travel horror movies on netflix

25 scariest horror movies on Netflix (updated February 2024)

By mads lennon | feb 6, 2024, 1:18 pm est.

A new year is upon us and there are plenty of reasons to continue watching horror films ! Luckily for Netflix subscribers, there are plenty of scary movies on Netflix to watch this time of year. Netflix has added several new titles in the past couple of months, including notable titles like X and The Babadook .

If you’re hankering to start watching scary stuff because you like watching horror all year, then there are choices for those who want to be scared out of their wits and for families looking for something nice to watch together!

The Babadook (2014)

Train to busan (2016), malignant (2021), insidious (2010), sister death (2023), the wailing (2016), it follows (2014), no one gets out alive (2014), ouija: origin of evil (2016), lights out (2016), apostle (2018), his house (2020), incantation (2022), blood red sky (2021), crimson peak (2015), gerald’s game (2017), verónica (2017), fear street (2021), creep (2014), the perfection (2018), the ritual (2017), the babysitter (2017).

• Directed by : Ti West
• Starring : Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, and Scott Mescudi

The first movie in what has become a popular slasher film franchise helmed by Ti West , X is an excellent and over-the-top horror movie following a group of filmmakers determined to break into the adult entertainment industry. Mia Goth pulls double duty here as Maxine Minx and one of the movie's primary antagonists, Pearl.

After renting an out-of-the-way spot on a rural Texas property, the friends find themselves in mortal peril after their hosts start picking them off one by one. Apart from Goth, X also stars Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Martin Henderson, and more.

• Directed by : Jennifer Kent
• Starring : Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, Barbara West, and Ben Winspear

This Australian horror movie from writer and director Jennifer Kent is based on Kent's short film Monster and follows a widowed single mother who is forced to confront a vicious boogeyman-like monster after it takes up in her home. Over the years, The Babadook has become something of a cult classic, thanks both to the film being excellent and the many memes that have been born related to the titular creature.

• Directed by : Andy Muschietti
• Starring : Jaeden Lieberher, Bill Skarsgård, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, Nicholas Hamilton, and Jackson Robert Scott

Based on Stephen King's iconic horror novel of the same name, It has become incredibly famous largely due to its terrifying villain, Pennywise the Dancing Clown. In this version of the story, he's played by Bill Skarsgard, who delivers a particularly memorable and menacing performance as the eldritch creature who preys on children in a 27-year cycle within the fictional town of Derry, Maine.

It tends to come and go from Netflix, so if you do want to revisit it, now is the best time to check it out! It: Chapter Two isn't on Netflix right now, but you can rent or buy the film digitally.

• Directed by : Yeon Sang-ho
• Starring : Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee, and Kim Eui-sung

This 2016 Korean film became a massive hit that went on to launch a franchise that includes an animated prequel and a standalone sequel. An American adaptation is also in development. Train to Busan primarily takes place on a train when a man and his young daughter find themselves trapped amid a zombie outbreak.

• Directed by : James Wan
• Starring : Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young, and Michole Briana White

Malignant is a divisive horror film from 2021 that recently got added to Netflix, which is somewhat surprising since the film was touted as a Max original when it first released, but a lot has changed in two years. Warner Bros. regularly licenses content to the streaming service now and Malignant is the most recent acquisition.

The movie comes from popular horror filmmaker James Wan and writer Akela Cooper, who also penned the screenplays for The Nun II and M3GAN . This movie is a bonkers R-rated flick starring Annabelle Wallis tormented by horrific visions of people being murdered, but she soon realizes that these "visions" are actually happening in real life.

• Starring : Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Barbara Hershey

The supernatural horror film that started it all is back on Netflix. In 2023, Sony wrapped up its Insidious film franchise with Insidious: The Red Door , directed by star Patrick Wilson. For now, the saga of the Lambert family has come to a close, though I’d be surprised if that remains a permanent ending forever, especially after the fifth movie became one of the top-earning horror movies of 2023 and the highest-earning Insidious film of the entire franchise.

Nonetheless, most fans can agree that the 2010 movie is the best of the bunch. I personally haven’t liked a single Insidious film since then, though some have been more successful than others. Revisit Insidious to remember what made the series so terrifying in the first place, including the introduction of the Lipstick Demon, one of the best jump scares of modern cinema, and the meme-worthy usage of Tiny Tim’s “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” during the film’s climactic moment.

• Directed by : Paco Plaza
• Starring : Aria Bedmar, Maru Valdivielso, Luisa Merelas, Almudena Amor, Chelo Vivares, Sara Roch, Olimpia Roch, Adriana Camarena, Martina Delgado, and Claudia Fernández Arroyo

Paco Plaza directs this prequel to his 2017 Spanish horror movie Verónica . Sister Death follows the origins of the titular character, a blind nun who helps Verónica in the first film. In Sister Death , we’re introduced to Narcisa as a young woman who gets a new job teaching at a convent turned all-girls boarding school.

Set during post-war Spain in the 1940s, Narcisa must navigate the school as it becomes increasingly apparent that something bad is happening, something that sparks an investigation into the school’s dark history. Sister Death isn’t necessarily the scariest film, but it does have some very disturbing imagery and plays out like a character-driven psychological drama at times. Actress Aria Bedmar is excellent in the lead role and it’s worth watching for her alone.

• Directed by : Na Hong-jin
• Starring : Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, and Jun Kunimura

The Wailing is an acclaimed South Korean horror movie released in 2016 and recently added to Netflix. If you are a fan of horror then The Wailing is a must-watch. It’s not a Netflix Original film, so try to get to it as soon as you can before it’s removed. The Wailing might seem daunting at first because it is a very long movie, almost 2 1/2 hours long, but it’s worth it to get invested in this captivating saga of a small town terrorized by a demonic entity.

It has a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is often considered one of the best horror movies of the past decade. Some even believe it to be a modern masterpiece and it will leave you with a lot to think about as the movie doesn’t really hold your hand. It’s truly an epic saga that unfolds slowly across its lengthy runtime.

• Directed by : David Robert Mitchell
• Starring : Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, Daniel Zovatto, and Jake Weary

It Follows is an acclaimed horror film from 2014 starring underrated scream queen Maika Monroe ( The Watcher , Significant Other , and more). Monroe plays a teenager named Jay who sleeps with her boyfriend for the first time, only to learn that he’s transferred a deadly curse to her that is transmitted through sex.

Jay tries to get help from her friends, but they believe she’s just being paranoid until they start seeing the invisible entities after her, too. Jay must do whatever it takes to pass on the curse or try to break the deadly loop once and for all. Despite the movie’s simple premise, it’s a very uneasy viewing experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

• Directed by : Santiago Menghini
• Starring : Cristina Rodlo, Marc Menchaca, David Figlioli, David Barrera, and Victoria Alcock

If it’s a film adaptation of an Adam Nevill novel, then you know you’re going to be in for something terrifying. Netflix previously adapted Nevill’s novel The Ritual , a folk horror film featured on this list. No One Gets Out Alive is adapted from another Nevill book about a young woman who moves into a new apartment and finds herself increasingly disturbed by how the tenants act each night. No One Gets Out Alive is a British film centered on Ambar (Cristina Rodlo).

Ambar is undocumented and strapped for cash, as she’s forced to work under the table for money until she can get a new identity and citizenship. Unable to afford much, she finds a room for rent at an old boardinghouse and quickly realizes something is very wrong at her new residence. Ambar begins experiencing eerie phenomena, and she notices signs of ritual sacrifice in the rooms of the old house.

No One Gets Out Alive is a tense film from the start, but it’s the ending that really makes this movie stand out, as it includes one of the coolest monsters and creature designs I’ve seen from a horror film on Netflix.

• Directed by : Mike Flanagan Starring : Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso, and Henry Thomas

Netflix recently added the 2014 film Ouija to its catalog, but its sequel, Ouija: Origin of Evil , has been streaming on the service for longer and is the superior of the two movies. The good thing is that you can watch Origin of Evil without having seen the first, although there is a fun little easter egg/reference at the end of the film that ties back to the first one.

Directed by horror master Mike Flanagan ( The Haunting of Hill House , Midnight Mass ), Ouija: Origin of Evil is set in 1967 Los Angeles and follows widowed mother, Alice Zander, as she adds a new stunt to her scam scéance business and unknowingly invites an evil presence into her house that preys upon her youngest daughter.

• Directed by : David F. Sandberg
• Starring : Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Billy Burke, and Maria Bello

This 2016 supernatural horror film marked David F. Sandberg’s directorial debut. Based on Sandberg’s 2013 short film, Lights Out follows Teresa Palmer’s character Rebecca as she confronts childhood fears and strives to protect her brother (Gabriel Bateman) from a vengeful entity attached to her mother (Maria Bello).

What initially appeared to be a run-of-the-mill horror film was a surprising success thanks to excellent performances, great direction, and compelling cinematography. Lights Out made a significant profit, grossing over $148 million against a $4.9 million budget. Unsurprisingly, a sequel is in development, though it’s unclear if it is still happening since there have been no updates on its status in more than five years.

• Directed by : Gareth Evans
• Starring : Dan Stevens, Lucy Boynton, Mark Lewis Jones, Bill Milner, Kristine Froseth, Paul Higgins, and Michael Sheen

Apostle is a must-watch movie for folk horror fans. It starts slowly, but stick with it, and I promise you will be rewarded. If you’re into movies like Midsommar , The Ritual , The Witch , and The Wicker Man , this should be at the top of your watchlist.

Dan Stevens stars as Thomas Richardson, a London citizen who must rescue his sister from a religious cult in 1905. But as soon as Thomas infiltrates the secluded island where the cult dwells, he learns that the community has been overcome with corruption and is hiding a horrible secret.

Apostle starts off a bit slow, but if you give the movie a chance, you’ll be impressed by just how dark and disturbing it can get. I think it’s one of the most underrated movies on Netflix, maybe one of the most underrated horror movies of the past decade. It’s unfortunate that this film sort of got dumped off on Netflix without much fanfare. Don’t miss out on it! Dan Stevens and Michael Sheen especially are excellent here.

• Directed by : Remi Weekes
• Starring : Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu and Matt Smith

His House is a very well-received horror film written and directed by Remi Weekes. The story is based on one written by Felicity Evans and Toby Venables. Premiering at the Sundance film festival in January 2020, the film make its international debut on Netflix months later in October, where it received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. His House even scored a rare 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Certified Fresh seal of approval.

Despite the acclaim, His House is still relatively underrated and not as well-known as it should be, in my humble opinion. If you’ve never heard of it or haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, I suggest making time for it!

The story centers on a couple who narrowly escape war-torn South Sudan for a quiet life in an English town. But unfortunately for them, not long after arriving, they start to realize that something is very wrong in their new residence and something evil is lurking just beneath the surface.

• Directed by : Kevin Ko
• Starring : Tsai Hsuan-yen, Huang Sin-ting, Kao Ying-hsuan, Sean Lin, and RQ

If you’re a fan of found-footage horror movies and films like The Ring , then Incantation needs to be on your list. The film’s writer-director, Kevin Ko (who also co-wrote the screenplay Chang Che-wei), revealed that he was excited to see his movie getting an international release when it comes to Netflix in July.

Incantation is inspired by a real event involving a family of cult worshippers in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was shot in a mockumentary-style mixed with found-footage sequences and even moments of actors breaking the fourth wall.

Not only was this movie commercially successful in Taiwan, but critics have enjoyed it too and it has received multiple nominations at the Taipei Film Awards. An Incantation sequel has also already been announced.

• Directed by : Peter Thorwarth
• Starring : Roland Møller, Peri Baumeister, Chidi Ajufo, Alexander Scheer, and Dominic Purcell

Blood Red Sky kind of came out of nowhere and immediately became a hit with horror fans. The British-German film from director Peter Thorwarth—who co-wrote the screenplay with Stefan Holtz—has a silly-sounding premise involving a plane hijacking and vampires, but it ends up being a very tense and thrilling movie, perhaps one of the best vampire movies in the genre, certainly the best I’ve seen in quite in some time.

In fact, the less you know about this movie, the better. So, if you’re reading this and thinking it sounds entertaining but you don’t know much about it, I’d advise against doing too much research because this film has a lot of surprises in store and it’s much more satisfying if you don’t anticipate what’s to come.

• Directed by : Guillermo del Toro
• Starring : Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, Mia Wasikowska, and Jim Beaver

Do you like gothic stories? Guillermo del Toro? Tom Hiddleston? Then you’re in luck because Crimson Peak checks all three of those boxes! A gothic romance film directed by del Toro and written by him and Matthew Robbins, Crimson Peak stars Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, Mia Wasikowska, and Jim Beaver (a.k.a. Bobby from Supernatural ).

Set during the Edwardian era in England, the movie follows an aspiring author who settles down in a grand Gothic manor alongside her new husband and his sister. While there, she finds herself living far away from everyone and everything, soon becoming caught up in the strange mysteries of her new home and the terrifying specters living within.

• Directed by : Mike Flanagan
• Starring : Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood

As a Mike Flanagan super-fan, you can’t blame me for adding basically all of his projects to this list! Besides Hush , Ouija: Origin of Evil , Oculus , and Doctor Sleep (plus his television shows!), Flanagan also directed Gerald’s Game , which is another adaptation of a Stephen King novel. Honestly, Netflix should really try to license all of Flanagan’s movies at this point and just become the de facto home for all of his stuff, they’re already over halfway there, but I digress.

Gerald’s Game reunited Flanagan with Carla Gugino, who also starred in The Haunting of Hill House and will star in his upcoming series The Fall of the House of Usher . Gugino is an amazing actress who I’ve been a fan of for ages, too, and she’s stellar in Gerald’s Game , especially since she has the difficult task of essentially carrying the movie herself.

The story is simple (and actually a little similar to Till Death ). Gerald and Jessie Burlingame travel to an isolated lake house and start to get a little adventurous in the bedroom. But things get weird when Gerald breaks out the handcuffs and tries to act out a rape fantasy with his wife. Jessie plays along at first, before growing a little uneasy.

• Starring : Sandra Escacena, Bruna González, and Claudia Placer

Veronica is a Spanish supernatural horror film released in 2017 that is loosely based on true events, specifically the 1991 case of Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro, who died mysteriously after interacting with an Ouija board. Veronica is an underrated film, which is surprising since it garnered critical acclaim, and many who have watched the movie consider it to be genuinely terrifying and effective in its scares.

Taking place during a solar eclipse, Veronica follows a teenage girl who tries to summon her father using an Ouija board. She and her friends have no clue about the darkness they’ve tapped into until it’s much too late. During the session, she loses consciousness, and when she wakes up, it’s clear that some evil has arrived.

• Directed by : Leigh Janiak
• Starring : Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Julia Rehwald, Fred Hechinger, Ashley Zukerman, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Maya Hawke, Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins, McCabe Slye, Ted Sutherland, and Gillian Jacobs

The Fear Street trilogy was a big summer movie event on Netflix in 2021. Based on the popular novel series by prolific horror writer R.L. Stine, the Fear Street series consists of three films: Fear Street Part One: 1994 , Fear Street Part Two: 1978 , and Fear Street Part Three: 1666 .

While each film has its own story, there is also an overarching plot that runs through all three movies and revolves around teenagers trying to break the curse that has infected the town of Shadyside for centuries.

Part One is set in 1994 and revolves around a group of teens trying to defeat an ancient evil. Then in Part Two , the story takes us back to 1978 at a summer camp called Camp Nightwing, where the counselors and students must band together against a possessed counselor.

Finally, in Part Three , we go all the way back to 1666 to see how the curse on Shadyside started. The third film also ties the overarching plot line together and connects back to the surviving characters in 1994.

• Directed by : Patrick Brice
• Starring : Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice

The Creep movies are excellent, underrated psychological horror movies starring Mark Duplass in one of his most terrifying roles yet. Released in 2014, the first Creep marked Patrick Brice’s directorial debut. The story was devised by Brice and Duplass, who collaborated on creating the movie.

Filmed as found footage, Creep follows Brice, a videographer, who has accepted a job to make a video for a strange client played by Duplass. If you enjoy the first movie, you should definitely check out Creep 2 , which I actually liked even more than the original movie. Both are currently available to stream on Netflix.

In Creep 2 , Duplass reprises his role from the first movie and hires yet another unsuspecting videographer to help him with a documentary. Desiree Akhavan and Karan Soni joined the cast for the follow-up film.

• Directed by : Daniel Goldhaber
• Starring : Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters, Devin Druid, Imani Hakim, and Michael Dempsey

Cam is, in my humble opinion, one of the most underrated horror films on Netflix. This savvy techno-thriller, written by Isa Mazzei, Daniel Goldhaber, and Isabelle Link-Levy, draws inspiration from Mazzei’s real experiences working as a camgirl.

Along with assisting in creating the story, Goldhaber also directed the movie. Before making its debut on Netflix, Cam had its world premiere at Fantasia Fest, where it was met with a fantastic reception from critics and genre fans. It went on to receive several accolades from horror and genre film festivals.

The story revolves around camgirl Alice (Madeleine Brewer), or “Lola_Lola,” as she’s known online. Alice regularly takes requests and posts promiscuous content as she tries to compete for the number one spot in the site’s rankings. But one day, Alice finds herself locked out of her account, the channel taken over by a near-exact replica of herself.

• Directed by : Richard Shepard
• Starring : Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Weber, and Alaina Huffman

The Perfection is a genuinely terrifying and super twisted psychological thriller starring Allison Williams and Logan Browning. Williams and Browning are exceptional in this movie, playing young cellists in competition with one another.

Williams plays Charlotte Willmore, a talented musician who has to leave a prestigious music school to care for her mother. Years later, Charlotte discovers that a rising star named Lizzie Wells has replaced her at the academy as the new star pupil.

After her mother dies, Charlotte returns to the school and befriends Lizzie in the process, but are her intentions more sinister than they seem? Nothing in this movie is what it appears to be, and it’s best to go in as blind as possible if you can.

• Directed by : David Bruckner
• Starring : Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier and Sam Troughton

The Ritual is a British horror film adapted from Adam Nevill’s 2011 novel of the same name. If that name sounds familiar to you, you might have watched Netflix’s other horror film; No One Get Out Alive , also based on one of Nevill’s novels. Like No One Gets Out Alive , The Ritual has a horrifying monster and incredible creature design.

A folk horror film, The Ritual follows a group of friends who plan a hiking trip through North Sweden. But the friends overcompensate for their abilities and quickly realize that the hike is going to be more tedious than fun, especially since one of them injures his knee early on.

Rather than try to complete the trek, they decide to call it quits and try to figure out the fastest way out of the wooded area. As it’s a horror movie, you can probably guess where this is going. Instead of sticking to the map, the group tries to save time by taking an unmarked shortcut. They soon realize that they’ve stumbled into forbidden territory, and something ancient is stalking them, picking them off one by one.

• Directed by : McG
• Starring : Samara Weaving, Judah Lewis, Hana Mae Lee, Robbie Amell and Bella Thorne

If you consider yourself a Samara Weaving fan, then you need to watch The Babysitter as it was one of her breakout roles. Weaving has quickly made a name for herself in the horror genre, and beyond with films like Ready or Not and Mayhem , but before that, there was Netflix’s The Babysitter , where she plays the titular role.

This teen black comedy slasher film is tons of fun. It’s a little campy and ridiculous, but it’s a total blast to watch, and it was successful enough for Netflix to make a sequel, The Babysitter: Killer Queen , although that one had a more mixed reception.

The Babysitter follows Cole and his babysitter, Bee. Bee seems like the best kind of babysitter to have. She’s attractive, popular, really nice, and super funny. One night while staying at Cole’s house to watch him, Cole sneaks out of his bed after his bedtime and discovers a disturbing truth about the seemingly sweet Bee.

She’s actually a cold-blooded killer and the leader of a devil-worshipping cult. Instead of sleeping, Cole has to try to survive the night and not get murdered by Bee and her friends, who will go to any lengths to protect their dark secret.

Next. Best Netflix movies currently streaming. dark

11 Best Horror Movies About Traveling on Netflix in November 2023

We are entering the season when trips to visit family and friends are abundant. By foot, by plane, by boat, or by automobile, November’s Netflix horror movie recommendations are all about traveling.

Table of Contents

Now that Halloween is over, the winter holiday season is fast approaching. November is the month when countless people prepare to spend the holidays with family and friends near and far. In the United States, the busiest travel days of the year occur in November around the Thanksgiving holiday . We all know that travel (and for some, spending time with that certain member of your family) can be horrific. For that reason, this month’s Netflix horror movie recommendations all involve traveling of some kind. Sometimes the terror is found at the destination, sometimes the trip itself is the most frightening part.

11 Horror Movies About Traveling Streaming on Netflix in November 2023

1. it follows (2014).

Director: David Robert Mitchell | Runtime: 100 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Curses, Methodical Monsters, Timeless Aesthetics

The traveling in It Follows starts with the movie’s monster. It is an entity that ceaselessly follows its target at a steady walk, horribly killing its victim if it catches up to them. Jay (Maika Monroe) is targeted by the entity after sleeping with her new boyfriend, and now Jay, accompanied by her friends, must move from place to place until she decides what she is willing to do to rid herself of the presence following her.

2. Cargo (2017)

Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke | Runtime: 104 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Zombies, Outbreak Movies , Australian Horror

Traveling with a baby can take a lot of extra planning and effort. Just imagine the added horror of traveling with a baby when you know you’re infected with a virus that will transform you into a violent zombie-like monster within a couple of days. That’s the premise of Cargo , a movie about a man trying to find someone to care for his child before his infection changes him forever.

3. The Silence (2019)

Director: John R. Leonetti | Runtime: 90 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Swarming Monsters, Cults

Road trips with the family can be long and tedious. The road trip taken by the Andrews family in The Silence is far from tedious. They are driving to the relative quiet of the countryside in hopes of escaping swarms of killer creatures that are attracted to noise. Their van is attacked, but their trip is far from over.

4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Director: David Blue Garcia | Runtime: 83 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Slashers , Gore, Requels

Wherever you decide to travel to, you should always respect the local people who live at your destination. In Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), a sequel to the original 1974 movie, a member of a group of people hoping to gentrify the small town of Harlow, Texas effectively kicks an old woman out of her home which leads to her death. Leatherface was close to the old woman, so now he reacts the only way he knows how… with his chainsaw (and various other implements of destruction).

5. The Old Ways (2020)

Director: Christopher Alender | Runtime: 90 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Folk Horror , Possession Movies, Witchcraft

There’s an old saying that “you can never go home again.” This is true for Cristina (Brigitte Kali Canales) who travels from Los Angeles to her childhood home in Mexico. Once there, she is accused of being possessed and is drawn into a grueling exorcism ritual.

6. A Classic Horror Story (2021)

Director: Roberto De Feo, Paolo Strippoli | Runtime: 95 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Cabin in the Woods Movies, Big Twists, Italian Horror

Ridesharing can be convenient and cost-effective for certain travelers. In A Classic Horror Story , carpooling with a bunch of strangers leads to torture and death for people in Elisa’s (Matilda Lutz) group.

7. Blood Red Sky (2021)

Director: Peter Thorwarth | Runtime: 123 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Vampire Movies , Claustrophobic Horror, Airplanes

When you think about it, being trapped inside a tube tens of thousands of feet in the air is already a weird situation to willingly put yourself into. But traveling by plane is even worse when it’s filled with hijackers and vampires. It can be fun to watch though, and that’s what you (eventually) get with Blood Red Sky .

8. The Trip (2021)

Director: Tommy Wirkola | Runtime: 114 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Horror Comedies, Crime Thrillers, Home Invasion Movies

Going on a trip with someone you don’t get along with is an awful experience. In The Trip , a married couple have reached a point in their relationship where they literally want to kill each other. They both plan to act on their murderous desires when they get to the destination of their trip, but their plans are altered when they discover a trio of criminals are already in the cabin they planned to stay in. The Trip is more of a crime thriller comedy than horror, but it is quite violent and bloody at times.

9. The Invitation (2022)

Director: Jessica M. Thompson | Runtime: 105 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Romance Horror , Vampire Movies, Gothic Films

Meeting family members you never knew you had can be a wonderful experience. But if you’re going to travel to another country to visit them, you should probably do a bit of research on them first. When Evie is suddenly invited to a wedding in England by a cousin she just discovered, her trip begins as a whirlwind of extravagance that leads to romance. However, when she learns the real reason she’s there, it may already be too late.

10. Bird Box (2018)

Director: Susanne Bier | Runtime: 124 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Cosmic Horror , Post-Apocalyptic Movies

Going by rowboat is not most people’s first choice when traveling for the holidays. But when you’re in an apocalypse caused by creatures that can’t be looked at, your choices are limited. Malorie (Sandra Bullock) finds herself in exactly this predicament in Bird Box .

11. The Ritual (2017)

Director: David Bruckner | Runtime: 94 minutes

For viewers who enjoy: Survival Horror , Cults, Psychological Horror

Taking detours while traveling can be fun and exciting, but sometimes you should just stick to the route you had planned. This is the lesson learned by four friends in The Ritual when they take a shortcut through the woods during a hiking trip, and they end up stumbling into a nightmare of cult sacrifices and a horrific monster.

More Horror Movie Streaming Guides

• 11+ Scarecrow Horror Movies on Tubi in November 2023
• Best Horror Movies on Netflix
• Best Horror Movies on Amazon Prime Video
• Best Horror Movies on Hulu
• Best Horror Movies on Shudder
• Best Horror Movies on Max
• Noteworthy Horror Movies on Peacock
• Best Horror Movies on Paramount+

Meet The Author

Chris has a degree in film studies at Temple University’s campus in Tokyo, Japan. He is a renowned expert on horror cinema.

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Best Netflix horror movies: the best scary films you can stream right now

Prepare for frights with the best Netflix horror movies

The best Netflix horror movies are a smorgasbord of scares. As is always the case with the best horror, they might not always be the ones you expect. Non scary movie fans are always surprised by the breadth of the genre. Sure there are slasher villains - more than one below in fact - but there are also slow burn psychological horrors and dread-filled folk nightmares too. The horror genre is expansive and all the more terrifying for it. Whatever you're looking for, we've got it below in our choice of the best Netflix horror movies. 

We've endured all manner of hauntings and jump scares to bring you the ultimate list of the best Netflix Horror movies. They aren't all brand new so there's a chance to find a hidden gem or two lurking on the streaming service just waiting to fuel your nightmares or just sate your lust for gore.  And in case you're looking for even more frights, check out our best Shudder movies for the ultimate scary movies to watch on the horror specific streamer.  

We'll update this list regularly, with a mix of Netflix's own original movies and some from other studios. So, let’s break down the best Netflix horror movies you can watch right now. 

Piranha 

Remember that time New French Extremity director Alexandre Aja made a Piranha movie starring Christopher Lloyd and Kelly Brook? Oh you don’t? Well you better fix that ASAP. This tooth-fest is just as schlocky as it should be and there’s plenty of evidence of its 3D origins as hungry fish hurtle towards the screen, burping up chewed genitalia. The whole movie is an absolute riot but it’s worth a watch alone for the Spring Break sequence where the filmmakers allegedly emptied more than 75 thousand gallons of biodegradable fake blood into a lake. The squeamish need not apply.    

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 

Let’s get one thing straight. The 2022 Netflix Texas Chainsaw Massacre is nothing like the evil masterpiece that is the original. While we do have the return of OG Final Girl Sally Hardesty - played by Olwen Fouéré - and some nods to some classic shots, this is a far simpler slasher with literal buckets of blood. Mimicking the innocence of youth entering the wilderness in Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic, this time around we join a hapless Gen Z crew trying to create a brunch-filled utopia. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t go well because Leatherface happens to live in the ghost town they’ve bought. Oops. It’s big, silly, and violent and sometimes that’s exactly what you need from a scary movie.     

The Ritual 

Imagine a gender switched The Descent as a group of men enter the Swedish woods and you’re absolutely on the right scary track with David Bruckner’s The Ritual. This is a real rollercoaster with some incredible drama as well as downright terrifying moments with an inspired monster design that’s absolutely going to haunt your nightmares. There’s a real sense of dread at work here and an especially excellent performance from Rafe Spall. If you go down to the woods today, you really are in for a big surprise.    

Incantation 

Incantation is a pure hit of found footage horror straight from Taiwan. It’s slightly too long but there’s enough creepy imagery to keep things moving along as a woman makes a video diary documenting a curse that’s following her and her daughter. There’s a real mix of creepy supernatural hauntings in an ordinary home as well as some night vision horror as we discover the cause of the curse from an incident six years before. It turns out that if you’re making a YouTube video about rituals, you shouldn't go into sacred tiny tunnels where horrors might lurk. Who knew?      

When he isn't creating carnage with martial arts masterpieces The Raid and its sequel, British director Gareth Evans is creating carnage of a different kind with this dark horror. Starring Dan Stevens, Lucy Boynton and Michael Sheen, Apostle is set in 1905 and follows Stevens' Thomas Richardson, who travels to a remote Welsh island to rescue his sister, Jennifer, who has been kidnapped and held for ransom by a mysterious cult.

Determined to free his sister, Richardson comes into conflict with Sheen's Malcolm Howe, the leader of the cult. As his journey goes on, things get murkier and murkier, and, bloodier and bloodier...It's a film that wears its influences, namely The Wicker Man, on its sleeves. But it's stylish and pacy, and if you fell in love with Midsommar, you'll find a lot here too. 

This Norwegian horror is a stylish, gruesome, gorefest. Set in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, a family of three are happy to find themselves invited charitable event at a hotel, which takes a dark turn when other invitees start to disappear. You can guess why...Not for the faint of heart, or the weak of stomach, but, if you're neither of those things, this is another entry in a fine horror tradition. 

Horror has long been a perfect way to process the true horrors of the challenges we face in society. Whether it’s Dawn of the Dead’s approach to consumerism or The Babadook’s stark grief parable, the monsters at work are usually us. His House is the story of Bol and Rial, a refugee couple from South Sudan who have been given a council house in a small English town. 

What they find waiting in the walls is intense and horrifying but director Remi Weekes perfectly balances this with the challenges of acclimatisation to a new culture and the dehumanising nature of the process. It’s searing and it’s issues are real but that doesn’t stop this also from being a terrifying haunted house parable.  

There are only so many saccharine Christmas movies you can watch without wishing that gingerbread men were attempting to murder all of the characters on screen. No? Just us? Regardless, Michael Dougherty’s festive horror is perfect deadly eggnog with Toni Collette in fine form as the matriarch of an ungrateful family who are spectacularly failing to celebrate the season. 

Krampus is firmly in comedy horror territory but there are still some exceptionally fun scares as the family is besieged by festive monstrosities. The best holiday horrors are the darkest ones and Krampus is enjoyably vindictive as it does for Christmas what Dougherty’s previous Trick R Treat did for Halloween. You’ll never see the kids’ letters to Santa in the same way again. 

Creep 

Along with its sequel, the appropriately titled Creep 2, Creep has become a found footage cult classic. It doesn’t quite have the commercial appeal of Paranormal Activity or the raw terror of The Blair Witch Project, but as societal awkwardness descending into horror goes, Creep has it nailed. Following an advert on Craigslist, a videographer called Aaron heads to the home of Josef, played by a truly unnerving Mark Duplass. Josef is eccentric but apparently wants someone to record his final days before he loses his life to an inoperable brain tumor. It might be a wholly inappropriate place to say that’s where the ‘fun’ begins but here we are. 

If you fancy spending the evening pulling at your own face with tension, there’s nothing quite as excruciating as Calibre. Two friends going hunting? What’s the worst that could happen? Yes, take a swig of your Dr Pepper because this trip to the Scottish Highlands isn’t exactly what Nessie’s home country would choose to put on its tourist site. The politics of a small village mix perfectly with some Very Bad Decisions to make this a must watch horror thriller. Even if that entails watching through your fingers and from behind a cushion.  

Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor creator Mike Flanagan has a lot to answer for. Not only has he made two of arguably the most successful horror TV shows of the last few years as well as directed an excellent sequel to The Shining (Doctor Sleep), back in 2015 he quietly directed an intelligent slasher movie. Co-written with his wife and Hush star Kate Siegel, this is the story of Maddie, a deaf horror writer who lives in a remote cottage with only her cat for company. When a masked man arrives and assumes she is easy pickings, her fight to survive is nail-bitingly brilliant stuff.   

The Perfection

It's important to enter The Perfection with one thing in mind. This is not a societal commentary to be accompanied by chin scratching like a lot of modern horror. This is a scuzzily violent horror thriller with no rules. It won't be to everyone's taste but Alison Williams' excellent turn as a cellist with a passion for revenge makes for an exceptionally twisted thriller. Perhaps not one to watch with your parents, there's also one of the most realistic recreations of being unwell on public transport of all time. Yes, on this list, that's a selling point… 

Under the Shadow

Of all the genres, horror is often one of the bravest to tackle the hardest of topics. On one level Babak Anvari's Persian haunting is a traditional ghost story as a woman is plagued by spirits in her home, on another it's a biting commentary on the oppression facing women in 1980s Tehran. Like the Babadook's manifestation of grief, the monsters here might seem fictional but there's a depressing reality to these specters. Scary and thought provoking, Under the Shadow is a modern classic. 

The Platform

Another societal commentary – this time a skewering of capitalist culture from Spain – The Platform is an uncomfortable watch. High concept doesn't come much higher than this. Literally. A luxurious kitchen furnishes a platform with delectable edibles which then descends through hundreds of two person cells. If everyone would just have a few bites then there would be enough for all but of course, that's not how the world works. Following one man on his journey as he wakes up on new levels, The Platform is an unpredictable nightmare.

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Louise Blain is a writer and presenter specialising in tech, games, and horror entertainment. Thanks to the latter, she needs to avoid nightmares and regularly reviews the latest sleep tech for BBC Scotland, TechRadar and T3. Her specialist subjects include mattresses, weighted blankets, and sleep aids.

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[ Ghostface voice ] Do you like scary movies? [ Slightly less Ghostface voice ] Do you, like 203 million other human beings on the planet Earth, have a Netflix account? Then, logically, you’ve probably found yourself scrolling around, looking to find the best horror movies on the service. Unlike Jamie Kennedy in Scream , we have answers.

But rather than wade through that ever-shifting glut of films pouring in and out of the service every month trying to separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ve got you covered with a list of our own written and curated by Polygon’s own resident horror aficionados. (And if you’re looking for a list of the best horror movies to watch across multiple streaming platforms, we’ve got you covered there too.)

We’ve slashed our way through the horror offerings on Netflix to find you a heap of movies worth an evening... alone... with the lights off... and surely... no one watching you... through the window... right now...

Our latest update added Thanksgiving as an editor’s pick.

Editor’s pick: Thanksgiving

First, a word of caution. If you have difficulty with gore in movies, you are better off with just about any other movie on this list. Go ahead, there are plenty of great ones for you to choose from here… just not this one.

Now, for the rest of you freaks (I say that with love), you are in for a treat. Thanksgiving is unofficially the best Scream movie since Scream 4 , Wes Craven’s final entry in the franchise. It’s a delightful slasher with a firmly tongue-in-cheek tone and some extremely gnarly holiday-themed kills.

The movie has the kind of twisted kills you’d want from a holiday-themed slasher, and while the dialogue is occasionally uneven, I was particularly impressed by the character work. Thanksgiving has the perfect mix of characters you really want to see get killed and characters you want to survive. That’s a hard balance to strike in the genre, but a vital one. —Pete Volk

Annihilation

Imagine a world marked by the absence of humanity. Or, rather, a world where humanity and nature have been entwined in a horrific symbiosis through the intervention of an alien meteor that crashes to Earth.

Based on Jeff VanderMeer’s 2014 novel, Annihilation follows the story of Lena (Natalie Portman), a cellular biologist whose husband, Kane (Oscar Isaac), has been missing for over a year after being deployed on a top-secret mission. When Kane mysteriously returns home one evening, now afflicted with a deadly virus, Lena learns he was sent on an expedition into the Shimmer — an anomalous zone that has been gradually growing out of Florida following the aforementioned meteor strike. Desperate for answers and a possible cure to her husband’s ailment, she agrees to embark on a reconnaissance mission into the Shimmer, only to be confronted by wonders and horrors beyond her wildest imagination.

Surreal and unsettling, Annihilation is a beautiful horror movie that explores the nature of grief and the human propensity for destroying our own environment. With a gorgeous ethereal score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow of Portishead fame, not to mention an astounding cameo performance by frequent Alex Garland collaborator Sonoya Mizuno in the film’s final act, Annihilation is a bracing and memorable odyssey into a perilous posthuman future. —Toussaint Egan

Fans of the classic 1973 horror movie The Wicker Man (let us not speak of the 2006 Nicolas Cage version and its beeeeeees) should be warned: The Raid director Gareth Evans’ 2018 movie Apostle deliberately starts in the exact same place, and then takes the same scenario to much bloodier and more graphic ends. Set in 1905, it opens with addled addict Thomas ( Legion and The Guest star Dan Stevens) getting a letter that says his sister is being held prisoner by a cult on a distant island. So he fakes his way into what looks like a quaint religious community, but is actually the kind of place where people routinely leave bowls of their own blood in front of their doors at night and something is audibly crawling around under the floorboards. Tense, gory, and in places almost ludicrously over-the-top, Apostle has a lot to say about the nature of religious fanaticism, both for the obedient flocks doing whatever their leader says God wants, and for the manipulators that weaponize whoever they can find who’s willing to be led. But this isn’t just Wicker Man redux — it’s a creative, relentless spin on the same idea, leading to its own unique horrors. —Tasha Robinson

Madeline Brewer stars in Daniel Goldhaber’s Cam as Alice, an ambitious camgirl trying desperately to reach the coveted number one spot of the site she streams for. After a particularly intense show, she wakes to find that her account has been taken over by a mysterious doppelganger, one who will seemingly go to any and all lengths to achieve what Alice herself could not. As Alice fights to regain control of her show and expose the identity of her impersonator, she’ll have to deal with the consequences of her offline and online identities blurring into one. Cam is a chilling psychological horror that leaves the audience wondering at every turn how, if at all, its heroine will manage to overcome and survive the horrors that assail her life. —TE

Creep & Creep 2

Leave it to indie darling Mark Duplass and his regular collaborator Patrick Brice ( The Overnight ) to keep the found-footage horror movie kickin’ 15 years after The Blair Witch Project . In Creep , Josef (Duplass) recruits Aaron (Brice), a videographer, off Craigslist with the intention of filming a goodbye letter to his unborn son. Josef is dying... at least, that’s how he convinces his new buddy Aaron to spend the night in the woods drinking whiskey with him. The batshit revelations are best left unsaid, and just how Creep 2 picks up the story, with Girls actress Desiree Akhavan front and center as a hopeful YouTube star, is even more of a hoot. Creep is the deranged, internet-friendly horror franchise we deserve. — Matt Patches

Crimson Peak

“Ghosts are real. This much I know.”

So says Mia Wasikowska in the opening scene of Guillermo del Toro’s 2015 Gothic horror romance about the spirits of the dead and the ties that bind them. Wasikowska stars as Edith Cushing, an aspiring writer à la Mary Shelley and the daughter of a wealthy businessman, who is haunted by a premonition of her late mother’s ghost to beware of a place known as Crimson Peak. Edith meets and falls in love with Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), a baronet seeking investors to revive his family’s clay mines.

After her father is brutally murdered, Edith weds Thomas and retreats to his ancestral mansion in the eponymous clay hills of northern England. Upon arriving, however, she realizes only too late that her mother’s warnings were true, and that a mystery at the heart of the home threatens to take her own life in addition to her father’s. With an exquisitely designed set, beautiful costumes, ghoulish practical effects, and a memorable score, Crimson Peak is a terrific ode to del Toro’s love of Gothic literature and an excellent ghost story to boot. —TE

His House turns the trials of immigration into a shock-filled ghost story. Gangs of London ’s Sope Dirisu and Lovecraft Country ’s Wunmi Mosaku play a Sudanese couple seeking asylum in Britain, where they encounter supportive but not exactly friendly social workers (including House of the Dragon star Matt Smith) who can’t accept that the home they’ve been given is haunted. Caught between the ghosts at home and an inflexible system ready to send them back to a war-torn country, the couple struggle with their past and their highly questionable future. — TR

Even in our post- Cabin in the Woods world, there are still opportunities for clever filmmakers to spook us with creepy-shack-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-why-the-hell-would-you-go-in-there-what-was-that-in-the-shadows-no-no-no-no-no stories. The Ritual follows four friends who trek along northern Sweden’s Kungsleden trail as a tribute to a fifth friend, who was recently murdered in a convenience store. The death especially weighs on Luke ( Prometheus ’ Rafe Spall), whose drunken belligerence put his buddy in harm’s way in the first place. Luke is also the member of the group who realizes that, after discovering a wooden deer altar in an abandoned house along their unadvised detour, the group is being haunted by more than memories. Like a unique mix of Euro-horror and The Hills Have Eyes , The Ritual twists a familiar journey with creature-feature instincts to keep the genre fresh. — MP

Under the Shadow

During a string of Iraqi airstrikes in late-1980s Tehran, the Iranian government bars medical student and political activist Shideh (Narges Rashidi) from continuing her studies. She retreats to her family’s apartment, and despite her husband’s wishes, remains with her young daughter in the war-torn capital — this is her home, and she’s not leaving. But when a missile blasts directly through her building, the normal life Shideh and her daughter knew becomes marked by an invisible, nefarious presence. Is it a djinn? Much like in The Babadook , first-time director Babak Anvari allows the question of the supernatural to orbit the action of Under the Shadow as he captures the erosion of his plain main set and Shideh’s very existence. —MP

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The 32 best movies on Netflix right now

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The best horror movies on Netflix right now

Celebrating Pride Month with a horror movie might sound a bit weird, but it actually makes sense, considering how supportive the LGBTQ+ community is of the genre. Luckily, the best horror movies on Netflix should make for excellent watches for both casual and loyal fans. The streamer’s library includes a wide collection of cinematic nightmares, including certified classics of the genre and new, ambitious additions from modern filmmakers. These movies offer chills and thrills while delivering a high-quality experience for terror-starved audiences.

Netflix stays consistent every month with new and exciting arrivals that make up for whatever movies are leaving the service. With this list, we’ve found the worthy films and omitted those that might not be the best, making it easier for you to sit back and scream with these horrifying movies. From supernatural stories to psychological thrillers and good old-fashioned slashers, these are the best horror movies that Netflix has to offer, and we wholeheartedly recommend them.  

Looking to get your scares elsewhere? We’ve curated guides to the best horror movies on Amazon Prime Video and the best horror movies on Hulu .

The Conjuring (2013)

Academy Award nominee Vera Farmiga and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom  star Patrick Wilson star in James Wan’s The Conjuring , one of the most terrifying films of the 2010s. The story centers on Lorraine and Ed Warren, two paranormal investigators who help Roger and Carolyn Perron, a couple experiencing horrifying events at their rural farmhouse. The Conjuring is among the most successful horror IPs in recent memory, spawning a successful franchise and receiving solid reviews throughout its run. The first movie remains the best, an exercise in dread and atmospheric terror that keeps audiences on edge before delivering multiple jump scares that are as effective as they’re memorable. Few horror movies measure up to the sheer dread of The Conjuring .

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The Babadook (2014)

The poster child for the wave of “elevated horror” that took over the latter part of the 2010s,  The Babadook is a powerful and thought-provoking tragedy disguised as a horror movie. The brilliant Essie Davis stars as Amelia, a troubled, widowed mother raising her six-year-old son, Sam. When he begins displaying abnormal behavior, Amelia realizes he is being haunted by the Babadook, a humanoid monster who torments its victims.  The Babadook is a remarkable examination of grief and acceptance, elevated by an impressive screenplay and Davis’ tour de force performance. The film is as scary as i i’s poignant and affecting, demonstrating the inherent bond between horror and tragedy.

Insidious: The Red Door (2023)

Along with  The Conjuring , the  Insidious franchise is probably the most successful horror IP of the 2010s. Patrick Wilson strikes again, this time as director and star, in Insidious: The Red Door , the fifth entry in the franchise and a direct sequel to 2013’s Insidious: Chapter 2 . The plot sees Josh and a now college-bound Dalton haunted by the demons of their past, forcing them to venture into The Further again to try and put them to rest for good. Although weaker than its predecessors, Insidious: The Red Door is a decent directorial debut for Wilson and an effective expansion of the series. It mostly sticks to the same ideas as the first two movies, but Insidious: The Red Door offers a good combo of horror and family drama that should satisfy fans of the franchise.

Viking Wolf (2022)

Some of the best horror movies aren’t afraid to explore the genre’s boundaries, boldly venturing into sillier territory. Such is the case for Viking Wolf , the story of a teenager who transforms into a terrifying wolf-human hybrid after being scratched by an abnormally large wolf in the woods. Borrowing from classics like  Ginger Snaps , Viking Wolf delivers another werewolf horror story that offers enough blood and gore to satisfy. It finds further strength in its lore and cold Norwegian setting, standing out frome run-of-the-mill werewolf movies, even if it never reaches the highs of the true gems in the subgenre. Even so, it’s entertaining enough for an afternoon at home.

Sister Death (2023)

The 2023 Spanish supernatural horror film Sister Death is a prequel to 2017’s Veronica , another horror film on Netflix. It tells the story of Narcisa, a novice with supernatural abilities who’s working as a teacher at a convent operating as an all-girls school in 1940s Spain. Soon, she begins experiencing disturbing events that lead her to discover the sinister truth behind the convent. Sister Death is a great addition to the ever-expansive collection of religious horror movies that come out every year. Utilizing its Gothic setting to its fullest, the film tells an eerie and often disturbing tale of human cruelty and pain that is as unsettling as its supernatural themes, if not more.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Starring an ensemble of young talent, including Oscar nominee Maria Bakalova and the underrated Amandla Stenberg ( The Acolyte ), Bodies Bodies Bodies is among the most celebrated horror comedies in recent years. The plot centers on a group of twenty-somethings trapped at a mansion during a hurricane. When a party game leads to a dead body, the group starts turning on each other as secrets emerge. Wickedly funny and refreshingly subversive, Bodies Bodies Bodies is an appropriately chaotic blend of comedy and slasher horror that will keep audiences entertained—and might even make them scream more than a few times.

Thanksgiving (2023)

Eli Roth directs the hysterical Thanksgiving , based on his fake trailer from the Robert Rodriguez movie Grindhouse . Set a year after a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, the film follows a small town terrorized by a deranged killer out for revenge. A love letter to the classic slashers of the past, Thanksgiving strikes the perfect balance between comedy and gore. It’s bloody, over-the-top, and explosive, delivering an uncommonly dynamic slasher that will surely become a staple of the season of giving. 

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Robert Englund became a horror icon with his portrayal of Freddy Krueger in the late Wes Craven’s game-changing supernatural slasher film  A Nightmare on Elm Street . The story centers on a group of teenagers who find themselves haunted by Freddy Krueger, a vengeful serial killer who targets them in their sleep as revenge for their parents burning him alive.  A Nightmare on Elm Street marks a before-and-after in horror, redefining the genre’s boundaries and cementing Craven as a talent unlike any other. Original, genuinely scary, and instantly iconic, the film is a modern masterpiece and a seminal watch for any self-respecting horror fan.  

Resident Evil (2002)

Milla Jovovich first played her now-iconic heroine Alice in Paul W. S. Anderson’s 2002 horror-action film Resident Evil . Co-starring Michelle Rodriguez and Eric Mabius, the film follows a group of Umbrella Corporation commandos attempting to contain the dangerous T-virus while trapped in a secret underground facility. Loosely based on the first two games of the Resident Evil game series , the film would launch one of the most successful horror sagas in modern cinema. Although far from perfect,  Resident Evil remains a worthwhile mix of over-the-top action and horror that does justice to its source material, largely thanks to Jovovich’s fiercely committed lead performance.

Ti West’s  X is among the best films of 2022 and a brilliant slasher that proves the subgenre is very much alive. Starring an ensemble led by a hypnotic Mia Goth in a dual role, the plot centers on a group of pornographers wanting to shoot a film in an elderly couple’s secluded farmhouse. However, it soon becomes clear they are being targeted by a dangerous killer when they start dying under gruesome circumstances. Excelling as a commentary on sexuality and old age and a loving ode to 1970s cinema, X is a fascinating horror picture from a remarkably daring and unabashed mind.  

Anaconda (1997)

The campy cult classic that is Anaconda is a master class of absurd terror. Atlas ‘ Jennifer Lopez stars alongside Ice Cube, Owen Wilson, Eric Stoltz, Danny Trejo, and a scenery-chewing Jon Voight in this story about a documentary film crew in the Amazon rainforest who become prey to a massive green anaconda. With visual effects that are equal parts ridiculous and gruesome and a collection of over-the-top performances, Anaconda is a masterpiece of the elusive so-bad-it’s-good genre. It’s a truly bonkers picture that must be seen to be believed.

The Pope's Exorcist (2023)

Oscar-winner Russell Crowe stars in Julius Avery’s 2023 supernatural horror film The Pope’s Exorcist . The plot follows Father Gabriele Amorth, the Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, who stumbles upon a centuries-old conspiracy within the church as he investigates the possession of a young boy. A strange, yet surprisingly effective showcase for Crowe, The Pope’s Exorcist is uneven, but suitably chilling. It might not be the best movie about exorcisms, but a series of creepy sequences and Crowe’s commanding performance make up for any flaws the film might have.

Suzzanna: Kliwon Friday Night (2023)

Suzzanna: Kliwon Friday Night tells the story of a young woman cursed by a shaman and killed by dark sorcery. Resurrected as a vengeful spirit, the woman attempts to reunite with her newborn baby. Blending elements of the revenge thriller with straight-up horror, Suzzanna: Kliwon Friday Night is an unsettling, yet unexpectedly campy film that offers something for everyone. It might not be outright terrifying, but the film will successfully have audiences on the edge of their seats — and might even bring out a terrified scream once in a while.

El Conde (2023)

Acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín directed the 2023 horror comedy El Conde . The plot revolves around a fictionalized version of infamous dictator Augusto Pinochet, who is, in this reality, a 200-year-old vampire seeking to end his life after all the pain and disgrace he’s caused. Taking a wicked and subversive approach to one of Chile’s most notorious figures, El Conde is a clever, biting, and unsettling satire whose real-life inspiration is far more horrific than anything depicted on the screen.

It Follows (2015)

Maika Monroe ( Longlegs ) stars in the 2015 horror film It Follows . The plot centers on a young woman who becomes terrorized by a supernatural entity after a strange sexual encounter with her new boyfriend. The curse — passed from victim to victim via sexual encounter — will arrive in various forms, driving the young woman to the verge of desperation. Wearing its clever metaphors on its sleeve, It Follows is a perfect example of the elevated horror that dominated the big screen throughout the 2010s. It offers a clever narrative that is as scary as its thought-provoking.

Vivarium (2019)

Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg stars opposite Imogen Poots in the 2019 horror film  Vivarium . It tells the story of a couple trapped within the maze-like houses of a seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood that hides chilling secrets. Stylish and clever albeit slightly frustrating, Vivarium ‘s lofty ambitions might be too much for some viewers. However, a pair of committed leading performances and an intelligent screenplay unafraid to challenge and disturb are enough to elevate this sci-fi horror to new and terrifying heights.

Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022)

Slowly but surely, Jaeden Martell has become a modern scream king through his consistent contributions to the horror genre. John Lee Hancock’s Mr. Harrigan ‘s Phone sees him playing Craig, a young man who discovers he can communicate with his recently deceased friend through an iPhone. Aided by a creepy and scene-stealing Donald Sutherland, Martell makes the best out of the intriguing premise, elevating Mr. Harrigan’s Phone past other similar techno-horror movies. The film might not be based on one of Stephen King’s best-known stories, but it is among the best adaptations of the prolific author’s work. 

The Babysitter (2017)

Bonafied modern scream queen Samara Weaving stars as the titular character in McG’s 2017 slasher comedy  The Babysitter . The plot follows a lonely 12-year-old boy Lewis, who discovers his beautiful and mysterious babysitter, Bee, is the leader of a satanic cult and wants to kill him. Benefitting from Weaving’s deliciously wicked performance and a plot that excels at if not necessarily reinvents the slasher formula, The Babysitter is an entertaining blend of horror and comedy for fans of both genres.

Gerald's Game (2017)

The underrated Carla Gugino stars opposite Bruce Greenwood in Mike Flanagan’s 2017 psychological horror film Gerald’s Game . Adapted from Stephen King ‘s 1992 novel, the film follows a married couple at a secluded getaway home. Looking to rekindle their strained relationship, the man handcuffs the woman to the bed; however, he suddenly dies of a heart attack, leaving his wife in a dire situation. With little hope of escaping and a series of demons haunting her mind, the woman must do everything in her power to survive.

Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

A prequel to the 2014 film Ouija , Ouija: Origin of Evil follows a woman and her two daughters who conduct a fraudulent seance business. Looking to improve their act, the woman introduces a Ouija board into her sessions, unknowingly summoning a vengeful spirit looking to possess her youngest daughter. Elizabeth Reaser, Kate Siegel, and Henry Thomas star, with Mike Flanagan directing.

Old People (2022)

The munsters (2022).

Rob Zombie may have made quite the name for himself with his traditional backwoods horror fare, including films like 31 and House of 1,000 Corpses . But in a refreshing change of pace, the maestro of terror takes his genre chops into a more family-friendly kind of playing field with his cinematic reimagining of The Munsters . Starring Jeff Daniel Philips, Sheri Moon Zombie, and Daniel Roebuck as Herman, Lily, and Grandpa Munster, respectively, our story follows Lily and Herman’s ghoulish wooing of one another, serving as a fun-filled prequel to the mid-1960s TV series that we know and love.

Veronica (2017)

When will the world learn that using ouija boards is a surefire way to get yourself mixed up with supernatural forces that won’t leave, even when you ask them nicely? In director Paco Plaza’s Veronica , the latest victim of the ghoulish phenomena turns out to be the film’s titular character, a 15-year-old girl who begins experiencing paranormal events after going a round with the infamous ouija. Veronica is an unsettling film for sure, effectively relying on tone and atmosphere more than one would expect in crafting what could have been just another possession film.

The Day of the Lord (2020)

Choose or die (2022), incantation (2022).

Here’s a solid blast of found-footage madness for you and yours to enjoy. Incantation is co-written and directed by Kevin Ko and stars Tsai Hsuan-yen as Li Ronan, a desperate mother who is suffering the consequences of accidental desecration. Years before, Li violated a sacred Chen ritual, leading her newborn daughter to be cursed by an ancient deity. With time running out, Li must now do everything in her power to lift the hex from her child before the deity consumes the innocent girl. While the narrative veers off course here and there, as a whole, Incantation is a mostly cohesive and kinetic bit of shaky-camera scariness that we bet most viewers will thoroughly enjoy.

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

Bird box (2018), the perfection (2018), nobody sleeps in the woods tonight (2020), 1922 (2017), the old ways (2020), blood red sky (2021), texas chainsaw massacre (2022), no one gets out alive (2021), a classic horror story (2021).

Elisa (Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz) isn’t having the greatest days of late. On her way to Calabria with folks she’s never met before (her travels are arranged through a rideshare app), the RV ends up getting wrecked and one of the passengers injured. What’s more peculiar is that when Elisa awakens the next morning, she discovers that she and her fellow travelers are stranded in the woods. Soon after, the members of a mysterious cult descend on the wayward companions, forcing everyone to fight for their lives.

There's Someone Inside Your House (2021)

Coming home in the dark (2021), don't listen (2020), the 8th night (2021), nightbooks (2021), malevolent (2018), oxygen (2021), fear street: 1994 (2021), things heard & seen (2021), army of the dead (2021), #alive (2020), the block island sound (2021), before i wake (2016), his house (2020), apostle (2018), i am the pretty thing that lives in the house (2016), editors' recommendations.

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Bridgerton fans will be happy to know that the second part of season 3 is now on Netflix. Will it be a happy ending for Colin and Penelope? The new seasons of Perfect Match and Sweet Tooth will also premiere this month. At the end of the month, enjoy the debut of Supacell and the return of That '90s Show.

Many shows mentioned above, especially Bridgerton, will dominate Netflix's top 10. The beauty of Netflix is the streamer boasts hundreds of shows. This June, watch these three underrated shows, including a former NBC family drama, a cat-and-mouse thriller, and a new sitcom starring a red-hot comedian. This Is Us (2016-2022)

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Netflix continues to be a reliable mainstream platform for watching the best anime. The service's usual live-action originals remain the biggest attractions, like Dead Boy Detectives and the adaptation of One Piece, but its anime library gets more well-rounded by the month. With the impressive range of genres covered, all fans of the medium will find something to binge, too.

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The Best Horror Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now

These titles will haunt you in all the best ways.

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Period piece meets horror in Crimson Peak.

If you enjoy a healthy dose of horror and thrills, look no further than Netflix's wide selection of scary movies. From platform originals to acquired titles, you'll find something that speaks to you — including a hint of time travel or period drama mixed in with all the gore. 

Scroll down and you'll find our picks for some of the best horror movies to stream on Netflix right now. (And keep an eye out for Parasyte: The Grey, a Korean drama about humanity's fight against parasites that take over ghosts, which drops April 5.)

Read more: The 14 Best Netflix Original Movies to Watch Right Now

Creep (2014)

This psychological horror film is deeply unsettling in the best ways. A videographer named Aaron (Patrick Brice) responds to a Craigslist ad placed by a dying man named Josef (Mark Duplass), who says he wants to record a video diary for his unborn son. But when Josef starts behaving strangely, Aaron becomes increasingly uneasy, and a series of disturbing events unfold. 

Crimson Peak (2015)

If you're a fan of period pieces and horror, Crimson Peak is for you. An author named Edith (Mia Wasikowska) marries British aristocrat Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and is taken to a remote mansion, where she's confronted by ghosts and dark secrets.

#Alive (2020)

In this fast-paced and gripping Korean horror/action film, a livestreamer is trapped in his apartment during a zombie apocalypse and struggles to survive. 

A group of filmmakers in 1979 convenes at an elderly couple's property in Texas to shoot an adult film. But they soon realize they're in serious danger.

His House (2020)

This thriller follows a refugee couple from South Sudan looking to start a new life in England. But when they move into their new home, they find an unsettling, sinister presence within it.

Joker (2019)

A chilling origin story for one of the most iconic villains. Failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) spirals into madness after being ignored by society, leading him to ultimately become Batman's archnemesis.

The Call (2020)

A great pick for fans of time travel (not to be mistaken with the other 2020 film with the same title, this one is South Korean). When 28-year-old Seo-yeon (Park Shin-Hye) finds a phone in her childhood home, she's connected with Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), a woman who lived in the same house 20 years in the past. Their lives become inextricably linked as their realities begin to shift.

1922 (2017)

This horror drama, an adaptation of a Stephen King novella, follows a farmer who decides to murder his wife with the help of his teenage son. But they become haunted by guilt — and rats. Lots of rats. 

Train to Busan (2016)

In this South Korean action-horror film, train passengers fight to stay alive in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Meanwhile, a father and daughter try to reach the only safe city left.   

This psychological horror tells the story of a cam girl (or webcam model) named Alice (Madeline Brewer) whose account is stolen by a look-alike. She sets out to find the impostor and reclaim her identity. 

Apostle (2018)

In the early 1900s, a troubled man named Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) travels to a remote island to rescue his sister, who's been kidnapped by a religious cult. This film is part mystery, part bloodbath. 

Thanksgiving (2023)

A year after a bloody Black Friday riot, a masked killer terrorizes people in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as he seeks revenge. It's a grisly film laced with intriguing mystery. 

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Travel horror movies

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11. The Breed

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22. The Hills Have Eyes

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The 20 Best Horror Movies on Netflix Right Now

This article is updated frequently as movies leave and enter Netflix. *New additions are indicated with an asterisk.

You want to see something really scary this October? Netflix subscribers have commonly made horror films the most-watched on the streaming service, and the original filmmaking factory at the company keeps churning out new ones in time for Halloween — or picking them up at film festivals. The truth is that the horror section of Netflix’s movie library is one of its deepest catalogs, which can make separating the quality from the junk harder than in some other sections. That’s why we’re here. These are the best horror films on Netflix right now.

How We Pick Our Films

Critic Brian Tallerico watches and writes about movies and TV every day. To curate this list, he dives into Netflix’s catalogue every month to surface terrifying horror titles — using his taste and a lifetime of cinema study as his guide, instead of whatever the algorithm happens to be pushing. After triple-checking to make sure they’re still available, he watches each and writes his recommendation. We highlight more than just the crowdpleasers: Filmmakers can use horror to craft spine-tingling moods, keep audiences on their toes, and comment on culture. Read on to find something to watch.

Year: 2018 Runtime: 2h 10m Director: Gareth Evans

Did you know the director of The Raid (and its awesome sequel) has also directed a kick-ass Netflix Original horror movie? Released in 2018, Apostle stars the great Dan Stevens ( The Guest ) as a man who journeys to a Welsh island in search of his missing sister and finds a community that’s not exactly welcoming. Kind of written off as a riff on The Wicker Man , this is a wicked little movie, elevated greatly by a fantastic performance from Michael Sheen.

The Babadook

Year: 2014 Runtime: 1h 33m Director: Jennifer Kent

One of the best horror films of the 2010s has not always been widely available for streaming subscribers so take the chance to watch it again while it’s on Netflix. Jennifer Kent’s directorial debut centers on a mother (Essie Davis) who struggles to raise her problem child alone after the death of her husband. Oh, and there’s also a real monster in the boy’s room.

Year: 2018 Runtime: 1h 35m Director: Daniel Goldhaber

You haven’t seen a mindbender quite like this one. Madeline Brewer stars as a camgirl who will do whatever it takes to rise the ranks of her online service. As she does so, she discovers that there’s a competitor who has basically taken her place, leading to a Lynchian dissection of how much someone can give of themselves to the internet machine. It’s unforgettably weird.

*The Conjuring

Year: 2013 Runtime: 1h 51m Director: James Wan

One of the biggest horror films of the 2010s introduced the world to Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga), the real investigators of paranormal occurrences, and it launched an entire industry of horror movies. The first film is still the best, anchored by Lili Taylor’s great performance as a woman whose ordinary life was turned upside down by a ghost in her farmhouse in the early ‘70s. Note: Both sequels are on Netflix too.

Year: 2014 Runtime: 1h 17m Director: Patrick Brice

Director Patrick Brice draws something fascinating and malevolent out of Mark Duplass in these very low budget horror indies. Duplass plays a man who places an ad for a videographer — played by Brice himself in the first and Desiree Akhavan in the second — and then basically proves the depth of his insanity. In the first film, he seems like more of an annoying friend until it’s revealed he’s a sociopath, and the superior second film explores just how crazy he is with a better set-up in which to play.

Disappear Completely

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 40m Director: Luis Javier Henaine

Disappear Completely one rocks, and you probably haven’t even heard of it. This Mexican horror film is the story of Santiago, a photographer who will do whatever it takes to get the story. After one particularly gross assignment, he’s cursed, leading him to lose each of his five senses, one by one. It’s kind of like Serpent and the Rainbow meets Nightcrawler .

Fear Street

Year: 2021 Runtime: 1h 47m Director: Leigh Janiak

Remember how much this took over the horror world in Summer 2021? Based on the books by R.L. Stine, these three films told the story of a curse that had descended on a small town and unfolded across three films set in different eras — 1994, 1978, and 1666. Fans argued over which one was the best (1994), but it’s best to appreciate these now as one piece of sharply-written horror entertainment. And a couple of the most talented Stranger Things stars (Sadie Sink and Maya Hawke) help too.

Gerald’s Game

Year: 2017 Runtime: 1h 43m Director: Mike Flanagan

Before he helmed The Haunting of Hill House , Mike Flanagan co-wrote and directed one of the best Netflix Original horror films in this adaptation of Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same name. Carla Gugino is phenomenal as a woman who gets handcuffed to her bed by her toxic husband…and then he has a heart attack. As she tries to figure out how she will survive, she accesses the trauma of her past.

Year: 2020 Runtime: 1h 33m Director: Remi Weekes

What if it’s not houses that are haunted but people? That’s the question at the core of this story of an immigrant couple (a fantastic Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu) from South Sudan who move to an English town and face enemies both outside of their new home and within it. This is a strikingly original horror flick that has been largely underrated. Don’t miss it.

Year: 2015 Runtime: 1h 40m Director: David Robert Mitchell

Maika Monroe stars in this 2014 indie horror breakthrough hit as a young woman who discovers that her recent sexual activity has cursed her with a supernatural force that will chase her until she passes it along to someone else. Stylish and striking, this felt like nothing else on the American horror market in 2014, really ushering in the era of what is now called “elevated horror.” Whatever you call it, It Follows is still an unforgettable genre flick.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Year: 1984 Runtime: 1h 31m Director: Wes Craven

The world of horror changed forever with the introduction of Freddy Krueger, a terrifying variation on the boogeyman in the form of a creature who could kill you in your dreams. The first movie is an unqualified genre masterpiece, a movie that forever altered the landscape. The series would never quite match it but Craven’s return to the series in New Nightmare is also on Netflix, and totally worth a look.

Year: 2023 Runtime: 1h 49m Director: Albert Pinto

More thriller than outright horror, Nowhere is still upsetting enough to qualify for a list like this one. Recently added to Netflix, it’s a Spanish film about a dystopian future with an intense refugee crisis. As women and children are being rounded up into cages, Mia (Anna Castillo) and Nico (Tamar Novas) try to escape, but they get separated and Mia ends up alone in a cargo shipping container adrift in the ocean. Oh, and she happens to be nine months pregnant. This one works largely thanks to Castillo’s committed, thrilling performance.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Year: 2016 Runtime: 1h 39m Director: Mike Flanagan

Sequels to mediocre horror films aren’t traditionally any good. Every rule has an exception. The director of Gerald’s Game helmed this fantastic prequel about a couple who have a phony séance business. Their lives are turned upside down when they bring a Ouija board into their act, unknowingly unleashing a spirit that possesses their daughter. Smart and tightly made, it was a sign of things to come from the future Hill House creator.

The Perfection

Year: 2019 Runtime: 1h 30m Director: Richard Shepard

Girls and Get Out star Allison Williams stars in this twisting and turning tale of a talented young musician who travels to Shanghai where she meets a competitor named Lizzie, played by Logan Browning. A story that keeps shifting and changing ultimately arrives at a shocking conclusion in this Netflix Original that took the festival scene by storm in 2018 and 2019.

The Platform

Year: 2019 Runtime: 1h 34m Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia

Sometimes the only thing a fun horror movie needs is a clever concept. This one is undeniably that. This Spanish film takes place in a “Vertical Self-Management Center,” a prison with dozens of floors to house its inmates. For sustenance, a platform descends the center of the tower. People near the top get much more than those at the bottom, which is kind of like a symbol for, well, everything. Unpredictable and tense, this is one of the best Netflix Original horror flicks.

The Pope’s Exorcist

Year: 2023 Runtime: 1h 43m Director: Julius Avery

Listen, this is no masterpiece, but there’s something fascinating about seeing an Oscar winner like Russell Crowe commit so completely to a B-movie this ludicrous. Crowe is all-in as the infamous Father Gabriele Amorth, a purported real-life exorcist who tries to save a possessed boy in Spain. This is a defiantly goofy movie, but it’s better than its quick theatrical run would have you believe, and a great fit for the Netflix horror roster of movies you can watch while you do something on your phone.

Thanksgiving

Year: 2023 Runtime: 1h 46m Director: Eli Roth

The famous horror director went full slasher with this adaptation of his trailer from the 2007 film Grindhouse into a full, grisly feature. It starts with a Black Friday sale that becomes a bloodbath, leading to a series of violent murders on the one-year anniversary of the chaos, committed by a man in a John Carver mask. Obviously inspired by grindhouse horror of the ‘70s and ‘80s, it’s a reminder that sometimes horror is better when it’s more fun than “elevated.”

Under the Shadow

Year: 2016 Runtime: 1h 24m Directors: Babak Anvari

The Iranian-born Anvari wrote and directed this brilliant interplay of horror tropes and commentary on how war and violence can shatter the world more than a ghost could ever consider. A mother and daughter are haunted in 1980s Tehran during the historical War of the Cities. If the falling bombs won’t get them, something more supernatural might.

The Wailing

Year: 2016 Runtime: 2h 36m Director: Na Hong-jin

Na Hong-jin’s 2016 film is not one you should pick to watch casually for date night. It takes a commitment over 150 minutes, but it’s worth every minute. There’s a cumulative power to this story of a policeman who investigates a strange series of events in a small town and basically discovers ancient evil, an epic tale that rewards your commitment with a final act that’s devastating and unforgettable.

Year: 2022 Runtime: 1h 46m Director: Ti West

Mia Goth is a force of nature in dual roles as Maxine and the elderly Pearl, who it turns out likes to kill folks. Maxine is a part of a group of people who rent a property in Texas to make a porno, but Pearl gets in the way. Co-starring Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, and Brittany Snow, X launched a franchise with the same-year Pearl and the upcoming MaXXXine .

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The 25 best Netflix horror movies to watch right now

These are the best Netflix horror movies to make every night a fright night

It can be tricky pinning down the best Netflix horror movies. There's so much to choose from on the streamer that it's hard to know where to start when you plonk yourself down on the sofa and decide you're in the mood for some scares.

With so many spine-tingling titles available, how do you narrow it all down? Well, you're in lucky, because we've done the hard part for you... Whether you're after a gory, comedy-leaning affair or a chilling ghost story, there's something for everyone on our list of the platform's genre must-watches. There's 25, so you can either make your selection from there, or work your way down throughout the year. In short, you never have to waste time scrolling through Netflix's catalog again. 

Most of our picks are Originals, too, which means they should be available in the UK and US. Below, we highlight flicks from directors including Mike Flanagan , Pablo Larraín, and Alex Garland, which feature all manner of frights – from killer babysitters to depressed vampires and everything in between. So continue on to check out our complete guide to the best Netflix horror movies. We reckon you'll be sleeping with the lights on tonight...

• The best horror movies of all time
• The upcoming horror movies to look out for

The best Netflix horror movies out now

Fear street trilogy.

Year released: 2021 Director: Leigh Janiak

We're cheating a bit here. The Fear Street trilogy is, well, a trilogy of horror movies, so we're cramming three into this one entry, but they work as a singular whole piece incredibly well. There's almost no chance of you finishing the first entry and stopping there, such is this gripping neon-colored slasher. 

Taking more than a pinch of inspiration from Scream, Fear Street: Part One introduces us to Kiana Madeira's Deena, a teenager from Shadyside whose lover, Olivia Scott Welch's Samantha Fraser, has moved to the neighboring Sunnyside. However, the pair get mixed up in a curse that's haunted Shadyside for hundreds of years, and now they must work with friends and family to rid the town of the horror once and for all. The first movie takes place in the '90s, while the sequels go back to the '70s and 1660s, revealing more and more about the curse of Shadyside. This is one trilogy not to be missed, and is absolutely one of the best horrors on Netflix.

Year released: 2020 Director: Aneesh Chaganty

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Starring American Horror Story star and certified scream queen Sarah Paulson, Run follows Chloe, a homeschooled, disabled teenager who starts to suspect that her overbearing mother is keeping secrets from her. 

It's suspenseful and twisty, but is also self-aware enough to not keep its cards too close to its chest for too long. Surprisingly, perhaps, it lays everything out on the table just 30 minutes in and dares its audience to come along for the thrill ride that unfolds after that. Given that she almost always plays the good guy when she's in scarier fare, it's a real treat to see Paulson dig into something darker here.

Blood Red Sky

Year released: 2021 Director: Peter Thorwarth

Not one for fearful flyers, Blood Red Sky sees a plane hijacked while a mother suffering from a strange illness and her son are onboard. But, the twist (or bite?) comes when it turns out there's a vampire on the plane – and it's the hijackers who should fear for their lives. 

Peri Baumeister stars as Nadja, the afflicted mother, while Carl Anton Koch plays her son. Expect a surprisingly emotional film with some high-altitude scares, pulse-pounding thrills – and, of course, lots of blood...

 Nightbooks

Year released: 2021  Director: David Yarovesky

Starring Krysten Ritter as a witch named Natacha, Nightbooks follows a young boy named Alex (Winslow Fegley) who has a talent for writing spooky stories. When his apartment block's elevator takes him to a mysterious floor, Natacha traps him, and demands a new scary story each night. With his new friend Yasmin (Lidya Jewett), Alex must try to survive the ordeal – and eventually escape from the witch's clutches. 

Based on J.A. White's novel of the same name, Nightbooks is scary but in a kid-friendly way – more implications than showing gore. How did the director achieve that balance? Well, you can find out, in our interview with David Yarovesky .

Sister Death

Year released: 2023 Director: Paco Plaza

Fans of Spanish horror might recognize Plaza's name, as the filmmaker behind the 2017 film Verónica, which is convenient really, given that Sister Death is a prequel to said movie. 

Set in 1939, it follows Narcisa (Aria Bedmar), a young novice with supernatural powers who takes a teaching job at a convent-turned-school. As the days go by, the strange events and increasingly disturbing situations that torment her eventually lead her to unravel the terrible secrets that surround the establishment and haunt all who live there.

The Babysitter

Year released: 2017 Director: McG

Babysitters in horror tend to get the short shrift. Whether they're being stalked, stabbed, or taunted over the phone, it's seldom what you'd dub a "fun gig" for them. McG's The Babysitter twists this expectation, in perhaps its sole subversion that we shan't spoil here, to elevate this Netflix Original from what could easily have been a so-so slasher. From the neon-drenched palette of its marketing, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical blood-soaked trip to suburbia.

Nope, this horror works at being hip . That's in part to the breezy cool exuded by Ready or Not's Samara Weaving. In the lead as the world's best babysitter, it's her turn that cements the pic as a playful riff on horrors past; whether she's debating the merits of horror icons with tween scamp Cole or figuring out how to achieve the life she truly desires. While its overly-stylized screen pop-ups might appear needy, they're not enough to detract from the popcorn frivolousness. 

Little Evil

Year released: 2017 Director: Eli Craig

Films like The Omen and Orphan have taught us that having a kid in a horror movie typically doesn't end well. The nightmarish concept of raising a hell-spawn receives a much-needed shakeup in Eli Craig’s horror-comedy Little Evil. Parenthood gets utterly skewered as Adam Scott’s everyman Gary meets and marries the woman of his dreams, Samantha (Evangeline Lilly), only to discover he’s stepdad to the antichrist. 

It makes it onto the best horror movies on Netflix list because it's a great riff on the exhausted supernatural child subgenre, that mixes up the typical "devil incarnate" trope with some fresher, less tired ideas (queer representation that’s not derivative). With a slew of recognisable horror moments nabbed and skewered (Dr. Farrow being a brazen nod to Rosemary’s Baby for one) on the meta altar, there’s plenty of genre winks to score Little Evil points with fans. Need further convincing? Craig also directed the stellar slasher comedy Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil.

The Perfection

Year released: 2018 Director: Richard Shepard

Good at guessing twists? The Perfection acknowledges your arrogance and ceremoniously barfs all over it. This body horror supreme rages and twists, a schlock-filled delight that barely lets up until you've regurgitated your lunch, that is. There's a reason everyone couldn't stop talking about this campy Netflix Original at time of release: it's a dizzying trip into the terrifying world of…  classical musicianship.

Get Out's Allison Williams channels that same energy to play cellist Charlotte whose rivalry with Logan Browning's similarly-talented string plucker Lizzie spirals out of control. While that might sound like a '90s thriller, this is pure modern horror. It admittedly ventures into some rather over-the-top scenarios, but that's where most of its deliciously deranged entertainment lies. This is a bizarre yarn of revenge that unspools through a number of interesting themes.

Incantation

Year released: 2022 Director: Kevin Ko

Found footage flick Incantation simply had to make it onto our list. It follows Li Ronan (Tsai Hsuan-yen) as she tries to protect her daughter Dodo (Huang Sin-ting) from the ancient curse she unleashed by breaking a religious taboo. Dripping with dread and chock-full of jumpscares, it's best enjoyed if you don't question the characters' head-scratching choices too much... Switch off your logic for a second and it's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

A lot of genre nuts have claimed that it's the first film in a way that genuinely frightened them, so it's safe to say this one isn't for the faint of heart. Taiwanese terror at its finest.

Year released: 2018 Director: Gareth Evans

Gareth Evans might seem an unusual choice to lens a slow-burn period horror, but somehow? Apostle works. Fans of The Witch will get a kick out of this Netflix Original horror that stars Dan Stevens as Thomas Richardson, a man who returns home to learn his sister has fallen afoul of a cult. Desperate to rescue her, he ventures to the secluded isle, willingly embracing cult leader (Michael Sheen) and his flock under the guise of a recent convert in order to locate his missing sibling.

Evans puts a pause to kinetic flourishes brought to life in his signature efforts, The Raid and The Raid 2 . Here, he opts for a slower pace to the hidden horrors of the hazy, misty Welsh town. A slew of subplots steer Stevens' wanderer all over the map in his dogged pursuit, showcasing Evans' eye for making the bleak beautiful, and the horrific truly mesmerizing. 

Year released: 2017 Director: Zak Hilditch

Is there such a thing as the perfect murder? While 1922 doesn't strictly dabble with that query, it does dive into the next best thing: what guilt does to a man after committing one. Another King adaptation, this Netflix Original hails from director Zak Hilditch, who opts for the long, steady-paced tale. Things open on farmer Wilf James (Thomas Jane) as he struggles to deal with his wife Arlette's (Molly Parker) aspirations. After inheriting a large plot of land, her plan is to sell it so they can move to the city with their son. 

Wilf, a rancher at heart, is reviled by her plans, so opts for the only remaining choice: he plots to kill her. Unlike other King adaptations, that boast flashy villains and shocking twists, this is old-school horror. If you like your scares with a hint of the gothic to them and are more intrigued by the darkness that lingers inside of people rather than the boogeyman, this is for you. 

The Silence

Year released: 2019 Director: John R. Leonetti

Listen, it's got bad reviews, we get it, but we're here to tell you that The Silence is actually a pretty fun horror flick – and not just the cheap knock-off of a certain John Krasinski movie it's been made out to be. 

Directed by Annabelle's John R. Leonetti, and featuring the likes of Miranda Otto, Stanley Tucci, and Kiernan Shipka, it centers on a family's fight for survival after the world comes under attack by creatures with crazy-good hearing. The latter's character is deaf, just like Millicent Simmonds' in A Quiet Place , yes, but it also boasts a dark, interesting late-stage twist that sets itself apart from said similar movie. This one is best-watched in a group with a bucket-load of snacks.

Year released: 2018 Director: Matt Palmer

Picture the scene: You're having a great time with an old friend, and then all of a sudden, you're struck by that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when the absolute worst thing imaginable happens. The moodscape of Calibre preys on that very sensation for its entire runtime, venturing down some decidedly murky ethical holes to tell the tale of two lifelong friends who journey to the Scottish highlands for a hunting weekend. While Vaughn and Marcus' getaway is a boozy fun time at the start, the real thrills kick in when they hit the outdoors to bag themselves a deer. 

Well, we say watch, but you'll likely experience most of the film from behind a cushion while you clutch the armrest, sweat pouring down your back. Writer-director Matt Palmer's debut doesn't adhere to traditional horror tropes per se, more an experience in sheer pulse-pounding what-the-fuckery. While most of its punchiest moments are snagged from elsewhere, that doesn't matter: you'll be holding your breath the whole time.

Ravenous (Les Affamés)

Year released: 2017 Director: Robin Aubert

Both funny and scary, this low-key French horror taps into an area of the zombie genre previously unexplored. The rural, foreign area, that is. Ravenous plays out in the surrounding areas of Quebec, as residents slowly succumb to a zombie-like illness, leaving their loved ones to fend them off and seek shelter. Bored of the usual undead flesh-eaters cluttering up your screen? Not only does this effective little horror boast a unique element in that it's not performed in the English language, it also packs in some neat amendments to zombie lore. Similar to more recent zombie fare like Maggie, Ravenous pares things down and keeps it simple. You're gonna get no flashy CGI, big-budgeted action here, folks. But what it does offer, rather bleakly, is a sense of real, confounding sadness at the loss of life, that's typically overlooked in favor of blood and guts.

The Platform

Year released: 2019 Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia

The notion that horror isn't political is a poor argument, with each era in the genre's history ripe with titles seeking to dismantle particular rhetorics. The Platform is one of Netflix's first world language original horrors, and wields its opinion boldly from the offset. The premise interrogates the concept of communism through a brutal futuristic prison system, which is where we first meet our protagonist Goreng, who awakens one day on Floor 48 of a Virtual Self-Management Center. Essentially, an installation where a mouthwatering feast is placed on a platform and lowered down through the tower, stopping for a moment at each floor so the inmates may eat.

The point made rather explicitly involves the equal distribution of wealth. But when you've suffered as a result of others' greed, what do you do when gluttony presents itself? The movie chronicles Goreng's experiences as he's switched every 30 days to a new floor, with the lowest levels demonstrating the savagery humans resort to when their fellow man won't even throw 'em a bone.

Annihilation

Year released: 2018 Director: Alex Garland

Based on the novel by the same name written by author Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation centers on Lena (Natalie Portman), a biologist and former soldier, who agrees to lead a team of female scientists into Area X, a mysterious and sinister phenomenon that is spreading across the US coastline, and in which the laws of nature don't seem to apply. Her reasons for signing up to the mission turn out to be personal, involving her husband (Oscar Isaac), though we won't go into that here. 

It's trippy, weird, and existential, and while it disappointingly doesn't delve into the infecting tensions between the women as the book does, it's fronted by the magnetic quartet of Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, and Tessa Thompson. 

Year released: 2017 Director: Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke

In a similar fashion to Ravenous, Cargo upends the racy, blistering zombie traditions of recent years to tell a quieter, character-driven story. Opening on an infectious pandemic well underway, Martin Freeman leads the pic as Andy, a man keen to figure his way through the apocalypse with his wife and baby girl by his side. Almost immediately Andy's circumstance spirals out of control, forcing him to confront his worst nightmares while ensuring his family’s ultimate survival. 

This isn't your typical undead yarn, however. First off, it's situated not in a bustling cityscape but instead, the Australian outback, lovingly photographed as both a sight to behold and fear. Elsewhere, the movie pilfers new themes from the end of days predicament, such as the scramble over rations as commentary on the wasteful nature of modern-day living. It examines a parent's love for their child, and how that takes precedence when time winds down. Freeman's dedicated performance is what sells the core message;  the deep reserve of unconditional love we each possess is the only true tool we need for survival. 

The Chalk Line

Year released: 2022 Director: Ignacio Tatay

If you're comfortable reading subtitles, then you could do a lot worse than watching Spanish-language flick The Chalk Line, also known as Jaula, during your next movie night. Starring Eva Tennear, Pablo Molinero, and Wonder Woman's Elena Anaya, it has all that you need from a chiller, which is loosely based on a true story; a paranoid mother, a doubting dad, and a super creepy kid, as a couple adopt a seemingly troubled youngster who they found wandering alone in the woods. 

The littlun is convinced that if she ever steps out of the parameters of a chalk square she's drawn on the floor that she'll be haunted by a monster. Intrigued (and spooked) by the child's strange behavior, Paula (Anaya) delves into the former's past and discovers some dark truths.

Year released: 2014 Director: Patrick Brice

Mark Duplass normally plays nice guys. If the title didn't give it away, his turn in Creep isn't remotely nice. Both he and the hideous wolf mask he dons are the new faces of horror. Duplass co-stars opposite writer-director Patrick Brice, for the latest in a long line of mumblegore movies that’s inventive, bold and unnerving as hell. Albeit, scant on actual guts.

Except the story of a freelance videographer who accepts work from Duplass' loon isn't really a bloody affair but an intense study in how little privacy we're afforded in the modern digital age. Everything shuffles along without too much cause for concern until the midway point, when you'll be shouting at the screen from behind your cushion. But make sure you don't miss the final encounter between the two. Haunting stuff that leads nicely into the sequel, which is definitely worth checking out too.

Before I Wake

Year released: 2016 Director: Mike Flanagan

Stuck in distribution hell for years after completion, Mike Flanagan's atmospheric horror is nevertheless worth seeking out. On the surface, and judging by its premise, it appears to be your standard creepy kid pic. But this is Flanagan we're talking about. The mastery in which he muddles the line between good and evil, to rebrand both as something entirely essential to the human experience is outstanding. That's the core tenet of Before I Wake, which follows the story of young orphan Cody (Jacob Tremblay, several years before Flanagan tore him apart in Doctor Sleep ) who secures a new adoptive home with grieving parents Jessie (Kate Bosworth) and Mark (Thomas Jane).

Their situation is equally as complex as Cody's, and their tragic backstories become entwined. Scares abound as Cody's unique skills come to the fore with some genuinely unnerving resultant visuals serving as nightmare fodder. Those familiar with Flanagan's work will recognize his trademark flourishes, but it's unlikely you'll guess the film's final suckerpunch tear-jerk that doesn't undermine the earlier scares, instead drilling that creeping sorrow deeper into your bones.

Year released: 2023 Director: Pablo Larraín

From the Chilean filmmaker behind Jackie and Spencer, El Conde is a black-and-white horror comedy about fascist dictator Augusto Pinochet, only it reimagines him as a two-hundred-and-fifty-year-old vampire who's grown tired of his life.

Unhappy with how he's remembered in the world and the attitude of his leeching family, he decides it's time to finally die once and for all – that is, until he "finds new inspiration to continue living a life of vital and counterrevolutionary passion through an unexpected relationship," per the official synopsis. 

Year released: 2018 Director: Daniel Goldhaber

The horror of having your digital presence stolen strikes at the heart of this truly creepy 2018 pic. Orange is the New Black's Madeline Brewer stars as Lola, a camgirl who works as a webcam model on a popular kink website. She earns tokens and likes from her followers in the hopes of leaping up to the site's top ten where true stardom awaits. That dream falls apart when Lola awakes one morning to discover her profile has been taken over... by an exact copy of herself. 

What's most unsettling, guaranteed to send shivers up your spine, is the uncanny valley conundrum at the center of CAM. Having your identity hijacked is one thing, sure. But being confronted by a sinister simulacrum, a dangerous doppelganger, a cunning cop- alright, that's enough, you get the point; that concept is most chilling. Penned by a former real-life cam girl, the story dives into the dark past of the website, revealing the true horror of Lola's predicament.

Year released: 2020 Director: Il Cho

Directed by Il Cho, #Alive is a Netflix movie from South Korea that follows a live-streamer as he attempts to survive a zombie apocalypse. Oddly enough, a guy who spends most of his time playing video games is actually fairly suited to live in a zombie apocalypse... Yoo Ah-in plays the gamer, Oh Joon-woo, and is joined by Park Shin-hye, who plays the mysterious Kim. The pair make a great central duo in this intense, bloody undead flick.

Under the Shadow

Non-Netflix original available in UK and US

Year released: 2016 Director: Babak Anvari

A film with a PG rating can't be really scary... can it? Under the Shadow, dubbed Iran's version of The Babadook, aims to dismantle that theory in the most terrifying way possible. Taking place during the Iran-Iraq war, tensions are already high for the residents of Tehran, and especially for one unlucky family. Married couple Iraj and Shideh, find themselves split up over the course of an evening, when Iraj is called away, leaving his wife and their daughter Dorsa to wait out the night in their apartment. Thing is, there might be something worse than a missile attack awaiting them...

A genuinely scary horror, with a ripe, tense atmosphere that's largely absent of violence and gore, Under the Shadow channels some deep-rooted fears about Iran's cultural climate, twisting them into a living, breathing terror. Shideh is also a much welcome addition to the horror canon, refusing to idly sit by while evil is at work, and instead taking action to protect her child. 

Gerald's Game

Year released: 2017 Director: Mike Flanagan

Stephen King's hot streak brings with it an adaptation many said was unfilmable. This recent stab, another Mike Flanagan film, proves those naysayers wrong. This is perhaps the most loyal King adaptation, bringing a tome shuddering to life that consists mostly of a woman chained to a bed, alone, in the middle of nowhere. That woman is Jesse (Carla Gugino), whose husband, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood), drives her to a peaceful retreat for a weekend of nookie and $200 steak. 

His ticker gives up and she's left handcuffed to the bedposts with a strange dog for company... oh, and a creeping demon with red eyes that lurks in the shadows when night falls. Carla Gugino's stunning performance piles on the layers of horror from throughout Jesse's past, until the sting in the tail you won't see coming.

If scares aren't your bag, check out our list of best Netflix thrillers or best Netflix comedies for some viewing inspiration.

Gem Seddon is GamesRadar+'s west coast Entertainment News Reporter, working to keep all of you updated on all of the latest and greatest movies and shows on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Outside of entertainment journalism, Gem can frequently be found writing about the alternative health and wellness industry, and obsessing over all things Aliens and Terminator on Twitter. 

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The 34 Best Horror Movies on Netflix Right Now

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Looking for a scary movie to watch on Netflix ? Any time is the right time to watch a horror movie. Waiting for October to indulge in frightening films is the old way to get your tricks and treats, like renting from Blockbuster or not using Treatster to map out which houses give out the best candy. No, in the modern world, you can sit back and enjoy your scares from the comfort of your own couch thanks to screaming streaming content from Netflix. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best horror movies on Netflix right now, an evolving list that will provide you with classic horror selections and modern cuts to get your fright fix.

Looking for more scary movies? Check out our list of the best horror films on HBO , Hulu , and Prime Video , or browse our list of the best movies on Netflix .

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

Editor's note: This article was updated April 2024 to include Bodies Bodies Bodies and Thanksgiving.

'Bodies Bodies Bodies' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 69% imdb: 6.2/10, bodies bodies bodies.

Directed by Halina Reijn , Bodies Bodies Bodies is a comedy horror mystery film that follows a friend group playing a murder mystery game that takes a dark turn into slasher territory. Written by Sarah DeLappe from a story by Kristen Roupenian , the movie stars Amandla Stenberg , Maria Bakalova , Myha'la Herrold , Chase Sui Wonders , Rachel Sennott , Lee Pace , and Pete Davidson . Bodies Bodies Bodies premiered at the 2022 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where it received positive reviews from critics. Theatrically released in the US by A24, the movie has also proven quite successful with audiences. The film has been praised for its humor and performances, as well as its sharp writing and direction. Rachel Sennott, in particular, delivers a brilliant performance that satirizes influencer culture. Though the movie’s attempts at Gen Z humor often veer into stereotypes and cliches, the overall tone and narrative make this an enjoyable whodunit with laughs and scares a-plenty.

Watch on Netflix

'Thanksgiving' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 80% imdb: 6.3/10, thanksgiving.

Eli Roth brings a horror edge to Turkey Day with his slasher film Thanksgiving , based on his fictional trailer from the 2007 movie Grindhouse . Roth directed and co-wrote the film with Jeff Rendell , and the film’s stacked cast includes Patrick Dempsey , Addison Rae , and Milo Manheim . Set in a small Massachusetts town, the movie follows the Thanksgiving holiday rampage of a killer wearing a John Carver mask. Considering it was quite successful with audiences and critics, we can’t rightly call Thanksgiving a cult classic, even though that’s the bar it’s aiming for. Exceptionally pulpy and hilariously over-the-top, Thanksgiving is a horror comedy specifically because of its exaggerated horror. The film maintains and elevates the grindhouse vibe of the fake trailer it’s based on, creating a thoroughly entertaining experience. This is a movie we’ll be rewatching many times over the years to come, especially during that gray area between Halloween horror and Christmas cheer.

'X' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 6.5/10.

Read Our Review Horror fans will absolutely love X , while those who prefer not to watch an absolute blood bath should probably stay away. Produced by A24, X is written and directed by Ti West ( Pearl ). The film tells the story of a group of friends who rent a cabin outside of town to film their adult movie. The film takes place in 1979, in the days way before Airbnb, so the crew’s hosts, Pearl and Howard, are anything but hospitable. One by one, the friends are picked off by their mysterious hosts, whose background is slowly revealed as the plot unfolds.

X stars Mia Goth ( Suspira ), Jenna Ortega ( Scream ), Brittany Snow ( Pitch Perfect ) , Kid Cudi ( The Harder They Fall ), Martin Henderson ( Smokin’ Aces ), and Owen Campbell ( Super Dark Times ). The film had a sequel come out just months after its release, Pearl , which tells the origin story of X’s villain, Pearl. Reprising the role of Pearl is Goth, whose performance in both films is award-worthy. - Emily Cappello

'Tin & Tina' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 50% | imdb: 4.7/10, tin & tina.

Tin & Tina is a psychological thriller from Spain about a recently married couple, Adolfo ( Jaime Lorente ) and Lola ( Milena Smit ), who suffer the loss of a child when Lola has a miscarriage. Determined to raise children together, they turn to a convent that has an abundance of orphans to care for, and they end up going home with a pair of odd twins – the titular Tin and Tina. The film has many horror aspects intertwined with religious imagery that perfectly reflect the crisis of faith that Lola is fighting her way through as she tries to temper her grief by being overly accommodating to these children who may have been sent from hell itself. - Tauri Miller

'Deliver Us from Evil' (2014)

Rotten tomatoes: 29% | imdb: 6.2/10, deliver us from evil.

Deliver Us from Evil follows New York police officer Ralph Sarchie ( Eric Bana ) as he teams up with local priest Mendoza ( Edgar Ramírez ) to battle the strange demonic possessions that seem to be taking over their city. Exorcism is the order of the day, with the film likened to the likes of The Rite and The Conjuring , with Scott Derrickson ’s fantastic direction pulling the audience into all sorts of uncomfortable terror. Supposedly based on a true story, Deliver Us from Evil doesn’t just erratically bring bone-chilling scares — it does so with intellect, with the film itself benefiting from having much more to say than its other-worldly demonic narrative may suggest. - Jake Hodges

'Run Rabbit Run' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 37% | imdb: 5.0/10, run rabbit run.

Run Rabbit Run is a terrifying psychological thriller directed by Daina Reid . Nestled in the breathtakingly gorgeous landscape of Australia – which only enhances the unsettling foundation of the film’s premise – Run Rabbit Run features an undeniably incredible performance from Succession star Sarah Snook as a successful fertility doctor whose daughter ( Lily LaTorre ) seems to be possessed by the spirit of her deceased sister, Alice. Run Rabbit Run is a gripping watch not only because it centers on a haunting mystery but also due to the breakout role for young LaTorre, who fearlessly enchants on screen against Snook. – Yael Tygiel

'Things Heard & Seen' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes: 38% | imdb: 5.3/10, things heard & seen.

Based on the novel All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage, Things Heard and Seen is a chilling story about a young couple that moves into a country home with a disturbing past. Amanda Seyfried ( Jennifer’s Body ) brings the audience on her journey as she explores the darkness in her new house, town, and marriage. Contrasted with Seyfried’s naive yet restless Catherine is her suspicious husband George, played sinisterly by James Norton . Co-directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini , Things Seen and Heard blends old-school psycho-sexual thriller tropes with updated horror technologies to produce a terrifying modern classic. – Yael Tygiel

'Bird Box Barcelona' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 53% | imdb: 5.3/10, bird box barcelona.

After a mysterious force decimates the world's population, Sebastian must navigate his own survival journey through the desolate streets of Barcelona.

Bird Box Barcelona , the spin-off sequel to the 2018 film based on the Josh Malerman novel, is a thrilling post-apocalyptic horror film that goes beyond a creature feature to explore the monstrous aspects of man. The story takes place in a ravaged Barcelona and follows Sebastián ( Mario Casas ) and his daughter ( Naila Schuberth ) as they team up with other survivors of the entities that must not be perceived to escape the pursuit of a dangerous cult that forces people to look upon the creatures, leading them to commit suicide. This expansion to the Birdbox lore is a fascinating dive into the ways that humans deal with great loss as well as the ways that religion can become destructive. – Tauri Miller

'Lights Out' (2016)

Rotten tomatoes: 75% | imdb: 6.3/10.

Rebecca must unlock the terror behind her little brother's experiences that once tested her sanity, bringing her face to face with a supernatural spirit attached to their mother.

Lights Out , the directorial debut of David F. Sandberg ( Shazam! Fury of the Gods ), is about a woman ( Teresa Palmer ) coming face to face with the supernatural forces that haunt her family. Co-starring Maria Bello ( Beef ) as the woman’s mother, along with an unexpected performance from young actor Gabriel Bateman , Lights Out is a skillfully crafted horror flick that weaves a captivating story with rich performances and chilling scares. Co-written by Eric Heisserer ( Bird Box ) and Sandberg, Lights Out builds an unsettling experience with hair-raising thrills and a creepy maleficent force without relying on gore. – Yael Tygiel

'We Have A Ghost' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 42% | imdb: 6.1/10, we have a ghost.

When the Presley family moves into a low-priced fixer-upper, they soon realize they have a ghost named Ernest ( David Harbour ) living in the attic when the teenage son Kevin ( Jahi Di'Allo Winston ) catches him on video. Seeing it as an opportunity for money and fame, Kevin’s dad Frank ( Anthony Mackie ) uploads the video and creates an instant viral sensation that draws national attention to their house — but some of the eyes watching them could put their family in grave danger. We Have a Ghost is a new spin on the haunted house trope that uses internet virality and the ghost hunter craze to create a hilarious original film. – Tauri Miller

'Viking Wolf' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 43% | imdb: 5.2/10, viking wolf (2023).

Directed by Stig Svendsen , who co-wrote the screenplay with Espen Aukan , Viking Wolf is a Norwegian horror film that applies an unexpected and fun variation to traditional werewolf narratives. Surrounded by a scary mystery and placed in an unsettling atmosphere, Viking Wolf stars Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne as Thale, a teenage outcast who moves to a small town when her mother begins working for the local police department. Featuring impressive CGI for the beasts and impactful use of blood, gore, and shadows, the thrilling story of Viking Wolf succeeds with spine-tingling excitement. – Yael Tygiel

'Silence' (2019)

Rotten tomatoes: 29% | imdb: 5.3/10, the silence.

John R. Leonetti ’s The Silence is based on Tim Lebbon ’s novel, blossoming from a similar premise to A Quiet Place . Set in a world attacked by creatures who use sound to hunt their prey, The Silence follows a Deaf teenager, played by Kiernan Shipka , and her family as they attempt to find shelter. Unbeknownst to them, they fall in with a cult. Shipka is undoubtedly a talented actress, but The Silence was greatly criticized for the casting of a hearing actress in a deaf role, as well as Shipka’s non-native American Sign Language skills. Even with its faults, The Silence is a heart-pumping adventure that also stars Stanley Tucci , John Corbett , and Shipka’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina co-star Miranda Otto . – Yael Tygiel

'Eli' (2019)

Rotten tomatoes: 48% | imdb: 5.8/10.

Director Ciarán Foy spellbinds with his haunting horror movie Eli , starring Charlie Shotwell ( Morbius ) as the titular young boy with a rare autoimmune disease. Co-starring Lili Taylor ( Outer Range ) as the mysterious doctor curing the boy’s illness, Eli juxtaposes Taylor’s calm demeanor with eerie imagery to produce spine-tingling excitement for scary movie audiences. Also starring Max Martini ( Bosch: Legacy ) , Kelly Reilly , and Sadie Sink ( Stranger Things ), Eli is a suspenseful mystery that plays in the shadows, alluding to ghostly intervention while building tension and unraveling into a paranormal fright-fest. – Yael Tygiel

'Little Evil' (2017)

Rotten tomatoes: 92% | imdb: 5.7/10, little evil.

Little Evil is a goofy horror comedy written and directed by Eli Craig ( Zombieland ). Starring Adam Scott ( Severance ) as a man embarking on his idealized life with the woman of his dreams, played by Evangeline Lilly ( Ant-man and the Wasp ), only to discover that her son ( Owen Atlas ) may be the antichrist. With a playfully clever script and featuring a slew of comedic heavyweights in supporting roles, Little Evil tackles scary movie tropes with an entertaining homage. Focused more on comedy than horror, Little Evil is a cute film to watch with friends who like a less intense spooky season. – Yael Tygiel

'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 31% | imdb: 4.7/10, texas chainsaw massacre.

The ninth installment in the franchise, Netflix’s 2022 version of Texas Chainsaw Massacre takes place 50 years after Leatherface’s ( Mark Burnham ) 1973 killing spree after a group of young entrepreneurs travel to Texas to auction off old properties and create a trendy area. When inspecting what they believed to be an abandoned orphanage, however, they find it’s occupied by an elderly woman named Ginny ( Alice Krige ) – and the notorious serial killer, leading to a bloody and terrifying game of cat-and-mouse. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is exactly what you’d expect from the slasher, offering gore and frights galore. – Taylor Gates

'Resident Evil' (2002)

Rotten tomatoes: 35% | imdb: 6.6/10, resident evil.

Based on the popular video game, Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez star as the leaders of a commando team who must break into "the hive," a vast underground genetics laboratory operated by the powerful Umbrella Corporation. There, a deadly virus has been unleashed, killing the lab's personnel and resurrecting them as the evil Un-dead. The team has just three hours to shut down the lab's supercomputer and close the facility before the virus threatens to overrun the Earth.

If you enjoyed Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City , check out the movie that started the franchise. Resident Evil stars Milla Jovovich as Alice, the badass who is determined to clean up after the Umbrella Corporation's biotech chemicals have created zombies... and worse. If you are looking for high-intensity action and lots of cool monsters, this is one you can't miss. — Alyse Wax

'Choose or Die' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 33% | imdb: 4.8/10, choose or die.

When Kayla ( Iola Evans ) discovers an old ‘80s computer game that comes with a yet-to-be-claimed $100,000 cash prize for anyone who beats it, her curiosity and family’s need for money drive her to give the game a try. However, the game is more than just a simple choose-your-own-adventure meets horror campaign. It has the ability to warp reality and force Kayla to make deadly decisions that affect people in real life. Forced to continue playing, Kayla and her friend Isaac ( Asa Butterfield ) try to find a way to stop the game for good — it is just code after all. But as they learn of the malevolent forces that went into the game’s conception, they realize that winning and staying alive may not be as easy as they think. Choose or Die feels both nostalgic and fresh, paying homage to classic video games while delivering a narrative that hasn’t been done to death. Its short 84-minute runtime is an asset, not a hindrance, allowing the movie to dive straight into the horror without unnecessary fluff dragging it down. Choose or Die is honestly a lot of fun and a great casual watch for horror buffs and novices alike! - Brynna Arens

'Ouija: Origins of Evil' (2016)

Rotten tomatoes: 84% | imdb: 6.2/10, ouija: origin of evil.

In 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business by inviting an evil presence into their home, not realizing how dangerous it is.

Mike Flanagan had already built a reputation as a rock-steady horror filmmaker by 2016, but the sense of "holy crap, this guy can do anything" became set in stone once he took on a prequel to a critically-derided movie about an evil ouija board and made one of the scariest movies of the last decade. Ouija: Origin of Evil takes us to the 1970s, where fake psychic Alice Zander ( Elizabeth Reaser ) and her two daughters, Lina ( Annalise Basso ) and Doris ( Lulu Wilson ), perform seances for paying customers in the wake of Alice's husband dying. Doris, the youngest, spices up the act with the introduction of a ouija board, but the cursed item makes things all too real when it not only sends a dark spirit into the girl's body but exposes the deep-seated evil ingrained in the Zander's house. There is, to be very clear, absolutely no reason for Ouija: Origin of Evil to be good at all, so it's a downright shock that it's this horrifying and effective. And, because it's Flanagan we're talking about here, there's also a potent dramatic heart beating underneath all those bumps in the night. --Vinnie Mancuso

'The Babysitter' (2017)

Rotten tomatoes: 71% | imdb: 6.3/10, the babysitter.

It's a common trope: a little kid has a crush on their sexy teenage babysitter. But Netflix's original flick The Babysitter turns that on its head, by making the hot babysitter also happen to be part of a Satanic cult. The cult - who has brought their ceremony into young Cole's house - will stop at nothing to prevent Cole from spreading their secret. It's not really a "scary" horror film; it's more goofy, super gory, and a kind of throwback to the campy horror of the 1980s. - Alyse Wax

'Fear Street: Part One - 1994' (2021)

Fear street: part one - 1994.

The first installment of Netflix's Fear Street trilogy of films is an absolute blast from start to finish. Very much drawing influence from Scream , this R-rated slasher takes place in the town of Shadyville, where people going back decades have a habit of going on violent killing sprees. Rumors swirl that it's all to do with a witch's curse from the 1600s (which is covered in the third movie), and in this 1994-set film a group of teenagers find themselves the target of a bevy of masked killers as the try to figure out what's going on and how to survive it. At the center of the story is a queer romance that sets this apart from many other slashers of its ilk, and there's enough comedic relief to keep this from being bogged down as a horror film of the self-serious type. Again the Scream comparisons are apt, so if you're in for a spooky good time that also sets up a mythology that is concluded in the next two Fear Street movies, give Fear Street Part One: 1994 a whirl. - Adam Chitwood

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The Best Time Travel Movies On Netflix To Watch

Vote up your favorite time travel movies currently streaming on Netflix.

When you want to watch a time travel movie, it's only natural that you'd turn to a streamer, and there are always some truly great time travel movies on Netflix. Not quite a genre, the time travel film is more of a sub-sub-genre within science fiction, and Netflix has an odd array of movies that add time travel into body-swap stories, romantic comedies, indie thrillers, and even serious dramas.

Even just among Netflix Originals, you'll find movies as different as The Adam Project (a Spielberg-inspired adventure starring Ryan Reynolds as a time-traveling future pilot) and When We First Met (a romcom in which Adam DeVine uses a time traveling photo booth to seduce Alexandra Daddario). That's not even counting established heavy hitters and deep cuts among Netflix's time traveling movies .

With so many options, a temporally curious viewer can use the help this list offers. Folks just like you are voting up the finest Netflix time travel movies, so you can rest assured that they'll lead you in the right direction. You've got your Netflix, your popcorn, and even an ice cold soda. Now let this list help you pick that final element of movie night.

This sci-fi thriller directed by Rian Johnson,is all about Joe, a "Looper" who assassinates people sent from the future. It's a steady job, until his next target turns out to be his older self. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis play the younger and older Joe, respectively, and their already dangerous relationship grows even more ominous when young Joe encounters a self reliant mother, played by Emily Blunt, and her mysterious, off-putting young son.

Hot Tub Time Machine

A party comedy (with science fiction as an excuse for time travel shenanigans) directed by Steve Pink, this one centers around a group of disillusioned friends - Adam, Lou, Nick, and Jacob, portrayed by John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Duke - who unwittingly travel back to the 1980s through a malfunctioning hot tub. Trapped in the past and afraid of altering their future, the quartet (one of whom hadn't been born in the ‘80s) have a good time and confront the choices that have defined their adulthoods. Also Crispin Glover has a ball as a bellhop with one arm wrapped around destiny’s shoulders.

13 Going on 30

This romantic comedy (with a dollop of fantasy) directed by Gary Winick revolves around Jenna, a 13-year-old girl who makes a wish to be "thirty, flirty, and thriving," and wakes up the next day as a 30-year-old woman. Unlike many body-swap movies, this one actually jumps forward in time from 1987 to 2004, making it a body-swap-time-travel film. Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo play the older Jenna and her childhood best friend Matt, who has grown into a man the old fashioned way while Jenna was leaping ahead via whimsical time travel.

The Adam Project

This '80s-flavored sci-fi drama directed by Shawn Levy rides shotgun with Adam Reed, a fighter pilot from a dystopian 2050 traveling back in time to prevent his wife Laura's murder. Ryan Reynolds stars as the older Adam, with Isaiah Haegert and Walker Scobell as the 8 and 12-year-old versions of himself with whom Adam teams up. In addition to altering the past on behalf of his future/past wife, the mini-generations of Adam also gets to revisit his mother and father, played by Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.

Galaxy Quest

A very, very Star Trek -ish comedy directed by Dean Parisot, Galaxy Quest follows the cast of a defunct sci-fi TV show led by Tim Allen as Jason Nesmith as Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, who become real-life heroes when they are whisked away by actual aliens who believe the show was an all-facts historical document. Nesmith's crew includes Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub), and Tommy Webber (Daryl Mitchell), who must play their parts to save a naive alien race from war. Sam Rockwell steals the show too. Time travel has a small but pivotal role thanks to the  "Omega 13," a device that reverses time by 13 seconds, allowing Nesmith a second chance to save the day.

When We First Met

Directed by Ari Sandel, this romantic comedy with a splash of sci-fi focuses on Noah, played by Adam Devine, who discovers a magical photo booth that sends him back in time to the day he met Avery, a woman he's convinced is the only one for him, despite her engagement to another man. Alexandra Daddario plays Avery, the object of Noah's affection, who sees him only as a friend even as he hops back in time throughout the 2010s attempting to make her fall in love with him. Butterfly effect consequences with a funny slant ensue.

This sci-fi drama directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead follows two New Orleans paramedics who encounter a series of bizarre, gruesome deaths linked to a mysterious new drug called Synchronic, which messes with users' place in time, sending young users traveling into the past and allowing grown ups to observe different times. Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan star as Steve and Dennis, the paramedics whose friendship and lives are upended by Steve's investigations into the drug's origins and the sudden disappearance of Dennis's daughter.

In the Shadow of the Moon

This noir thriller with sci-fi elements directed by Jim Mickle, is the story of Thomas Lockhart, a determined Philadelphia detective, played by Boyd Holbrook, who becomes obsessed with a case that spans decades. Lockhart's pursuit begins in 1988 when he first encounters a serial killer, played by Cleopatra Coleman, whose crimes not only predict the future but also occur with inexplicable regularity every nine years. As the narrative unfolds, the killer's motives and the mysterious role of time travel become clearer, propelling Lockhart through a temporal chase that defies the linear nature of time.

See You Yesterday

This sci-fi drama, directed by Stefon Bristol and produced by Spike Lee, tells the gripping story of high school prodigies, Claudette "C.J." Walker and Sebastian Thomas, who invent backpacks that allow them to travel through time. Eden Duncan-Smith and Dante Crichlow play the duo, whose ambitions take a tragic turn when they use their invention to prevent the wrongful police shooting of C.J.'s brother, Calvin. 

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As they say in well-written scripts, "You mean... like time travel?" + also a few bizarre stories about real people who have claimed, despite every law of physics, they have traveled through time.

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Home » Blog » 25 Best Travel Movies On Netflix

25 Best Travel Movies On Netflix

I think every wanderlust lover enjoys a great travel movie! These films can make you travel the world in a little under two hours and can be super inspiring. Though finding the right movies to watch when traveling can be time-consuming and even complicated if you’re on an international trip. That’s why Netflix is life-saving for all travel lovers wanting to watch movies on the road! 

For me, one of the best gifts for travel lovers is a streaming subscription! This allows us to download movies and watch them whenever suits us better while on a trip. It’s practical and stress-free! Plus, Netflix has an impressive movie catalog that includes some of the most beloved travel films out there. That’s why I decided to create this roundup. Keep reading to find out what are the best travel movies on Netflix! 

1. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

This movie is an absolute classic! Not only is this story filled with beautiful landscapes, but it’s also quite moving. It’s based on a true story, so you’re for sure getting the real deal here. The plot follows a freshly divorced woman, Liz, as she embarks on a 9 month-long trip to find herself. The story kicks off in New York but Liz travels to Italy, India, and Bali on this self-discovery journey. It’s fast-paced (only about an hour and a half long) and filled with travel motivation. As you can probably tell, this movie is as inspiring as it gets! 

2. Lion (2016)

This is another touching film based on true events. It’s the story of Brierley, who got lost and separated from his parents at only 5 years old. He ended up on the other side of his home country, India, and never saw them again, getting adopted later and moving to Australia. But the story kicks off when Brierley decides to go on a journey to find them! The movie will take you on a heart-wrenching journey across India and Australia. It lasts almost two hours, so get cozy! 

3. Chasing Liberty (2004)

For anyone longing for a 2000’s rom-com after two emotional films, I’ve got you! This is such a feel-good type of movie that it’s perfect for anyone stuck at a boarding gate, bus terminal, or rainy day when camping ! The story follows the daughter of the President of The United States as she steps off on a European adventure to rebel against the constant security imposed on her. It’s got European travel destinations, 2000’s nostalgia, and romance! 

4. Expedition Happiness (2017)

If you want to check out some of the best United States road trip destinations , then this film is for you!  Expedition Happiness follows a German couple as they set off on a road trip across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. They explore all of North America with their dog and a converted school bus. The views are spectacular and will definitely inspire you to travel!  It lasts 96 minutes and will convince you to pack your bags before you even get to watch half of it! 

5. Mamma Mia (2008)

Another outstanding classic! I couldn’t leave Mamma Mia out of this list, especially when it’s such an uplifting and comforting film. The story takes place on a Greek island ( anyone else longing for some sun right now?) and follows a young woman named Sophie who’s about to get married. She wants her father to be there but doesn’t know who she is. So Sophie invites all three of her potential dads to the wedding! It’s a true rollercoaster of a film. Plus, it’s a musical, so there’s even more to love about it! 

6. Ibiza (2018)

Okay, so this movie is pretty much a rulebook for what NOT to do on a business trip. Which makes it all that much more fun and enjoyable! The plot follows Harper, a 30-year-old woman from NYC who travels to Barcelona for work. But (of course) everything goes off track when she meets a handsome DJ! It’s only an hour and a half long, so you can definitely squeeze it in the middle of any busy day! 

7. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Alright, we’re back to the moving travel movies category. For real now, this is the ultimate road trip movie! It follows the story of Ben, a writer turned caregiver in charge of a teenager with muscular dystrophy, Trevor. As the boy loves American roadside attractions, Ben convinces his mother to go on a road trip across the country. It’s an emotional film packed with views of the open road! 

8. The Terminal (2004)

Pretty much everyone and their mother knows this is a great movie. This commercial success follows the ordeal of an Eastern European man stranded inside of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport because his passport is no longer valid. But the same reason why they won’t let him in is the same reason why he can’t leave: his country suffered a military coup and his life would be in danger. So he stays there, making a terminal his new home as he waits for asylum. This is a classic and you should not miss it! 

9. Casino Royale (2006)

James Bond films are always quite the show! They’re bound to make you have fun while traveling. This one follows Bond as he is earning his license to kill and is involved in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale, Montenegro. The movie was shot in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy, and the United Kingdom. So you’ll see lots of different places! 

10. Amelie (2001)

If you’ve ever longed for a trip to Paris, then this movie is for you! The story follows Amelie, a girl whose childhood was conditioned by her mistakenly diagnosed heart condition. As she barely got any real-life interactions with people, she resorted to her own fantasy world that resulted in a vivid imagination even as an adult. Her life changes when she moves to Paris and that’s where this story begins. It’s a cinematic masterpiece and a very acclaimed film! 

11. Into the Wild (2007)

This great movie will take you deep into the wilderness of Alaska. It’s the story of Christopher McCandless, as he sells all of his possessions after graduating from university and departs to Alaska. He even donates all of his savings to give it all up and live in the wild. Along the way, he’ll encounter people that will forever make an impact on his life. It’s quite a long film (almost two and a half hours long) but definitely worth your time! 

12. Adrift (2018)

This moving film is based on an inspiring true story and will leave you shaken. It follows the adventures of two sailors who embark on a trip across the seas only to find themselves in the eye of one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history. After the storm, their boat is shredded to pieces and one of them is badly injured. Now all they have to do is try to survive. It’s a gripping story, that’s for sure! 

13. Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus (2013)

This movie is for those who want a bit of fun when they’re away or daydreaming of being on the road! Meet Jamie, a let-loose American who’s traveling in Chile. There, he joins a woman keen to discover the benefits of a local South American hallucinogen: the San Pedro cactus. You’re bound to have a good laugh with this one. It’s short (1:40 hours) and hilarious!

14. Forrest Gump (1994)

This American classic is one you’ve probably seen dozens of times before. But we never get tired of this movie! This story follows the beloved character, Forrest Gump, across a tale of his eventful life while he waits at a bus stop. His memoirs also depict a series of key events in American history, so it’s quite the emotional ride. It’s a longer movie, almost two and a half hours long, but certainly an unskippable one! 

1 5. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

This Netflix documentary follows the life of 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono and his work at his renowned sushi restaurant. It also touches upon his relationship with his son as he is under the pressure of taking over the restaurant. Meanwhile, Jiro sets out on his lifelong quest to create the perfect piece of sushi. It all happens in Tokyo, so it’s a great movie for those longing to visit Japan! 

16. Faces places (2017)

This documentary is the perfect road trip film! The French protagonists, 89-year-old New Wave director Agnés Varda and 33-year-old photographer JR, embark on an artistic journey that’s caught on camera. They travel around the small villages of rural France, as they create portraits of the people they come across on their trip. It’s simple, subtle, and comforting! It’s a great movie for a road trip, so head over to our Road Trip section to start planning your next one.  

17. In Search Of Fellini (2017)

This story is both dreamy and relatable in certain ways! The protagonist is a small-town girl from Ohio who isn’t too keen on reality but adores movies. When she discovers the artistic and bizarre films of Federico Fellini, she takes off on a passionate trip across Italy just to find him. It’s a coming-of-age memoir mixed with a heavy dose of wanderlust. And if you like Italy’s landscapes, you can’t skip it! 

18. The Mummy (1999)

This one is another classic! If you’re in the mood for an adventure comedy, this is what you need to watch. Out of all these travel movies, The Mummy has a very distinct vibe. Is a mix of romance, adventure, comedy, and terror that just ticks all the right boxes! It tells the story of an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert. When they uncover an ancient tomb, they set free a  3,000-year-old mummy by accident. And I’ll let you find out the rest from there! Get ready to visit Egypt! 

19. The Way (2010)

The Way is visually stunning and emotionally touching. It tells the story of a man who goes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to gather the remains of his deceased adult son. His son died in a storm while attempting to complete the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James trail). There, he decides to embark on the pilgrimage himself to honor his son’s desires. It’s an emotional ride but a beautiful one! 

20. The Bucket List (2007)

A travel movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is a film worth watching! This comedy-drama follows two men suffering from a terminal illness as they set out on a once-in-a-lifetime kind of road trip. On their journey, they will check off everything they need to from their bucket lists before actually “kicking the bucket”. It’s funny, it features lots of cool places and activities, and it’ll sure keep you company while on the open road! 

21. On The Road (2012)

On The Road is the compelling take of a road trip fuelled by grief and a need for inspiration. Writer Sal Paradise embarks on a trip across the open road to regain clarity and motivation. On his journey, he encounters the free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his charismatic girlfriend. Together they travel the American Southwest in search of the unknown. The landscapes present in this movie are stunning and it’s always great to get to see more of the US! 

22. Wild Oats (2012)

This film is for those who want to watch movies that are a ton of fun! Wild Oats is a great movie capable of getting a laugh out of most of us. The story kicks off when a retired high school teacher receives a $5,000,000 check for her deceased husband’s $50,000 life insurance policy. Influenced by her friends, she decides to make the most out of the mistake and embark on a wild trip to the Canary Islands. The location of this film is beautiful and the storyline is hilarious! 

23. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Everyone knows The Da Vinci Code in one way or another, right? Whether you’ve read the book or seen the film, this is a travel movie worth watching. The story follows symbologist Robert and cryptologist Sophie as they find themselves in the middle of a political and religious battle amid different believers. I don’t want to spoil anything else but this one is a must-watch!

24. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) 

This is one of the best comedies/rom-coms of all time! Not only does it make everyone laugh and cringe a little, it’s also set in beautiful Hawaii. The plot follows Peter, who was dumped by his girlfriend (actress Sarah Marshall) and decided to take off to Hawaii. He hopes to relax but, as he’s checking in, he spots Sarah and her new boyfriend. The events that follow are bizarre, hilarious, and worth watching! 

25. Cairo Time (2009)

Finishing off this roundup of travel movies on Netflix with Cairo Time seems like the right move. This movie is poetic to its core and has some really strong performances. It’s a romantic drama that focuses on an unexpected affair in Cairo. Of course, it features the best views of the city and a few of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. For those of you who love the Pyramids, this one’s for you! 

What are your favorite travel movies and shows on Netflix?

Those are the 25 best travel movies on Netflix! Each and every one of these films is perfect for sparking that wanderlust flame or preparing for an upcoming trip. Even more, you can watch them while traveling on a road trip or at the hotel! So just download them and get ready to be entertained for a while. What is your favorite travel movie? Let me know in the comments. Now go enjoy those wanderlust-packed films! 

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Hello and warm regards from sunny Singapore!

Been following your IG and now subscribed to your blog. Thanks for this travel list. Cant wait to watch them. Thanks for your recommendations.

Ms Shan Lim

This is such a great list!! I am such an Egypt fanatic, how I have never heard of Cairo Time? Totally going to watch that tonight, thanks for the recommendations!

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‘Circle’: Netflix’s 2015 Cult Horror Film Entering Production on an Indie Sequel (EXCLUSIVE)

By Selome Hailu

Selome Hailu

• ‘Circle’: Netflix’s 2015 Cult Horror Film Entering Production on an Indie Sequel (EXCLUSIVE) 10 mins ago
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In 2015, Netflix acquired the indie horror film “ Circle ,” which saw 50 strangers trapped in a room and forced to decide who would be the one survivor through a series of votes and debates about the worth of each human life.

Nearly a decade later, with the “12 Angry Men”-inspired project having become something of a cult hit, two producers of the film have reunited to create a sequel, “Circles.” Per the official logline, “17 years after being pawns in a cruel game of psychological warfare, the survivors of an invasion face a new threat.”

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Stiefel is the founder and CEO of the entertainment firm Votiv, with producing credits besides “Circle” including “As You Are” (2016), “Free In Deed” (2015) and “Obvious Child” (2014).

Graye’s breakout as a writer was the 2016 Black List script “Allison Adams.” He then went on to write the Helen Hunt-led thriller “I See You” before writing for Season 2 of Starz’s “The Girlfriend Experience.” His recent spec script “Switchboard” has Matt Reeves and Steven Schneider attached as producers. He is repped by Alex Rincon at UTA.

(Pictured, left to right: Nardelli, Stiefel, Graye)

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Godzilla Minus One, and More New Must-Watch Sci-Fi and Horror Movies on Netflix

Godzilla minus one , and more new must-watch sci-fi and horror movies on netflix, godzilla minus one , godzilla minus one , godzilla minus one , and a few others too..

Every new month, all the big streamers —including Netflix—refresh their libraries and release exciting new titles too. You can usually find fresh additions hanging out on the Netflix top 10 , but if you’re searching specifically for sci-fi and horror titles that have arrived within the past couple months—here are 10 to start with.

Godzilla Minus One

io9's top movie of 2023 , not to mention the only Godzilla movie to date to take home an Oscar , made its surprising arrival on the streamer earlier this month. Needless to say, it holds up on the small screen and after near-obsessive repeat viewings. Stream on Netflix .

Under Paris

What is summer, without a movie starring a big ol’ shark that barges its way into an unfamiliar body of water and finds a delectable new feeding ground? Even better: this takes place in Paris, as the title suggests, and the scientist tasked with tracking it has personal history dealing with its toothy horrors. Stream on Netflix .

The Conjuring

Kick back with Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) and revisit the 2013 James Wan movie that sparked its own spooky cinematic universe. If you’re craving more time with the Warrens—or with that pesky demonic nun—Netflix has the second and third Conjuring films available now too. Stream on Netflix . (Also: The Conjuring 2 , and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It .)

Dune (1984)

No Timothée Chalamet. No Zendaya. (Those guys weren’t even born yet when this version of Dune was made.) Just David Lynch making some choices (and having some made for him ), and one of the most distinctly oddball sci-fi adaptations of the 1980s—or any decade, really. Stream on Netflix .

Ultraman: Rising

This animated Japanese-American co-production arrives Friday, June 14, and drops the legendary hero into a new adventure, as the official logline reads: “When baseball superstar Ken Sato returns home to Japan to pick up the mantle of Earth-defending superhero Ultraman, he quickly finds more than he bargained for as he’s forced to raise the offspring of his greatest foe.” Stream on Netflix .

Mortal Kombat (2021)

The 2021 reboot of the film series based on the popular video game franchise was surprisingly entertaining, thanks in no small part to its intricately planned fight scenes . And, of course, all the gore ! A sequel’s on the way next year, so here’s your chance to get prepared. Stream on Netflix .

This 2003-style superhero movie (that was released in 2024) is just gonna hang out on streaming until people start appreciating it as a budding cult classic. Might as well catch the wave (web?) early and stream on Netflix .

Hulk (2003)

Speaking of superhero movies from 2003, this actual 2003 release pre-dates the official start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was directed by Ang Lee, two factors that make it a curiosity worth revisiting. It might be better than you remember; if watching it dredges up all the reasons you didn’t like it, you can always switch over to Madame Web instead. Stream on Netflix .

The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie turned 10 this year, and while it spawned fun sequels and spin-offs centered around Batman and Ninjago (as well as, somewhat less excitingly, Chris Pratt’s voice-over career), the original is still your best bet for brick-based animated entertainment. Stream on Netflix .

Netflix now has seasons 1-13 of the cult-beloved secret-agent series starring the voices of H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, the late Jessica Walter, and more (including some scorching guest stars). By the time the 14th and final season arrives—hopefully coming to Netflix eventually—you’ll be well-versed in phrasing.   Stream on Netflix .

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Movies to Stream at Home (2024)

Stephen King praises Netflix horror with 'amazing ending' as it hits number one

A thrilling new movie where Paris is besieged by killer sharks has rocketed to the top of the streamer's global movie chart a week after release. Horror legend Stephen King was blown away by the ending, as were countless viewers

• 13:18, 14 Jun 2024
• Updated 14:25, 14 Jun 2024

There must be something in the water...for Netflix has another monster smash on its hands.

A new movie where Paris is besieged by killer sharks has rocketed to the top of the streamer's global movie chart after swimming into view earlier this month; its meteoric rise no doubt bolstered by 'King of Horror' Stephen King , who lavished praise on Under Paris, saying it boasts 'one of the best endings ever'.

Best known for genre-defining novels such as Carrie, The Shining and Misery - all turned into smash-hit blockbusters at the cinema - the author was badgered on social media to give the flick a spin.

After relenting, he posted on X (formerly Twitter ): "I thought Under Paris would be a jokey movie, like Sharknado, but Twitter convinced me to give it a watch, and it’s really quite good. The last 25 minutes were amazing.”

The story beings with Sophia, a marine biologist specialising in sharks, whose life is shattered by the death of her spouse while researching a Mako shark called Lilith.

However, as time passes, Sophia is confronted with an extraordinary situation as Lilith mysteriously makes her way into the Seine River. Now, Sophia must protect the City of Lights from a looming aquatic threat while navigating through the scepticism of government officials who fail to realise that they are characters in an unfolding shark thriller.

Xavier Gens, the renowned director of Frontier(s), is no stranger to bold cinematic gambles, and even fans au fait with his work may find themselves taken aback by the surprising finale of Under Paris. And it's that ending that so impressed Mr King, along with many Netflix viewers - with some even hailing it as the 'most terrifying shark movie ever made'.

One viewer called it 'fantastic' and 'one of the best endings I've seen in a while'. However, amid all this praise you might be surprised to learn that Under Paris has a lowly 5.3 rating on IMDb, with many users largely agreeing the movie 'started stong ... then got silly ... then got outright ridiculous!'

If you can't see the poll, click here

Viewer Chris Reed posted: "It started off very strong and watching it in French with subtitles really added to the ambience for me as nothing was lost in translation and acting seemed decent.

"It stays believable until around a third of the way in and then things start to become unrealistic. By the third act, it loses all integrity and becomes laughable in places. Worth a watch but it's not a classic or a film you'll revisit, even if you're after a brain-disengage-type film."

Jatstar said: "Full of your standard shark movie clichés and the middle drags a little, but I have to admit I was surprised in the last quarter of the film. Even though I was cheering for the shark (there were just too many stupid people waiting to be eaten). I did end up enjoying it. A lot of action at the beginning and end, lots of blood and an environmental message which is very topical."

Munzhedzi was altogether more scathing, saying: "This is a mess from start to finish and doesn't really keep you glued to the screen. You can tell it had a decent budget but that's about the only decent thing about the film. The lighting is good, acting is meh, script is horrendous and the outcome is just a pure mess. I don't know what they wanted to achieve with the film, but I think it is probably one of those "we need a new Netflix movie to keep us trending at least for another week" type."

Despite being a big-hitter for Netflix, Under Paris still only manages a measly 34 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, but a reasonable 65 per cent on its Tomatometer. Randy Myser of the San Jose Mercury News called the movie: "A guilty pleasure that delivers on its premise and promise, and even leaves you hankering for a sequel."

While A.A. Dowd, of IGN Movies said: "The bar for shark movies lies near the bottom of the ocean, so it's no great victory that Under Paris' Gallic riff on Jaws neatly clears it".

Meaghan Navarro, of Bloody Disgusting: "Under Paris winds up feeling like a disparate blend of overly serious, familiar eco-horror and a zanier action horror movie with gory B-movie impulses."

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Under Paris Puts A Very Dark Spin On The Movie’s Big Jaws Character Reference

Under paris: are ww2 shells really still in the seine, under paris parents' guide: is the netflix movie suitable for kids.

• Stephen King shares that he found Netflix's Under Paris surprisingly good despite initial skepticism, especially praising the last 25 minutes.
• Under Paris ' success reflects the unpredictable nature of shark movies, often balancing between hits and flops.
• Despite mixed reviews, Under Paris is Netflix's current top movie globally.

Renowned author Stephen King admits he was surprised by Under Paris , the shark movie that has soared to the top of Netflix’s viewership charts. Originally titled Sous la Seine in the movie’s original French, the story of Netflix’s latest action-horror sees the city of Paris facing an unexpected threat when a giant shark enters the Seine. Despite being the streamer’s number 1 movie worldwide, the film is currently attracting mixed reviews with 35% audience and 67% critical scores on Rotten Tomatoes, hinting at significant divides between viewers.

Among the viewers weighing in on the merits of Under Paris, novelist King offered his own assessment of the French shark-survival movie . Check out his posting below:

Initially thinking that the Netflix thriller would be a “ jokey movie ” in the vein of Sharknado, King says that he was finally convinced to watch it off the back of various Twitter/X recommendations. He even went as far as to say that the “last 25 minutes were amazing.”

Shark Movies Have Always Been A Hit And Miss Genre

Under paris belongs to a genre with an erratic track record.

While many would seek to credit Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic Jaws as the start of audiences’ obsession with shark-based horror movies, the genre had a far less auspicious beginning with the 1969 Burt Reynolds movie Shark!

Despite Under Paris’ lagging audience scores, Netflix’s latest foray into the shark survival genre still appears to be attracting a considerable number of views. Raking in 40.9 million streaming views for the week of June 3 to June 9, its worldwide numbers would even dwarf the streamer’s number 1 English-language movie, Hit Man , which attracted 10.8 million views within the same period. Yet this unexpected success is just the latest entry in a genre renowned for delivering both blockbuster hits and near-total flops .

Richard Linklater's Hit Man is only available on Netflix in select countries internationally.

While many would seek to credit Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic Jaws as the start of audiences’ obsession with shark-based horror movies , the genre had a far less auspicious beginning with the 1969 Burt Reynolds movie Shark! Effectively stifling the career of director Samuel Fuller for nearly a decade, the filmmakers who would each dare to follow in his footsteps would all tread the same razor-thin line between success and monumental failure .

While subsequent movies, such as the Sharknado movies , would later attempt to play directly into the B-grade appeal of increasingly unlikely scenarios, Under Paris is somehow proving that the genre still has bite. Even if critics and general audiences can’t seem to agree on the movie’s overall merits, King’s endorsement may still urge more reluctant viewers to overcome any hesitation they may have due to the genre’s famously erratic track record.

Source: Stephen King /X/Twitter

Under Paris (2024)

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden world filled with ancient secrets and dark mysteries. A group of daring urban explorers sets out to uncover the truth buried within the city's catacombs, only to find themselves facing a series of terrifying challenges. As they unravel the enigmatic past of Paris, they must confront their deepest fears to survive.

Giant Freakin Robot

Dark R-Rated Supernatural Horror Mystery Thriller One Of The Best In Years, Stream Without Netflix

Posted: June 14, 2024 | Last updated: June 14, 2024

If you love a good psychological horror, then Smile may be just the horror movie you’re looking for. While the film flew a little bit under the radar when it was released, many horror fans have checked it out since then. If you haven’t seen it for yourself yet and you want something scary for the weekend, it’s now streaming on Paramount+.

Cast And Crew

Smile the horror movie is written and directed by Parker Finn, who made his feature directorial debut with the film and based it on his own 2020 short film Laura Hasn’t Slept. Sosie Bacon stars as a therapist who witnesses her patient commit suicide, and the trauma of the event leads her to have increasingly disturbing and unexplainable experiences that force her to confront her past to escape her nightmares.

The rest of the cast is rounded out by Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Rob Morgan, and Caitlin Stasey, who plays the same role she played in Laura Hasn’t Slept.

Smile was well-received by horror movie audiences and critics alike and even managed to gross a very respectable $217.4 million worldwide against a budget of $17 million. This was enough for the film to get a sequel greenlit, which will see Kyle Gallner reprise his role from the first film.

Parker Finn is returning to direct and write the sequel, and Naomi Scott is set to star alongside Lukas Gage, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dylan Gelula, Raul Castillo, and Miles Gutierrez-Riley.

A Different Kind Of Movie

As Finn revealed in previous statements, the Smile horror movie sequel will delve into some of the unresolved plotlines from the first film, and that we may learn more about the entity that appears in the first film.

He also said that the sequel would be “notably different” from the first film, so it’ll be interesting to see how he expands the world he set up. Of course, the sequel will undoubtedly be a better watch if you’ve seen the first outing.

October Release

The Smile horror movie sequel is set for a spooky season on October 18 release date, so there’s plenty of time to catch the first one. Of course, like all great psychological horrors, it’s a movie that will have you flashing back to the most unnerving scenes for days afterward. The slow-burn style of the movie and the unsettling visuals make it a great horror experience for those who enjoy psychological horror over jump scares.

Stream It Now

With Smile and the upcoming Smile 2, Parker Finn is quietly becoming one of the most exciting horror creators to watch in Hollywood, especially now that he recently signed on to a remake of Andrzej Zulawski’s 1981 film Possession.

That film is being produced by Robert Pattinson (and sources say he may star in it as well), with Finn attached as writer, director, and producer via his Bad Feeling banner. There’s no word on when Possession will be released.

In the meantime, it’s well worth checking out the only feature-length that Finn has out at the moment. You can stream the Smile horror movie now over on Paramount+. Make sure to check out the sequel later this year, and stay tuned for more news on his Possession remake.

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