Though the official start of Halloween is a little ways off, the spooky vibes are already in the air. If the changing leaves and cooler weather have you craving a thrilling movie experience, you’re in luck. Netflix boasts a solid selection of chilling horror flicks perfect for diving into before the calendar flips to October.
While seasoned horror enthusiasts may swear by specialized platforms like Shudder, Netflix, as the largest streaming platform, provides a rich catalog for both established and new horror fans alike.
Horror, as a genre, touches on diverse fears and unsettling concepts. Our movie selection mirrors that variety, offering a range from beloved classics to fresh releases, and from subtly creepy to downright terrifying. Below, discover the 20 finest horror films currently available on Netflix, ranked in a purely subjective order from least to most chilling.
20
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
The original Beetlejuice remains a celebrated movie. If you’re overcome by nostalgia and wish to return to its whimsical world, give Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a watch. It retains the spirit of the first film while introducing unique plot elements.
More a dark comedy than outright horror, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice revisits the story three decades later. Lydia (Winona Ryder) is still pursued by the spectral Beetlejuice and longs to move beyond that chapter of her life. However, when her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) accidentally opens a doorway to the afterlife, chaos ensues.
19
The Babysitter (2017)
The horror genre isn’t limited to pure dread; it can be profoundly funny, too. That idea guides my recommendation for director McG’s The Babysitter. The movie centers on 12-year-old Cole (Judah Lewis), a kid with few wins in life. His primary comfort is his strong feelings for his babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving). When his parents are out of town, Bee watches over Cole. One night, deciding to sneak a peek at what she’s up to, he discovers that his beloved babysitter might be a secret, murderous cult leader.
It’s a campy picture that wholeheartedly embraces absurd storylines. But if you’re in the mood for something that can trigger laughter one moment, and elicit groans as blood flies everywhere the next, you’ll find little to dislike in The Babysitter.
18
Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)
Which is more frightening: blood-sucking monsters or urban redevelopment? Director Oz Rodriguez presents both.
That is the setup for the horror-comedy Vampires vs the Bronx, a standout film for me in 2020. It has everything you expect from the genre, presenting characters that are both funny and substantial. It also delivers tension and chills, ensuring it’s not simply a comedy. Finally, it presents a captivating premise that’s likely never crossed your mind.
17
Jaws (1975)
Some may debate whether the iconic Jaws, crafted by director Stephen Spielberg, belongs to the thriller or horror category. Let’s settle that right now by calling this tale of a predatory shark tormenting a New England coastal town a horror-thriller – and a genre-defining one.
Jaws has achieved mythical status for several reasons, but its killer theme song stands out as instantly recognizable. Spielberg cements his status as a suspense master, expertly teasing the shark and amplifying a sense of dread before ratcheting up tension to almost unbearable levels.
16
The Blackening (2023)
The Blackening, a horror-comedy from director Tim Story, tells the story of a group of Black friends venturing to a remote cabin for a weekend away. What could go wrong at an isolated cabin? Well, they soon encounter a prejudiced serial killer. While that synopsis might seem a bit on the nose, The Blackening is anything but simplistic.
Balancing self-awareness with genuine tension, The Blackening seamlessly blends humor and horror with a sincerity that makes viewers both laugh and jump. It’s an intriguing and thought-provoking movie that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
15
Cargo (2017)
Martin Freeman stars in this poignant, post-apocalyptic movie about a father desperately seeking a safe haven for his baby daughter after he is infected by a zombie. With only 48 hours before transforming into the undead, he journeys across the Australian outback.
Expanded from a 2013 short film of the same name by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, Cargo leans less on typical zombie elements and more on exploring the meaning of community in the face of impossible odds. Human cruelty is a common theme in zombie stories, but Cargo takes it a step further, revealing that even in the darkest times, forgiveness, acceptance, and reliance on others are possible. The apocalypse doesn’t have to be oppressively bleak. This glimmer of hope is why it is a horror film you can watch repeatedly. Have tissues at hand, especially if you’re easily moved.
14
Till Death (2021)
Many horror fans know Megan Fox from Jennifer’s Body (2009), but if you crave more of her in a more chilling setting, showcasing a character that defies expectation, check out Till Death. This movie promises an unsettling ride.
Emma, trapped in a stale marriage, is the central figure. One night, she discovers herself handcuffed to her spouse, who takes his own life. Things spiral further downward when Emma learns he arranged for her assassination. She finds herself battling to survive against a pair of killers determined to silence her for good. Fox shines here and proves she possesses the charisma and acting prowess to stand out as a memorable, contemporary scream queen.
13
Until Dawn (2025)
A group of friends find themselves stranded on a road, and have no choice but to spend the night at a strangely abandoned lodge. However, the lodge – and the area of Glore Valley surrounding it – are not as they seem.
Supermassive Games fans may recognize the title from their 2015 video game. I’ll admit, my initial reaction to director David F. Sandberg’s take on the survival horror game, Until Dawn, was lukewarm. However, on second viewing, I realized my affection for the game was hindering my appreciation of an excellent horror film. Until Dawn is well-handled. It includes a time loop, frightening creatures, strategically placed jump scares, and superb cinematography. While it may not be a flawless game adaptation, it is still a worthwhile viewing experience.
12
There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
Director Patrick Brice partners with James Wan (The Conjuring) and Shawn Levy (Stranger Things) to create the scares of There’s Someone Inside Your House. The movie is based on the novel of the same title by Stephanie Perkins. (If you are in search of a novel to immerse yourself in, it is as gripping a read as this film is to watch.)
After relocating from Hawaii to Nebraska, teenager Makani (Sydney Park) is thrust into a murder mystery where the victims’ secrets are revealed before they meet their violent ends. The movie’s thematic elements are pretty obvious, and Brice isn’t aiming to break new ground or transform it into something beyond a slasher film. To me, that’s part of the film’s appeal. It’s a fun movie overall, and the perfect choice for you and your friends on a Friday night.
11
Tarot (2024)
Tarot poses a compelling question: What would happen if you and some friends headed to a mansion in the Catskills, used some old, dusty tarot cards you unearthed to read each other’s fortunes, and then each one of you was brutally murdered in a manner reflecting your card reading? Sounds fun, right?
If your response is positive, Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg’s 2024 supernatural horror film is for you. Tarot’s plot involves surprising twists, given its simple core idea. The murders are memorable and inspire fear, the atmosphere is eerie, and both the production and set design are impressive. The filmmakers know exactly what you’re there to see: major scares. And they are happy to deliver.