Horror Movies on Netflix: The 30 Best Films To Scare You

Horror movies on Netflix

Do you own a Netflix subscription and want to watch exciting horror movies that will make you really creepy? Perfect! We present you on this page the 30 best horror films of the past years, which are currently available on Netflix, and you should not miss them at all.

1. IT (2017)


What is it about?

A group of teens living in the small town of Derry in the US state of Maine wonders why people keep disappearing without a trace – especially children. When one day, little Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott) is also one of the kids in question, his brother Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) and his friends set out to find the cause of this and all the other crimes.

They soon find out that in the city’s sewers lives the sadistic clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), who can transform his appearance into that of his victims’ greatest nightmares. But the plan the kids made together to kill the nasty clown is anything but easy.

Why is the film worth watching?

“ES” is the remake of the 1990 TV production of the same name based on the book by Stephen King, which easily outshines the original. The creepy clown was one of the most successful motion pictures of 2017 and is absolutely terrifying—part 2 hit theaters in 2019.

2. Insidious (2010)


What is it about?

The Lambert family has moved to a new house, but something doesn’t seem right here. When the young son Dalton (Ty Simpkins), in his curiosity, wants to look around the attic to get to the bottom of the strange events, he accidentally falls from a ladder and falls into a coma. When Dalton returns to the house after his hospital stay, the strange events in the place become more frequent. The surprise is great when the parents find out the reason for this.

Why is the film worth watching?

If you think that “Insidious” is just another “evil, haunted house” type of movie, you’re sorely mistaken because the flick knows how to convince with a varied and exciting storyline.

3. Hostel (2006)


What it’s about?

Two American backpackers and their Icelandic companion expect parties, sex, and hot chicks from their European vacation. When they are recommended a hostel in Slovakia in Amsterdam, where women apparently fulfill every wish of the guests, the anticipation of this place is quickly awakened.

Once there, however, their journey turns into a pure horror trip, as they fall into the hands of sadistic criminals who specifically kidnap travelers and torture and then bestially murder them on behalf of wealthy businessmen.

Why is the movie worth watching?

For all horror lovers, “Hostel” is certainly not worth watching because it is a flick from the “torture porn” genre. However, if you’re not averse to excessive depictions of violence and find pretty much all other horror films far too boring, you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth here.

4. Bird Box (2018)


What is it about?

The world has been taken over by a ruthless monster that is capable of killing all humans after they look at it. In order to protect their children and themselves from certain death, the small family henceforth fights its way through life blindfolded – which naturally brings immense strains with itself. But when their phone rings and a mysterious voice reveals that a safe place is just a few miles away, a journey to what they hope will be a better life begins.

Why is the film worth watching?

“Bird Box” is a Netflix in-house production that is somewhat reminiscent of the box office hit “A Quiet Place” and is definitely an atmospheric horror film for boring or rainy weekends.


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5. ELI (2019)


What is it about?

Little Eli (Charlie Shotwell) suffers from a strange disease: as soon as he leaves the house and comes into contact with fresh air, he could die. His parents, who deliberately isolate him from the outside world, are at a loss for words until a doctor offers them to let Eli live in a germ-free house where they can perform experiments on him to help cure him.

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When the boy in the surgical gown is tied by his hands and feet to an operating table, he already starts to have doubts about the alleged healing method. But it gets much worse.

Why is the film worthwhile?

“Eli” is an in-house production of Netflix, which comes up with an exceedingly interesting story and an equally interesting development of the same.


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6. Blood Red Sky (2021)


A woman with a mysterious illness is forced into action when a group of terrorists tries to hijack a transatlantic night flight. Blood Red Sky is not for those with a fear of flying – and not for vampires either – as it is based on a similar premise to the film Snakes on a Plane, but swaps the fun for a deadly serious and deliciously bloody thrill ride, and swaps the snakes for equally vicious vampires.

The German horror film follows Nadja (Peri Baumeister), a mysteriously ill woman who boards a transatlantic flight to New York that terrorists hijack. But it’s the terrorists who should be worried, as Nadja uncovers a monstrous secret to protect her young son – and so begins a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse on the plane as the clock ticks down to sunrise.

Blood Red Sky takes inspiration from horror hits like Train to Busan and From Dusk Till Dawn to deliver a high-stakes, claustrophobic thriller in a confined environment where the danger comes from vampires, terrorists, a possible plane crash, and even sunlight. At its core, however, this is a family drama about the lengths a mother will go to protect her child from danger, even as she puts herself in harm’s way. Baumeister is the leading lady here, but Dominic Purcell and Graham McTavish superbly support her.

7. Scary Movie (2000)


What is it about?

When Drew Decker (Carmen Electra), an absolute high school beauty, is about to make some fresh popcorn, she is called by a stranger and engaged in conversation. A short time later, the masked killer himself visits her to murder her. The prelude to an immense series of murders, apparently stemming from a past Halloween celebration, takes off.

Why it’s worth watching the movie?

“Scary Movie” is not really a horror movie at heart, but an ingenious horror parody of the genre milestone “Scream” as well as several other teen horror films. But if you want to be creeped out and have a hearty laugh in between, you will definitely love this movie.


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8. Aftermath (2021)


A young couple struggles to stay together when they get a great offer on the house with a questionable past that they normally wouldn’t be able to afford. They accept the offer in a last-ditch effort to start over as a couple. Moving into a new house that’s haunted is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but Aftermath adds variety by adding the horror of a failed relationship.

Natalie and Kevin are a couple on the verge of breaking up and moving in together in a last-ditch effort to save their relationship after getting a great offer on the house. But when Natalie hears disturbing noises and finds unexplained markings in the house, she realizes why the house was so cheap – if only someone would believe her.

You can’t beat a good old-fashioned haunted house story, and Aftermath adds to the creepiness because it’s supposedly based on a true story. However, one of Aftermath’s greatest strengths is its examination of a failing relationship. The eerie occurrences are used to creep you out and add to the heartbreak of couples counseling and possible affairs.


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9. Things Heard & Seen (2021)


An artist moves to the Hudson Valley and begins to suspect that her marriage has a dark side that competes with the history of her new home. Amanda Seyfried and James Norton give us a good look at their relationship in the Netflix film Things Heard& Lakes, a new twist on haunted house horror.

Set in 1979, the Netflix thriller follows a married couple, Catherine and George, as they move into a large New York farmhouse. As Catherine feels increasingly isolated in her new home, she begins to suspect that a ghost is lurking there.

With a star-studded cast including Natalia Dyer, Rhea Seehorn, and Michael O’Keefe, Things Heard& Lakes a suspenseful two-hour horror film that examines Catherine and George’s toxic relationship through the lens of a ghost story.


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10. Better Watch Out (2016)


What is it about?

Boys Luke (Levi Miller) and Garrett (Ed Oxenbould) want to spend a cozy evening on the couch with their babysitter Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), watching horror movies. But then an unknown person gains access to the house to play a perfidious game. However, the burglar has done the math without the two kids, who unceremoniously turn the tables on him – at least, that’s how it seems at first.

Why is the movie worth it?

To list why you should watch this movie is almost impossible without spoiling it. Therefore, it is best to watch it and refrain from watching the trailer beforehand.

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11. The Conjuring (2013)


What is it about?

Married couple Roger ((Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor) wants to start a new life in the country together with their five daughters. Suddenly, however, strange things start happening in the house, leading the extended family to believe that the building possesses a sinister force. When the parents finally seek help from internationally recognized scientists in the field of paranormal phenomena, their worst fears become a certainty.

Why is the movie worth watching?

Even if the story of this film sounds like the umpteenth rehash of the evil house, you should not miss this genre masterpiece. One of the best films of 2013.

12. Nightbooks (2021)


The story is about Alex, a boy obsessed with scary stories and held captive by an evil young witch in her New York City apartment. Nightbooks is a horror film for the whole family – or just the faint of heart – and proves that scary movies don’t necessarily need a high age rating to be enjoyable.

Nightbooks is based on the children’s book of the same name by J.A. White and is about Alex, a young boy from New York who has a talent for writing scary stories and gives up his hobby after being teased. But when an evil witch kidnaps him and demands a new scary story every night, Alex must embrace what makes him unique in order to save himself and his fellow prisoner, Yasmin.

Nightbooks may not be the most unpredictable film on the market, but it’s an excellent introduction to the world of horror movies for young viewers. It’s also helped by the fact that Krysten Ritter is just scary enough in her role as the witch Natacha not to cause nightmares. Family fun with the usual life lessons wrapped up in a creative horror fantasy that’s perfect for older kids.


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13. Zombieland (2009)


What is it about?

After almost all of humanity has been wiped out by bloodthirsty zombies, “Columbus” is among the few survivors. When he heads to his home village to look for his parents, he first makes acquaintance with an apparently crazed survivalist and then with two sisters. The latter knows to report that there is apparently an amusement park in California that zombies dare not enter. Accordingly, the group’s destination is clear, but on the way, they have to adjust to the foursome crazy events.

Why is the film worth watching?

If only for the sensationally good cameo appearance by Bill Murray, who plays himself in “Zombieland.”

14. Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021)


The first part of the Netflix film trilogy Fear Street is an absolute blast from start to finish. This slasher, heavily influenced by Scream, is set in the town of Shadyville, where people have been going on brutal murder sprees for decades. Rumor has it that it all has to do with a witch’s curse from the 16th century. The film has to do with the twentieth century (which is covered in the third film), and in this film, a group of teenagers becomes the target of a gaggle of masked killers as they try to figure out what’s going on and how to survive.

At the heart of the story is a strange romance that stands out from many other slashers of its kind, and there are enough comedic elements to keep the film from being dismissed as too serious a horror film. Once again, the Scream comparisons are apt. So if you’re in the mood for some creepy entertainment that also sets up a mythology that will be concluded in the next two Fear Street movies, you should check out Fear Street Part 1: 1994.


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15. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)


What is it about?

Five friends want to make themselves comfortable in a remote cabin in the woods. Although a man warns them during a stop at a gas station about strange things that are said to be going on in the woods, the group doesn’t let this spoil their good mood. Arriving at the cabin, everything seems perfect at first glance, but from a distance, the friends are watched by two men who are up to no good. On the contrary, they want to play a sadistic game with their chosen victims.

Why is the film worthwhile?

“The Cabin in the Woods” is one of the best horror films of the past few years, as it is not only scary but also comes with many fresh ideas—a Must-see for any horror lover.

16. In the Tall Grass (2019)


What is it about?

Two siblings go on a road trip and stop at a field with very tall grass to take a break. When they suddenly hear the voice of a young boy from the grass, apparently lost, the two do not hesitate to rescue him from his delicate situation. But as it soon turns out, going into the tall grass was not a good idea.

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Why is the movie worth it?

“In the Tall Grass” is the film adaptation of a short story by Stephen King, available exclusively on Netflix. Even though the middle section sags a bit from time to time, the film is worth watching for its clever storyline alone and thrilling finale.


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17. Vampires vs. The Bronx (2020)


Vampire vs. The Bronx is one of those modern horror movies with such a simple, clever twist on a familiar genre that it makes you wonder why it didn’t happen sooner. The gist: A group of teenagers living in a Bronx neighborhood discovers that the real estate company buying up local businesses is run by a group of bloodsucking vampires.

Since gentrification consists primarily of sucking a community dry, the concept is a slam dunk. But director Osmany Rodriguez manages to have a lot of fun with it, too. The comparisons with “Stranger Things” are obvious.


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18. Hush (2016)


What it’s about?

Young Maddie lives in a secluded house where a serial killer threatens her. Will she still manage to fight back despite her handicap?

Why is the film worth watching?

The film’s setting is extremely oppressive, and the perpetrator lulls himself into safety as his victim is helpless in his eyes. Soon enough, however, the viewer must discover that this is not the case.


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19. The Babysitter (2017)


What it’s about?

Twelve-year-old Cole (Judah Lewis) is alone with his babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving), one night but has no desire whatsoever to go to bed. When he sneaks out of the room to find out what she and her invited friends are up to, he accidentally witnesses a satanic ritual murder being carried out in the living room. But it gets worse: Bee and her friends are also out for his blood.

Why is the film worth watching?

The Netflix production “The Babysitter” is one of those typical horror movies where the blood splatters properly – so it’s ideal for a movie night with lots of popcorn.


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20. The Ritual (2017)


What is it about?

After their friend is killed in an extremely brutal way, four young men decide to go on an adventure together that their friend actually wants to deny. While hiking through the wilds of Sweden, however, they quickly notice strange things going on: They come across mutilated animal corpses, and one of the friends suffers from severe nightmares and sudden injuries. Soon the young men realize that there are apparently dark forces in the forest.

Why is this movie worth watching?

Not only because of the emerging conflicts between the men but also because of the really creepy atmosphere, it is definitely worth tuning in.


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21. His House (2020)


Remi Weekes has really created something special with His House, arguably one of the creepiest films in the Netflix lineup. On the surface, His House is about a pair of refugees fleeing war-torn Sudan who finds that the English city they’ve fled to is just as terrifying as the country they’ve left.

The source of horror lies not only in the film’s supernatural elements but also in themes such as grief, guilt, abandonment, xenophobia, and assimilation. It’s a powerful haunting that will be remembered long after the credits roll.

22. Oxygen (2021)


Director Alexandra Aja dives deep into the popular crossover world of horror and science fiction with Oxygen (2021). The film stars Mélanie Laurent as Elizabeth Hansen, a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic capsule with dwindling oxygen levels without knowing how she got there.

As the air rushes out of her cell, Liz must fight to remember who she is and why she was in cryogenic slumber. While the story isn’t entirely new, you should watch Oxygen primarily for its stunning lead actress, Mélanie Laurent, who plays a role that an ordinary talent could easily botch.


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23. Army of the Dead (2021)


With Army of the Dead, director Zack Synder returns to his stomping grounds of horror films. Set in the zombie-infested present, the film follows Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), an ex-citizen living on the outskirts of desolate Las Vegas. When casino magnate Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada) offers him the chance of a lifetime – to break into the quarantine zone and capture a large amount of cash before the city is destroyed – the anti-hero assembles a team of warriors and experts to pull off the heist. A massively staged fusion of action and horror, the carnage is plentiful, and the story is rich for Synder’s return to the world of the undead.


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24. A Classic Horror Story (2021)


A Classic Horror Story is the kind of scary movie you’ll want to save until a rainy night during the Halloween season if the name doesn’t scare you off. The film is creepy but not too scary. It’s about a cabin in the woods and a couple of lost campers. You know, a classic horror story.

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25. There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)


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26. Gerald’s Game (2017)


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27. I Am Legend (2007)

28. Veronica (2017)


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29. Bone Tomahawk (2015)

30. Under the Shadow (2016)


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We hope you enjoyed our horror recommendations on Netflix and wish you another scary movie night.

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