Need more proof of horror’s year-round dominance? Look no further than streaming services at the beginning of each month, offering a plethora of new additions across platforms like Netflix and Tubi. This abundance, while exciting, can make choosing the perfect horror movie a daunting task. If you find yourself endlessly scrolling through Netflix, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best horror movies currently available for streaming on Netflix, spanning from folk horror to existential nightmares, inventive creature features, and beyond.

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Taking place in 1979 in the heart of Texas, a team of burgeoning adult filmmakers embarks on a journey, loading up their van and departing from Houston to the remote outskirts for their cinematic venture. What begins as a promising production quickly descends into a chaotic horror scenario as circumstances spiral out of control. The narrative maintains a trim and direct structure, diving straight into the essence without dwelling on cumbersome exposition. The crux lies in the nuanced particulars and the adept cast, infusing the characters with a sense of lived-in authenticity and a shared background. “X” stands as a testament to why Ti West deserves the creative freedom to delve into the realms of unhinged, brutal, and exhilarating horror comedies more frequently.

The Wailing

The sudden appearance of a mysterious stranger in a rural village sparks suspicion among its residents, escalating into full-blown paranoia as a mysterious sickness begins to spread. This affliction appears to turn those affected into homicidal individuals without apparent cause. The stakes intensify for an investigating officer when his own daughter falls victim to the illness. Desperate for answers, he turns to a shaman in a quest to unravel the mystery. The tension steadily mounts, weaving various horror tropes into this distinctive narrative. Keep an eye out for elements of murder, exorcisms, and profound malevolence that underscore its chilling message.

Veronica

Based on real events, Veronica recounts the story of a teenage girl in Madrid who finds herself under siege by an evil presence after experimenting with a Ouija board with friends at school. Paco Plaza, known for REC, once again showcases his talent for creating a gripping atmosphere and delivering scares. The ensemble cast, including the adorable Antonito played by Ivan Chavero, adds to the film’s charm. Despite its initial Netflix debut being hailed for terrifying viewers, Veronica may not be the scariest film ever made. Nevertheless, it stands as a strong addition to the horror offerings of 2018, providing a few genuinely chilling moments. Consider pairing it with the prequel Sister Death, also currently available for streaming.

Under the Shadow

In his first feature film, Babak Anvari provides an intriguing take on the Djinn mythology. Against the backdrop of a war-torn Tehran in the late ’80s, Under the Shadow unfolds the story of Shideh (Narges Rashidi) as she endeavors to raise her strong-willed daughter Dorsa (Avin Manshadi) and resume her medical school education, barred due to her political activism. Anvari skillfully cultivates an ominous atmosphere long before the supernatural entity targets Dorsa. The film’s distinctive perspective, coupled with its atmospheric horror and masterful scare techniques, positions this overlooked gem as a compelling must-watch.

Train to Busan

Under the direction of Yeon Sang-ho, the film centers on a divorced, work-focused father traveling to Busan to reunite his estranged daughter with her mother for her birthday. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when a zombie outbreak ensues, compelling the passengers to unite for survival. Yeon Sang-ho injects innovation into the traditional zombie narrative, yet the film’s true distinction lies in its emotional resonance. Beyond the father-daughter bond and protection theme that adds depth to this fast-paced narrative, the film also highlights the emotional stories of other memorable passengers.

The Trip

Married couple Lisa (Noomi Rapace) and Lars (Aksel Hennie) venture to a secluded family cabin with the intention of rekindling their relationship, oblivious to each other’s sinister plans for murder. Just as their murderous schemes commence, a more significant peril emerges in the form of escaped convicts. Presented as a form of violent and darkly comedic marriage counseling, “The Trip” is directed and co-written by Tommy Wirkola (known for “Dead Snow” and “Violent Night”). Noomi Rapace revels in her role as the cunning wife, skillfully outsmarting those in her midst while enduring her fair share of challenges. To put it simply, “The Trip” balances its cruelty with entertainment value.

The Strangers

Bryan Bertino’s inaugural film immediately establishes a melancholic atmosphere. The focal point of this home invasion horror is not a blissful couple in love, but rather one on the brink of collapse. Three masked strangers enter the scene, their eerie presence lurking in the background, inducing spine-chilling sensations. Their motive, a haunting declaration of “Because you were home,” intensifies the terror. James and Kristen (portrayed by Scott Speedman and Liv Tyler) face a bleak reality with no semblance of hope, and the enigmatic killers remain unidentified. The ominous knowledge that these assailants are still at large adds to the horror, creating an unsettling anticipation of further violence. With Renny Harlin announcing a new trilogy, now is an opportune moment to revisit this gripping tale of fear and survival.

Silent Hill

In this cinematic rendition of the acclaimed video game, Rose (played by Radha Mitchell) embarks on a journey to Silent Hill, the enigmatic town, accompanied by her adoptive daughter Sharon (portrayed by Jodelle Ferland), seeking the truth behind Sharon’s tumultuous past. Following a car crash, Sharon mysteriously disappears, and the surroundings are enveloped in a dense fog teeming with monstrous entities. Rose finds herself compelled to confront both the menacing creatures and the fervent cult that dominates the town to reclaim her daughter. The film captivates with its visually striking adaptation, showcasing remarkable creatures and visceral gore. The ensemble cast, featuring the formidable Alice Krige, excels, particularly in the portrayal of the chilling villainess. The mention of “Pyramid Head” adds an extra layer of intrigue. As a sequel helmed by Silent Hill director Christophe Gans is currently in progress, revisiting this compelling narrative may be a worthwhile endeavor.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

On Halloween night in 1968, Stella (portrayed by Zoe Margaret Colletti) and her two companions encounter Ramon (played by Michael Garza), a wandering drifter, as they evade tormentors. Inviting Ramon to join them, the group ventures into a nearby haunted house, where Stella stumbles upon a mysterious book filled with horror stories that manifest in real-time. Director André Øvredal skillfully brings to life the nightmarish illustrations by Stephen Gammell and the chilling narratives by Alvin Schwartz. The eerie presence of Harold the scarecrow, the Pale Lady, the Big Toe corpse (enacted by Javier Botet), and the Jangly Man (brought to life by Troy James) instills terror among the teens of Mill Valley, delivering a contemporary Halloween delight.

The Platform

A gruesome Netflix original unfolds within an unusual vertical prison structure, featuring one cell per floor accommodating two inmates each. Daily sustenance is lowered through the levels on a platform, with prisoners permitted to consume whatever remains for a designated period. Monthly, inmates face random reassignment to a new floor. Those at the highest level indulge in luxury, contrasting starkly with the deprivation and suffering experienced by those many floors below. The film employs a blatant metaphor, lacking subtlety yet retaining potent effectiveness. The narrative takes a brutal and repulsive turn. Given the impending sequel, the current moment offers an opportune time for viewing.

The Perfection

This captivating Netflix treasure seamlessly blends various subgenres into a complex horror thriller, providing an unpredictable and exhilarating journey. The premise is straightforward: Charlotte, a former music prodigy played by Allison Williams (known for Get Out), revisits her alma mater and forms a connection with the new star pupil, Elizabeth (Logan Browning). This companionship propels them toward a trajectory of shocking destruction, reminiscent of elements from Martyrs, Oldboy, and more. A must-watch for enthusiasts who relish horror with a deliciously outlandish twist.

No One Gets Out Alive

If you’re a fan of David Bruckner’s The Ritual, currently available on Netflix, you definitely shouldn’t overlook this gem. Santiago Menghini’s inaugural feature challenges traditional haunted house tropes, offering a riveting subversion that crescendos into an unforgettable climax, leaving audiences yearning for more from the horror trove of author Adam Nevill. Ambar (Cristina Rodlo) becomes ensnared in a harrowing ordeal as she realizes her boarding house is, quite literally, a domicile of horrors. What starts as a conventional haunted tale swiftly pivots into an entirely different subgenre, reaching exhilarating heights.

Missing

This intricate screenlife thriller follows June (Storm Reid) as she embarks on a quest for answers when her mother (Nia Long) disappears during a vacation. Leveraging the latest technology, June employs creative methods from thousands of miles away to locate her mom. However, the deeper she delves into her search, the more disconcerting questions emerge. Crafted by the hands of writers and directors Will Merrick and Nick Johnson, Missing unfolds at a breakneck pace, ensuring a suspenseful journey that keeps the audience guessing.

May The Devil Take You

From Timo Tjahjanto, known for the intense “Safe Haven” segment in V/H/S/2, emerges another gore-laden film reminiscent of The Evil Dead franchise. As Alfie’s father mysteriously falls into a coma, she and her step-family journey to his ancestral villa, unravelling a supernatural pact. When demonic forces arrive to collect, Alfie must navigate a path to settle the debt without sacrificing lives. Tjahjanto boldly showcases his horror influences, subjecting his characters to a visceral onslaught of occult violence.

Malignant

Capturing the essence of late ’90s Dark Castle, the initial scenes lay the groundwork for an extravagant narrative, echoing the tone and bloodshed reminiscent of that era. This signals a thrilling journey ahead, where you’re either immersed in its outrageous wavelength or not. The film is an unceasingly entertaining riot, highlighted by a prison cell massacre featuring a mullet-wearing Zoë Bell and Maddie Hasson’s wide-eyed delivery of the line “You’re adopted?!” Director James Wan, along with screenwriter Akela Cooper, injects a breath of fresh air, and the movie’s exuberant reception solidifies its deserving place in the spotlight.

Love and Monsters

In the aftermath of a monster apocalypse that ravaged civilization seven years ago, the remaining survivors sought refuge in concealed communities, far from the desolate surface world. Joel, a lovelorn man portrayed by Dylan O’Brien, makes the daring choice to leave the diminishing safety of his bunker and embark on a journey covering miles to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Along the way, he encounters both friends and colossal adversaries, presenting a grand spectacle of kaiju adventure infused with elements of horror, comedy, and heartfelt moments. While the creatively crafted creatures add to the allure, Joel’s canine companion, Boy, threatens to steal the spotlight. For those seeking lighter thrills, this endearing creature feature is sure to satisfy.

It’s Alive

Crafted by Larry Cohen, It’s Alive stands as one of the more prominent works from the filmmaker. Unfolding in Los Angeles, the Davis family eagerly anticipates the arrival of their second child. However, upon the due date, their newborn is unveiled as a monstrous entity adorned with fangs and a proclivity for violence. Despite the doctor’s attempts to extinguish the infant’s life, it manages to elude capture, initiating a relentless pursuit to apprehend the murderous baby. This distinctive fusion of schlock horror intertwined with pertinent commentary is quintessential Cohen. Here, it serves as a contemplation on how a baby’s surroundings directly shape its development. Simultaneously, the film embraces the enjoyable aspects of a creature feature, with special effects masterfully handled by Rick Baker.

It Follows

After Jay (Maika Monroe) engages in a romantic encounter with her date, he discloses a supernatural affliction he has passed on through their intimacy. This malevolent force will relentlessly pursue her until her demise or, if the curse spreads widely enough, keep her temporarily safe. The enigmatic entity has the ability to assume the appearance of anyone, visible only to those under its curse. Thus ensues a full-length pursuit steeped in paranoia, with Jay in a constant state of evasion, haunted by danger at every turn. It Follows maintains an almost flawless level of suspense, with the looming threat of potential demise ever-present. The question remains: will the upcoming sequel, They Follow, manage to deliver the same intense blend of tension and terror?

It (2017)

Focusing exclusively on the childhood encounters of the Loser’s Club with the malevolent entity known simply as “It,” director Andy Muschietti crafted a distinctly different adaptation of King’s novel compared to the 1990 made-for-TV mini-series, updating the timeline to the ’80s. The outcome proved to be both a critical triumph and a financial powerhouse. It not only emerged as one of the most lucrative horror films of all time but also stood out as one of the highest-grossing movies overall in 2017.

The House

Netflix’s anthology, presented through stop-motion animation, intricately threads together three eerie tales connected to a single enigmatic house. These segments traverse different periods and atmospheres, recounting the experiences of a low-income family, a stressed developer, and a disgruntled landlady, all intertwined with the same mysterious dwelling. In the first story, Mabel (Mia Goth), the daughter, grapples with an escalating house of horrors as her parents succumb to the allure of newfound opulence. The second segment unfolds with unwelcome pests disrupting a developer’s plans, and the anthology concludes with the third story, offering a darkly comedic and unsettling resolution within an isolated dystopia. While The House intermittently sends shivers down the spine, it consistently delves into profound, underlying feelings of unease.

His House

Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku), a married couple and refugees from Sudan, have endured more hardships than most experience in a lifetime. Fleeing their war-torn village, crossing treacherous oceans, enduring a degrading stint in a U.K. detention facility, they are finally granted housing in their new country. Despite the spaciousness of their new home, they encounter hostility both within and outside its damp, moldy walls. Remi Weekes’s directorial debut skillfully transforms the refugee experience into a chilling horror film, complete with expertly crafted scares. While facing existential terrors in their new lives, Bol and Rial grapple with both the real-world hostility and supernatural forces, creating a gripping narrative that delves into both realms.

Gerald’s Game

Jessie (Carla Gugino) finds herself handcuffed to a bed, abandoned and in a dire situation, as her husband Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) succumbs to a heart attack during an unconventional attempt to rejuvenate their marriage. In a visceral struggle for survival, Jessie is compelled to confront her inner demons, including a traumatic event from her childhood that occurred during a solar eclipse. Mike Flanagan skillfully combines horror and pathos, leading to a chilling and gruesome climax. Fearlessly tackling the once-deemed-unfilmable Stephen King novel, Flanagan reinforces his status as a master of King-inspired horror.

The Fear Street Trilogy

Leigh Janiak takes the directorial reins for a trilogy of slasher films adapted from R.L. Stine’s beloved YA book series. Each installment unfolds in distinct eras, offering diverse experiences for viewers, whether they prefer ’90s nostalgia, blood-soaked ’70s slasher vibes, or a bewitching journey back to 1666. Boasting a stylish approach and a charming cast, the Fear Street trilogy emerged as the standout summer cinematic event of 2021.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Zack Snyder, at the helm, and James Gunn, the pen behind it, make a dynamic impact with this high-octane reimagination of George A. Romero’s iconic zombie film. The chaos starts with a seemingly inconspicuous bite victim in a hospital, rapidly escalating to a world engulfed in flames the next morning. The pace is relentless, mirroring the ferocious speed of the zombies themselves. From the brutal demise of Ana’s husband to his nearly instantaneous transformation, Dawn of the Dead introduces a swifter and more ruthless breed of the undead.

Crimson Peak

Guillermo del Toro, the ardent advocate for monsters, offers his interpretation of Gothic romance. In a subversion of traditional tropes, del Toro places the lead as the heroine of her own narrative and twists the conventional love triangle. Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) accompanies her new husband to his dilapidated mansion, only to discover herself in imminent peril. Keep an eye out for Javier Botet and Doug Jones, portraying some of the mansion’s ghostly inhabitants in a benign yet eerie manner, serving as ominous harbingers. Additionally, explore one of the genre’s most intricate and unsettling romances at the heart of the horror.

Cam

Alice (Madeline Brewer) is employed as an online cam girl, fixated on her position in the site’s rankings. As her ranking ascends, attracting unwarranted attention, Alice becomes a victim of identity theft on her own show when a doppelganger takes her place. “Cam” uses the horror thriller framework to explore the life of a sex worker; Alice’s professional ambition clashes directly with the shame it brings to her family. She attempts to shield them from this reality by keeping them uninformed, intensifying her peril, especially when the doppelganger becomes a part of the equation in director Daniel Goldhaber’s compelling thriller.

Blood Red Sky

Nadja (Peri Baumeister) and her ten-year-old son, Elias (Carl Anton Koch), embark on a flight from Germany to New York. Ailing and seeking a cure through an experimental transfusion from a New York doctor, Nadja’s hopes are shattered when violent terrorists seize control of the flight, placing their lives in jeopardy. The brutality inflicted by a particularly sadistic terrorist triggers Nadja’s inner monster. Fueled by a beating heart of familial love, this gripping horror-thriller offers a ruthless interpretation of vampire lore. The high-altitude thrills bring a surge of intensity, while character development and pathos create a rooting interest, resulting in a compelling action-horror movie.

Backcountry

Alex and Jenn quickly realize they’ve ventured beyond their depth when they opt to escape the city and delve into camping. As Alex insists on leading Jenn to his cherished spot deep within the wilderness, it becomes increasingly clear that he has led them astray. Pyewacket director Adam MacDonald’s feature debut unfolds as an intense survival thriller, with tensions escalating between the duo as their supplies diminish. While a predatory man may or may not be lurking nearby, it pales in comparison to the threat posed by a territorial black bear. Among bear attack movies, this one stands out, delivering the most brutal attack sequence of all time. The anticipation leading up to it is more than justified.

The Babysitter

In “The Babysitter,” bullied twelve-year-old Cole Johnson (Judah Lewis from “Suitable Flesh”) forms a connection with his cool babysitter Bee (Samara Weaving). However, their fun takes a dark turn when he sneaks out of his room and witnesses a Satanic sacrifice. It appears that Bee and her seemingly bubbly, popular friends are involved in Satanism and murder, willing to go to great lengths to protect their sinister secret. McG’s horror-comedy delivers laughs and charm, amplified by the scene-stealing performance of Weaving.

Apostle

Writer/Director Gareth Evans infuses the bone-crunching brutality reminiscent of “The Raid” and “The Raid 2” into his period folk horror film. Starring Dan Stevens from “The Guest,” the movie follows Thomas, a man who embarks on a journey to a remote island in 1905 to infiltrate a cult that has kidnapped his sister for ransom. The cult leaders assert that the barren island became fertile through blood sacrifice, and as Thomas delves deeper, he unravels the grim truth behind these sacrifices. The film’s twists and visceral violence culminate in a gripping, gory final act, featuring torrential bloodletting. “Apostle” is a slow burn that embraces its mysteries, and the journey proves to be worthwhile.