Top Horror Movies Streaming on Netflix Right Now (December 2024)

It’s that time of year again—spooky season! For many, this means snuggling up on the couch, turning down the lights (or cranking them up if you scare easily), and diving into a spine-chilling horror movie. With so many options available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming.

Thankfully, Netflix has curated a fantastic selection of horror films, spanning timeless classics like Psycho and Jaws, modern hits like Pearl and Thanksgiving, and thrilling franchise continuations like Evil Dead Rise and Halloween (2018). Whether you’re after bone-chilling scares, campy fun, or psychological terror, there’s something here to suit every horror fan.

Without further delay, let’s explore the 15 best horror movies currently streaming on Netflix.

1. Pearl (2022)

Director Ti West’s prequel to X is often hailed as the standout entry in the X trilogy. Pearl tells the unsettling story of a lonely farm girl (Mia Goth) in rural Texas who dreams of escaping her oppressive home life and becoming a Hollywood star. But anyone who dares to stand in her way meets a grisly fate. With stunning performances and a sharp mix of psychological drama and slasher horror, Pearl is a must-watch.

2. Halloween (2018)

David Gordon Green’s Halloween serves as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s 1978 masterpiece, ignoring the muddled sequels in between. Michael Myers escapes from prison and returns to Haddonfield for another deadly Halloween night, setting the stage for a brutal showdown with Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). Packed with nostalgia and fresh terror, this reboot is a love letter to the franchise’s roots.

3. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho revolutionized the horror genre with its shocking twists and psychological depth. The infamous shower scene alone cemented its place in cinematic history. This chilling tale of Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his “Mother” offers a masterclass in suspense and remains one of the scariest films ever made.

4. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

In this slow-burn gothic horror, a timid nurse (Ruth Wilson) cares for an ailing horror novelist (Paula Prentiss) in a secluded mansion. As eerie occurrences unfold, the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. Directed by Osgood Perkins, this atmospheric film is perfect for fans of subtle, psychological scares.

5. As Above, So Below (2014)

This underrated found-footage film plunges viewers into the claustrophobic Paris Catacombs. A group of explorers searching for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone discovers a terrifying hellscape instead. With relentless tension and a unique setting, it’s a nail-biting experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

6. Thanksgiving (2023)

Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving turns the festive holiday into a blood-soaked nightmare. Inspired by a fake trailer in 2007’s Grindhouse, this slasher follows a serial killer dressed as a Pilgrim who terrorizes a small town after a tragic Black Friday riot. Darkly comedic and deliciously over-the-top, it’s a fresh addition to the holiday horror canon.

7. The Babadook (2014)

Jennifer Kent’s acclaimed directorial debut follows a grieving mother and her young son as they confront the eerie presence of the Babadook, a sinister figure from a mysterious book. Lauded for its emotional depth and intense scares, The Babadook is a cornerstone of modern psychological horror.

8. The Birds (1963)

Alfred Hitchcock strikes again with The Birds, a tale of nature’s revenge. When birds begin inexplicably attacking a small Californian town, chaos ensues. While its special effects may seem dated, the story’s unnerving premise and suspenseful execution remain timeless.

9. Evil Dead Rise (2023)

This gruesome addition to the Evil Dead series swaps the woods for a dilapidated Los Angeles high-rise. When demonic forces possess a single mother (Alyssa Sutherland), her sister (Lily Sullivan) must protect her nieces and nephews from the chaos. A stomach-churning thrill ride, this installment reinvigorates the franchise.

10. Annabelle (2014)

The infamous doll from The Conjuring universe gets her own horrifying origin story in Annabelle. After a satanic cult’s attack, a seemingly innocent porcelain doll becomes the vessel for a sinister entity. Blending supernatural terror with unsettling visuals, this film is a must for fans of haunted toys.

11. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

This adaptation of the beloved book series brings iconic stories like “Harold” and “The Dream” to life in a chilling anthology format. Set against the backdrop of a cursed town, André Øvredal’s film is both nostalgic and genuinely frightening.

12. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Mike Flanagan revives the disappointing Ouija franchise with this gripping prequel. Set in 1967, a grieving family unwittingly unleashes dark forces after incorporating a Ouija board into their séance scam. Stylish and deeply unnerving, it’s a major upgrade for the series.

13. Unfriended (2015)

Set entirely on a computer screen, this inventive horror film explores cyberbullying and supernatural vengeance. When a group of teens is haunted by the spirit of a classmate who died by suicide, their online chat spirals into a terrifying nightmare.

14. Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws remains the quintessential shark horror movie. With its haunting score and gripping story of a killer great white terrorizing a beach town, it’s a timeless classic that made generations wary of the ocean.

15. Creep (2014)

This micro-budget thriller by Mark Duplass delivers deeply unsettling tension. A videographer takes a job filming a terminally ill man’s final days, only to discover his subject’s sinister intentions. Stripped of gore, Creep proves that true horror often lies in psychological manipulation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer psychological thrillers, slashers, or classic suspense, Netflix has something to satisfy your horror cravings. Grab some popcorn (and maybe a blanket to hide under) and dive into these terrifying tales.

Source: Time.com