Horror movies have long been a staple of the cinematic experience, capturing the imaginations of audiences worldwide with their twisted tales of terror. These films explore the darker aspects of human nature and tap into our innate fears, providing thrilling and spine-chilling experiences that keep us on the edge of our seats.
24. Hush (2016)
“Hush” is a 2016 American horror-thriller film that has gained popularity as one of the notable Netflix Originals in the genre. The film centers on a deaf and mute writer, played by Kate Siegel, who lives a solitary life in the woods. The inclusion of disability adds a unique twist to the classic home invasion plot, as the protagonist must fend off a masked killer in complete silence.
Directed and edited by Mike Flanagan, the film is co-written by Flanagan and Siegel, showcasing their collaboration in both the script and on-screen execution. Alongside Siegel, the cast includes John Gallagher Jr., Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, and Emilia “Emma” Graves.
As a horror-thriller, Hush capitalizes on elements such as psychological terror and fear, placing the audience in the shoes of the protagonist. The film’s distinct atmosphere of isolation echoes other scary movies in the same vein, making it a worthy addition to the list of notable psycho-thrillers.
23. The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
“The Pope’s Exorcist” is a 2023 supernatural horror film that delves into the world of demonic possession and exorcism. Directed by Julius Avery and based on the books An Exorcist Tells His Story (1990) and An Exorcist: More Stories(1992) by Father Gabriele Amorth, the film weaves a gripping tale of horror and intrigue with undertones of conspiracy.
The story follows Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s leading exorcist, as he investigates the possession of a child. Throughout the film, audiences are confronted with the chilling reality of Satan’s influence and the power of exorcism in combating it. The protagonist’s actions, interspersed with thrilling action sequences, keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds.
22. Run Rabbit Run (2023)
“Run Rabbit Run” is a 2023 Australian psychological horror film directed by Daina Reid and written by Hannah Kent. The film’s plot centers around Sarah, a fertility doctor portrayed by Sarah Snook. Tension arises when her seven-year-old daughter Mia, played by Lily LaTorre, insists that she is Alice, Sarah’s sister who vanished at Mia’s age. This chilling revelation plunges the family into a realm of fear and uncertainty.
The film’s slow-burn nature emphasizes psychological terror rather than gratuitous jump scares. This ensures that the tension is sustained throughout the movie, enveloping audiences in a captivating, eerie atmosphere.
21. The Thing (2011)
“The Thing” is a 2011 American science fiction horror film set in the cold and isolated environment of Antarctica. The story follows a team of scientists who make a remarkable discovery. Their excitement turns into fear when they realize their experiment has unleashed a mysterious and dangerous alien life form. Paranoia and tension spread among the team members as the creature has the ability to mimic anything it touches.
The film combines elements of both sci-fi and horror genres, building suspense and thrill throughout the narrative. The alien, referred to as “The Thing,” is a terrifying threat that constantly keeps the viewer on edge.
20. Old People (2022)
“Old People” is a 2022 horror film that made waves on the streaming platform, Netflix. Directed and written by Andy Fetscher, the movie features a stellar cast, including Melika Foroutan, Stephan Luca, and Anna Unterberger. Foroutan’s remarkable performance also earned her a Hessian Television Award.
The story revolves around a woman who returns to her hometown with her two kids to attend her sister’s wedding. However, they soon find themselves facing a horrifying ordeal as they are forced to defend their lives against bloodthirsty pensioners.
19. Malevolent (2018)
“Malevolent” is a British horror film released in 2018, directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson based on Eva Konstantopoulos’ novel Hush. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes and is rated TV-MA.
The movie’s plot revolves around a brother-sister duo, who make money by faking paranormal encounters. They capitalize on the growing fascination with creepy, unsettling experiences by pretending to exorcize haunted houses.
However, their fraudulent activities take a drastic turn when they come across a genuine supernatural presence at a haunted estate. Featuring a cast led by Florence Pugh, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, and Celia Imrie, “Malevolent” dives into the world of horror and thriller, making the audience question the boundaries between the real and the paranormal.
18. Hellhole (2022)
“Hellhole” is a Polish horror film released in 2022, set in a Polish monastery in 1987 and showcases a thrilling story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The plot follows a police officer investigating mysterious disappearances, who infiltrates the remote monastery and uncovers a dark truth about its clergy.
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes and features an ensemble cast, including Piotr Żurawski, Olaf Lubaszenko, and Sebastian Stankiewicz.
The film can be described as ominous and scary, with elements of horror reminiscent of the Hellraiser series. “Hellhole” successfully combines suspense and terror as it reveals the horrific reality within the monastery walls.
17. Death Note (2017)
“Death Note” is a 2017 American supernatural crime thriller film adapted from a Japanese manga of the same name. The manga, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, gained international success, leading to its live-action adaptation. Director Adam Wingard and writers Charles and Vlas Parlapanides, and Jeremy Slater collaborated to bring this chilling story to life.
The film delves into the world of a high school student, Light Turner. He discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name on its pages. Driven by a sense of justice, Light embarks on a secret crusade to rid the world of criminals.
16. Incantation (2022)
“Incantation” is a 2022 Taiwanese found footage supernatural horror film that successfully infuses elements of horror, thriller, and mystery. Directed by Kevin Ko and co-written with Chang Che-wei, the film’s chilling atmosphere invites viewers to explore the consequences of breaking a religious taboo.
The story unfolds as protagonist Li Ronan (played by Tsai Hsuan-yen) is cursed and struggles to protect her daughter Dodo (Huang Sin-ting) from the ancient curse’s ramifications. This narrative sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of horror and raises the stakes with a witch-related curse.
The found footage format can sometimes be challenging to execute effectively. However, “Incantation” manages to feel fresh and genuinely terrifying by skillfully avoiding cliches and overused elements found in common horror films.
15. The Platform (2019)
“The Platform” is a Spanish social science fiction film that takes place in a large, tower-style “Vertical Self-Management Center.” Each level consists of a single cell, built for two inmates who are provided food from a platform that moves between the floors. With only two minutes per day to eat, the inmates face an endless nightmare as they attempt to survive in this cruel ecosystem.
Known for its dark and captivating narrative, “The Platform” offers a powerful commentary on social inequality, human nature, and the struggle for survival.
14. The Perfection (2018)
“The Perfection” is a psychological horror thriller film that was released in 2018. The plot revolves around a once-promising music prodigy, Charlotte (played by Allison Williams), who reconnects with her former mentors, only to find them captivated by Elizabeth (played by Logan Browning), a talented new pupil. This encounter leads both musicians down a sinister path, with shocking consequences.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes, “The Perfection” packs a powerful punch in a compact timeframe. Alongside the strong performances by the lead actors, the film is characterized by its twisted, surprising narrative, creating an atmosphere of unease and suspense for viewers.
13. Apostle (2018)
“Apostle” is a gothic horror film set in 1905 and follows a drifter, played by Dan Stevens, on a dangerous mission to rescue his kidnapped sister. His journey leads him to an isolated island inhabited by a sinister religious cult, led by Michael Sheen’s character.
The movie is known for its slow-building descent into dread, rather than relying on easy scares. The movie incorporates gory elements, making it a suitable choice for fans who enjoy visceral horror experiences.
12. Cam (2018)
“Cam” is a 2018 American psychological horror film inspired by writer Mazzei’s own experience working as a cam girl. It revolves around a cam girl whose account is taken over by a mysterious look-alike.
The protagonist, played by Madeline Brewer, is confronted with the challenge of identifying the culprit and reclaiming her identity. The movie also stars Patch Darragh and Melora Walters in supporting roles.
11. The Conjuring 2 (2015)
“The Conjuring 2” is a horror film directed by James Wan. It focuses on the paranormal activities experienced by a single mother and her four children in North London.
Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are the paranormal investigators in this story. They enter the family’s life to provide help and support, as they believe the youngest daughter is showing signs of demonic possession.
The film showcases James Wan’s mastery of creating a terrifying environment, using both visual and auditory techniques to induce fear. The presence of a demonic nun adds to the horror and suspense, setting up an overarching plot within the context of the film.
10. Creep (2014)
“Creep” is a psychological horror-thriller film that made its debut in 2014. Directed by Patrick Brice, the movie showcases the classic found footage style and features Brice himself and Mark Duplass as the lead actors. The plot revolves around a videographer, Aaron, who is hired to film a dying man’s last messages.
The film’s protagonist, Aaron, ventures to a remote town after accepting a one-day job from an eccentric man named Josef. As the day progresses, Josef’s strange behavior raises concerns in Aaron’s mind about his true intentions. The story builds upon the eerie, creepy atmosphere, taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of fear and anticipation.
9. Crimson Peak (2015)
“Crimson Peak” is a 2015 gothic romance film directed by Guillermo del Toro and co-written by del Toro and Matthew Robbins. This movie stars Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, and Jim Beaver.
The plot revolves around an aspiring author, who, after a family tragedy, finds herself torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Seeking solace, she gets swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds, and remembers – a house haunted by ghosts of her past.
8. Don’t Listen (2020)
“Don’t Listen” is a 2020 Spanish horror film that has secured a spot among Netflix’s offering of spine-chilling originals. Directed by Ángel Gómez Hernández in his feature film debut, the movie masterfully plays on the fears of the unknown and the supernatural.
The plot revolves around the tragic loss of a young boy in a family’s new home, where the father Daniel, played by Rodolfo Sancho, hears a ghostly plea for help. This eerie event leads him to seek the assistance of a famous paranormal expert.
“Don’t Listen,” also known as “Voces” in Spanish, seamlessly incorporates the elements of horror, mystery, and grief into a suspenseful story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
7. Eli (2019)
“Eli” is a 2019 American horror film directed by Ciarán Foy, with a screenplay written by David Chirchirillo, Ian Goldberg, and Richard Naing. The plot follows a young boy named Eli, portrayed by Charlie Shotwell, who suffers from a debilitating illness. With his desperate parents, Eli checks into an isolated clinic for experimental therapy.
The clinic, run by the enigmatic Dr. Isabella Horn (Lili Taylor), promises hope for the family. However, as the treatment progresses, Eli begins experiencing terrifying hallucinations and events. He, along with Sadie Sink’s character, unveils the dark secrets hidden within the clinic’s walls.
6. Gerald’s Game (2017)
“Gerald’s Game” is a 2017 American psychological horror thriller film, directed and edited by Mike Flanagan. The screenplay was written by Flanagan and Jeff Howard, based on Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same title.
The story revolves around a couple attempting to spice up their marriage at a remote lake house. However, the husband dies unexpectedly, leaving the wife, Jessie, handcuffed to the bed frame.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes, the film delves into Jessie’s battle to survive and break free. She faces warped visions, dark secrets, and a dire choice, resulting in a thrilling drama and horror experience.
5. His House (2020)
“His House” is a 2020 horror thriller film written and directed by Remi Weekes, with a story by Felicity Evans and Toby Venables. It stars Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, and Matt Smith. The film follows a refugee couple from South Sudan as they struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town with an evil lurking beneath the surface.
The film has been praised for its terrifying look at the specters of the refugee experience, making it a remarkable debut for Weekes. It delves into the themes of horror, fear, and racism, providing an engaging narrative that succeeds in combining both real-world and supernatural terrors.
4. May The Devil Take You (2018)
“May the Devil Take You” is a 2018 Indonesian horror film that combines elements of thrillers and supernatural themes.
The protagonist, Alfie (Chelsea Islan), embarks on a quest to uncover the cause of her estranged father’s mysterious illness. She visits his old villa and, alongside her stepsister, discovers the dark truth from her father’s past.
The film has been compared to the legendary horror classic, “Evil Dead,” as it delves into the demonic world. The story reveals chilling secrets and explores unsettling events that transpired in the protagonist’s father’s life.
3. Ravenous (2017)
“Ravenous,” originally titled “Les Affamés” in French, is a Canadian horror film released in 2017. Set in rural Quebec, the film follows the story of survivors in the aftermath of an infectious outbreak. These individuals must join forces to escape an invasion of zombie-like creatures that exhibit uncontrollable bloodthirsty behavior.
The zombies in this film stand out from typical portrayals, as they possess odd habits and appear more human-like in their movements. This deviation from traditional horror tropes adds an eerie sense of realism to the story, amplifying its impact on the audience.
2. The Ritual (2017)
“The Ritual” is a British horror film released in 2017, directed by David Bruckner and based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. With a screenplay by Joe Barton, the film stars Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton.
This horror-thriller follows the story of four college friends who reunite for a hiking trip in the Swedish forest. After the tragic death of one of their companions, they encounter a lurking, ancient evil. The Scandinavian wilderness becomes a haunting backdrop for their increasingly ominous journey.
Influenced by films like The Blair Witch Project, The Ritual skillfully blends psychological and supernatural horror elements. Emphasizing character-driven storytelling, the film focuses on the dynamics and emotions of the group of friends as they navigate their terrifying surroundings. This makes it both a highly relatable and spine-chilling experience for viewers.
1. Veronica (2017)
“Veronica” is a Spanish supernatural horror film released in 2017, which was loosely based on true events from the 1991 Vallecas case, where Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro died mysteriously after using a Ouija board.
The film is set in Madrid, 1991, and follows a teenager, Veronica, who holds a séance at school and suspects that an evil force has entered her home, where she is taking care of her younger siblings. The haunting is believed to be connected to her dead father after using the Ouija board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which horror movies should I watch on Netflix?
Netflix’s horror library frequently changes, so it’s essential to keep an eye on their latest additions. Popular choices include “The Conjuring,” “Hereditary,” “It Follows,” “The Babadook,” and “Train to Busan.” Always check the platform’s offerings for a current selection of frightening films.
Which horror movie series are worth watching?
Horror movie series worth watching include A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring Universe, and Scream. These franchises have multiple installments, providing hours of chilling entertainment.
What are some great Hollywood horror films to watch?
Hollywood has produced countless horror films spanning various sub-genres. Classics like “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Alien,” and “The Thing” are must-watch films. More contemporary favorites include “Get Out,” The “Cabin in the Woods,” and “Midsommar.” Dive into the vast world of Hollywood horror and enjoy the thrills and chills it offers.
