Looking for some scary movies to watch on Netflix? You’re in luck! I’ve compiled a list of the 30 best horror films currently streaming that are guaranteed to give you goosebumps. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, there’s something here for every horror fan. Grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to be terrified by these spine-tingling Netflix offerings.
1. The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring kicks off our list with a bang. This supernatural horror film directed by James Wan follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they try to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Based on a true story, The Conjuring delivers genuine scares through its tense atmosphere and chilling paranormal encounters.
The film stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens, who bring gravitas and believability to their roles. The scares build slowly but steadily, with expertly crafted jump scares that will have you leaping out of your seat. What makes The Conjuring stand out is its focus on character development – you really care about the family being haunted, which amplifies the terror.
With its period 1970s setting, eerie sound design, and spine-tingling exorcism scenes, The Conjuring revitalized the haunted house subgenre. It spawned its own cinematic universe of sequels and spin-offs, but the original remains the best. If you’re looking for a truly frightening film to kick off your horror movie marathon, The Conjuring is a perfect choice that will leave you sleeping with the lights on.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s directorial debut Hereditary is a deeply unsettling psychological horror film that will get under your skin. The movie follows the Graham family as they uncover terrifying secrets about their ancestry after the death of their secretive grandmother.
Toni Collette gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Annie Graham, a mother unraveling as supernatural forces target her family. The slow-burn pacing allows dread to build, punctuated by shocking moments of violence and surreal imagery. Aster creates a suffocating atmosphere of grief and paranoia that’s hard to shake.
Hereditary deals with heavy themes of generational trauma, mental illness, and loss of control. The scares come not just from supernatural elements, but from the horrifying things humans are capable of doing to their loved ones. With its intricate plot, stellar performances, and gut-punch ending, Hereditary is the kind of horror film that will haunt you long after the credits roll. It’s not for the faint of heart, but horror fans looking for something deeply disturbing will find plenty to analyze and discuss in this modern classic.
3. The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is an Australian psychological horror film that uses the monster-in-the-closet trope to explore grief, depression, and the challenges of single parenthood. The story follows Amelia, a widowed mother struggling to raise her troubled 6-year-old son Samuel. When a mysterious pop-up book called “Mister Babadook” appears in their home, a sinister presence begins to torment the family.
Director Jennifer Kent crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere filled with creeping dread. The Babadook itself is a terrifying creation – a tall, pale man in a top hat with razor-sharp claws. But the real horror comes from watching Amelia’s mental state deteriorate as she grapples with unresolved trauma.
Essie Davis gives a powerhouse performance as Amelia, portraying her descent into madness with heartbreaking realism. The film also features impressive child acting from Noah Wiseman as the difficult but sympathetic Samuel. The Babadook works on multiple levels – as a straightforward monster movie, but also as an allegory for depression and repressed emotions. With its striking visuals, layered storytelling, and gut-wrenching ending, The Babadook is essential viewing for fans of psychological horror.
4. It Follows (2014)
It Follows puts a unique spin on the teen slasher genre with its premise of a sexually transmitted curse. After sleeping with her boyfriend, 19-year-old Jay learns she is now being pursued by a shapeshifting entity that can look like anyone. It follows her at a slow walking pace, and if it catches her, she’ll die. The only way to get rid of it is to pass it on to someone else through sex.
Director David Robert Mitchell creates an atmosphere of creeping dread, with long takes and a synth-heavy score reminiscent of John Carpenter films. The entity can take any form, leading to some genuinely unnerving scenes as characters try to determine who is real and who is “It.” The suburban Detroit setting adds to the unsettling mood.
It Follows works as both a straightforward horror film and as a metaphor for sexual anxiety, STDs, and the loss of innocence. The young cast, led by Maika Monroe, gives naturalistic performances that ground the supernatural elements. With its clever premise, retro style, and underlying themes, It Follows breathes new life into teen horror tropes. It’s a must-watch for fans of intelligent, atmospheric horror.
5. A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place is a tense, innovative horror-thriller directed by and starring John Krasinski. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where blind alien creatures with hypersensitive hearing hunt anything that makes a sound. The story follows the Abbott family as they struggle to survive in silence.
The film’s unique premise allows for incredibly suspenseful sequences as characters try to stay quiet in dangerous situations. Simple actions like walking or opening a door become nail-biting ordeals. The aliens themselves are terrifying creations, with armor-plated skin and flower-petal heads that open to reveal rows of teeth.
Emily Blunt gives a standout performance as Evelyn Abbott, particularly in a harrowing scene where she must give birth silently to avoid attracting the creatures. The use of sign language and visual storytelling creates an immersive experience. A Quiet Place also explores themes of family, sacrifice, and adapting to survive.
With its clever concept, stellar performances, and expertly crafted tension, A Quiet Place reinvents the alien invasion genre. It proves that sometimes the scariest moments come not from what you see, but what you hear – or in this case, don’t hear.
6. The Witch (2015)
Robert Eggers’ directorial debut The Witch is a slow-burn historical horror film set in 1630s New England. After being banished from their Puritan plantation, a family settles on the edge of a foreboding forest. Strange and terrifying events begin to plague them, testing their faith and sanity.
Eggers meticulously recreates the period, from the archaic dialogue to the historically accurate costumes and set design. This attention to detail creates an immersive, oppressive atmosphere. The isolated setting and religious fervor of the characters add to the creeping sense of dread.
Anya Taylor-Joy gives a breakout performance as Thomasin, the teenage daughter accused of witchcraft. The film explores themes of religious hysteria, female empowerment, and the darkness that can arise from extreme isolation. The Witch builds tension slowly, punctuated by disturbing imagery and supernatural occurrences.
While light on jump scares, The Witch creates a deeply unsettling mood that lingers long after viewing. Its ambiguous ending leaves room for interpretation – is there really a witch, or is it all in the family’s minds? With its period authenticity, psychological horror, and feminist undertones, The Witch is a unique and unforgettable entry in the folk horror subgenre.
7. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut Get Out is a groundbreaking horror film that uses the genre to explore racial tensions in America. The story follows Chris, a young Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. What starts as an awkward meet-the-parents scenario quickly devolves into a nightmarish situation with sinister undertones.
Peele masterfully builds tension through microaggressions and subtle hints that something is very wrong. The film balances genuine scares with biting social commentary and moments of dark humor. Daniel Kaluuya gives a powerful lead performance, conveying Chris’s growing unease and terror.
Get Out subverts horror tropes and audience expectations at every turn. It tackles themes of racism, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of Black bodies in a way that’s both terrifying and thought-provoking. The “Sunken Place” sequence is particularly haunting and visually striking.
With its clever script, stellar performances, and timely social commentary, Get Out reinvented the horror genre for a new generation. It proves that horror can be both entertaining and socially relevant. Whether you’re a horror fan or not, Get Out is essential viewing that will leave you discussing its themes long after the credits roll.
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
While not strictly a horror film, The Silence of the Lambs contains enough terrifying elements to earn its place on this list. This psychological thriller follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer.
Anthony Hopkins gives an iconic performance as Lecter, creating one of cinema’s most memorable villains. His scenes with Jodie Foster’s Clarice crackle with tension and unnerving chemistry. Director Jonathan Demme creates a sense of dread through close-ups and unsettling point-of-view shots.
The film explores themes of gender dynamics, trauma, and the nature of evil. It doesn’t shy away from disturbing imagery, particularly in scenes involving the killer Buffalo Bill. The climactic night-vision sequence is a masterclass in suspense.
The Silence of the Lambs swept the major categories at the Oscars, a rare feat for a horror-adjacent film. Its influence can be seen in countless thrillers and serial killer stories that followed. With its psychological depth, stellar performances, and genuinely frightening moments, The Silence of the Lambs remains a must-watch for any horror or thriller fan.
9. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Shining is a masterpiece of psychological horror. The film follows the Torrance family as they become winter caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As they’re cut off from the outside world, father Jack descends into madness, influenced by supernatural forces within the hotel.
Jack Nicholson gives a career-defining performance as Jack Torrance, portraying his slow unraveling with manic intensity. Shelley Duvall is equally compelling as his terrified wife Wendy. Kubrick’s meticulous direction creates an oppressive atmosphere, with long tracking shots through the hotel’s winding corridors.
The Shining is filled with iconic imagery – the creepy twin girls, the elevator of blood, “REDRUM” scrawled on the walls. The film explores themes of isolation, domestic abuse, and the cyclical nature of violence. Its ambiguous ending leaves room for multiple interpretations.
While it deviates significantly from King’s novel, The Shining stands on its own as a landmark horror film. Its influence can be seen in countless haunted house and possession movies that followed. With its psychological depth, striking visuals, and genuinely unnerving moments, The Shining remains a must-watch for any horror fan.
10. The Exorcist (1973)
Often cited as the scariest movie ever made, The Exorcist still has the power to shock and disturb audiences today. The film follows the demonic possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil and the two priests who attempt to exorcise the demon.
Director William Friedkin creates a sense of creeping dread that builds to truly terrifying sequences. The practical effects used for Regan’s possession scenes are still impressive and unsettling today. Linda Blair gives a remarkable performance as Regan, portraying both innocence and demonic malevolence.
The Exorcist explores themes of faith, good vs. evil, and the power of belief. It doesn’t shy away from disturbing imagery and concepts, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream cinema at the time. The film’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated – it spawned countless imitations and defined the possession subgenre.
While some of its shock value may have diminished over time, The Exorcist remains a masterclass in building tension and creating genuine scares. Its exploration of faith and evil gives it a depth lacking in many modern horror films. Whether you’re a longtime fan or watching for the first time, The Exorcist is essential viewing for any horror enthusiast.
11. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Roman Polanski’s psychological horror film Rosemary’s Baby is a masterpiece of slow-burning dread. The story follows young couple Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse as they move into a new apartment with eccentric neighbors. When Rosemary becomes pregnant, she begins to suspect a sinister plot surrounding her unborn child.
Mia Farrow gives a haunting performance as Rosemary, portraying her descent into paranoia and fear with nuanced vulnerability. The film builds tension through subtle hints and an increasing sense of isolation. Polanski’s direction creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, making the apartment building feel like a trap closing in on Rosemary.
Rosemary’s Baby explores themes of bodily autonomy, gaslighting, and the dark side of ambition. It’s as much a commentary on gender roles and the loss of agency in pregnancy as it is a supernatural horror story. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves room for interpretation – is it all in Rosemary’s mind, or is there really a satanic cult after her baby?
With its psychological depth, stellar performances, and creeping sense of unease, Rosemary’s Baby remains influential in the horror genre. Its exploration of real-world anxieties through a supernatural lens set the template for many psychological horror films to follow. It’s a must-watch for fans of subtle, cerebral horror.
12. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s The Thing is a masterpiece of paranoia and body horror. Set in an isolated Antarctic research station, the film follows a group of scientists as they encounter a shapeshifting alien that can perfectly mimic other life forms. As the creature infiltrates the team, no one knows who to trust.
The practical effects by Rob Bottin are still impressive and grotesque today, creating truly nightmarish transformations. Carpenter builds tension through the claustrophobic setting and the growing distrust among the characters. Kurt Russell leads a strong ensemble cast, portraying the mounting fear and suspicion.
The Thing explores themes of identity, isolation, and the unknown. The alien’s ability to imitate humans perfectly creates a sense of existential dread – how do you know if you’re really you? The film’s bleak tone and ambiguous ending were initially poorly received but have since been recognized as strengths.
While not a box office success on release, The Thing has become a cult classic and is now considered one of the greatest sci-fi horror films ever made. Its influence can be seen in many alien invasion and body horror movies that followed. With its intense atmosphere, gruesome effects, and exploration of paranoia, The Thing remains a must-watch for any horror fan.
13. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced one of horror’s most iconic villains: Freddy Krueger. The film follows a group of teenagers who are stalked in their dreams by Krueger, a burned killer with a gloved hand of razors. If Freddy kills you in your dreams, you die in real life.
Robert Englund’s performance as Freddy Krueger is legendary, combining dark humor with genuine menace. The film’s dream sequences allow for creative and surreal death scenes that blur the line between reality and nightmare. Heather Langenkamp gives a strong lead performance as Nancy Thompson, one of horror’s great “final girls.”
A Nightmare on Elm Street explores themes of generational sin, the power of imagination, and the vulnerability of sleep. It spawned a successful franchise, but the original remains the strongest entry. The film’s mix of supernatural horror and slasher elements influenced countless movies that followed.
With its inventive premise, memorable villain, and genuinely scary moments, A Nightmare on Elm Street remains a cornerstone of 80s horror. Its exploration of dreams as a source of terror taps into universal fears. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, the original Nightmare is essential viewing for any horror enthusiast.
14. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project revolutionized horror filmmaking with its found-footage style and innovative marketing campaign. The film follows three student filmmakers as they venture into the Black Hills Forest to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. As they become lost and tensions rise, terrifying events begin to unfold.
The low-budget, handheld camera style creates a sense of realism that makes the scares more effective. Directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez build tension through unseen threats and the characters’ increasing panic. The film’s groundbreaking viral marketing campaign, which presented the events as real, added to its impact.
The Blair Witch Project explores themes of getting lost, both literally and figuratively, and the power of unseen threats. It relies on suggestion and the audience’s imagination rather than explicit gore or jump scares. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves room for interpretation and discussion.
While its found-footage style has been imitated countless times since, The Blair Witch Project remains a landmark in horror cinema. Its influence on both filmmaking techniques and marketing strategies cannot be overstated. For those who can get past the shaky cam, it offers a uniquely immersive and terrifying experience.
15. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
The Cabin in the Woods is a clever deconstruction of horror movie tropes that manages to be both funny and genuinely scary. The film follows five college students who visit a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, only to fall victim to a series of horrific events. However, there’s much more going on than a typical slasher scenario.
Director Drew Goddard and co-writer Joss Whedon subvert expectations at every turn, playing with familiar horror elements while adding their own twisted spin. The film balances humor and horror expertly, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments alongside genuine scares. The ensemble cast, including a pre-Thor Chris Hemsworth, brings charm and energy to their archetypal roles.
The Cabin in the Woods explores themes of free will, sacrifice, and the nature of horror storytelling itself. It’s a love letter to the genre that also serves as a critique of its conventions. The film’s third act goes completely off the rails in the best possible way, delivering a bonkers climax that needs to be seen to be believed.
With its meta-commentary, clever script, and imaginative monsters, The Cabin in the Woods is a unique entry in the horror genre. It rewards multiple viewings, with plenty of Easter eggs for horror fans to spot. Whether you’re a genre aficionado or a casual viewer, The Cabin in the Woods offers a fresh and entertaining take on familiar horror tropes.
16. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s Scream revitalized the slasher genre in the 90s with its self-aware approach and clever script. The film follows high school student Sidney Prescott as she becomes the target of a mysterious killer known as Ghostface. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends must use their knowledge of horror movie rules to survive.
Kevin Williamson’s razor-sharp screenplay balances humor and horror, poking fun at slasher tropes while still delivering genuine scares. The cast, led by Neve Campbell as Sidney, brings depth and likability to their characters. The Ghostface killer, with his iconic mask and voice, became an instant horror icon.
Scream explores themes of media influence, the nature of fear, and the blurring of fiction and reality. It’s as much a commentary on the horror genre as it is a straight slasher film. The movie’s famous opening scene with Drew Barrymore sets the tone for the unpredictable ride to come.
With its clever meta-commentary, strong performances, and genuinely suspenseful sequences, Scream breathed new life into the horror genre. It spawned a successful franchise and influenced countless horror films that followed. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the original Scream remains a must-watch for its blend of scares, laughs, and smart storytelling.
17. The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense is a supernatural thriller that became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its famous twist ending. The film follows child psychologist Malcolm Crowe as he tries to help Cole Sear, a young boy who claims to see dead people.
Bruce Willis gives a nuanced performance as Dr. Crowe, while Haley Joel Osment delivers a remarkable turn as the troubled Cole. Shyamalan builds tension through a somber atmosphere and carefully constructed scares. The film’s color palette, heavy on reds and cool blues, adds to the eerie mood.
The Sixth Sense explores themes of grief, communication, and the unfinished business that keeps spirits tethered to our world. While it’s best known for its twist, the film works just as well on repeat viewings, with careful foreshadowing and emotional depth. The scenes of Cole interacting with ghosts are genuinely chilling.
With its clever script, strong performances, and perfect pacing, The Sixth Sense transcends the horror genre to become a modern classic. Its influence can be seen in many supernatural thrillers that followed. Whether you know the twist or not, The Sixth Sense offers a haunting and emotionally resonant experience that holds up to multiple viewings.
18. The Others (2001)
Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others is a gothic horror film that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares. Set in post-World War II England, the story follows Grace Stewart, a mother who lives in a darkened old house with her two photosensitive children. Strange occurrences begin to suggest that the house may be haunted.
Nicole Kidman gives a tour-de-force performance as Grace, portraying her descent into paranoia and fear with nuanced intensity. The film’s muted color palette and use of shadows create a pervasive sense of unease. Amenábar builds tension slowly, with each reveal adding to the mystery.
The Others explores themes of isolation, faith, and the nature of reality. It plays with audience expectations, subverting typical ghost story tropes. The film’s twist ending, while reminiscent of other movies, is executed in a way that feels fresh and emotionally impactful.
With its elegant direction, strong performances, and creeping sense of dread, The Others stands out as a modern classic of supernatural horror. It proves that sometimes the most effective scares come not from what you see, but from what you don’t see. For fans of atmospheric, psychological horror, The Others is a must-watch.
19. Sinister (2012)
Scott Derrickson’s Sinister is a deeply unsettling supernatural horror film that combines found footage elements with traditional storytelling. The movie follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt, who moves his family into a house where a gruesome murder took place, hoping to use the case as material for his new book. He discovers a box of Super 8 films in the attic that depict multiple family murders, setting off a chain of terrifying events.
Ethan Hawke gives a compelling performance as Ellison, portraying his growing obsession and fear with convincing intensity. The Super 8 footage is genuinely disturbing, with its grainy quality adding to the creep factor. The film’s sound design, particularly its use of unsettling music, contributes significantly to the scary atmosphere.
Sinister explores themes of ambition, the cost of success, and the dangers of delving too deep into darkness. The entity at the center of the film, Bughuul, is a truly frightening creation that lingers in the mind long after viewing. The movie builds tension effectively, with several jump scares that feel earned rather than cheap.
With its clever premise, strong lead performance, and genuinely scary moments, Sinister stands out in the crowded field of supernatural horror. Its exploration of how evil can spread through images gives it a modern relevance. For horror fans looking for a film that will leave them checking the dark corners of their home, Sinister is a chilling choice.
20. The Descent (2005)
Neil Marshall’s The Descent is a claustrophobic horror film that taps into primal fears of darkness and confined spaces. The story follows a group of six women who go on a caving expedition in the Appalachian Mountains. When they become trapped underground, they discover they’re not alone in the caves.
The all-female cast delivers strong performances, with Shauna Macdonald standing out as Sarah, the group’s emotionally fragile leader. Marshall creates a suffocating atmosphere of dread even before the monsters appear. The cave setting is used to great effect, with tight passages and pitch-black caverns creating a sense of disorientation and panic.
The Descent explores themes of friendship, survival, and facing one’s inner demons. The creatures, while scary, are almost secondary to the psychological horror of being trapped underground. The film doesn’t shy away from gore, with several intense and brutal scenes.
With its unique setting, strong character dynamics, and effective scares, The Descent is a modern horror classic. It proves that sometimes the most terrifying monsters are the ones we become when pushed to our limits. For fans of intense, claustrophobic horror, The Descent is a must-watch that will leave you gasping for air.
21. Train to Busan (2016)
Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan is a thrilling South Korean zombie film that breathes new life into the genre. The story follows a group of passengers trying to survive on a train from Seoul to Busan as a zombie outbreak spreads across the country.
Gong Yoo leads a strong ensemble cast as Seok-woo, a workaholic father trying to protect his young daughter. The confined setting of the train creates intense, claustrophobic action sequences. The zombies, fast-moving and relentless, are genuinely terrifying.
Train to Busan explores themes of class divide, selfishness vs. altruism, and the strength of human bonds in crisis. The film balances heart-pounding action with emotional character moments, making you care deeply about the survivors’ fates.
With its unique setting, well-developed characters, and non-stop tension, Train to Busan stands out as one of the best zombie films of recent years. It proves that there’s still room for innovation in the crowded zombie subgenre. Whether you’re a horror fan or not, Train to Busan offers a pulse-pounding, emotionally resonant experience that shouldn’t be missed.
22. The Ritual (2017)
David Bruckner’s The Ritual is a atmospheric folk horror film that blends psychological terror with mythological elements. The story follows four British friends who embark on a hiking trip in Sweden to honor their deceased friend. When they take a shortcut through a mysterious forest, they encounter a malevolent presence.
Rafe Spall gives a strong lead performance as Luke, grappling with guilt and trauma from the past. The Swedish forest setting is used to great effect, creating a sense of isolation and otherworldliness. Bruckner builds tension slowly, with the threat remaining largely unseen until the film’s climax.
The Ritual explores themes of grief, guilt, and the power of ancient beliefs. It draws on Norse mythology to create a unique and terrifying entity. The film’s sound design is particularly effective, with strange noises in the forest adding to the creeping dread.
With its strong character dynamics, beautiful yet menacing setting, and creative monster design, The Ritual stands out in the folk horror subgenre. It proves that sometimes the most effective scares come from tapping into primal fears and ancient legends. For fans of atmospheric, psychological horror with a mythological twist, The Ritual is a must-watch.
23. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Gerald’s Game is a taut psychological thriller that turns a simple premise into a nightmare. The story follows Jessie, who is left handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house after her husband dies of a heart attack during a sex game gone wrong.
Carla Gugino gives a tour-de-force performance as Jessie, carrying much of the film alone on screen. Flanagan creates tension through Jessie’s increasingly desperate situation and her psychological unraveling. The film doesn’t shy away from disturbing themes and imagery, including a graphic scene that’s not for the faint of heart.
Gerald’s Game explores themes of survival, trauma, and the strength of the human spirit. It delves into Jessie’s past, revealing how childhood experiences shape our adult lives. The film’s hallucinatory sequences blur the line between reality and imagination.
With its claustrophobic setting, strong lead performance, and exploration of psychological horror, Gerald’s Game stands out as one of the best Stephen King adaptations in recent years. It proves that sometimes the most effective horror comes from being trapped with our own thoughts and memories. For fans of psychological thrillers that delve deep into the human psyche, Gerald’s Game is a gripping and unsettling watch.
24. The Invitation (2015)
Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation is a slow-burn psychological thriller that builds tension to an explosive climax. The film follows Will, who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband. As the night progresses, Will becomes increasingly suspicious that something sinister is afoot.
Logan Marshall-Green gives a nuanced performance as Will, portraying his growing paranoia and unease. Kusama creates a claustrophobic atmosphere in the Hollywood Hills setting, with the party feeling increasingly like a trap. The film plays with audience expectations, keeping you guessing about whether Will’s fears are justified or paranoid delusions.
The Invitation explores themes of grief, cult mentality, and the dangers of denial. It delves into how trauma can make us vulnerable to manipulation. The film’s tension comes not from jump scares, but from the mounting dread and social awkwardness of the situation.
With its clever script, strong performances, and expertly crafted suspense, The Invitation stands out as a modern classic of psychological horror. It proves that sometimes the most terrifying situations arise from seemingly normal social gatherings. For fans of slow-burn thrillers that keep you guessing until the end, The Invitation is a must-watch that will leave you questioning your own social interactions.
25. Creep (2014)
Patrick Brice’s Creep is a found-footage psychological thriller that proves you don’t need a big budget to create genuine scares. The film follows Aaron, a videographer who answers an online ad to film a man named Josef for a day. As the job progresses, Josef’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disturbing.
Mark Duplass gives a chilling performance as Josef, balancing charm and menace in a way that keeps the audience off-balance. The found-footage style adds to the sense of unease, making you feel like you’re right there with Aaron as things spiral out of control. Brice builds tension through increasingly uncomfortable interactions rather than traditional scares.
Creep explores themes of trust, manipulation, and the dangers of isolation. It plays with the audience’s expectations, subverting typical horror tropes. The film’s effectiveness comes from its realism – the scenario feels like something that could actually happen.
With its minimalist approach, strong performances, and psychological depth, Creep stands out in the crowded found-footage genre. It proves that sometimes the most terrifying monsters are the seemingly normal people we encounter in everyday life. For fans of psychological thrillers that get under your skin, Creep is a disturbingly effective watch that will make you think twice about meeting strangers from the internet.
26. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
André Øvredal’s The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a claustrophobic horror film that turns a routine medical procedure into a nightmarish experience. The story follows father-son coroner team Tommy and Austin as they perform an autopsy on an unidentified young woman. As they delve deeper into the examination, they uncover increasingly bizarre and terrifying secrets.
Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch give strong performances as the father-son duo, their relationship adding emotional depth to the horror. Øvredal creates tension through the confined setting of the morgue and the gradually unfolding mystery of Jane Doe’s body. The autopsy scenes are graphic and unsettling, adding to the film’s visceral impact.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe explores themes of scientific rationality versus the supernatural, family bonds, and the power of ancient curses. The film’s scares come not just from jump scares, but from the mounting dread as the characters uncover each new clue.
With its unique premise, strong performances, and effective use of its setting, The Autopsy of Jane Doe stands out as a clever and genuinely scary horror film. It proves that sometimes the most terrifying stories come from methodically uncovering the unknown. For fans of atmospheric horror with a mystery at its core, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a chilling and inventive watch.
27. Hush (2016)
Mike Flanagan’s Hush is a tense home invasion thriller with a twist – the protagonist is deaf. The film follows Maddie, a deaf writer living alone in the woods, as she fights for survival against a masked killer who stalks her home.
Kate Siegel gives a powerful performance as Maddie, conveying her terror and resourcefulness through body language and facial expressions. Flanagan uses the character’s deafness to create unique scares and a heightened sense of isolation. The film’s sound design is particularly effective, using silence to put the audience in Maddie’s perspective.
Hush explores themes of perseverance, the will to survive, and the challenges of living with a disability. It subverts typical horror movie tropes, with Maddie using her deafness as both a vulnerability and a strength. The film’s cat-and-mouse game between Maddie and the killer is nail-bitingly tense.
With its simple premise, strong lead performance, and clever use of sound, Hush stands out as a lean and effective thriller. It proves that sometimes the most compelling horror stories come from everyday fears and challenges. For fans of home invasion thrillers with a unique perspective, Hush is a must-watch that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
28. The Wailing (2016)
Na Hong-jin’s The Wailing is a complex and unsettling South Korean horror film that blends elements of supernatural thriller, police procedural, and dark comedy. The story follows a bumbling police officer investigating a series of mysterious deaths and illnesses in a small village, which may be linked to the arrival of a strange Japanese man.
Kwak Do-won gives a memorable performance as the flawed protagonist, whose investigation takes him to increasingly dark and bizarre places. Na creates an atmosphere of mounting dread and confusion, with the line between reality and the supernatural becoming increasingly blurred. The film’s use of traditional Korean shamanism adds a unique cultural layer to the horror.
The Wailing explores themes of faith, xenophobia, and the nature of evil. It keeps the audience guessing about the true source of the village’s troubles, with multiple twists and red herrings. The film’s lengthy runtime allows for deep character development and a slow burn approach to horror.
With its complex narrative, strong performances, and unsettling atmosphere, The Wailing stands out as a unique and challenging entry in the horror genre. It proves that sometimes the most effective scares come from a slow descent into darkness and ambiguity. For fans of horror films that leave you with more questions than answers, The Wailing is a haunting and thought-provoking watch.
29. Under the Shadow (2016)
Babak Anvari’s Under the Shadow is a Persian-language horror film that uses supernatural scares to explore the real-life horrors of war and oppression. Set in 1980s Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War, the story follows Shideh, a mother who is left alone with her daughter in their apartment as strange occurrences begin to plague them.
Narges Rashidi gives a powerful performance as Shideh, a woman struggling against both supernatural threats and the everyday oppression of life in post-revolution Iran. Anvari creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, with the apartment becoming a pressure cooker of tension. The film’s scares come from a mix of traditional jump scares and a pervasive sense of unease.
Under the Shadow explores themes of motherhood, trauma, and the impact of war on everyday life. It uses the supernatural entity of the Djinn as a metaphor for the larger societal and political forces oppressing the characters. The film’s ending is both haunting and thought-provoking.
With its strong lead performance, effective scares, and social commentary, Under the Shadow stands out as a unique and powerful entry in the horror genre. It proves that sometimes the most effective horror stories use the supernatural to illuminate real-world terrors. For fans of horror films with a strong social and political subtext, Under the Shadow is a must-watch that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
30. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
While not a movie, Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House deserves a spot on any list of must-watch horror. Loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s novel, the series follows the Crain family across two timelines – as children living in the haunted Hill House, and as adults still grappling with the trauma of their experiences.
The ensemble cast, led by Carla Gugino and Henry Thomas, gives powerful performances that anchor the emotional core of the story. Flanagan creates a pervasive sense of dread, with the house itself becoming a character. The series’ scares come from a mix of traditional ghost story tropes and deeply unsettling imagery.
The Haunting of Hill House explores themes of family trauma, addiction, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. It uses the supernatural as a metaphor for the ghosts that haunt us all – guilt, shame, and unresolved pain. The series’ sixth episode, shot in a series of long takes, is a technical and emotional marvel.
With its strong performances, effective scares, and emotional depth, The Haunting of Hill House stands out as a modern classic of horror television. It proves that the most effective horror stories are often the most human. For fans of ghost stories with a strong dramatic core, The Haunting of Hill House is a must-watch that will leave you both terrified and moved.
These 30 horror films and series, all available on Netflix, represent a wide range of subgenres and styles. From classic slashers to psychological thrillers to supernatural ghost stories, there’s something here for every kind of horror fan. Whether you’re looking for iconic scares, innovative premises, or deep social commentary, these offerings showcase the best of what the horror genre has to offer.
So turn off the lights, grab some popcorn (and maybe a blanket to hide under), and prepare to be terrified by these must-watch Netflix horror picks. Just be warned – you may want to keep the light on afterwards. Happy screaming!