We love to be scared. Spooky stories, passed down from generation to generation, have accompanied humanity since the dawn of time.
Whenever new media appeared, creators used the opportunity to convey terrifying tales through them. It’s no coincidence that the names of writers like Poe, Shelley, and Lovecraft are still known today, and that films which premiered over 100 years ago, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari or Nosferatu, dominate lists of the greatest movies of all time.
If you, too, are a fan of horror and thriller films, you’re probably constantly on the lookout for new movies to watch alone or with friends — preferably ones available on popular streaming platforms.
Today, we’ve prepared a short list of the best horror movies on Netflix, available right now. Let’s begin… if you dare!
Key Takeaways
- Horror is one of the oldest literary and cinematic genres, which has captivated fans for centuries.
- Horror movies let us experience a dose of fear without real risk, in a safe environment.
- Watching horror films brings health benefits! They can reduce stress, release negative emotions, enhance brain activity, and even… boost the immune system!
Outside (2024)
| Rank: | #1 |
| IMDb Score: | 9.6 |
| Genre: | Horror, Psychological Horror, Drama |
Synopsis: During a zombie apocalypse, a family of four — Francis, Iris, and their two sons —finds refuge at a farm outside the city, which is the husband’s childhood home. However, Iris and the boys soon realize that the zombie virus is a lesser problem than Francis himself.
Starring: Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Carlo Ledesma, Frank van Bergen
Why You Should Watch: This brand-new Filipino-Dutch film is a must-see for fans of classics like The Shining. Outside combines psychological horror with drama, set against a zombie apocalypse backdrop.
Get Out! (2017)
| Rank: | #2 |
| IMDb Score: | 7.8 |
| Genre: | Psychological Horror, Suspense Mystery |
Synopsis: A young African American man is visiting his white girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Upon arrival, he starts questioning the behaviour of the older couple — he struggles to determine whether he is facing racism, or if… something else is going on.
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams
Video by Universal Pictures
Directed By: Jordan Peele
Why You Should Watch: Get Out! is a brilliant psychological horror that turns stereotypes to absurd levels, seamlessly combining the serious and real issue of racism with a creepy plot twist straight out of sci-fi.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
| Rank: | #3 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.5 |
| Genre: | Horror, Thriller, Drama |
Synopsis: A middle-aged couple, Jessie and Gerald, decide to spice up their marriage by renting a remote lake house. During one of their “adult games”, Gerald handcuffs his wife to the bed and unexpectedly dies. Now, Jessie must fight not only to free herself, but also to confront long-standing demons haunting her.
Starring: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Mike Flanagan
Why You Should Watch: This intense psychological thriller turns a seemingly simple premise into a nerve-wracking experience.
Verónica (2017)
| Rank: | #4 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.2 |
| Genre: | Horror, Supernatural Horror, Mystery |
Synopsis: Overwhelmed by her father’s death, teenage Verónica and two classmates attempt to contact his spirit using a Ouija board. However, opening the gateway between worlds inadvertently invites other, darker forces.
Starring: Sandra Escacena, Bruna González, Claudia Placer
Video by Film Factory
Directed By: Paco Plaza
Why You Should Watch: This film captures the gritty 90s atmosphere while intertwining it with a dark, demonic possession story — or does it? Bonus points for being based on a true story.
The Forest of Love / Ai-naki mori de sakebe (2019)
| Rank: | #5 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.3 |
| Genre: | Horror, Thriller, Crime, Drama |
Synopsis: A group of young aspiring filmmakers decides to start shooting films exploring themes of murder and criminal behaviour. They unexpectedly meet an older man, who seems like the perfect subject for their next movie. However, his manipulations go much deeper, and the group gets pulled into a murderous intrigue.
Starring: Kippei Shîna, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Kyoko Hinami
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Sion Sono
Why You Should Watch: Many interweaving plots, intrigue, and manipulation in the background, plus a story based on real events. This film is a great option for fans of Japanese horror cinema.
Unlocked / Seumateuponeul tteoreotteuryeosseul ppuninde (2023)
| Rank: | #6 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.4 |
| Genre: | Horror, Psychological Thriller, Drama, Crime |
Synopsis: A young woman loses her phone after a wild night out. She quickly retrieves it thanks to a kind young man. However, it turns out that losing the device, which contains all her data and vital information, is the worst thing that could have happened to her…
Starring: Chun Woo-hee, Si-Wan Yim, Kim Hee-won
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Kim Tae-joon
Why You Should Watch: This Korean film is a treat for fans of psychological horrors, where the real monsters are not ghosts, zombies, or demons, but ordinary people.
Apostle (2018)
| Rank: | #7 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.3 |
| Genre: | Horror, Folk Horror, Body Horror |
Synopsis: The story takes place in 1901. A small Welsh island is inhabited by settlers who seem to form some sort of cult. Thomas Richardson travels to this isolated place searching for his sister, who was tricked into being taken by a self-proclaimed prophet.
Starring: Dan Stevens, Richard Elfyn, Michael Sheen
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Gareth Evans
Why You Should Watch: Apostle is an interesting blend of bloody body horror and mystical, slightly magical folk horror. Bonus points for the phenomenal Dan Stevens!
His House (2020)
| Rank: | #8 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.4 |
| Genre: | Psychological Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thriller |
Synopsis: A young refugee couple, who managed to escape war-torn South Sudan, moves to a small British town. Though their life should be much calmer and safer now, it turns out that they are still haunted by some demons.
Starring: Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku, Matt Smith
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Remi Weekes
Why You Should Watch: His House is a brilliant mix of horror and psychological thriller, where paranormal events intertwine with real nightmares such as despair, guilt, and struggles to adapt to a new environment.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
| Rank: | #9 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.6 |
| Genre: | Psychological Horror, Suspense Mystery, Gothic Horror, Period Drama |
Synopsis: A detective is called to investigate a murder mystery at West Point. Unfortunately, it’s a tough task, as there is a code of silence among the young cadets. During his investigation, the detective seeks help from one of them — a young man who is not very well-liked: Edgar Allan Poe.
Starring: Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Simon McBurney
Video by Netflix
Directed By: Scott Cooper
Why You Should Watch: The Pale Blue Eye offers a perfect balance between macabre mystery and prestige drama. Additionally, if you’re a fan of the Master of Gothic Horror Novels, you truly must see this film!
Creep (2014)
| Rank: | #10 |
| IMDb Score: | 6.3 |
| Genre: | Psychological Horror, Found Footage Horror |
Synopsis: A young videographer takes on an unusual and touching task: he has to film a keepsake video of a dying man’s last days because he soon will be unable to see the birth of his child. However, at some point, the man begins to behave strangely…
Starring: Mark Duplass, Patrick Brice
Video by BlumHouse Production
Directed By: Patrick Brice
Why You Should Watch: Creep doesn’t rely on classic jump scares, but on how deeply uncomfortable it makes you feel. It gets under your skin and straight into your brain, making you question every human interaction.
FAQs
How can I keep track of new horror movie releases on Netflix?
Regularly browse the “New” and “Coming Soon” sections, and set notifications for titles you’re interested in. This way, you won’t miss any premieres on the platform!
What should I do if I want to watch a horror movie in another language?
You can adjust language options (both subtitles and audio) in the settings before or during playing the movie.
Is there a way to download horror movies for offline viewing?
Netflix allows users to download content from the platform and watch it offline. Look for the download option on the title’s screen before starting the film.
How do I find horror movie recommendations tailored to my tastes?
Simply by watching and rating horror movies on Netflix, the platform will suggest similar titles based on your preferences.
What are the best horror movies on Netflix?
You can find the answer to this question on the list above! 🙂
Conclusion
Netflix is a platform where you can find an enormous library of films, series, shows, and animations — literally every genre imaginable. There’s no shortage of horror movies here, both American and foreign productions. We’ve chosen a few worth watching.
However, our list represents only a fraction of what this VOD service has to offer. So, whether you’re a fan of slashers, body horrors, psychological horrors, or those involving paranormal phenomena, you’re sure to find something for yourself here!