13 truly terrifying horror films to watch on Netflix this Halloween

As the leaves turn crimson and the nights grow longer, there’s no better time to cosy up with a bowl of popcorn and immerse yourself in spine-tingling tales that will send shivers down your body. Our essential list of horror films available on Netflix will help you get into the mood.

From classic masterpieces to modern gems, these horror films will keep you on the edge of your seat. Falling back on the spookiest number of them all, this list collates the best 13 horrors on Netflix right now.

Whether you’re a fan of supernatural terror, psychological horror, or spine-chilling suspense, there’s something for every horror aficionado.

But be warned, not all of them are available to stream in every country.

The best horror movies on Netflix

1. The Witch (2015)

Kicking off our list is Robert Eggers’ The Witch, a haunting period piece that transports you to 17th-century New England, where a Puritan family seemingly faces sinister forces lurking in the woods. This slow-burn psychological horror is a masterclass in building tension and dread.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

No horror film list is complete without mentioning The Exorcist. Directed by William Friedkin, it remains an enduring and iconic tale of demonic possession that has terrified audiences for decades. Starring Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn and Jason Miller, it is an undisputed classic of cinema.

3. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s Get Out blends social commentary with the creepiest kind of horror as a young African-American man uncovers sinister secrets during a weekend visit to his girlfriend’s family estate. It’s an intrepid exploration of racism in the body of a horror film.

4. The Conjuring (2013)

Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring delivers supernatural scares aplenty. This film launched a successful franchise that has seen two sequels and five spin-offs and is sure to send chills down your spine.

5. Nope (2022)

Jordan Peele and Daniel Kaluuya make it to the list again! His Nope is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts as it plays with the usual tropes in ways he doesn’t get to in Get Out. While not yet available worldwide, it’s bound to become a Halloween favourite with Peele’s knack for crafting unsettling narratives.

6. 1922 (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s novella, 1922 is another slow-burning gory tale of guilt and madness set in rural Nebraska. Thomas Jane delivers a standout performance as a farmer who conspires to murder his wife, unleashing a series of horrors in Zak Hilditch’s adaptation.

7. Saw (2004)

If you’re a fan of gruesome puzzles and moral dilemmas with the goriest conclusions, Saw is the film for you. This franchise-spawning horror thriller explores the twisted mind of the Jigsaw Killer and will keep you guessing until the final, shocking reveal.

8. Gerald’s Game (2017)

Another twisted horror gem from the mind of Stephen King, Gerald’s Game is a tense psychological thriller about a woman trapped in a remote cabin after her husband dies unexpectedly. With a powerful lead performance from Carla Gugino, it’s a must-watch for fans of King and Mike Flanagan, who has The Fall of the House of Usher coming out this October as well.

9. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of the classic vampire tale is a visually stunning and sensuous journey into the world of the undead. It may not give you sleepless nights like some of the films on this lift, but it is still worth a Halloween (re)visit. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Count Dracula is a definite highlight.

10. Pearl (2022)

Pearl is a more obscure addition to this list, as it is only available to stream on Netflix Belgium for now. This tale of isolation and temptation set on an isolated farm promises a unique and atmospheric horror experience. Pearl was the cherry on the year Mia Goth had as the breakout horror darling of this era.

11. The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a masterpiece of horror cinema. The film is as disturbing as the stories from its sets. Jack Nicholson’s descent into madness as he tends to the Overlook Hotel during the winter is unforgettable.

12. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s Halloween introduced the world to the masked killer Michael Myers and is a classic in the slasher genre. Its eerie atmosphere, haunting score, and the wonderful Jamie Lee Curtis make this a Halloween essential.

13. The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is a masterful exploration of grief and psychological horror featuring a terrifying storybook monster. It’s a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Directed by Jennifer Kent in her feature directorial debut, the film is based on her own 2005 short film Monster.