Best Horror Movies to (Re)Watch on Netflix

Looking for a spine-chilling movie night? Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or just in the mood for a good scare, Netflix has a plethora of options to keep you on the edge of your seat. From the most popular to the downright terrifying, here’s a guide to the top horror films you can stream right now.

1. The Ritual (2018) – 1h34m

Synopsis: A group of college friends reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness to honor a fallen friend. Straying off the path, they venture into a mysterious forest where an ancient evil lurks.

Why It’s Worth Watching: At first glance, “The Ritual” might seem like a typical lost-in-the-woods horror story, but it delves much deeper. The film masterfully blends psychological terror with supernatural elements, exploring themes of guilt and friendship. I remember watching this film on a stormy night, and the eerie atmosphere had me thoroughly creeped out. Director David Bruckner creates a tension that builds steadily, culminating in a horrifying and unforgettable climax.

Recommended If You Like: “The Descent,” “The Blair Witch Project,” “Hereditary”

2. Apostle (2018) – 2h10m

Synopsis: In 1905, Thomas Richardson travels to a remote Welsh island to rescue his sister from a mysterious cult. As he infiltrates the commune, he uncovers dark secrets that challenge his sanity.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Directed by Gareth Evans of “The Raid” fame, “Apostle” is a brutal and visceral experience. The film combines elements of folk horror with intense action sequences. While opinions are divided due to its graphic content and pacing, it’s undeniably bold. I was both disturbed and fascinated by its unflinching portrayal of fanaticism and supernatural horror.

Recommended If You Like: “The Wicker Man,” “Midsommar,” “The Witch”

3. Get Out (2017) – 1h44m

Synopsis: Chris, a young African-American man, visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to discover a sinister secret lurking beneath the surface.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a masterpiece that blends horror with sharp social commentary. “Get Out” tackles themes of racism and exploitation in a way that’s both unsettling and thought-provoking. I found myself gripped by the suspense and left pondering its messages long after the credits rolled. It’s a film that redefined modern horror.

Recommended If You Like: “Us,” “Black Mirror,” “The Stepford Wives”

4. Annihilation (2018) – 1h55m

Synopsis: A biologist joins an expedition into a mysterious zone called “The Shimmer,” where the laws of nature don’t apply, to uncover what happened to her husband.

Why It’s Worth Watching: “Annihilation” is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating sci-fi horror film. Directed by Alex Garland, it offers a haunting exploration of self-destruction and transformation. The surreal imagery and unsettling atmosphere left me both mesmerized and deeply uneasy. It’s a unique cinematic experience that lingers in your mind.

Recommended If You Like: “Arrival,” “Under the Skin,” “Ex Machina”

5. Wounds (2019) – 1h35m

Synopsis: After picking up a lost cell phone at his bar, a New Orleans bartender begins to experience disturbing and inexplicable events.

Why It’s Worth Watching: “Wounds” is a psychological horror that delves into the abyss of the human psyche. Starring Armie Hammer and Dakota Johnson, the film creates an atmosphere of creeping dread. While it leaves many questions unanswered, its haunting visuals and eerie narrative kept me hooked. It’s a descent into madness that’s both fascinating and disorienting.

Recommended If You Like: “Videodrome,” “The Ring,” “Jacob’s Ladder”

6. Hold the Dark (2018) – 2h5m

Synopsis: A wolf expert is summoned to a remote Alaskan village to investigate the disappearance of a child, leading him into a chilling mystery.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, known for “Green Room,” this film is a haunting blend of thriller and horror. The stark, icy landscapes add to the sense of isolation and foreboding. Jeffrey Wright delivers a compelling performance as he navigates a community on the brink of violence. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience with profound darkness.

Recommended If You Like: “Wind River,” “The Revenant,” “The Grey”

7. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) – 1h29m

Synopsis: A live-in nurse begins to suspect that the house she shares with an aging horror author is haunted.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This film is a minimalist ghost story that relies on atmosphere over jump scares. The slow, deliberate pacing creates a sense of unease that creeps up on you. I was drawn in by Ruth Wilson’s nuanced performance and the film’s hauntingly beautiful visuals. It’s a poetic exploration of fear and the unknown.

Recommended If You Like: “Hereditary,” “It Comes at Night,” “The Witch”

8. A Quiet Place (2018) – 1h30m

Synopsis: In a world overrun by creatures that hunt by sound, a family must live in silence to survive.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Directed by and starring John Krasinski, alongside Emily Blunt, “A Quiet Place” is a masterclass in tension and suspense. The film’s unique premise forces both characters and viewers to be hyper-aware of every sound. Watching it, I found myself holding my breath, fully immersed in their perilous world. It’s a gripping and emotional ride.

Recommended If You Like: “Bird Box,” “Don’t Breathe,” “The Silence”

9. Gerald’s Game (2017) – 1h43m

Synopsis: After her husband dies during a kinky game, a woman is left handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin, facing her inner demons.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Based on Stephen King’s novel, this film is a claustrophobic psychological horror. Carla Gugino delivers a powerful performance, conveying vulnerability and strength. The movie delves deep into themes of trauma and survival. I was captivated by its intensity and the unexpected twists.

Recommended If You Like: “Misery,” “Hush,” “1408”

10. Life (2017) – 1h50m

Synopsis: A crew aboard the International Space Station discovers a rapidly evolving life form that threatens all life on Earth.

Why It’s Worth Watching: “Life” is a thrilling sci-fi horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With a stellar cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Rebecca Ferguson, the film combines high-stakes action with genuine scares. The confined setting amplifies the tension, and the alien entity is truly frightening.

Recommended If You Like: “Alien,” “Event Horizon,” “Sunshine”

11. The Platform (2019) – 1h34m

Synopsis: In a prison where inmates are fed via a descending platform filled with food, those at the top eat well while those below starve.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This Spanish film is a dark allegory on class disparity and human nature. The concept is both simple and profoundly disturbing. Watching it, I was struck by its brutal honesty and stark visuals. It’s a thought-provoking horror that challenges viewers to consider societal structures.

Recommended If You Like: “Snowpiercer,” “Cube,” “Parasite”

12. The Grudge (2004) – 1h31m

Synopsis: An American nurse in Tokyo is exposed to a curse that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life.

Why It’s Worth Watching: A remake of the Japanese film “Ju-On,” this version brings the chilling story to a new audience while retaining its unsettling atmosphere. Sarah Michelle Gellar leads the cast in a tale filled with creepy visuals and tense moments. It’s a classic that still sends shivers down the spine.

Recommended If You Like: “The Ring,” “Dark Water,” “Insidious”

13. The Exorcist III (1990) – 1h50m

Synopsis: A police lieutenant investigates a series of murders bearing the hallmarks of a deceased serial killer, leading to supernatural revelations.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Often overlooked, “The Exorcist III” is a worthy successor to the original. Directed by William Peter Blatty, it combines psychological horror with philosophical depth. The film features one of the most terrifying scenes I’ve ever witnessed—a masterclass in building suspense.

Recommended If You Like: “The Exorcist,” “Se7en,” “Angel Heart”

14. His House (2020) – 1h33m

Synopsis: A refugee couple escapes war-torn South Sudan, only to face a new terror in their English home.

Why It’s Worth Watching: “His House” is a haunting exploration of trauma, guilt, and the immigrant experience. The film blends social commentary with supernatural horror in a way that’s both poignant and terrifying. It left me deeply moved and thoroughly spooked.

Recommended If You Like: “Get Out,” “The Babadook,” “Under the Shadow”

15. Halloween (2018) & Halloween Kills (2021)

Synopsis: Laurie Strode confronts Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree decades ago.

Why It’s Worth Watching: These sequels bring new life to the iconic franchise, with Jamie Lee Curtis reprising her role as Laurie. The films pay homage to the original while injecting fresh energy and brutality. Watching them feels like reuniting with an old friend—if that friend is a relentless serial killer.

Recommended If You Like: “Halloween” (1978), “Scream,” “Friday the 13th”

16. The Babysitter (2017) – 1h25m

Synopsis: A young boy discovers that his beloved babysitter is part of a satanic cult—and they need a human sacrifice.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This horror-comedy is a wild and bloody ride. It’s over-the-top in the best way, with sharp humor and gory thrills. I had a blast watching it, appreciating its self-aware nods to horror clichés.

Recommended If You Like: “Ready or Not,” “Happy Death Day,” “Cabin in the Woods”

17. Cargo (2017) – 1h45m

Synopsis: In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, a father searches for someone to protect his infant daughter.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Starring Martin Freeman, “Cargo” is a zombie film with heart. It focuses on the lengths a parent will go to for their child, delivering both tension and emotional depth. The Australian outback setting adds a unique and haunting backdrop.

Recommended If You Like: “The Road,” “Train to Busan,” “28 Days Later”

18. 1922 (2017) – 1h41m

Synopsis: A farmer conspires to murder his wife for financial gain but faces dire consequences.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Based on a Stephen King novella, this film is a slow-burning descent into guilt and madness. Thomas Jane gives a haunting performance as a man unraveling under the weight of his sins. It’s a grim and atmospheric tale that lingers.

Recommended If You Like: “The Shining,” “The Witch,” “No Country for Old Men”

19. In the Tall Grass (2019) – 1h41m

Synopsis: After hearing a boy’s cries for help, a group of people becomes lost in a field of tall grass that holds something sinister.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Another Stephen King adaptation, this film turns a simple setting into a nightmare maze. The disorienting atmosphere and mounting dread kept me engaged, even if the plot gets a bit convoluted.

Recommended If You Like: “Cube,” “The Mist,” “Triangle”

20. Incantation (2022) – 1h50m

Synopsis: A woman tries to protect her daughter from a curse inflicted upon her six years prior.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This Taiwanese horror film blends found footage with folklore to create a chilling experience. It taps into themes of superstition and the unknown. The unsettling imagery and creeping tension make it a standout in the genre.

Recommended If You Like: “The Medium,” “Noroi: The Curse,” “The Blair Witch Project”

21. The Perfection (2018) – 1h30m

Synopsis: A troubled musical prodigy seeks out the new star pupil of her former school, leading to shocking consequences.

Why It’s Worth Watching: “The Perfection” is a twisted and unpredictable thriller. The film takes bold risks, delivering jaw-dropping twists. It’s stylish, provocative, and not for the faint of heart.

Recommended If You Like: “Black Swan,” “Whiplash,” “Gone Girl”

22. #Alive (2020) – 1h38m

Synopsis: A video game streamer struggles to survive as a zombie outbreak takes over his city, leaving him trapped in his apartment.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This South Korean film offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, emphasizing isolation and modern technology’s role in survival. It’s suspenseful and surprisingly relatable.

Recommended If You Like: “Train to Busan,” “28 Days Later,” “Dawn of the Dead”

23. No One Gets Out Alive (2021) – 1h25m

Synopsis: An immigrant seeking the American dream is forced to take a room in a boarding house, where she finds herself in a nightmare she can’t escape.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This film combines supernatural horror with real-world issues like immigration and exploitation. While it may not be groundbreaking, it offers solid scares and a haunting atmosphere.

Recommended If You Like: “His House,” “The Grudge,” “It Follows”

24. Creep (2014) & Creep 2 (2017)

Synopsis: A videographer answers a mysterious ad and becomes entangled with a peculiar and unsettling client.

Why It’s Worth Watching: These low-budget found-footage films are unnervingly intimate. Mark Duplass delivers a performance that’s both charming and deeply disturbing. The simplicity adds to the creepiness, making it an effective psychological horror.

Recommended If You Like: “The Visit,” “Paranormal Activity,” “Blair Witch Project”

25. Ravenous (2017) – 1h43m

Synopsis: In a remote Quebec town, survivors of a zombie outbreak band together, facing threats from both the infected and each other.

Why It’s Worth Watching: “Ravenous” offers a fresh perspective on the zombie genre with its focus on character and atmosphere. It’s eerie, contemplative, and at times darkly humorous.

Recommended If You Like: “28 Days Later,” “It Comes at Night,” “The Battery”

Conclusion

Whether you’re into psychological thrillers, supernatural scares, or classic slashers, Netflix has a horror film to suit your taste. These movies offer a range of frights, from the subtly unsettling to the outright terrifying. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a night of spine-tingling entertainment.