Best Horror Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now

Being a horror fan is truly a treat these days. Many streaming services have classics on demand for those who love to get a good scare. Netflix US frequently delivers with their productions or by licensing some of the best classics to add them to their library. It doesn’t matter if you like supernatural scares, psychological mind-benders, or blood-curdling slashers; the streaming giant has something for you.

The platform also houses many international films offering significant doses of horror with incredible twists to fuel your nightmares. It doesn’t matter if you like to enjoy horror alone or if you’d rather have a night of scares with some friends; Netflix US has the right pick for you. Now, let’s find you a cinematic experience to die for.

31 Army of the Dead (2021)

An action-horror extravaganza that not only kicked off director Zack Snyder’s own Romero-type undead universe (it was followed by the arguably superior but less action-packed Army of Thieves later the same year), Army of the Dead also put into motion Snyder’s relationship with Netflix, which he’s set to continue with the two-part Rebel Moon epic. Given the commercial success of Army of the Dead (not to mention that it was critically underrated), it’s fair to expect that partnership to continue.

For Those Who Need Some Action In their Horror

Even if it isn’t high art — and those who take issue with Snyder’s perpetual stylistic flourishes will only find more to complain about here — Army of the Dead is solid check-your-brain-at-the-door entertainment. It’s also capable of jump scares that actually jolt the viewer. For example, the fate of Ana de la Reguera’s character.

30 Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Mike Flanagan turned the Ouija franchise into something worthwhile with Ouija: Origin of Evil, a prequel that stands far above the film that preceded it. The narrative follows a widow who starts using an Ouija board in her crock seance routine. Unfortunately for her, this invites a real spirit into the younger of her two daughters.

Flanagan Is a Master of the Genre

There are several reasons Origin of Evil is a night-and-day improvement over Ouija. There’s an appearance by Lin Shaye of Insidious fame, Twilight‘s Elizabeth Reaser leads the film well, and even E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial‘s Henry Thomas pops up. But, along with a tone that actually manages to be creepy (unlike the sillier first film), the prequel’s greatest asset is Lulu Wilson, one year shy of starring in another terrific prequel to a lackluster originator. Namely, Annabelle: Creation. Even back in 2016, Wilson was showing the range she’d utilize to carry the terrific one-two punch of Becky and The Wrath of Becky.

29 Legion (2010)

A genre-blender that hits both horror and action marks well, Legion is a fun, underrated adventure. It also gave Paul Bettany one of his few leading roles (thus far, at least) in a studio film. In it, he plays Archangel Michael, who does what he can to defend some small-town folks from the horde of vengeful angels dead set on destroying them and the diner in which they’re currently located.

Putting Bettany In the Driver’s Seat

With Legion and Priest, Bettany showed that he was a natural at leading a film. This is especially true of one that, on paper, didn’t have many prospects. Make no mistake, Legion is a silly film, but it never stops short of containing narrative momentum or an organic small-town vibe. It provides exactly what you’d want from an action-horror: entertainment and scares.

28 Insidious (2011)

James Wan solidified his place as the next big name in horror with Insidious, a creepy ghost story with legitimately startling scares. The narrative follows a suburban family who learns that a spirit has infested their child with the hopes of dragging him to its world for further feasting. Is there anything they can do about it?

A Hall of Fame Horror

The first Insidious is still the best, as the novelty of the red demon or any of the franchise’s other baddies had yet to wear off. But the true key to the film’s appeal is how believable its family unit is, and how hard it is to see them terrorized. Not to mention, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne both turn in performances a cut above what’s usually seen in a horror film.

27 In the Tall Grass (2019)

While it’s not up to par with other Netflix Stephen King adaptations like 1922 and Gerald’s Game, there’s creepy merit to In the Tall Grass (an adaptation of a work by both King and his son, Joe Hill). The narrative follows a brother and sister who enter a massive expanse of tall grass after hearing a boy’s cries for help. But, was it a boy or is there something else in there?

You Can’t Go Wrong With Stephen King

The core concept of In the Tall Grass grabs the audience’s attention and, for the most part, the film never loses it. There’s also a welcome supporting performance from Patrick Wilson to help give the quaint horror film some star power. The only real flaw is tonal inconsistencies, but at least it’s suitably faithful to the source material.

26 It Follows (2015)

When Jay Height has a normal sexual encounter with her boyfriend, she feels fine. Except, she’s haunted by visions of death. Soon, she learns that she’s been cursed and a strange, indestructible entity is stalking her. With every encounter, the entity draws closer but is invisible to others. Jay takes help from her friends and teams up with past victims of the curse to find a cure.

A Refreshing Modern Horror Installment

It Follows is directed by David Robert Mitchell. The dreamlike slasher is as thought-provoking as it is underrated. It subverts horror genre tropes with the help of layered themes of consent, sexuality, and peer pressure. The practical effects and the hypnotic background score help increase the tension of the overall premise. Moreover, the film breathes fresh life into the idea of an invisible entity haunting society.

25 The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

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Adapted from the novel of the same name written by Louis Bayard in 2006, The Pale Blue Eye transports its audience to 1830. Veteran detective Augustus Landor is called to investigate the death of cadet Leroy Fry. Once he arrives on campus, he enlists a clumsy young officer named Edgar Allan Poe to help him. Together, they discover the truth behind the hanging and the existence of a secret society.

Delightfully Atmospheric Gothic Horror

Christian Bale and Harry Melling shine as the two main leads in this gothic-infused mystery thriller. They try to please fans with their references while also trying to get to the bottom of a whodunit that is as intelligent as it is gripping. Writer and director Scott Cooper crafts an atmosphere of dread to match the vibe of the author’s source material. The characters, despite being multidimensional, are artful and authentic.

24 Deliver Us From Evil (2014)

Based on the actual accounts of NYPD sergeant Ralph Sarchie, the film stars Eric Bana as the aforementioned sergeant, who teams up with a cleric to uncover a conspiracy that throws light on demonic possessions that seem to be linked to a number of gruesome murders. Grim twists and a sick killer become the new day-to-day of his life. But, Bana’s character isn’t alone, since there’s also Olivia Munn and Joel McHale by his side.

A Perfect Blend of Genres

A cocktail of horror, wit, and action, Deliver Us From Evil fires on all cylinders and touches upon themes of violence, possession, and mass hysteria. Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister), the film constitutes a collection of horrifying moments that pay homage to The Exorcist and Seven, while being glued together with the overarching theme of the importance of family and the lengths one could go to in order to protect them.

23 The Platform (2019)

Set in a prison where prisoners are segregated based on their floor level and fed based on this segregation, the film paints a truly haunting portrait of what lengths people can go to satisfy their most primal cravings. In the film, people on higher floors are served a full set of food for a certain time period, the remains of which are then taken to the floor beneath. By this order of things, the first few floors are well-fed, but by the time the food makes it to the lower floors, there are barely scraps and sometimes bodies too.

A Gruesome Scenario Too Close to Reality

The Platform’s depiction of evil isn’t a gnarly ghoul that’s terrifying or a shapeshifting vampire, it’s a real-world truth that we can’t escape: hunger. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, the science fiction horror tries to comment on something we’ve all collectively noticed but are too chicken to speak about. The best thing about it is the gnarly depiction of horror and the overall scary production, which works fantastically in elevating the atmospheric horror.

22 Veronica (2017)

Directed by Paco Plaza, the man behind the found footage horror phenomenon REC, Veronica explores new territories for the concept-based director as the film revolves around the theme of summoning spirits through the Ouija board. Belonging to a similar ilk as Witchboard, Veronica follows a 15-year-old who unknowingly invites an evil spirit into her house while conducting a séance with her friends. What then ensues is a whirlpool of chaos and catastrophe, resulting in a terrifying experience that’s bound to keep you spooked for days to come.

A Different Approach to Ouija-Based Horror

Veronica is another great Spanish horror movie on the list after The Platform. There have been several movies in horror history that begin with an Ouija board trope, but this one takes things forward differently. Sandra Escacena, the actress who plays the titular character, is truly talented, portraying emotions like fear, confusion, love, and hurt quite well. The film’s imagery is violent and exciting.

21 Rattlesnake (2019)

Rattlesnake follows a mother named Katrina and her young daughter, Clara, as they’re stranded in a desert. Clara is bitten by a rattlesnake and, with no cell service, will soon die if she doesn’t get help. Katrina desperately looks for help and comes across a strange woman in a trailer. The woman agrees to help and by the time Katrina gets to a hospital, the bite seems to have vanished and Clara is fine. Now, Katrina must repay the mysterious woman.

How Far Would You Go to Save Your Family?

A morbidly unsettling film, it builds up some disturbing tension as it uses psychological horror to creep under the skin. Playing around with a classic deal-with-the-devil scenario, the film introduces several elements like an encounter with a strange man, forms of “payment,” trading one soul for another, and facing harrowing choices that would kill the daughter either way. The main protagonist, played by Carmen Ejogo, finds herself racing against time to save a life — though now at an unspeakable cost.

20 Ouija (2014)

As the name suggests, the evil at the center of this one comes from playing with an Ouija board. Debbie and Laine were childhood friends who used to use one as kids. Years later, Debbie recalls their time doing this but hangs herself, leaving Laine distraught and unable to understand why. After her wake, Laine and other friends find the Ouija board and use it to try and contact Laine.

The Price of Curiosity

A properly frightening horror film from 2014, Ouija spawned a sequel and a host of copycat films. The reason for its popularity is the trope, where ​​​​​​a violent and ghostly presence is unleashed by the protagonist, and it lingers well after the ill-fated séance is ended. Soon, you will witness the members of the group begin encountering terrifying hauntings, as the presence they unleashed comes after them.

19 Before I Wake (2016)

Played by the amazing child actor, Jacob Tremblay, Cody Morgan is quiet and reserved, and the social worker explains that he lost his mother to cancer at a young age. Having lost their son, Cody initially brings a great deal of joy to the couple. However, they soon learn that he has an incredible gift. When Cody dreams, his dreams play out like holographic films that can be watched by others and interacted with. The Dobsons soon get to see their son again through Cody’s dreams after he sees a picture of their child.

Taking Lucid Dreaming to a Whole New Level

A film with a unique plot and a wonderfully devised twist ending, Before I Wake featured Thomas Jane and Kate Bosworth in the lead as the Dobsons, a married couple who take in a foster child. As amazing as the plot starts, it is the presence of Cody’s dreams and nightmares that ratchets up the tension. Plus, with the “recurring nightmare” trope and the overall practical effects, the movie is complete entertainment from start to finish.

18 Lights Out (2016)

A monster in the dark mysteriously killed Martin’s father, and he has been living alone with his mentally ill mother, Sophie, ever since. Sophie often talks with an imaginary woman named Diana, who only appears in the dark. When Martin’s situation deteriorates for the worse as a result of his sleepless nights, his sister Rebecca, who doesn’t want to do anything with his mother, is summoned by a social assistant to take care of Martin. However, it turns out that Rebecca also had a frightening experience with Diana years ago, and she decides to investigate the connection between Sophie and Diana to solve the family’s bleak situation.

Leading the Charge on Psychological Horror

Lights Out is possibly one of the most psychologically terrifying horror films ever made, and its unnerving visual effects add a whole new dimension of horror element to it. The film, like many modern horror films that deal with the themes of psychological disorders, branches into a similar concept. But, it doesn’t feel recycled, rather an improvisation on the concept with a new twist in the storyline.

17 The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)

The story of The Pope’s Exorcist is set in 1987 Rome and follows Father Gabriele Amorth, who has performed hundreds of exorcisms throughout his decade-long career. However, when he travels to Spain in the hopes of uncovering the mystery behind a peculiar case involving a boy named Henry, who is supposedly possessed by a powerful evil spirit, he begins to crack the centuries-old conspiracy that is far more complicated than the cases he has solved in the past combined.

Reviving the Exorcism Sub-Genre

When The Pope’s Exorcist was released in April 2023, many horror fans had minimal expectations of how the film would turn out. But, much to their surprise, Russell Crowe’s performance flipped their expectations. An otherwise middling Exorcism film was transformed into something far more exciting, though generic, and despite the film incorporating a few predictable scenarios, it certainly brought a new faith in the genre of Exorcism horrors, which had been declining in quality for the past decade.

16 Fear Street Part One – 1994 (2021)

The story of the Fear Street trilogy takes place in Shadyside, which is known as the murder capital of the United States, due to the seemingly endless brutal massacres that occur every night. While many believe it’s a curse from an ancient evil witch named Sarah Fier, who has terrorized the land for centuries, five brave teenage friends decide to uncover the secret, unaware that they would be confronting more than they can handle.

A Powerful and Layered Trilogy

Making Fear Street a trilogy is perhaps one of the best decisions Netflix has ever made because, while the first part was a decent slasher film set in the early 1990s, the subsequent entries play out into the past, steadily unmasking the mystery behind the horrors, making it one of the best trilogies we’ve ever seen. The movies are based on R. L. Stine’s book series and to say they do justice to the source material is fair. From the acting to the world-building, everything is top-notch.

15 Bird Box (2018)

Undercooked metaphors of motherhood aside, Bird Box is buoyed by a string of strong performances. It also plays out well as a survival drama where a group of strangers band together to deal with an unknown force. At the center of it all is Sandra Bullock’s Malorie, who tries to make it through with her two children, blindfolded and stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Bird Box Became a Cultural Phenomenon For a Reason

Many armchair critics would say that Bird Box does with vision what A Quiet Place did with sound, going so far as to jokingly dub the film ‘A Blind Place.’ But director Susanne Bier’s film has more in common with Stephen King’s The Mist than it does with A Quiet Place. Bird Box deals with themes of isolation and paranoia, successfully distilling an apocalyptic concept into an emotionally relatable narrative.

14 Crimson Peak (2015)

Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak revolves around an heiress, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), who ignores her father’s advice and gets married to Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). Sharpe is a man with a dark past and darker secrets, and soon Cushing will realize that the man she married isn’t the man who his secrets reveal him to be. But, at least she lives in a gorgeous mansion.

Arguably One of the Most Unique Horror Flicks Out There

A melting pot of gothic romance and paranormal elements, Crimson Peak doesn’t cater to everyone’s palette, nor does it try to. A child born out of the wedlock of horror and romance, two of Guillermo del Toro’s recurring genres, the film brings to life the dark and twisted machinations of del Toro’s imagination. Cut from the same fabric of Hitchockian horror, Crimson Peak tips its hat to Notorious and Rebecca on multiple occasions, before taking its shape with an infusion of del Toro’s eerie gothic sensibilities.

13 Apostle (2018)

At the center of Apostle is a man named Thomas Richardson, who is bent on getting revenge and seeking the whereabouts of his sister. Apparently, the woman is rumored to have been held captive by a very religious and dangerous cult on a remote Welsh island. In this case, Mr. Richardson has no limits.

Slick and Violent

Despite having a very straightforward plot, Apostle manages to carve out an edge-of-the-seat experience, heavily soaked in suspense and violence. Because Apostle is directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid), violence and butchery seem impending and inevitable. Where the film scores over other period folk horror films is in its integration of violence with occult elements.

12 1922 (2017)

1922 documents a Nebraskan farmer’s, Wilfred James (Thomas Jane), descent into madness as he’s consumed by an endless stream of guilt for murdering his wife. Unaligned in their outlook towards their farmland, Wilf’s wife Arlette hates life in the country and wants to sell her half of the land and move on to greener pastures. Vehemently opposed to this, Wilfred soon realizes that the only way he can stop his wife is by killing her, and eventually weaves his son Henry into his murderous conspiracy.

Thick With Terrifying Atmosphere

Adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same name, Zak Hilditch’s film is a brooding, introspective piece about a man being the cause of his demise. Devoid of any unfamiliar jump scares or horrors that keep you up at night, 1922 triumphs in its ability to create an intense and disturbing vibe for the viewers. The actors, like Thomas James and Molly Parker, deliver amazing performances and make this thriller a must-watch for fans.