The 20 Best Horror Movies On Netflix

As a horror fan, you know there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a spine-chilling film that sends shivers down your spine and leaves you questioning every shadow in your home. For those seeking to explore the depths of terror, Netflix offers an impressive selection of horror movies that appeal to both casual fans and true aficionados alike.

In this article, I present a carefully curated list of the 20 best horror films currently available on Netflix. These movies cover a wide range of genres, from supernatural hauntings to psychological terror, ensuring that even the most seasoned horror enthusiasts will find something to pique their interest. Hopefully you find a new favorite in this bunch.

If you’re interested in reading my weekly-updated all-time movie rankings, check them out here.

I See You (2019)

I See You delves into the realm of psychological horror under the masterful direction of Adam Randall. The film, starring Helen Hunt and Jon Tenney, unravels the enigmatic tale of a small-town detective investigating the disappearance of a young boy. As the plot thickens, his family becomes entwined in a sinister web of secrets and supernatural forces. This spine-chilling thriller enthralls viewers with its unexpected twists and palpable sense of dread.

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s magnum opus, Psycho, stands the test of time as a cornerstone of the horror genre. Featuring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, the film delves into the unnerving tale of Marion Crane, a woman who finds herself at the foreboding Bates Motel. The enigmatic proprietor, Norman Bates, adds an unsettling layer to this classic psychological horror. With its haunting score and the infamous shower scene, Psycho continues to captivate and terrify audiences.

Zombieland (2009)

The horror-comedy Zombieland, directed by Ruben Fleischer, boasts a stellar cast including Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, the film follows a group of survivors as they navigate the perils of their new reality. Zombieland masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with thrilling action sequences and genuine moments of terror, making it a must-watch for fans of both horror and comedy.

Lights Out (2016)

Directed by David F. Sandberg, Lights Out is a spine-tingling horror film that skillfully exploits one of our most primal fears: the dark. Teresa Palmer and Gabriel Bateman star as siblings confronted by a malevolent entity that lurks in the shadows, threatening their very existence. Sandberg’s expert use of tension and atmosphere, combined with stellar performances, make Lights Out an unforgettable experience that will have you sleeping with the lights on.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake of the George A. Romero classic, Dawn of the Dead, delivers a relentless blend of action and horror. Starring Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and Jake Weber, the film follows a group of survivors seeking refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse. This intense and visceral experience showcases Snyder’s signature visual style while paying homage to its iconic predecessor, making it a worthy addition to the zombie film canon.

World War Z (2013)

In Marc Forster’s adrenaline-fueled adaptation of the Max Brooks novel, World War Z, Brad Pitt stars as a former United Nations investigator tasked with finding the source of a global zombie pandemic. Traveling across continents, he races against time to save humanity from the undead menace. With its high-octane action and sprawling scale, World War Z offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the zombie apocalypse.

Pitch Black (2000)

A sci-fi horror gem directed by David Twohy, Pitch Black features Vin Diesel in his breakout role as the antihero Riddick. Stranded on a desolate planet, a group of survivors, including Radha Mitchell and Cole Hauser, must rely on Riddick’s unique abilities to fend off deadly creatures that lurk in the darkness. Tense, atmospheric, and visually stunning, Pitch Black is a thrilling ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows is a mesmerizing, slow-burn horror film that stars Maika Monroe as a young woman haunted by a supernatural force after a sexual encounter. With a unique premise and a haunting atmosphere, the film explores the nature of fear and paranoia as the protagonist and her friends try to escape the relentless entity. Praised for its striking cinematography and a hypnotic score, It Follows offers a refreshingly innovative and spine-chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, The Mist, stars Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laurie Holden. Trapped in a grocery store as a mysterious mist envelops their town, a group of people must confront both the terrifying creatures lurking outside and the darkness within themselves. Combining psychological horror with Lovecraftian monsters, The Mist is a gripping exploration of human nature under extreme duress, delivering unforgettable moments of tension and terror.

The Birds (1963)

Another masterpiece from the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, The Birds showcases Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor as they navigate a world where birds inexplicably turn violent and deadly. This chilling tale of nature gone awry is a masterclass in building suspense and unease, with Hitchcock’s expert direction transforming ordinary creatures into harbingers of terror. The Birds remains an iconic and influential film that still captivates audiences with its inventive premise and atmospheric tension.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Oren Peli’s groundbreaking found-footage horror film, Paranormal Activity, redefined the genre with its minimalist approach and nerve-rattling scares. The movie follows a young couple, played by Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, who experience increasingly disturbing supernatural occurrences in their suburban home. Utilizing its low-budget aesthetic to full effect, Paranormal Activity is a masterclass in tension and dread, delivering heart-stopping moments that continue to haunt viewers.

Resident Evil (2002)

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, Resident Evil is a thrilling adaptation of the popular video game franchise. Milla Jovovich stars as Alice, a security operative who, alongside a team of commandos, must navigate a zombie-infested underground research facility. With high-octane action sequences, gripping suspense, and terrifying monsters, Resident Evil is an exhilarating cinematic experience that leaves fans of the genre clamoring for more.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

A quintessential ’90s slasher film, I Know What You Did Last Summer is directed by Jim Gillespie and stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr. The story follows a group of friends haunted by a vengeful figure one year after a tragic accident. With its engaging plot, memorable kills, and a palpable sense of dread, this horror classic remains a favorite among fans of the genre.

There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)

In this suspenseful slasher film directed by Patrick Brice, There’s Someone Inside Your House features Sydney Park as a high school student who finds herself targeted by a masked killer. As the body count rises, the students must uncover the killer’s identity before it’s too late. With a modern twist on the classic slasher formula, the film delivers a chilling, tension-filled experience that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

The Thing (2011)

A prelude to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic, Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s The Thing delves into the chilling origins of the shape-shifting alien menace. Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton, the film follows a group of scientists in Antarctica as they unwittingly unleash a terrifying creature that can assume the form of its victims. Combining atmospheric tension, body horror, and impressive visual effects, The Thing (2011) serves as a fitting companion piece to its iconic predecessor, offering a suspenseful and horrifying journey into the unknown.

Blood Red Sky (2021)

Peter Thorwarth’s Blood Red Sky is an action-packed horror-thriller that takes place aboard a transatlantic flight. Starring Peri Baumeister and Dominic Purcell, the film follows a mother with a mysterious illness who must protect her son from a group of terrorists. As the stakes escalate, so does the intensity of the film, culminating in a shocking twist that elevates it beyond a typical horror movie. Blood Red Sky keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its relentless pacing and unexpected turns.

Gerald’s Game (2017)

Based on the Stephen King novel, Gerald’s Game is a riveting psychological horror film directed by Mike Flanagan. Carla Gugino delivers a tour-de-force performance as Jessie, a woman handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin after a romantic weekend goes awry. Forced to confront her deepest fears and darkest memories, Jessie must find a way to escape her confinement. With its claustrophobic setting and psychological intensity, Gerald’s Game is a haunting and unforgettable experience.

The Perfection (2018)

Richard Shepard’s The Perfection is a genre-bending horror-thriller that stars Allison Williams and Logan Browning as cello prodigies caught in a twisted game of manipulation and revenge. With its labyrinthine plot and jaw-dropping twists, the film keeps viewers guessing as it weaves a tale of obsession, betrayal, and the dark side of artistic ambition. The Perfection is a stylish and unsettling experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The Platform (2019)

Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s dystopian horror film, The Platform, explores the depths of human depravity within a vertical prison where food is distributed on a descending platform. Starring Iván Massagué as the protagonist, the film is a harrowing allegory for societal inequality and the struggle for survival. With its thought-provoking premise, brutal imagery, and intense performances, The Platform is a haunting and provocative experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Vampires (1998)

John Carpenter’s Vampires is a visceral and action-packed horror film that puts a fresh spin on the vampire mythos. Starring James Woods and Daniel Baldwin, the movie follows a group of Vatican-sponsored vampire hunters led by the tenacious Jack Crow, played by Woods. As they wage war against a powerful vampire lord, they must contend with a deadly new breed of bloodsuckers. With its stylish visuals, thrilling action sequences, and Carpenter’s signature touch, Vampires offers a gritty and exhilarating take on the classic vampire tale that keeps viewers thoroughly entertained.