Horror movies have always been a favorite among movie lovers, and with Netflix’s vast selection of movies, horror fans can easily find something to suit their tastes. Here are the top 20 horror movies on Netflix that you shouldn’t miss:
Here is the List of Top 20 Best Horror Movies on Netflix
1. “The Conjuring” (2013)
“The Conjuring” is a supernatural horror film that was released in 2013 and directed by James Wan. The movie is based on the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who were called upon to help a family being terrorized by a malevolent spirit in their farmhouse in Rhode Island.
The film features Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens, who are tasked with investigating the haunting of the Perron family. The family consists of Carolyn and Roger Perron and their five daughters, who are plagued by unexplainable events that escalate into terrifying encounters with the supernatural.
What makes “The Conjuring” stand out is its expertly crafted suspense and scares. Wan is a master of building tension, and the movie is filled with well-timed jump scares and spine-tingling moments. The film also features strong performances from its cast, particularly Wilson and Farmiga, who bring depth and humanity to their roles as the Warrens.
Aside from its scares, “The Conjuring” also explores themes of faith, family, and the power of love in the face of evil. The film’s depiction of the Warrens as devout Catholics who use their faith to fight the forces of darkness adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, “The Conjuring” is a well-crafted and effective horror film that delivers on scares while also exploring deeper themes. It has since spawned several sequels and spin-offs, cementing its place as one of the most successful horror franchises of all time.
2. “The Babadook” (2014)
“The Babadook” is a psychological horror film released in 2014 and directed by Jennifer Kent. The movie follows a single mother, Amelia, and her son, Samuel, who are haunted by a mysterious presence after reading a disturbing children’s book.
The story is centered on Amelia, who is still grieving the loss of her husband and struggling to raise her son on her own. Samuel’s fear of monsters leads them to discover a strange book called “The Babadook,” which depicts a sinister figure that terrorizes a family. Soon after reading the book, they start experiencing supernatural occurrences that seem to be linked to the mysterious creature from the story.
What makes “The Babadook” stand out is its exploration of grief, loss, and mental illness. The film is a poignant and deeply emotional portrayal of a mother and son’s struggle to cope with their trauma. It cleverly uses the horror genre as a metaphor for their psychological states, creating an atmosphere of dread and unease that builds up to a terrifying climax.
The performances by the lead actors, Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman, are exceptional, bringing nuance and authenticity to their characters. Davis, in particular, delivers a powerful and intense portrayal of a woman struggling with depression and trauma.
Overall, “The Babadook” is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking horror film that uses its genre to explore deeper themes. It’s a testament to the power of horror to evoke intense emotions and create a lasting impact on its viewers.
3. Hush (2016)
“Hush” is a 2016 horror-thriller film directed by Mike Flanagan. The movie follows a deaf writer named Maddie, who lives alone in a remote cabin and finds herself hunted by a masked killer.
What sets “Hush” apart from other horror films is its innovative concept of having a deaf protagonist. The film uses sound design and visual cues to immerse the viewer into Maddie’s world, creating a unique and suspenseful experience. The movie also showcases the strengths of the horror genre in its ability to create tension and fear.
As the film progresses, Maddie’s fight for survival becomes more intense and nerve-wracking, making for a thrilling viewing experience. The lead actress, Kate Siegel, delivers an outstanding performance as Maddie, capturing both her vulnerability and strength in the face of danger.
Overall, “Hush” is a must-watch for horror fans who enjoy well-crafted suspense and tension. It’s a testament to the power of horror in creating a captivating and innovative experience, and it showcases the potential of the genre to tell unique and compelling stories.
4. Train to Busan (2016)
“Train to Busan” is a 2016 South Korean horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The movie follows a group of passengers on a train from Seoul to Busan, who must fight for their lives when a viral outbreak turns people into flesh-eating zombies.
What makes “Train to Busan” stand out is its blend of horror and heart. The film is not only a thrilling and intense zombie movie, but also a poignant and emotional story about a father’s love for his daughter. As the survivors fight their way through the train, they confront not only the zombie threat, but also their own fears and prejudices.
The film features excellent performances from its cast, particularly Gong Yoo as Seok-woo, a workaholic father who must protect his daughter at all costs. The chemistry between the characters adds a layer of depth and humanity to the story, making the viewer care about their fates.
Aside from its emotional core, “Train to Busan” also delivers on the horror front. The film is filled with heart-stopping action and terrifying scenes, with the zombie threat feeling both visceral and real.
Overall, “Train to Busan” is a well-crafted and impactful horror film that blends scares with heart. It’s a testament to the potential of the zombie genre to tell compelling stories and create meaningful experiences. The movie has since become a modern classic of the horror genre, and is a must-watch for fans of the undead.
5. Gerald’s Game (2017)
“Gerald’s Game” is a 2017 psychological horror film directed by Mike Flanagan and based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The movie follows Jessie Burlingame, a woman who is handcuffed to a bed by her husband, Gerald, during a sex game, only for him to die of a heart attack. Trapped and alone, Jessie must confront her inner demons and fight to survive.
What sets “Gerald’s Game” apart from other horror movies is its emphasis on psychological horror rather than physical terror. The film delves into Jessie’s past traumas and fears, creating a sense of claustrophobia and dread that is both unsettling and intense. The use of flashbacks and hallucinations adds to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
The lead actress, Carla Gugino, delivers a phenomenal performance as Jessie, capturing both her vulnerability and strength as she confronts her fears and struggles to escape. The supporting cast is also exceptional, with Bruce Greenwood portraying Gerald and Henry Thomas as Jessie’s father.
Overall, “Gerald’s Game” is a haunting and deeply unsettling horror film that explores the darker aspects of the human psyche. It’s a testament to the power of horror to evoke intense emotions and create a lasting impact on its viewers. The movie is a must-watch for horror fans who appreciate psychological terror and nuanced character development.
6. The Ritual (2017)
“The Ritual” is a 2017 British horror film directed by David Bruckner and based on the novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. The movie follows a group of friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness to honor their deceased friend, only to become lost and hunted by a malevolent presence in the forest.
What sets “The Ritual” apart from other horror films is its blend of folk horror and psychological terror. The film incorporates elements of Scandinavian folklore, creating a sense of otherworldly dread and terror. The cinematography and sound design also add to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease.
The characters are well-developed and have believable dynamics, making their plight more engaging and intense. The film also explores themes of guilt and grief, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, “The Ritual” is a well-crafted and effective horror film that delivers on both scares and storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of horror to explore universal themes and evoke intense emotions in its viewers. The movie is a must-watch for fans of folk horror and psychological terror.
7. The Perfection (2019)
“The Perfection” is a 2019 horror film directed by Richard Shepard. The movie follows the story of Charlotte, a former cellist who returns to her former music school after a personal tragedy, only to be drawn into a twisted and dark conspiracy involving her former mentor and rival.
What sets “The Perfection” apart from other horror films is its unpredictable and twisty plot. The movie keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, constantly subverting their expectations and taking them on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns. The pacing is tight and the tension is palpable, making for a thrilling and intense viewing experience.
The lead actresses, Allison Williams and Logan Browning, deliver stellar performances, portraying their characters’ descent into madness and obsession with both nuance and intensity. The film also tackles themes of abuse and trauma, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, “The Perfection” is a well-crafted and effective horror film that delivers on both scares and storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of horror to explore dark and taboo subjects and evoke intense emotions in its viewers. The movie is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and twisted thrillers.
8. Bird Box (2018)
“Bird Box” is a 2018 post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Susanne Bier and based on the novel of the same name by Josh Malerman. The movie follows a mother, Malorie, and her two children as they navigate a world overrun by mysterious entities that cause people to commit suicide if they are seen.
What sets “Bird Box” apart from other horror films is its unique premise and the tension created by the unseen threat. The movie builds up a sense of dread and terror through sound design and character reactions, without ever showing the creatures causing the destruction. The use of flashbacks also adds depth to the characters and provides context for their actions in the present.
Sandra Bullock delivers a standout performance as Malorie, capturing her desperation and determination to protect her children in a world gone mad. The supporting cast is also exceptional, with John Malkovich and Sarah Paulson bringing nuance and complexity to their roles.
Overall, “Bird Box” is a gripping and intense horror film that explores themes of motherhood, survival, and the fear of the unknown. It’s a testament to the power of horror to explore universal fears and evoke intense emotions in its viewers. The movie is a must-watch for fans of post-apocalyptic and psychological horror.
9. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
“The Autopsy of Jane Doe” is a 2016 horror film directed by André Øvredal. The movie follows a father and son team of coroners who receive an unidentified female corpse for autopsy and become entangled in a horrifying supernatural mystery as they discover disturbing clues about her cause of death.
What sets “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” apart from other horror films is its unique blend of supernatural horror and forensic science. The film is expertly crafted, with a well-paced and suspenseful plot that keeps the viewers engaged and guessing until the end. The use of practical effects and sound design also adds to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease.
The lead actors, Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch, deliver captivating performances as the father-son duo, portraying their complex relationship and their descent into terror with nuance and intensity. The film also explores themes of grief and loss, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Overall, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” is a masterful horror film that delivers on both scares and storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of horror to explore dark and taboo subjects and evoke intense emotions in its viewers. The movie is a must-watch for fans of supernatural horror and forensic thrillers.
10. Insidious (2010)
“Insidious” is a 2010 supernatural horror film directed by James Wan. The movie follows a family who moves into a new home, only to discover that it’s haunted by malevolent entities and their son has fallen into a coma-like state, trapped in a realm called “The Further.”
What sets “Insidious” apart from other horror films is its unique blend of haunted house horror and astral projection mythology. The movie creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere from the beginning, building up to a series of terrifying and unexpected scares. The use of practical effects and sound design is also expertly done, creating a sense of unease and dread that lingers long after the movie is over.
The lead actors, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, deliver strong performances as the parents struggling to save their son from the clutches of evil. The supporting cast, including Lin Shaye as the psychic Elise, also adds depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, “Insidious” is a well-crafted and effective horror film that delivers on both scares and storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of horror to explore universal fears and evoke intense emotions in its viewers. The movie is a must-watch for fans of haunted house horror and paranormal thrillers.
11. The Witch (2015)
“The Witch” is a 2015 supernatural horror film directed by Robert Eggers. The movie takes place in 17th century New England and follows a family of Puritan settlers who are plagued by supernatural occurrences and witchcraft.
What sets “The Witch” apart from other horror films is its atmospheric and immersive world-building. The movie expertly recreates the harsh and isolated lifestyle of Puritan settlers, using historical accuracy and attention to detail to create a sense of authenticity and realism. The film’s slow-burning and unsettling pace builds to a horrifying climax, using symbolism and ambiguity to evoke a sense of dread and uncertainty.
The lead actress, Anya Taylor-Joy, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the teenage daughter who becomes the target of suspicion and fear. The supporting cast, including Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie as the parents, also add depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, “The Witch” is a masterful horror film that is both chilling and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to the power of horror to explore complex themes and historical contexts, while also delivering on scares and suspense. The movie is a must-watch for fans of atmospheric horror and psychological thrillers.
12. Veronica (2017)
“Veronica” is a Spanish supernatural horror film directed by Paco Plaza. The movie is based on true events and tells the story of a teenage girl who attempts to use a ouija board to communicate with her deceased father and ends up unleashing an evil force that threatens her and her siblings. The film is known for its eerie atmosphere, jump scares, and intense performances by the young cast. It received critical acclaim for its effective storytelling and has been praised as one of the scariest horror movies in recent years.
13. Apostle (2018)
Apostle” is a horror movie directed by Gareth Evans. The film follows a man who travels to a remote island to rescue his sister from a religious cult. As he delves deeper into the community, he uncovers dark secrets and rituals that put his life in danger. The movie blends elements of horror, mystery, and thriller to create a tense and atmospheric experience. It’s known for its brutal violence, stunning cinematography, and strong performances by the cast. “Apostle” received positive reviews from critics and is considered a must-watch for horror fans who enjoy slow-burn suspense and gore.
“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
“The Invitation” (2015)
“The Haunting of Hill House” (2018)
“It Comes at Night” (2017)
“Annihilation” (2018)
“The Blackcoat’s Daughter” (2015)
“The Platform” (2019)
From supernatural scares to psychological thrillers, this list has a mix of classic and modern horror movies that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. “The Conjuring” is a spine-tingling ghost story, while “The Babadook” delves into the depths of a mother’s psyche. “Hush” takes on the home invasion sub-genre, while “Train to Busan” delivers a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse.
For those who prefer horror with a side of psychological drama, “Gerald’s Game” and “The Perfection” are perfect picks. “Bird Box” and “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” both explore the dangers of the unknown and the terrifying consequences of curiosity.
If you’re in the mood for a classic, “The Silence of the Lambs” is a must-watch, while “The Haunting of Hill House” delivers scares in a binge-worthy TV series format. For something more unique, “The Platform” offers a disturbing social commentary, while “Annihilation” takes viewers on a trippy journey through a mysterious and deadly phenomenon.
No matter what kind of horror movie you’re in the mood for, this list of top 20 horror movies on Netflix has something for everyone. So turn off the lights, grab some snacks, and get ready for a terrifying ride.
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