Netflix has consistently proven itself as a treasure trove for horror movie enthusiasts, offering a vast collection of films that cater to all kinds of fear thresholds. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, supernatural hauntings, gory slashers, or chilling monster movies, the streaming giant’s library has something for everyone. In this 2024 edition of “The Ultimate Guide to the Best Horror Movies on Netflix,” we’ve handpicked some of the most terrifying and gripping titles available, perfect for a spine-tingling movie marathon.
Grab your popcorn (and maybe a blanket to hide under) as we delve into the best horror movies you can watch on Netflix right now.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Directed by: Ari Aster
Genre: Psychological Horror
Starring: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a modern horror classic that delves deep into family trauma and the dark, supernatural forces that surround it. Following the death of her mother, Annie (Toni Collette) and her family experience a series of disturbing events that unravel secrets from their past. The film is renowned for its chilling atmosphere, shocking imagery, and Toni Collette’s masterful performance, making it one of the most unsettling films on Netflix.
Hereditary plays with themes of grief, mental illness, and generational curses, making it a truly haunting experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
2. The Witch (2015)
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch is a period horror film that tells the story of a Puritan family exiled to the edge of a forest, where a dark, malevolent force lurks. As strange occurrences plague the family, paranoia and fear consume them, leading to devastating consequences. The film’s slow-burn approach builds an intense atmosphere of dread, relying more on psychological horror than jump scares.
With haunting cinematography and brilliant performances, especially from Anya Taylor-Joy, The Witch stands as one of the most atmospheric and disturbing horror films available on Netflix.
3. The Conjuring (2013)
Directed by: James Wan
Genre: Supernatural/Haunted House
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston
The Conjuring has become one of the most iconic supernatural horror films of the last decade, sparking an entire cinematic universe of sequels and spin-offs. Based on the real-life investigations of paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), the film focuses on a family who experiences terrifying hauntings after moving into an old farmhouse.
James Wan’s masterful direction brings a fresh take on the classic haunted house genre, filled with nerve-wracking tension, expertly crafted scares, and a chilling atmosphere. It’s a must-watch for fans of ghost stories and supernatural horror.
4. The Babadook (2014)
Directed by: Jennifer Kent
Genre: Psychological Horror
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman
The Babadook is a psychological horror film that has earned a place in the pantheon of modern horror classics. It centers on a widowed mother, Amelia, and her young son, Samuel, who are tormented by a mysterious and malevolent entity from a disturbing children’s book. The film brilliantly blends supernatural elements with real-world struggles like grief, trauma, and mental illness, creating a horror experience that’s both terrifying and emotionally poignant.
Essie Davis delivers a powerhouse performance as a mother on the edge of a breakdown, and the titular Babadook monster is now an iconic figure in horror cinema.
5. It Follows (2014)
Directed by: David Robert Mitchell
Genre: Supernatural/Thriller
Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto
It Follows is a uniquely unsettling film that brings a fresh concept to the horror genre. The movie revolves around a young woman named Jay (Maika Monroe), who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter. The entity, which can take the form of anyone, relentlessly follows her at a slow, menacing pace, only stopping once it kills its current target.
The film’s unsettling atmosphere, minimalistic score, and clever commentary on adolescence, intimacy, and fear make It Follows one of the most original and unnerving horror films on Netflix.
6. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Starring: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Gerald’s Game is a psychological horror film that delves deep into fear and survival. When a woman (Carla Gugino) is left handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin after her husband’s sudden death, she must confront not only the very real threat of starvation but also her own traumatic past. As she begins to hallucinate, the boundaries between reality and her mind blur in terrifying ways.
Mike Flanagan’s direction keeps the tension tight throughout the film, and Carla Gugino’s standout performance makes this one of the most gripping psychological horror films you can stream on Netflix.
7. Hush (2016)
Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Genre: Slasher/Thriller
Starring: Kate Siegel, John Gallagher Jr.
In Hush, director Mike Flanagan gives us a fresh twist on the home invasion genre. The film follows Maddie, a deaf and mute writer living in isolation, who finds herself being stalked by a masked killer. With no way to call for help and no ability to hear her attacker’s movements, Maddie must rely on her wits and resilience to survive the night.
Taut, suspenseful, and relentless in its tension, Hush is an excellent example of how to create a minimalist horror film with maximum impact. It’s a must-watch for fans of slasher films and intense thrillers.
8. Apostle (2018)
Directed by: Gareth Evans
Genre: Folk Horror
Starring: Dan Stevens, Lucy Boynton, Michael Sheen
Apostle is a visually stunning and deeply unsettling folk horror film set in 1905. The story follows Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) as he embarks on a journey to rescue his sister from a mysterious cult residing on a remote island. However, as he delves deeper into the group’s strange practices and dark secrets, he uncovers a far more horrifying reality than he anticipated.
The film’s combination of brutal violence, religious fanaticism, and occult rituals makes for a gripping and disturbing horror experience. Directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid), Apostle is a haunting, atmospheric tale that will keep you on edge until the very end.
9. Cam (2018)
Directed by: Daniel Goldhaber
Genre: Psychological Horror/Techno Thriller
Starring: Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters
Cam offers a fascinating take on the darker side of internet culture, following Alice (Madeline Brewer), a camgirl who discovers that her online persona has been taken over by an exact replica of herself. As she tries to unravel the mystery, Alice finds herself spiraling deeper into a surreal nightmare where her sense of identity begins to blur.
With strong performances, particularly from Brewer, Cam is a chilling commentary on the dangers of living your life online. It merges psychological horror with the eerie anonymity of the internet, making it a truly unique and relevant horror film.
10. The Ritual (2017)
Directed by: David Bruckner
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Starring: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
The Ritual follows a group of friends who venture into the Scandinavian wilderness for a hiking trip to honor a deceased friend. However, they soon realize that they are being stalked by a sinister presence lurking in the woods. As the men are forced deeper into the forest, they uncover ancient rituals, pagan deities, and their own fears.
This atmospheric horror film is masterfully crafted, blending elements of folk horror and creature features with stunning visuals of the Swedish wilderness. The film’s tension builds slowly but surely, culminating in a terrifying and unexpected conclusion.
Conclusion
Horror has long been a genre that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, creating terrifying and unforgettable experiences for audiences. Netflix continues to offer a fantastic selection of horror films that cater to every kind of horror fan, from the psychological and supernatural to slasher flicks and folk horror.
Whether you prefer the slow-burn terror of The Witch, the gripping suspense of Hush, or the psychological depth of Hereditary, there’s something on Netflix for every horror enthusiast. With this 2024 edition of the ultimate guide to the best horror movies on Netflix, you’re just a click away from a night of fright.
FAQs
- Are these horror movies available globally on Netflix?
Availability can vary by region, but most of these films should be accessible in major Netflix territories. - Are there any new horror films releasing on Netflix in 2024?
Yes, Netflix often adds new horror titles, so be sure to check back for the latest releases throughout the year. - Which of these films is the scariest?
While this depends on personal fear tolerance, Hereditary and The Witch are often regarded as some of the most terrifying films on this list. - Is The Conjuring suitable for all horror fans?
The Conjuring appeals to fans of supernatural horror, particularly those who enjoy haunted house themes and jump scares. - Do any of these movies contain graphic violence?
Yes, some films like Apostle and Gerald’s Game contain graphic violence, so viewer discretion is advised.
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