Netflix has a treasure trove of chilling movies that cater to every horror aficionado’s taste. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, supernatural horrors, or slasher films, the streaming platform has something to keep you on the edge of your seat. From haunted houses to dystopian futures, here are 19 terrifying movies on Netflix that promise to deliver spine-tingling chills and thrills.
The Conjuring
Enter the world of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. With its eerie atmosphere, slow build-up of tension, and expertly crafted scares, The Conjuring is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
Gerald’s Game
A seemingly simple weekend getaway turns into a nightmare when a woman finds herself handcuffed to a bed after her husband’s sudden death. Trapped and alone, she must confront her inner demons and past traumas to survive. The psychological tension mounts, creating an intense and unsettling experience that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
Hush
A deaf writer living in seclusion becomes the target of a masked killer, providing a unique take on survival horror that is heightened by the protagonist’s inability to hear her stalker. The cat-and-mouse game that ensues is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, making it a standout in the home invasion genre.
Bird Box
In a post-apocalyptic world, a mother and her children navigate their way to safety while blindfolded to avoid supernatural entities that drive people to suicide. With intense moments that keep you glued to the screen, the film’s sense of danger is palpable throughout, while Sandra Bullock’s compelling performance adds depth to this gripping tale of survival.
Cam
A camgirl’s life takes a terrifying turn when a doppelgänger steals her online identity. As she fights to regain control, the narrative delves into themes of identity and privacy in the digital age. It has an unsettling atmosphere and psychological horror, making it a thought-provoking and chilling watch.
His House
In His House, two refugees fleeing war-torn South Sudan struggle to adjust to their new life in England. As they assimilate, their new home becomes a site of haunting and terror, blending social commentary with supernatural horror. Offering a unique and powerful experience, His House effectively combines a gripping ghost story with poignant themes of displacement and trauma.
The Ritual
Four friends on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness stumble upon an ancient evil in The Ritual. As a malevolent presence hunts the group, the film explores guilt, grief, and survival themes, keeping you engaged until the end.
Apostle
Set in 1905, the film follows a man on a mission to rescue his sister from a sinister cult on a remote island. Combining folk horror and brutal violence, the film creates an unsettling viewing experience. The slow-burn narrative builds to a horrifying climax, making it a gripping and intense journey into the dark side of human nature.
Under the Shadow
In war-torn 1980s Tehran, a mother and daughter are haunted by a malevolent spirit. An expert fusion of historical context with supernatural elements follows, delivering genuine scares through a claustrophobic setting and mounting tension.
The Babadook
In The Babadook, we follow a single mother who battles her son’s fear of a monster lurking in their home, only to discover a sinister presence. The film’s psychological depth and eerie atmosphere have made it a modern horror classic. At the same time, its exploration of grief and motherhood adds layers of complexity, making it a deeply unsettling watch.
The Invitation
A dinner party turns increasingly tense as a man suspects his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests. The slow-burn suspense builds to a shocking climax, keeping you guessing throughout. The film’s exploration of grief, loss, and trust creates a compelling and chilling narrative.
It Follows
After a young woman has a strange sexual encounter, she becomes the target of a relentless, supernatural entity. The film’s unique premise and chilling execution make it a must-watch. The sense of impending doom and the constant threat of the entity create an atmosphere of unrelenting tension and dread.
Creep
A videographer answers an ad to document a dying man’s final days, only to realize his subject has sinister motives. Creep’s iconic found-footage style adds to the tension and unease, making it a unique, engaging horror film with an unpredictable antagonist.
Cargo
Set in post-apocalyptic Australia, a father searches for someone to care for his infant daughter as he succumbs to a zombie infection. Alongside this unique premise, the film’s emotional depth and haunting visuals set it apart from typical zombie fare. At the same time, its depiction of parental love and sacrifice adds a poignant layer to this gripping survival tale.
Veronica
Based on a true story, this Spanish horror film follows a young girl who experiences terrifying supernatural occurrences after a séance. The film’s atmosphere and scares make it a standout in the genre. The blend of teenage angst and supernatural horror creates a compelling and chilling narrative.
The Platform
In a dystopian future, prisoners in a vertical prison face a daily struggle for survival as food is distributed on a descending platform. With social commentary and psychological horror in spades, the film’s exploration of human nature and the brutal fight for resources creates a thought-provoking and intense experience.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, father-son coroners are faced with a mysterious corpse harboring dark secrets. The film’s claustrophobic setting and supernatural elements create an intense viewing experience, while the slow unraveling of the corpse’s mysteries and the mounting tension make it a gripping tale.
The Witch
In 1630s New England, one Puritan family faces paranoia and witchcraft accusations. Exploring superstition, historical gender inequalities, and sexual deviation, The Witch is an atmospheric horror with all the makings of a modern classic. The slow-burn narrative and the exploration of religious fervor and fear create a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience.
In the Tall Grass
Based on a story by Stephen King and Joe Hill, several strangers find themselves trapped in a vast field of tall grass, encountering horrors as they try to escape. The disorienting setting and supernatural elements create a sense of dread and confusion, while the dizzying exploration of time and space adds an intriguing and chilling layer to the narrative.
