Forbes Business Hollywood & Entertainment The Best Horror Movies On Netflix Right Now Travis Bean Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I write about movies and TV, with a focus on streaming. Following Jul 19, 2023, 06:56pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ was released in 2022.
The film stars Sarah Yarkin, pictured here. Netflix As someone who has spent countless hours plunging into the eerie depths of horror cinema, I understand that there’s something captivating about the thrill of a good scare. Horror movies force us to face our deepest fears, to confront the monsters lurking in the dark corners of our imagination.
And while this may not sound appealing to everyone, for us horror lovers, there’s nothing better. So, for all of you who crave spine-chilling suspense and heart-stopping shocks, I’ve gathered a list of some of the best horror films available on Netflix NFLX . What follows are 26 movies I enjoy that would appeal to a number of different tastes.
So whether you’re looking for a horror comedy, a zombie flick, or just a movie that will flat-out scare you silly, then I’ve got some great options for you. Let’s dig in. Run Rabbit Run In Run Rabbit Run , directed by Daina Reid, Sarah Snook stars as a fertility doctor named Sarah.
After her young daughter, Mia, played by Lily LaTorre, begins exhibiting strange behaviors and professing memories of a past life, Sarah’s reality begins to unravel. Damon Herriman and Greta Scacchi play significant roles in this unsettling narrative as Sarah’s ex-husband, Pete, and her mother, Joan, respectively. As Sarah is forced to confront a ghost from her own past, her professional and personal beliefs are put to the test.
This film offers a chilling exploration of reincarnation and the unknown, brilliantly capturing the unease that accompanies the realization that things are not as they seem. Bird Box Barcelona Bird Box Barcelona , directed by David and Àlex Pastor, is a gripping post-apocalyptic horror film that presents a desolate Barcelona. The movie stars Mario Casas as Sebastian, who must navigate through the abandoned streets of the city after an unexplained force decimates the world’s population.
Joined by other survivors including Naila Schuberth, Georgina Campbell, and Diego Calva, Sebastian embarks on a journey toward a safe haven while facing an even more sinister threat than the unseen creatures. This film offers a fresh perspective on the popular apocalyptic horror genre with its distinct setting and intense plot. Soft & Quiet Beth de Araújo’s Soft & Quiet is a timely, horror-tinged thriller that forces viewers to confront modern American race relations head-on.
Starring Olivia Luccardi, Stefanie Estes, Melissa Paulo, and Cissy Ly, the film follows an elementary school teacher who inadvertently sets off a volatile chain of events after an encounter at a mixer. This haunting film delves deep into the lives of a group of white supremacist women, providing an uncomfortable, yet necessary, mirror to our society. Araújo’s work is distressingly immersive and will leave audiences questioning and discussing long after the credits roll.
Re/Member Re/Member , directed by Eiichiro Hasumi, is a harrowing tale of high school students trapped in a deadly time loop. Featuring performances by Kanna Hashimoto, Maika Yamamoto, Gordon Maeda, and Mayū Yokota, the film pays homage to early aughts manga death games. The only escape from this terrifying cycle is to locate the scattered remains of an unknown victim, plunging the characters—and the viewers—into a thrilling and suspenseful race against time.
This film is a nostalgic yet fresh exploration of horror tropes, expertly blending nostalgia with the macabre. We Have a Ghost Christopher Landon’s We Have a Ghost takes a unique spin on the traditional haunted house narrative. Starring David Harbour, Jahi Winston, Jennifer Coolidge, Anthony Mackie, and Tig Notaro, the film revolves around Kevin’s family who, after discovering their house is haunted by a ghost named Ernest, become a social media sensation.
As Kevin and Ernest unravel the mystery of Ernest’s past, they find themselves targeted by the CIA. This film presents an exciting blend of horror, comedy, and mystery with a captivating concept and stellar cast performances. Umma In Iris K.
Shim’s Umma , Sandra Oh delivers a compelling performance as Amanda, a woman living a quiet life on an American farm with her daughter. The arrival of the remains of her estranged mother from Korea triggers a series of haunting events, sparking a deep fear in Amanda of becoming her own mother. Also starring Fivel Stewart, Dermot Mulroney, and Odeya Rush, Umma is a haunting exploration of familial ties and hidden secrets, marking an impressive debut for Shim.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre The infamous serial killer Leatherface returns in the latest installation of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre , directed by David Blue Garcia. The movie stars Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham, and Moe Dunford, portraying a group of influencers who encounter the monstrous murderer while trying to rejuvenate a deserted Texas town. Garcia delivers an ultra-violent slasher experience that, while not exactly new, will satisfy fans who delight in the visceral gore of horror.
This movie embodies the spirit of the franchise, presenting a gruesome spectacle that keeps the viewers on edge. Zombieland Zombieland , directed by Ruben Fleischer, turns the zombie genre on its head, combining laughter, action, and a surprising amount of sentimentality into a delightful mix that’s hard to resist. The film stars Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee, a man with a strong predilection for Twinkies and killing zombies, and Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus, a cautious and quirky college student.
Their cross-country road trip in a post-apocalyptic America is filled with bizarre rules for survival, unusual domestic arrangements, and an unforgettable amusement park showdown. This film is a testament to the fact that humor can coexist with horror, providing a unique and thrilling cinematic experience. Forgotten From South Korean director Jang Hang-jun comes the psychological horror thriller, Forgotten .
Starring Kang Ha-neul and Kim Mu-yeol as two brothers plunged into a mysterious and frightening situation when the elder brother returns home with no recollection of his disappearance. The younger brother then sets out to uncover the truth behind this puzzling event. The film expertly weaves an intricate narrative, blending elements of suspense and horror, and serves up a chilling revelation that will leave you questioning what you know about identity and family.
Ouija Director Stiles White’s Ouija is a chilling exploration of what happens when a simple board game opens the door to a terrifying supernatural realm. This movie stars Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, and Daren Kagasoff who grapple with an ancient spirit awakened through the infamous board. As the group delves deeper into the spirit’s origins, they’re dragged into a world of fear and uncertainty.
Its riveting plot, combined with suspenseful turns, demonstrates that some doors are better left unopened. Warm Bodies Warm Bodies , directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, offers a refreshing twist to the traditional zombie genre. This film gives us ‘R’, a highly unusual zombie who yearns for connection in a post-apocalyptic world.
When he meets Julie, a human survivor, it sparks a romance that could change the dynamics of their divided worlds. Bridging horror with romantic comedy, the film explores themes of humanity, transformation, and the power of connection, delivering an oddly sweet and relatable narrative that stands out in the horror genre. The Ring Directed by Gore Verbinski, The Ring is an iconic horror film that tells the unsettling tale of a cursed videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later.
Featuring Naomi Watts in a gripping performance as investigative journalist Rachel Keller, this film offers an atmospheric and chilling exploration of folklore and modern technology. It combines an expertly paced narrative with visually arresting imagery, leading to a horror movie that leaves a lasting impression and a haunting dread every time your phone rings. I See You In I See You , directed by Adam Randall and starring Helen Hunt and Jon Tenney, a small town is gripped by the reemergence of a macabre cold case.
As lead investigator Greg Harper’s (Tenney) family begins to experience strange occurrences in their home, the horror seeps from the criminal investigation into their personal lives. This film masterfully layers psychological tension and suspense, crafting a narrative filled with unexpected twists, a chilling atmosphere, and a haunting exploration of the unseen horrors that can lurk within the walls of a seemingly perfect family home. Blood Red Sky Peter Thorwarth’s Blood Red Sky is a unique concoction of horror and thriller genres that takes terror to new heights, literally.
The film stars Peri Baumeister as a mother who will go to great lengths to protect her son from terrorists mid-flight. However, she harbors a monstrous secret that might be more terrifying than the hijackers themselves. This film ingeniously combines the claustrophobia of being trapped on a plane with the primal fear of vampires, resulting in an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that reinvents the vampire narrative.
The Thing (2011) Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. ‘s 2011 version of The Thing provides a modern take on the classic John Carpenter horror, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton. Winstead’s character, a paleontologist, is summoned to an Antarctic research site to uncover a discovery of significant proportions.
However, they find a creature that assimilates and imitates other organisms, causing paranoia and fear to creep in as they realize they can’t trust each other. This film expertly leverages its isolated setting and tension-building narrative to deliver an edge-of-your-seat horror experience. Death Note Based on the popular manga, Death Note is a captivating horror thriller directed by Adam Wingard that explores the terror of unchecked power.
The film stars Nat Wolff as Light Turner, a high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages. As Light succumbs to the allure of such power, he draws the attention of a brilliant detective, played by Lakeith Stanfield. This movie serves as a chilling examination of morality, justice, and the dire consequences of power falling into the wrong hands.
Paranormal Activity Paranormal Activity , directed by Oren Peli, is a film that redefined the found footage genre. Starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, it follows a couple who start documenting strange occurrences in their home. This seemingly mundane set-up evolves into a highly unsettling exploration of a haunting, with invisible entities and increasing danger.
The film leverages its low-budget production and handheld camera aesthetic to its advantage, amplifying the sense of reality and dread, making viewers question every creak and noise in their own homes. Crimson Peak Directed by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Crimson Peak is a gothic romance film steeped in horror. Starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain, the film follows the story of a young author, Edith, who, torn between love for a mysterious outsider and her childhood friend, is trying to escape the ghosts of her past.
The Allerdale Hall, a decaying mansion in a remote English region, becomes a character in itself, shrouded in mystery and filled with ghostly presences. Brimming with atmospheric terror, beautiful visuals, and chilling performances, Crimson Peak is a haunting waltz between love and fear. Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2 Although technically not “scary” movies, Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2 , directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, offer delightful family-friendly takes on classic horror creatures.
Featuring the voice talents of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, and Andy Samberg, the film explores Dracula’s overprotective tendencies towards his daughter Mavis and his efforts to keep humans away from his monster-filled hotel. Despite its lighthearted tone, the movies are filled with nods to iconic horror figures, making it a fun-filled, supernatural animation for horror fans and families. Night Teeth Adam Randall’s Night Teeth thrusts viewers into a single night’s journey filled with horror, vampires, and the underbelly of Los Angeles.
The film stars Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as a young chauffeur who picks up two mysterious women for a night of party-hopping across LA, only to discover their deadly secret. This stylish thriller blends horror and action with a pulsating soundtrack and nocturnal neon visuals, creating an electrifying tale of survival and unexpected alliances.
The Fear Street Trilogy The Fear Street Trilogy , directed by Leigh Janiak, adapts R. L. Stine’s popular teen book series into a captivating three-part horror event.
Spanning different time periods (1994, 1978, and 1666), it features an ensemble cast, including Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, and Benjamin Flores Jr. , who face an ancient curse plaguing their town, Shadyside. The trilogy is a love letter to classic horror tropes and styles, weaving together a narrative that combines elements of slasher films, supernatural horror, and historical drama, creating an ambitious horror spectacle that grips from beginning to end.
Little Evil In Little Evil , director Eli Craig delivers a horror-comedy that follows Gary, played by Adam Scott, who recently married Samantha (Evangeline Lilly), the woman of his dreams. However, he soon realizes that her 5-year-old son may be the Antichrist. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming story of a stepfather trying to bond with his stepson, navigating parenthood, exorcisms, and demonic possession.
With its clever blend of comedic moments and horror elements, Little Evil offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on the “evil child” trope. The Babysitter Directed by McG, The Babysitter is a fast-paced horror-comedy that pits a young boy, Cole (Judah Lewis), against his attractive and charismatic babysitter Bee (Samara Weaving) when he discovers that she’s part of a satanic cult. The film serves as a wild and bloody ride, successfully balancing its comedic elements with gore and suspense.
With memorable performances from its cast and a clever twist on the home invasion narrative, The Babysitter delivers an entertaining and thrilling watch. Time Share Time Share , directed by Sebastián Hofmann, offers psychological horror wrapped in the bright, sunny package of a family vacation. The film follows two men, played by Luis Gerardo Méndez and Miguel Rodarte, who become convinced that their families are being trapped in a sinister timeshare scheme at a tropical resort.
This atmospheric, slow-burn horror is a chilling exploration of paranoia, corporate control, and the lengths to which one would go to protect their family, making for a truly haunting cinematic experience. Check out my website . Travis Bean Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.
From: forbes
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbean/2023/07/19/the-best-horror-movies-on-netflix-right-now/