Is there ever really a good time or a bad time to catch up on some of the best horror movies that are playing on Netflix and other streaming partners? The short answer is NO!
Old or new, I love a good horror movie with an excellent storyline and, of course, some spine-chilling scares. What I hate is scouring for more than half an hour to find the best horror movie to watch! Seriously, that takes away all the fun of a movie night.
To make sure that you don’t go through the trouble of looking for the best horror movie, we’ve put together a list of 30 Best Horror Movies and where you can watch them.
We’ve also included a short bit of the story and what you can expect of it (don’t worry, no spoilers here!) covering all subgenres from psychological thrillers to gory and bloody murders. you’re truly covered for more than one scary movie night!
Table of Contents
1. IT (2017)
- Director : Andy Muschietti
- Duration : 2h 15m
- Main Actors: Bill Skarsgård,Jaeden Martell, Finn Wolfhard
One of the best horror movies to still give you the chills even as a remake from the 90s, is IT. I’m no fan of clowns and IT just ruins it a step further for me.
In a town called Derry, children are mysteriously disappearing and a group of kids face their fears when they finally meet Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Masterfully created, it will give you chills down the spine thanks to the outstanding performance of Bill Skarsgård. The friendship theme shines throughout the movie but also includes trauma and loss of innocence. It is nightmare-inducing, so don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
2. Stopmotion (2023)
- Director: Robert Morgan
- Duration: 1h 33m
- Main Actors: Aisling Franciosi, Stella Gonet, Tom York
A chilling story bringing together a sinister secret, nightmares and the art world. Ella, the main character in this movie, is a young animator who inherits her mom’s unfinished stop-motion project.
As she submerges herself in the dark history of the project, her creations take on a life of their own, and everything turns into madness.
The movie comes together beautifully to deliver Ella’s obsession and present the audience with a perfect dose of psychological twist. Some might find the movie a little slow, but it’s the tension kept alive by Smith’s direction that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Worth the suspense!
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
3. Saint Maud (2019)
- Director: Rose Glass
- Duration: 1h 24m
- Main Actors: Morfydd Clark, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Jennifer Ehle
A pious caregiver goes into total obsession with her terminally ill patient whom she tries to save. How far can her devotion take her? As it spirals into total chaos, Maud’s faith comes into question as she is inches away from blurring the line between devotion and delusion.
Written and directed by a newcomer, Rosie Glass delivers this psychological horror movie with class. Stand-out performers also play the main characters, which truly makes this one of the best horror movies you can watch this year!
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
4. Double Blind (2023)
- Director: Ian Hunt-Duffy
- Duration: 1h 30m
- Main Actors: Millie Brady, Pollyanna McIntosh, Akshay Kumar
Terrifying and thought-provoking, Double-Blind follows the main character played by Millie Brady, who volunteers herself into a seemingly ordinary pharmaceutical drug trial with seven others.
They soon realize that the drug does much more than what it was supposed to do, blurring out their understanding of reality and nightmare.
You’ll love this if you like a roller coaster of suspense and terror that keeps you guessing. Duffy’s direction will really keep you wondering what really is, just as the movie’s character does.
it’s definitely one of the best horror movies at the moment.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
5. It Follows (2014)
- Director: David Robert Mitchell
- Duration: 1h 40m
- Main Actors: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi
The main character, a young woman named Jay, meets her new boyfriend in an innocent encounter. Things take a turn, however, when she is haunted by a mysterious, shapeshifting entity that does not stop at anything to catch her.
Follow Jay and her friends racing through time to reveal the truth behind the curse and discover the terrible secret that may consume them all.
The director of this movie bravely takes the ‘relentless pursuit’ concept and creates a masterpiece cinema that has stood the test of time. Although released a decade ago, it is easily one of the best horror movies you can watch now on Netflix.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
6. His House (2020)
- Director: Remi Weekes
- Duration: 1h 33m
- Main Actors: Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku, Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba
Refugee couple Bol and Rial have fled their homes in the war-torn South of Sudan for a chance at a new life in the UK.
Placed in a refuge home, they soon discover that their new home is filled with creatures lurking beneath the walls, shattering their chance of a new life.
Can they survive this ordeal and continue living, after all the sacrifices made?
A magnificent look into the struggles of citizens from war-ridden countries, the movie delivers a sad tone but quickly gives a chilling and nightmarish effect when the horrifying creatures start to plague the house. It is intense and thought-provoking, making it one of the best horror movies to watch.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
7. The Babadook (2014)
- Director: Jennifer Kent
- Duration: 1h 34m
- Main Actors: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall
Amelia, a newly widowed mother and her son, Samuel’s life are completely turned upside down when Samuel finds a pop-up book on his shelf mysteriously.
Unfortunately, the book unleashes an entity that threatens both Amelia and Samuel. Amelia must protect her son at all costs, but can she face her darkest fears in doing so?
The Babadook is a classic horror masterpiece playing on the atmospheric and claustrophobic feelings of its audience. Thanks to the powerful performances and excellent cinematography work, the movie is a must-watch for those who crave a terrifying experience.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
8. The Invisible Man (2020)
- Director: Leigh Whannell
- Duration: 2h 04m
- Main Actors: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Harriet Dyer
Cecilia’s abusive husband commits suicide but leaves her his fortune. She, however, doubts that his death was true.
Things then start to turn dangerous, and Cecilia quickly realizes that she may be followed by somebody, but nobody can see him.
Powerful performance by Elizabeth Moss keeps the entire movie eerie and suspenseful in addition to the terrifying game of cat and mouse which will keep you at the edge. One of the best horror movies that I’ve seen in recent times.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
9. The Ritual (2017)
- Director: David Bruckner
- Duration: 2h 04m
- Main Actors: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
It starts off with four friends reuniting to hike through the Scandinavian wilderness and also to pay tribute to their best friend who died a tragic death.
The whole movie flows smoothly until one of them takes the lesser-traveled road, leading them into the dark and mysterious forest. They go on to find out, or maybe not, what has been stalking them throughout the hike.
Skillfully written to have you glued to the seat to find out the fate of the four friends, Under the Shadow is unsettling and delivers a story where reality and nightmare are blurred. This is definitely a must-watch as it’s one of the best horror movies to be made.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
10. Lights Out (2016)
- Director: David F. Sandberg
- Duration: 1h 21m
- Main Actors: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Maria Bello
What will you do when your mother is the reason why your brother is terrified?
So goes the story of Rebecca, her little brother and the supernatural spirit attached to their mother. The only way Rebecca can get out of this is to confront her past, but will she do it?
Tastefully created to give you a fright every now and then, Lights Out is suspenseful and chilling. If you’re out for some good old-fashioned horror story, then this is the best horror movie on Netflix that you can watch.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
11. Smile (2022)
- Director: Parker Finn
- Duration: 1h 55m
- Main Actors: Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner
Follow Dr Rose Cotter who witnesses the terrifying suicide of her own patient. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. She soon starts seeing disturbing wide smiles everywhere she looks!
You will find out whether it’s just her hallucination or something evil at play at the end of the movie.
Finn plays on the creepy, primal fear aspect in this movie so well that you will immediately start feeling unsettled. The movie is crafted well to build tension, and an unsettling feeling along with dread.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
12. Pearl (2022)
- Director: Ti West
- Duration: 1h 43m
- Main Actors: Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright
A prequel to the film X, Pearl is about its main character’s childhood, when she lived on an empty and depressing farm with her sick father and an overbearing mother.
Pearl yearns to escape this life for a shimmering life on the silver screen, but the lines between ambition and madness become blurred as Pearl becomes an unstable character.
Mia Goth plays Pearl beautifully. Although this is less of a horror but still disturbing, watching Pearl sets the tone for the film X.
If you think some of the best horror films always hinge on the twisted psyche of a villain, this is definitely for you.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
13. X (2022)
- Director: Ti West
- Duration: 1h 45m
- Main Actors: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow
X follows a group of adult filmmakers back in the 70s who set out to a secluded Texas farmhouse for their latest project. Where they end up going unfortunately is to an idyllic but dark place with horrifying secrets.
The deranged couple, while looking normal, have some serious vengeance against love. As night falls, the madness begins, and thus starts a game of cat and mouse between the lot.
X is an ode to classic thrillers and horror movies, with some serious plot twists and some horrifying and unsettling moments. It may not be the best horror film for some, but it’s good enough if you want a scare fest!
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
14. Insidious: The Red Door (2023)
- Director: Patrick Wilson
- Duration: 1h 47m
- Main Actors: Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne
Horror movie buffs would recognise this franchise immediately. Still revolving around the same characters, Josh Lambert is now divorced and has a tough relationship with his son.
However, for his son, a mysterious red door appears to keep dragging him back into something evil in The Further. Will they manage to confront this evil or succumb to it?
The fifth part of this franchise returns back with a much more emotional set up making it far more horrifying for the audience to watch, especially if they have been following the family.
The movie delivers a sense of dread and tension throughout, which will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
15. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
- Director: Charlie Kaufman
- Duration: 2h 14m
- Main Actors: Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette
Lucy takes a trip with her new boyfriend to meet his parents at their farmhouse, somewhere far and isolated.
She questions everything to the point that what’s real and what is not is quickly becoming a huge blur. Is Lucy just losing her mind, or is someone, rather, something more sinister at play here?
Strange and a slow descent into existential dread, I’m Thinking of Ending Things may not be the best horror movie for some of you but with the dose of psychological mystery that Kaufman weaves through the story, this is definitely a must-watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
16. Thanksgiving (2023)
- Director: Eli Roth
- Duration: 1h 46m
- Main Actors: Patrick Dempsey, Ty Olsson, Gina Gershon
Instead of holiday cheer, this Thanksgiving is all about holiday horror! A deadly Black Friday event from the year before triggers a masked killer to terrorize the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Each victim gets their day and dies one by one, first by random, but soon enough, the audience will realize that it’s all part of a larger evil plan. Is this going to be a bloody Thanksgiving?
Personally, I love comedic horror, and this fits right in with all the other best horror movies which have a funny undertone. The film delivers a perfect blend of both that will either leave you laughing or gasping.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
17. Malignant (2021)
- Director: Eli Roth
- Duration: 1h 51m
- Main Actors: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young
Considered one of the best horror movies on Netflix, Malignant is about a woman who gets terrifying visions of cold-blooded murders.
Unfortunately for her, these are real murders, and she seems to experience them firsthand.
Directed by the famed James Wan, Malignant takes you on a journey where reality and delusion are blurred. It is gory, bloody, and of course, full of unexpected twists!
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
18. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
- Director: Mike Flanagan
- Duration: 1h 39m
- Main Actors: Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso
A single mom struggles to make a living and starts a seance scam using an Ouija board. She and her daughter do not anticipate how dangerous it can be.
Unknowingly, they invite a dark entity during one of their game nights, which does not leave their home.
Will they find a way to close the door to the portal they have opened? Or will it be too late?
Flanagan directs this classic full of unsettling moments, turning it into a ‘you don’t know what you got yourself into’ story. It’s a must-watch for those who love slow-burn horror movies.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
19. 1922 (2017)
- Director: Zak Hilditch
- Duration: 1h 42m
- Main Actors: Thomas Jane, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, 1922 is a story of a farmer Wilfred who wants to inherit his nagging wife, Arlette’s land. The only way he can think of doing so is to kill her.
So Wilferd convinces his only son, Henry, to help him. But after they commit the crime, they are rather unprepared for what comes next. Is it their guilt, or is something darker at play?
Hilditch sets the desolated farm scenes in Nebraska so well that the settings make you uncomfortable. The story then spirals into madness, doubt, and guilt, which you will find pleasure in watching.
Personally, I think it is one of the best horror movies of the last few years to be made.
Where to watch: Netflix
20. The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
- Director:Julius Avery
- Duration: 1h 43m
- Main Actors: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Alexandra Essoe
You would never expect what the Pope’s Exorcist has in store, especially with his unconventional methods. But when he is summoned to a Spanish village to perform an exorcism as the last viable option, things take a drastic turn.
Not only does he have to remove the devil that is possessing the boy, but he now needs to deal with the conspiracy that he uncovers about the church.
Sprinkled with a dash of dark humor, exorcism is one of the best horror movies to watch, but this one is done pretty differently than the others. It also makes it interesting how the church’s role is central to the story.
Where to watch: Netflix | Prime | Apple TV
21. The Wretched (2019)
- Director: Brett Pierce, Drew T. Pierce
- Duration: 1h 35m
- Main Actors: John-Paul Howard, Piper Curda, Jamison Jones
Dead animals, weird behaviors, and a nightmare vacation at a secluded lake house come together for teenager Ben when a weird new family moves in as new neighbors and their daughter shows interest in Ben.
But the creepy stuff that just began happening seems unexplainable – is it the woods, or is it the new family next door?
Shot like a classic 80s movie, The Wretched combines a coming-of-age story with some healthy teenage drama. It’s maybe not the best horror movie of all time, but if you want to switch it up a little, this should be it.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
22. There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
- Director: Brett Pierce, Drew T. Pierce
- Duration: 1h 36m
- Main Actors: Sydney Park, Théodore Pellerin, Asjha Cooper
Fans of classic slasher horror movies can rejoice with There’s Someone Inside Your House. The story follows a new kid, Makani, who moves to a new town and school only to discover that a masked killer is going around murdering kids and exposing their deepest secrets.
Can Makani and a group of outsiders/misfits find out who the real killer is before they become its next victim?
This movie will have you playing guessing games throughout to explore all the hidden truths. It is paced nicely for a more chill-out horror movie night.
Where to watch: Netflix
23. Cargo (2018)
- Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
- Duration: 1h 45m
- Main Actors: Simone Landers, Martin Freeman, Marlee Jane McPherson-Dobbins
Set in the Outback Australian landscape, which is now encapsulated with a mysterious disease, a loving father has to seek ways to make sure that his young daughter is cared for.
A race through time, with multiple moments of tough decision-making, can the father save his daughter before his infection turns him into a violent creature himself?
Martin Freeman delivers an emotional performance that still does justice to a gory apocalypse-themed movie that will move you in different ways.
Where to watch: Netflix
24. Gerald’s Game (2017)
- Director: Mike Flanagan
- Duration: 1h 43m
- Main Actors: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Chiara Aurelia
Another book adaptation, Gerald’s Game, originally by Stephen King, is about a woman who goes on vacation with her dominant husband, Gerald. What should have been a kinky bedroom game turns horrifying after Jessie is left handcuffed alone in their cabin.
Isolated, Jessie now needs to fight dehydration and hallucinations and survive this predicament. Will she set herself free?
This is not for the faint of heart, as it will make you sit at the edge of your chair wondering if the character will ever make it out alive. Perhaps it is not exactly known as the best horror movie, but psychologically, it is made to build tension and fear, and boy did it succeed!
Where to watch: Netflix
25. The Perfection (2018)
- Director: Richard Shepard
- Duration: 1h 30m
- Main Actors: Marie Maskell, Allison Williams, Christina Jastrzembska
A young cellist, Charlotte leaves her prestigious music academy after a fallout and surprisingly returns after years. She reconnects with her mentor, Elizabeth, who is famous and thought to have taken Charlotte’s place.
What happened to Charlotte years ago, resulting in a tense reunion that starts revealing all the ugly truths?
This unsettling movie is not your typical horror flick; instead, a movie filled with unexpected twists and suspense from the time you start to watch it.
Where to watch: Netflix
26. Apostle (2018)
- Director: Gareth Evans
- Duration: 2h 09m
- Main Actors: Dan Stevens, Richard Elfyn, Paul Higgins
Kidnapped and brought to a remote village, Thomas’s sister needs to be saved from a mysterious religious cult. The only way Thomas can do it is to get into the community disguised as a convert.
Can Thomas save his sister while uncovering the web of dark secrets involving the cult’s leader?
Apostle is a dread-filled suspense more than a horror movie but it truly invokes the feeling of fear when you go through the unsettling images and constant sense of fear while watching it.
Where to watch: Netflix
27. Emelie (2015)
- Director: Michael Thelin
- Duration: 1h 26m
- Main Actors: Sarah Bolger, Carly Adams, Elisha Ali
Emelie is hired as a replacement babysitter for Dan and Joyce Thompson’s 13th-anniversary celebration. What Dan and Joyce don’t know is that she is not the ‘Anna’ they originally hired, so they leave to celebrate their anniversary.
What Emelie starts doing with the kids after their parents leave is weird and creepy. Jacob, the oldest, however, feels the need to protect his siblings. Why is Emelie doing these things, and will Jacob manage to save his siblings from Emelie?
Horror can take many forms, and in this case, it comes as Bolger in the form of a babysitter. Although there are no ghosts or gory creatures, this is equally creepy and will have you cheering Jacob on to escape Emelie’s wrath.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
28. Get Out (2017)
- Director: Jordan Peele
- Duration: 1h 44m
- Main Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
Chris, a young black man, finally visits his girlfriend’s family for the weekend. Her family seems normal initially, but as time passes, he starts feeling a little odd.
Chris slowly discovers some ugly truths about the family the longer he stays there. Is Chris ever going to Get Out?
For his directorial debut, Peele skillfully blends horror and racial satire and boy, did it pay off! It is truly one of a kind and the best horror movie that I have watched in recent times!
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
29. Evil Dead Rise (2023)
- Director: Jordan Peele
- Duration: 1h 44m
- Main Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
A sequel to the iconic franchise, this time, director Lee Cronin takes you to the cramped LA apartments where Beth and her three children are about to have their entire world turned upside down.
Can Beth save her children from the demon when she can hardly recognize what she’s become? Or will her estranged sister come in and help her children?
Flesh-possessing demons, gore, blood and all things horrible, fans can expect nothing to be unmissed. While it is less serious, it does have the making to be one of the best horror movies to watch.
Where to watch: Prime | Apple TV
30. Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021)
- Director: Leigh Janiak
- Duration: 1h 47m
- Main Actors: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr.
This first part of a three-part movie inspired by R.L. Stine takes you to Shadyside, a town cursed by a revengeful witch. A string of vicious murders takes place, and Deena suddenly finds herself targeted too!
How is she connected to all this mess? As Deena uncovers the truth, she realizes that she must save her friends and family, who are all interconnected to this murderer.
Where to watch: Netflix
31. The Thing (1982)
- Director: John Carpenter
- Duration: 109 mins
- Main Actors: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David
This movie by John Carpenter is a classic. It’s all about fear and mystery.
A group of researchers in Antarctica become increasingly suspicious of each other as a shape-shifting alien infiltrates their team.
This suspenseful classic will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering who’s real and who’s not.
32. Hereditary (2018)
- Director: Ari Aster
- Duration: 127 mins
- Main Actors: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Milly Shapiro
Toni Collette stars in this scary family drama mixed with supernatural horror. The family’s secrets come out after their mom dies, leading to a frightening nightmare of sadness and evil spirits.
This disturbing film explores themes of grief, familial bonds, and the potential for darkness to lurk within the seemingly ordinary.
33. The Skeleton Key (2005)
- Director: Iain Softley
- Duration: 104 minutes
- Main Actors: Kate Hudson (Caroline Ellis), Gena Rowlands (Violet Devereaux), John Hurt (Ben Dewhurst)
The Skeleton Key is a 2005 American Southern Gothic supernatural horror film.
The storyline tracks a New Orleans hospice nurse as she embarks on a new job at a plantation home in Terrebonne Parish.
Only to find herself ensnared in a supernatural enigma encompassing the house, its previous occupants, and the Hoodoo rituals and spells conducted within its walls.
34. The Witch (2015)
- Director: Robert Eggers
- Duration: 92 mins
- Main Actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
In this dark and eerie period of horror, a New England family in the 1630s was kicked out of their town and experienced a frightening journey into madness and sadness.
The spooky atmosphere and unclear ending will make you wonder about the difference between intense religious belief and real demonic influence.
35. Pulse (2001)
- Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
- Duration: 98 mins
- Main Actors: Mia Farrow, Haruhiko Kato, Kuroe Yoshiyuki
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s 2001 film Pulse is not your typical horror. It trades jump scares for a slow burn of isolation and digital dread.
As suicides rise and vengeful spirits haunt the internet, the movie weaves together stories of concern, cursed videos, and psychic investigations.
It is a chilling reminder of our dependence on technology, leading to a haunting exploration of loneliness and despair.
36. Let the Right One In (2008)
- Director: Tomas Alfredson
- Duration: 115 mins
- Main Actors: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar
Let the Right One In isn’t your typical vampire movie.
Directed by Tomas Alfredson in 2008, it follows the story of Oskar, a bullied boy, and Eli, his mysterious neighbor with a dark secret.
Unlike other vampire tales, this Swedish film focuses on loneliness and the power of connection. Set against a harsh winter backdrop, it is slow-paced, but its intense violence serves a purpose.
More than just horror, Let the Right One In explores themes of friendship, difference, and human connection in the face of vampires.
37. The Shining (1980)
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Duration: 146 mins
- Main Actors: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
In The Shining, a writer who’s having a tough time finds work looking after a hotel in the winter.
He starts to lose his mind as he deals with spooky things in the hotel. It’s a really scary movie that will stick with you for a while after you watch it.
Available to watch on HBO Max: https://www.hbomax.com/
38. The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Director: M. Night Shyamalan
- Duration: 107 mins
- Main Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
The Sixth Sense (1999) isn’t about sudden scares but a kid who can communicate with ghosts.
Bruce Willis plays a therapist who tries to help him, and Haley Joel Osment gives a spooky performance.
This exciting movie with a surprising ending talks about sadness, relationships, and understanding of things we can’t see.
Available to stream on Paramount+ https://www.paramountplus.com/.
39. Audition (1999)
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Duration: 111 mins
- Main Actors: Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Tetsu Watanabe
Audition isn’t your standard scare-fest. A widower seeks love through a fake audition, but the mysterious Asami harbors a darkness.
The film lulls you and then explodes into a horrifying exploration of obsession and revenge. Expect slow-burn suspense building to a brutal and unforgettable climax.
Caution: This movie isn’t for those easily scared. It includes intense violence and disturbing scenes. However, if you’re after a horror movie that goes beyond cheap thrills and delivers a profoundly unsettling experience, Audition is a must-watch.
This cult classic can be found on Shudder: https://www.shudder.com/.
40. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
- Director: Don Siegel
- Duration: 80 mins
- Main Actors: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates
Don Siegel’s 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers isn’t just a typical B-movie with alien pods. It’s a chilling social commentary disguised as a creature feature.
Kevin McCarthy stars as Dr. Miles Bennell, a small-town doctor who uncovers a terrifying truth: his neighbors are being replaced by emotionless pod people grown from alien seeds.
Though its special effects may seem outdated now, the film’s true strength lies in its deeper meaning.
This movie serves as a Cold War allegory, reflecting fears of communism, conformity, and loss of identity.
This classic is available on Criterion Channel: https://www.criterionchannel.com/.
41. Vertigo (1958)
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Duration: 128 mins
- Main Actors: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes
Hitchcock’s Vertigo isn’t your typical horror flick – potentially be on your best horror movies list!
It’s a captivating thriller featuring James Stewart as Scottie, a detective afraid of heights who’s assigned to trail a mysterious woman named Madeleine (played by Kim Novak).
Available to stream on Shudder: https://www.shudder.com/.
42. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
- Director: George A. Romero
- Duration: 96 mins
- Main Actors: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Marilyn Eastman
Don’t let the black-and-white visuals and low budget fool you.
Night of the Living Dead (1968) is a horror masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact. Directed by George Romero, this film may move at a slower pace, but its depiction of flesh-eating ghouls and the struggle for survival in a farmhouse is undeniably chilling.
The true horror lies in its bleakness and social commentary, making it essential viewing for horror fans who crave depth beyond mere jump scares.
Brace yourself for a unique take on the zombie apocalypse.
Catch this file as one of the best horror movies for free on Tubi: https://tubi.tv/.
43. Let Me In (2010)
- Director: Matt Reeves
- Duration: 115 mins
- Main Actors: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Grace Moretz, Richard Jenkins
In 2010, Let Me In offers a fresh take on vampire tales, steering clear of the typical bloodshed. This film focuses on friendship.
Owen, a bullied boy, strikes up a bond with Abby, a mysterious neighbor harboring a dark secret – she’s a vampire!
Gone are the days of sparkling vampires; instead, this is a haunting narrative of loneliness and connection in a harsh, unforgiving town.
Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloë Grace Moretz, the young leads, deliver performances that pack a punch.
This movie delves into intricate themes and rewards patient viewers with a beautiful and unforgettable tale.
This one is available to stream on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/.
44. The Haunting of Hill House (1963)
- Director: Robert Wise
- Duration: 107 mins
- Main Actors: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson
An infamous horror tale unfolds in this movie, rating it as one of the best horror movies.
It follows four individuals who decide to spend a night in a mansion rumored to be haunted. Each is driven by their own motives for delving into the supernatural.
This gothic ghost story delves into fear, the mysteries of the unknown, and the influence of suggestion, delivering a chilling exploration of the human psyche.
According to IMDb, in 1964, the film earned a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Director for Robert Wise.
While it didn’t win, the nomination underscores the movie’s influence and the director’s skilful work.
You can find it on HBO Max: https://www.hbomax.com/.
45. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
- Director: John Carpenter
- Duration: 94 mins
- Main Actors: Sam Neill, Julie Carmen, Jürgen Prochnow
In John Carpenter’s movie from 1994, it’s not your usual scary story. Sam Neill plays an investigator looking for a disappeared horror writer, played by Jürgen Prochnow.
As Neill reads the writer’s creepy books, it gets hard to tell what’s real and what’s just in his head. Is he going crazy, or are the scary things from the books coming to life?
In the Mouth of Madness takes its time to unfold, and the ending leaves you wondering about everything.
In 1996, this movie got noticed at the Saturn Awards, which celebrate sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films. It was nominated for Best Horror Film and Best Make-Up.
You can find this movie on Shudder: https://www.shudder.com/.
46. The Others (2001)
- Director: Alejandro Amenábar
- Duration: 104 mins
- Main Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston
Forget your typical ghost tales. The Others (2001) brings suspense and a mind-bending surprise.
Nicole Kidman shines as Grace, a mom raising children who can’t be in light. They live in a gloomy mansion where strange things happen.
Grace thinks it’s haunted, but the truth is even more shocking. This slow-paced thriller rewards patience with a beautifully eerie vibe and a twist that will leave you stunned.
Award Alert: Nicole Kidman won a Saturn Award for Best Actress for her role.
The Others isn’t about sudden scares. It sticks with you after it’s over, showing its skill with suspense and an unforgettable surprise.
Where to watch: https://www.netflix.com/.
47. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Duration: 136 mins
- Main Actors: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
Roman Polanski’s 1968 masterpiece, Rosemary’s Baby, takes you on a gradual journey into fear.
Mia Farrow delivers a standout performance as Rosemary, a pregnant wife who grows wary of her strange neighbors (played by Ruth Gordon!) and her husband’s growing distance (John Cassavetes).
The horrifying truth unfolds slowly, leaving you questioning even after the movie ends.
Rosemary’s Baby earned Ruth Gordon an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and stands as a timeless, chilling classic.
This chilling film can be streamed on Peacock: https://www.peacocktv.com/.
48. The Wicker Man (1973)
- Director: Robin Hardy
- Duration: 88 mins
- Main Actors: Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland
Edward Woodward takes the lead as Sergeant Howie, a Christian police officer dispatched to a remote Scottish island to investigate a missing child case.
However, he uncovers a pagan cult engaged in eerie rituals and a terrifying agenda.
The island’s picturesque beauty clashes with its unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of dread that builds slowly.
Christopher Lee delivers a memorable performance in the shocking climax of this classic tale.
Nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film, it’s a chilling exploration of religious extremism that will linger in your mind long after the movie ends.
You can find this film available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Disney Plus, Amazon, and Netflix.
49. Sister Death (2023)
- Director: Marian Dougherty
- Duration: 84 mins
- Main Actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Lola Kirke, Matthew Broderick
In 2023, Sister Death (Spanish: Hermana Muerte), a Spanish supernatural horror film, hit the screens. Directed by Paco Plaza and written by Jorge Guerricaechevarría and Plaza, the movie stars Aria Bedmar.
Acting as a prequel to the 2017 film Verónica, the plot unfolds in 1940s Spain, focusing on a novice who becomes a teacher at a convent doubling as a girls’ school, experiencing paranormal events.
The film premiered at the 56th Sitges Film Festival on October 5, 2023, and later debuted on Netflix on October 27, 2023.
Please note: Availability on streaming services may change. It is always best to check the platform’s latest offerings.
50. Insidious (2010)
- Director: James Wan
- Duration: 103 mins
- Main Actors: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins
Insidious, a 2010 supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Barbara Hershey, marks the beginning of the Insidious franchise.
It follows a couple whose son falls into a coma and becomes a vessel for demonic entities. Premiering at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, it received wide release in 2011.
The success of the film led to multiple sequels and prequels.
Available to stream on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/.
51. Bird Box (2018)
- Director: Susanne Bier
- Duration: 164 mins
- Main Actors: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Julian Edwards
In 2018, Susanne Bier directed Bird Box, a post-apocalyptic thriller based on Josh Malerman’s book. Sandra Bullock plays Malorie Hayes, protecting two kids from dangerous entities that make people kill themselves if seen.
The film premiered at AFI Fest on November 12, 2018, and on Netflix on December 21, 2018. Despite mixed reviews, it became Netflix’s most-watched film in 28 days.
A sequel, Bird Box Barcelona, came out on Netflix on July 14, 2023.
Bird Box is an intriguing movie that delves into themes of fear, motherhood, and the strength of human bonds.
52. Hellhole (2022)
- Director: Bartosz M. Kowalski
- Duration: 93 mins
- Main Actors: Thomas Jane, Mina Furtado, Jim Klein
Another one of the best horror movies on Netflix – Hellhole is a Polish exorcism film from 2022 that’s gaining more attention on streaming platforms.
Directed by Bartosz M. Kowalski, known for his 2020 horror comedy Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight, it was initially released in October 2022.
The original title, Ostatnia Wieczerza, meaning The Last Supper, hints at the religious themes in the movie.
Hellhole offers a gruesome and shocking experience, showcasing Polish horror’s rise into mainstream media.
Warning: not suitable for the faint-hearted.
Available to stream on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/.
53. The Conjouring (2013)
- Director: James Wan
- Duration: 112 mins
- Main Actors: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston
The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes.
It introduces The Conjuring Universe franchise and stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The movie follows their assistance to the Perron family, who face eerie events in their Rhode Island farmhouse in 1971.
Filming began in February 2012 in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the movie was released on July 19, 2013.
It received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and atmosphere, grossing over $319 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.
Watch the best horror movie on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/.
54. No One Gets Out Alive (2021)
- Director: Santiago Menghini
- Duration: 93 mins
- Main Actors: Cristina Rodlo, Marc Clotet, Cecilia Suárez
No One Gets Out Alive is a 2021 British horror film directed by Santiago Menghini, adapted from Adam Nevill’s 2014 novel.
It follows an immigrant woman seeking a better life who takes a live-in caretaker job for a wealthy family in a decaying old house.
However, the grand manor hides a dark secret, and her aspirations quickly turn into a terrifying nightmare.
This gothic horror tale with social commentary touches on themes of exploitation, immigration, and the hidden horrors within.
The film premiered on Netflix on September 29, 2021.
Watch the best horror movie on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/.
55. Run Rabbit Run (2023)
- Director: Hannah MacPherson
- Duration: 95 mins
- Main Actors: Sarah Snook, Lily Newmark, Damon Herriman
Run Rabbit Run is a 2023 Australian psychological horror film about Sarah, a divorced fertility doctor, and her daughter Mia.
Their lives take a dark turn when Mia becomes attached to a rabbit. As Mia’s behavior becomes increasingly strange, Sarah’s past trauma reveals a dark family secret involving her missing sister, Alice.
The film culminates in a harrowing climax as Sarah confronts her past and fights to protect Mia from a tragic fate.
Run Rabbit Run debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2023.
It later became available on Netflix on June 28, 2023, in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other regions.
Watch it on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/.
56. Prey for the Devil (2022)
- Director: Daniel Stamm
- Duration: 96 mins
- Main Actors: Jacqueline Byers, Colin Salmon, Christian Navarro, Lisa Palfrey, Nicholas Ralph, Virginia Madsen, and Ben Cross
Prey for the Devil is a 2022 American supernatural horror film produced by Lionsgate and directed by Daniel Stamm. The story revolves around a young nun who is training to become an exorcist in the Roman Catholic Church.
When she is sent to Rome, she is plunged into the terrifying world of demonic possession.
The film was released in theaters in the United States and Canada on October 28, 2022. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, it managed to gross $44.7 million worldwide.
Prey for the Devil offers a modern take on the exorcism genre, presenting a fresh perspective on confronting evil forces.
You can now stream this movie on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/.
57. Look Away (2019)
- Director: Assaf Bernstein
- Duration: 94 mins
- Main Actors: India Eisley, Mira Sorvino, Jason Isaacs
India Eisley shines as Maria, a lonely teen caught between a harsh father and hostile classmates.
When she encounters a mysterious reflection named Airam, Maria is drawn into a dark world.
The film leaves viewers questioning whether Airam is real or a manifestation of Maria’s desires, making it a unique exploration of teenage angst and self-destruction.
Where to watch: https://www.netflix.com/.
