gore and frights. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Texas Chainsaw Massacre delivers exactly what fans expect from a slasher film.
Fair warning: this movie is not for the faint of heart. If you need a mental cleanse afterward, be sure to check out our list of the best feel-good movies on Netflix!
20. Choose or Die
In Netflix’s Choose or Die, two boys find themselves trapped inside a 1980s video game. This isn’t your typical gaming experience; the stakes are life and death. If they lose the game, they die.
Don’t expect a ton of jump scares or gory deaths—this film focuses more on the psychological thriller aspect. The tension builds as the characters navigate through the game’s challenges, making it a solid thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The movie isn’t meant to be terribly scary, but it does a great job of keeping you engaged with its unique premise and suspenseful moments.
Also Read Top 10 Hindi Movies on Netflix in 2024
Conclusion
Netflix has a treasure trove of horror movies that cater to every kind of scare enthusiast. From spine-chilling classics to fresh, original content, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into ghost stories, slasher flicks, or psychological thrillers, Netflix has got you covered. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a frightful night in. Happy watching!
FAQ
Are these movies available worldwide on Netflix?
No, this list is for U.S. Netflix subscribers. Some movies might not be available in other countries.
Is ‘Hubie Halloween’ really a horror movie?
While ‘Hubie Halloween’ is more of a comedy, it has spooky elements that fit the Halloween theme.
Are all these movies Netflix Originals?
Not all movies on the list are Netflix Originals. Some are licensed titles available on Netflix.
Can I watch these movies with my family?
Some movies on the list are suitable for family viewing, but many are intended for mature audiences due to their scary and intense content.
How often is this list updated?
The list is updated regularly to include new horror movies available on Netflix and to remove titles that are no longer available.
What is the scariest movie on this list?
Scary is subjective, but ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and ‘Silent Hill’ are often considered the scariest by many viewers.
Is ‘Final Destination’ a Netflix Original?
No, ‘Final Destination’ is not a Netflix Original. It is a licensed title available on Netflix.
Can I download these movies to watch offline?
Yes, Netflix allows you to download most of its movies to watch offline. Check the movie’s page on Netflix to see if the download option is available.
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