While Halloween is the perfect time to watch horror films, scary movies can be enjoyed at any time of year. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best scary movies on Netflix.
Whether it’s spooky ghosts, masked killers, or evil creatures that frighten you the most, this list is for you.
Close the curtains, dim the lights, and grab a pillow to squeeze. The best scary movies on Netflix movies are designed to scare you and they will achieve that aim in one way or another.
1. The Conjuring (2013)
Horror, Mystery, Thriller | IMDb: 7.5 | RT: 86%
What’s spookier than a ghostly campfire story? The answer is one that is based on actual events. The Conjuring is an extremely scary and suspenseful tale of a family whose home is invaded by something evil. The family seeks the help of a paranormal investigation team played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. And, what happens will give you chills.
2. Hush (2016)
Horror, Thriller | IMDb: 6.6 | RT: 94%
When you live alone, there is one thing that can put a scare into you like no other; a masked killer standing outside your window. Hush, starring Kate Siegel, takes you into the life of a deaf writer who lives in solitude. When she discovers she has become prey for a killer, she must fight for her life. If you’re in the mood for a frightening film, watch Hush when you’re home alone.
3. The Babadook (2014)
Drama, Horror | IMDb: 6.8 | RT: 98%
A single mother whose husband died a violent death, soon has even more danger to confront. The Babadook rolls the mysterious appearance of a children’s book and an evil presence at every turn into one gripping, terrifying tale. With mystery and monsters, this psychological thriller is one bedtime story that might just give you nightmares.
If that interests you, here are some truly nightmarish movies full of jump scares to check out.
4. Stephen King’s Children of the Corn (1984)
Horror, Thriller | IMDb: 5.6 | RT: 36%
From the master in horror stories, Stephen King, comes Children of the Corn. While the movie may be older than others on the list, the creep factor hasn’t diminished over time. A young couple ends up in a small town after becoming lost on their travels across country roads. They soon discover that the children have taken over the town and the corn fields hold all the secrets.
If you’re a fan of Stephen King here are some other movies based on Stephen King novels you can stream across various services.
5. Seven (1995)
Crime, Drama, Mystery | IMDb: 8.6 | RT: 80%
Starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, Seven is a crime mystery that’s scary in its own way. A serial killer is on the loose and they are the detectives on the case. The killer they hunt is on a disturbing mission to teach lessons to others about the seven deadly sins. What makes this movie frightening isn’t just the horrific scenes left by the killer, but the entire film concept as well. And of course, there is a twist in the tale.
6. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Drama, Mystery, Thriller | IMDb: 8.1 | RT: 85%
In The Sixth Sense, you follow a small child, played by Haley Joel Osment, who can communicate with spirits. His psychologist, played by Bruce Willis, does his best to help the young boy while he tries to uncover the truth behind it all. With ghosts showing up around every corner that only the child can see, this spooky story has a surprise that got it nominated for six Academy Awards. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense is a must-see scary film.
7. Hellraiser (1987)
Horror, Thriller | IMDb: 7.0 | RT: 68%
Demons, dimensions, and the dead are what you will find in the original Hellraiser. When a man leaves earth and enters the underworld of an undead dimension, who better to direct that story than horror novelist Clive Barker? Open the puzzle box and prepare to meet the most frightening creatures imaginable, if you dare. And if you survive, check out Hellbound: Hellraiser II on Netflix as well.
8. Scream 2 (1997)
Horror, Mystery | IMDb: 6.1 | RT: 81%
Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox, Scream 2 takes you into Sidney’s world once again. In the original Scream, you watched a group of friends become scared out of their minds by a psychopathic killer. Those who survived, live on to scream again in this frightening follow-up. When you make it through this film, be sure to watch the final movie in the trilogy, Scream 3 on Netflix, also directed by Wes Craven.
9. Out of the Dark (2014)
Horror, Thriller | IMDb: 4.8 | RT: 24%
For a classic haunted house story set in modern times, Julia Stiles stars in Out of the Dark. She plays the wife and mother of a happy family moving to take over the family business in South America. But when they settle into their new home, they realize that something is terribly wrong. Instead of wines and pies, ghosts and secrets turn out to be their housewarming gifts.
10. Curse of Chucky (2013)
Horror, Thriller | IMDb: 5.6 | RT: 83%
Since the original Child’s Play in 1988, that Good Guy doll Chucky has been unstoppable. Curse of Chucky is the sixth film in this creepy possessed doll movie series. If you enjoyed the other installments, then this one is for you. Follow the sarcastic and psychotic Chucky as he torments yet another family. But be sure you tuck the kids in bed first or they might just want a Good Guy doll for themselves.
11. Would You Rather (2012)
Horror | IMDb: 5.7 | RT:57%
How far would you go for enough money to help your fatally ill brother? In Would You Rather, a seemingly innocent dinner party full of strangers soon turns into an insane game of choices. A merciless millionaire is willing to help those who need it, but at costs that are higher than the group can afford. Starring Brittany Snow, this movie is more disturbing than spooky, but still scary to watch.
Netflix Knows What Scares You
While this article is all about the best scary movies on Netflix there are plenty of sites to watch horror movies for free.
Netflix may not offer streaming for popular slashers like Friday the 13th, extra-terrestrial terrors like Alien, demented flicks like Saw, or demonic classics like The Exorcist. But this list does give you some scary options to explore that might just satisfy your craving for horror and suspense.
And once you have exhausted this list of scary movies, you can then add these scary TV shows perfect for bingeing to your lineup too.
