30 Scariest Movies on Netflix That Will Keep You Awake All Night

Are you ready for a spine-tingling movie marathon? Netflix has a treasure trove of horror films that will make your skin crawl and your heart race. From classic slashers to modern psychological thrillers, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 best and scariest movies on Netflix that will satisfy even the most hardcore horror fans. So grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to be terrified!

1. Gerald’s Game

Based on Stephen King’s novel, “Gerald’s Game” is a psychological horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat. When a romantic getaway goes horribly wrong, Jessie finds herself handcuffed to a bed with no hope of rescue. As she faces her inner demons and a mysterious figure, the line between reality and hallucination blurs. Director Mike Flanagan masterfully brings King’s “unfilmable” novel to life, creating a claustrophobic and intense experience. Carla Gugino delivers a powerhouse performance as Jessie, conveying a range of emotions from fear to determination. The film’s shocking moments and unexpected twists will keep you guessing until the very end. With its exploration of trauma, survival, and the human psyche, “Gerald’s Game” is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.

2. The Platform

“The Platform” is a Spanish sci-fi horror film that will make you question society and human nature. Set in a vertical prison where food is distributed from top to bottom, the movie follows Goreng as he navigates the brutal system. Each level receives the leftovers from the one above, leading to a horrifying display of greed and desperation. Director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The film’s clever use of symbolism and social commentary adds depth to its horror elements. With strong performances and shocking twists, “The Platform” is a thought-provoking and disturbing experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

3. Bird Box

Sandra Bullock stars in this post-apocalyptic thriller that will have you covering your eyes. In a world where mysterious creatures drive people to suicide if seen, Malorie must navigate treacherous waters with two children, all while blindfolded. Director Susanne Bier creates a tense atmosphere where the unseen threat is more terrifying than any monster. The film’s clever use of sound design and Bullock’s powerful performance heighten the sense of dread. “Bird Box” explores themes of motherhood, trust, and survival in a world gone mad. With its unique premise and nail-biting sequences, this Netflix original has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences.

4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

This modern sequel to the horror classic brings Leatherface back with a vengeance. When a group of influencers attempts to revitalize a ghost town in Texas, they unknowingly awaken a dormant killer. Director David Blue Garcia pays homage to the original while adding contemporary twists. The film’s brutal violence and intense chase scenes will satisfy gore enthusiasts. With a runtime of just 83 minutes, it’s a fast-paced thrill ride that doesn’t let up. While it may not reach the heights of the original, this new “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” delivers plenty of scares and chainsaw action for horror fans.

5. The Ring

This American remake of the Japanese horror classic still sends chills down viewers’ spines. The story revolves around a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it within seven days. Naomi Watts stars as Rachel, a journalist investigating the tape’s origins. Director Gore Verbinski creates a moody, atmospheric horror that builds tension through its haunting imagery and eerie sound design. The film’s iconic scenes, particularly those featuring the ghostly Samara, have become ingrained in pop culture. “The Ring” combines supernatural elements with psychological horror, making it a standout in the genre. Even in the age of streaming, this tale of a deadly VHS tape continues to terrify new generations of viewers.

6. Incantation

This Taiwanese found-footage horror film has gained notoriety for its supposedly “cursed” nature. The story follows a woman trying to protect her daughter from a curse she unleashed years ago. Director Kevin Ko blends traditional Asian horror elements with modern filmmaking techniques to create a truly unnerving experience. The film’s use of rituals, chants, and religious imagery adds to its unsettling atmosphere. “Incantation” plays with the audience’s perception, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Its clever marketing, which suggested the film itself might be cursed, adds an extra layer of fear for superstitious viewers. With its unique approach to found-footage horror and genuinely scary moments, “Incantation” is a must-watch for brave horror enthusiasts.

7. May the Devil Take You

This Indonesian horror film combines demonic possession with family drama to create a truly terrifying experience. When a dying father’s past sins come back to haunt his family, his estranged daughter must confront the evil he unleashed. Director Timo Tjahjanto, known for his work in the action genre, brings his kinetic style to horror, resulting in intense and visceral scares. The film’s practical effects and makeup create grotesque demons that will haunt your nightmares. “May the Devil Take You” doesn’t shy away from gore, delivering plenty of blood-soaked scenes for horror fans. With its blend of supernatural horror and emotional family conflict, this film offers a fresh take on the possession subgenre.

8. Coming Home in the Dark

This New Zealand thriller takes a seemingly innocent family outing and turns it into a nightmare. When a teacher and his family encounter two drifters during a road trip, they’re forced to confront dark secrets from the past. Director James Ashcroft creates a tense, unrelenting atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge throughout the film’s runtime. The performances, particularly from Daniel Gillies as the menacing Mandrake, are chilling and believable. “Coming Home in the Dark” explores themes of guilt, revenge, and the lasting impact of institutional abuse. Its realistic approach to violence makes the horror all the more disturbing. This thought-provoking thriller will leave you questioning the nature of good and evil long after it ends.

9. Under the Shadow

Set against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq War, this Persian-language horror film blends supernatural terror with real-world fears. A mother and daughter find themselves haunted by a mysterious evil in their Tehran apartment as the city is bombarded by missiles. Director Babak Anvari uses the war-torn setting to create a constant sense of dread and uncertainty. The film’s exploration of djinn mythology adds a unique cultural element to its horror. “Under the Shadow” excels in building tension through subtle scares and an oppressive atmosphere. It also serves as a powerful allegory for the trauma of war and the struggles of women in a repressive society. This critically acclaimed film proves that horror can be both terrifying and socially relevant.

10. Apostle

Set in 1905, this period horror follows Thomas as he infiltrates a sinister cult to rescue his sister. Director Gareth Evans, known for “The Raid” films, brings his visceral style to folk horror, resulting in a brutal and intense experience. Dan Stevens delivers a compelling performance as the troubled protagonist, conveying both vulnerability and determination. The film’s lush cinematography contrasts beautifully with its gruesome violence. “Apostle” builds slowly, immersing viewers in its eerie island setting before unleashing its full horror. With elements of paganism, body horror, and psychological trauma, it offers a unique and disturbing take on the cult subgenre. This Netflix original is a must-watch for fans of atmospheric and gory horror.

11. The Munsters (2022)

Rob Zombie’s colorful reimagining of the classic TV series brings the beloved monster family to a new generation. This prequel explores how Herman and Lily Munster met and fell in love. While not strictly a horror film, Zombie’s signature style infuses the movie with a spooky, campy atmosphere. The film’s vibrant production design and practical effects create a world that feels like a living cartoon. Jeff Daniel Phillips and Sheri Moon Zombie embody the iconic characters with enthusiasm. Fans of the original series will appreciate the numerous Easter eggs and callbacks. While “The Munsters” may not scare you, its blend of horror aesthetics and silly humor makes for a fun, family-friendly Halloween watch.

12. Sabrina

This Indonesian horror film, part of “The Doll” series, proves that creepy dolls never go out of style. When a little girl tries to contact her dead mother through a doll, she unleashes a terrifying evil. Director Rocky Soraya crafts effective jump scares and creates a consistently eerie atmosphere. The film’s use of Indonesian folklore adds a unique cultural flavor to its scares. “Sabrina” explores themes of grief and the dangers of meddling with the supernatural. While it follows many familiar haunted doll tropes, its execution and cultural context set it apart. With its ghostly apparitions and possessed doll antics, “Sabrina” is sure to satisfy fans of supernatural horror.

13. There’s Someone Inside Your House

Based on the novel by Stephanie Perkins, this slasher film brings high school drama to deadly heights. A transfer student finds herself at the center of a killing spree where the murderer wears masks of their victims’ faces. Director Patrick Brice blends teen movie tropes with brutal slasher violence, creating a modern take on the subgenre. The film’s diverse cast and exploration of secrets and identity add depth to its horror elements. While it may not reinvent the wheel, “There’s Someone Inside Your House” delivers satisfying kills and suspenseful chase scenes. Its commentary on social media and cancel culture gives the familiar slasher formula a contemporary edge.

14. Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight

This Polish slasher film takes the familiar “teens in the woods” setup and adds a unique twist. A group of technology-addicted teenagers attends a digital detox camp, only to encounter a monstrous threat. Director Bartosz M. Kowalski combines elements of body horror with traditional slasher tropes. The film’s practical effects create grotesque and memorable monsters. “Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight” doesn’t shy away from gore, delivering plenty of brutal kills for horror fans. Its commentary on technology addiction adds a layer of social satire to the bloody proceedings. With its blend of humor and horror, this Polish export offers a fresh take on the summer camp slasher.

15. Till Death

Megan Fox stars in this taut thriller that puts a deadly spin on marital problems. Emma wakes up handcuffed to her dead husband as part of an elaborate revenge plot. Director S.K. Dale creates a claustrophobic atmosphere as Emma struggles to survive against multiple threats. The film’s snowy setting adds to the sense of isolation and danger. Fox delivers a strong performance, conveying Emma’s desperation and determination. “Till Death” combines elements of survival thrillers with revenge horror, resulting in a tense and unpredictable ride. Its exploration of abusive relationships adds depth to the surface-level thrills.

16. The Open House

This slow-burn thriller takes a familiar setup and twists it into something truly unnerving. A mother and son move into a relative’s vacant vacation home, only to experience increasingly disturbing events. Directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote create a pervasive sense of dread through subtle scares and an oppressive atmosphere. The film’s remote mountain setting adds to the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. “The Open House” plays with audience expectations, subverting typical horror tropes in its shocking finale. While it may frustrate viewers looking for more conventional scares, its psychological approach to horror lingers long after viewing.

17. No One Gets Out Alive

Based on the novel by Adam Nevill, this film blends supernatural horror with real-world fears. Ambar, an undocumented immigrant, moves into a boarding house plagued by ghostly visions and terrifying secrets. Director Santiago Menghini creates a claustrophobic atmosphere within the decaying house. The film’s exploration of immigrant experiences adds depth to its horror elements. Cristina Rodlo delivers a compelling performance as Ambar, conveying both vulnerability and strength. “No One Gets Out Alive” builds tension slowly before unleashing truly nightmarish imagery in its final act. Its blend of psychological and cosmic horror makes for a unique and unsettling experience.

18. His House

This critically acclaimed horror film uses the refugee experience as a backdrop for supernatural terror. A South Sudanese couple escapes to England, only to find themselves haunted by both past trauma and a malevolent presence. Director Remi Weekes crafts a deeply atmospheric horror that balances real-world fears with ghostly scares. The film’s exploration of survivor’s guilt and cultural assimilation adds layers of meaning to its frights. Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu deliver powerful performances as the haunted couple. “His House” stands out for its ability to terrify while also offering thoughtful commentary on the refugee experience. Its unique perspective and genuinely scary moments make it a must-watch for horror fans.

19. Fear Street Trilogy

Based on R.L. Stine’s book series, this trilogy of films takes viewers on a journey through different eras of horror. Set in 1994, 1978, and 1666, the interconnected stories follow the cursed town of Shadyside as it battles an ancient evil. Director Leigh Janiak crafts a love letter to horror, paying homage to different subgenres in each film. The trilogy’s ambitious storytelling and strong ensemble cast keep viewers engaged across all three movies. From slasher violence to witch hunts, the “Fear Street” films offer something for every horror fan. Its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and generational trauma adds depth to the scares. This Netflix original series proves that teen horror can be both fun and genuinely frightening.

20. The Ritual

This British horror film turns a hiking trip into a nightmare of mythic proportions. When four friends honor their deceased companion with a trek through the Swedish wilderness, they encounter an ancient evil. Director David Bruckner creates a palpable sense of dread as the group becomes lost in the seemingly endless forest. The film’s exploration of guilt and masculinity adds psychological depth to its monster movie elements. Rafe Spall delivers a standout performance as the troubled Luke. “The Ritual” builds tension through its isolated setting before revealing a truly unique and terrifying creature. Its blend of folk horror and creature feature makes for a memorable and chilling experience.

21. Creep

This found-footage film proves that sometimes the scariest monsters are human. When a videographer answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day job, he finds himself in an increasingly unsettling situation. Mark Duplass delivers a chilling performance as the eccentric and dangerous Josef. Director Patrick Brice creates tension through awkward interactions and subtle menace. The film’s use of improvisation adds to its realistic and unpredictable nature. “Creep” explores themes of loneliness and manipulation, making its horror deeply psychological. Its minimalist approach and focus on character make it a standout in the found-footage subgenre. This indie horror gem will make you think twice about meeting strangers from the internet.

22. The Babysitter

This horror-comedy blends teen movie tropes with bloody violence for a fun and frantic ride. When 12-year-old Cole stays up past his bedtime, he discovers his babysitter is part of a satanic cult. Director McG brings his energetic style to the horror genre, resulting in fast-paced and over-the-top sequences. Samara Weaving shines as the charismatic and deadly babysitter. The film’s self-aware humor and creative kills make it a blast for horror fans. “The Babysitter” doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing for both laughs and scares. Its coming-of-age story adds heart to the bloody proceedings. This Netflix original is perfect for those who like their horror with a heavy dose of fun.

23. Cam

This psychological thriller explores the dark side of internet fame through a uniquely modern lens. Alice, a camgirl, discovers that her online identity has been stolen by a doppelganger who seems to be her in every way. Director Daniel Goldhaber creates a neon-drenched nightmare that blurs the lines between reality and virtual life. Madeline Brewer delivers a tour-de-force performance as both Alice and her mysterious double. The film’s exploration of identity, sex work, and technology adds depth to its unsettling premise. “Cam” builds tension through its mind-bending plot twists and vivid visuals. Its commentary on online personas and the price of fame makes it a relevant and thought-provoking horror for the digital age.

24. 1922

Based on Stephen King’s novella, this period horror explores the devastating consequences of one man’s greed. When a farmer murders his wife to keep his land, he finds himself haunted by guilt and supernatural forces. Thomas Jane delivers a powerhouse performance as the tormented Wilfred James. Director Zak Hilditch creates a slow-burning atmosphere of dread that permeates every frame. The film’s rural 1920s setting adds to its sense of isolation and hopelessness. “1922” excels in its portrayal of psychological horror, as Wilfred’s guilt manifests in increasingly disturbing ways. The use of rats as a recurring motif creates some truly skin-crawling moments. This Netflix original proves that Stephen King adaptations can be both faithful and terrifying.

25. The Perfection

This twisted thriller takes viewers on a wild ride through the competitive world of classical music. When a former cello prodigy returns to her old academy, she becomes entangled in a disturbing plot involving her replacement. Directors Richard Shepard crafts a film that constantly subverts expectations, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. Allison Williams and Logan Browning deliver intense performances as rival musicians. The film’s shocking twists and graphic body horror will satisfy fans of extreme cinema. “The Perfection” explores themes of abuse, revenge, and obsession in the pursuit of artistic excellence. Its bold storytelling and controversial subject matter make it a polarizing but unforgettable experience.

26. Veronica

Based on true events, this Spanish horror film brings demonic possession to terrifying life. After using a Ouija board during a solar eclipse, a teenage girl finds herself haunted by a malevolent presence. Director Paco Plaza, known for the [REC] series, creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere through clever camera work and sound design. Sandra Escacena delivers a powerful performance as the tormented Veronica. The film’s use of Catholic imagery and family dynamics adds depth to its supernatural scares. “Veronica” builds tension slowly before unleashing truly nightmarish sequences in its final act. Its blend of real-life inspiration and cinematic frights makes it a standout in the possession subgenre.

27. The Conjuring

While not a Netflix original, this modern horror classic is a must-watch for any fan of the genre. Based on the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film follows a family terrorized by a dark presence in their new home. Director James Wan masterfully builds tension through subtle scares and a pervasive sense of dread. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga bring warmth and credibility to the Warrens, grounding the supernatural elements. The film’s 1970s setting adds to its vintage horror atmosphere. “The Conjuring” spawned a successful franchise, but the original remains a masterclass in haunted house horror. Its focus on character development and practical effects creates scares that stand the test of time.

28. It Comes at Night

This post-apocalyptic psychological thriller proves that sometimes the most terrifying threats come from within. As a highly contagious disease ravages the world, a family’s fragile existence is disrupted by the arrival of strangers seeking refuge. Director Trey Edward Shults creates an oppressive atmosphere of paranoia and dread. The film’s use of darkness and confined spaces adds to the claustrophobic tension. Joel Edgerton delivers a nuanced performance as a father trying to protect his family at all costs. “It Comes at Night” subverts typical post-apocalyptic tropes, focusing on the psychological toll of survival rather than external threats. Its ambiguous ending and exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances make it a thought-provoking and unsettling experience.

29. Hush

This home invasion thriller puts a unique spin on the subgenre with its deaf protagonist. When a masked killer targets a secluded writer who is deaf and mute, she must use her wits to survive the night. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his work in the horror genre, creates nail-biting tension through clever use of sound design and visual storytelling. Kate Siegel delivers a powerful performance as Maddie, conveying a range of emotions without dialogue. The film’s isolated setting and real-time pacing keep viewers on the edge of their seats. “Hush” proves that sometimes limitations can lead to innovation in storytelling. Its focus on a disabled protagonist adds a fresh perspective to the home invasion formula.

30. The Invitation

This slow-burn thriller turns a dinner party into a night of psychological terror. When Will attends a reunion hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, he becomes increasingly suspicious of their intentions. Director Karyn Kusama masterfully builds tension through awkward social interactions and subtle clues. Logan Marshall-Green delivers a nuanced performance as the paranoid Will, keeping viewers guessing about his mental state. The film’s exploration of grief, cult mentality, and social pressure adds depth to its horror elements. “The Invitation” saves its most shocking moments for the final act, rewarding patient viewers with a truly unforgettable climax. Its blend of psychological horror and social commentary makes it a standout in the genre.

Conclusion

Netflix’s horror selection offers something for every type of scare-seeker. From supernatural thrillers to psychological mind-benders, these 30 films represent some of the best and scariest movies available on the streaming platform. Whether you’re in the mood for classic haunted house tales, modern social horror, or gory slashers, this list has you covered.

Remember, horror is subjective, and what terrifies one person might not affect another. We encourage you to explore these films and discover which ones truly get under your skin. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you might find a new favorite that keeps you up at night!

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