There are a lot of great streaming services to choose from nowadays. Netflix and Amazon are dominating screens with their specialized offerings for movie fans, and each one has its own unique horror offerings to appeal to those looking for something spooky to watch. But those that truly live and breathe the horror genre have a better offering with Shudder, a specialized service that focuses solely on the genre and even has its own exclusive films.

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There are already a ton of movies to choose from on the platform, but like any other service, there are some that are much better than others. As time goes on things come and go from streaming services, and in Shudder’s case, the streaming service has plenty of exclusive and original horror content that is hard to find anywhere else. If you’re looking for the best horror movies of 2023, you won’t have to search long on Shudder.

In order to avoid including too many films that most people know, this article will largely avoid bona fide classics in favor of modern gems and cult favorites. That said, the following must-watch masterpieces are also on Shudder:

• Nosferatu (1922)
• Carnival of Souls (1962)
• Night of the Living Dead (1968)
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
• Halloween (1978)
• Re-Animator (1985)
• Hellraiser (1987)
• Perfect Blue (1997)

Mayhem (2017)

Those looking for some "bloody good fun" should definitely check out Mayhem, a 2017 gem directed by Joe Lynch that boasts some impressive star power with Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving. The visceral film is filled with high-octane action, violence, humor, and a splash of horror for good effect. It's got a smaller runtime (only 83 minutes) making it a great go-to for anyone looking for a quick watch on a particularly hectic evening.

Steven Yeun plays a recently fired corporate lawyer who ends up trapped in his former mega-sized law office just as it enters a state of quarantine. The events that follow are intense, violently enthralling, and action-packed.

Anything For Jackson (2020)

Loss, sadness, grief, and despair are some of the most enthralling emotions when it comes to horror films. By presenting characters that are afflicted by great sadness, it's easier for audiences to accept decisions and motivations that may seem completely bonkers from any other perspective.

Anything For Jackson takes this concept to a dangerous level by showcasing an elderly couple that has turned to Satanism in hopes of resurrecting their deceased grandson. Things, obviously, don't go as planned and the couple is forced to deal with the repercussions of what they've done. It's chilling, heartbreaking, and slow to start, similar to the smash-hit Hereditary.

Lucky (2021)

This film has seen some of the most "split" reviews concerning anything present on Shudder. It seems that fans are divided on whether the movie is deserving of a higher rating. However, it's best to completely ignore these reviews and head into Lucky blind.

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While it is true that Lucky isn't "the perfect cup of tea for everyone," it's still a really solid addition to the world of psychological horror. Those looking for something that's less monster-infested and more about mental struggles might find a lot to enjoy about Lucky. Viewers should free themselves of expectations and head into this one with the intent of simply enjoying the ride. There's a lot of depth to the indie horror film.

Await Further Instruction (2018)

This 2018 sci-fi horror is a great choice for horror fans searching for something with a bit more creativity without getting too weird. Await Further Instruction tells the tale of a family trapped in their house by some kind of horrific television being. That strange being causes the family to distrust one another and orders them to aggress against each other in increasingly twisted ways.

This film is anything but uplifting, as the bleak atmosphere only continues to get more and more bleak the longer the film runs. The fact that it is set at Christmas might fool some, but Await Further Instruction is a horror film that is sure to make people think about the things they hold in high regard in their lives.

Better Watch Out (2016)

If you’re feeling a bit festive the next time you look up horror movies, you might want to check out 2016’s Christmas classic, Better Watch Out. This fantastic psychological horror film puts a really fun twist on what you initially might assume would be a twisted version of Home Alone.

With an ending that is left rather open-ended, it’s possible that a sequel will be made for this movie at some point, so there’s never a bad time for a viewing. It may be a better fit for a December watch, but if you want a little twisted Christmas spirit any time of the year, give Better Watch Out a viewing.

Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1990)

Many horror movies offer pure escapism, delivering curated scares driven by threats removed enough from reality to frighten but not necessarily traumatize. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a different beast entirely from the genre's mainstream representatives, and it is not for the faint of heart.

Partially inspired by Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole, John McNaughton's project centers around a drifter who kills for seemingly no reason. The film fully depicts the eponymous character's violent acts, refusing to dilute the scenes' horror through cinematic flourishes. Henry is gritty, vicious, uncomfortable, and intense; its horror is real.

A Creepshow Holiday Special (2020)

It's easy to see that Greg Nicotero put a lot of love for the holidays into this fantastic Creepshow branded special. Blending together the series' signature comedy and horror elements, the end result is a fantastic dive into the history of the holiday season, specifically as it pertains to some of the most iconic "monsters" in folklore.

When a man suspects he might be a "werewolf" or something of the sort, he tries to seek help from a mysterious group. The underlying storyline that unfolds is hilarious, smart, and filled with a wide array of horror tropes. It's the perfect film for Halloween, Christmas, or anything in between.

Deep Red (1975)

Dario Argento is one of the biggest names in the Giallo horror scene. While the filmmaker's resume has its share of lackluster projects, Argento's greatest works – Suspiria, Opera, Inferno, Tenebrae – are among the scariest movies in horror cinema. Out of all the director's terrifying masterworks, 1975's Deep Red might just rank as the best of the best.

A gory murder mystery with a stellar final act, Deep Red expertly builds up suspense while weaving a gripping narrative that will keep audiences glued until the end. Shudder has quite a few Argento movies, but Deep Red is undoubtedly the greatest.

Scare Package (2020)

Horror fans looking for some comedy infused into their gorefests will definitely want to check out Scare Package, a beautifully crafted satire that pokes fun at horror tropes and offers an array of short stories that are downright hilarious at times.

From a killer-filled vacation story to one about a body-transforming piece of candy, there's something here for everyone who lives and breathes horror films. The characters are entertaining too, with the lead role bringing some big laughs thanks to his over-the-top personality.

Color Out Of Space (2019)

It’s safe to say that 2019’s Color Out Of Space isn’t a movie for everyone. Horror fans really need to be into the weirder side of the genre, or at the very least have an appreciation for Lovecraftian horror. Those willing to take a chance on this film will be treated to the always-excellent Nicholas Cage for their troubles.

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This movie is actually based on the short story of the same name, meaning everyone should expect nothing but the most bizarre plot possible. Luckily, that’s exactly what horror fans are in for they witness the people of this movie come into contact with the Color.

V/H/S/94 (2021)

Those who want an anthology series that's meant to be much scarier (although still featuring small bouts of comedy from time to time) should check out the latest entry from V/H/S. The V/H/S series has been circulating around the web to much fanfare for some time, with many labeling it an instant cult classic thanks to its incredibly gripping short stories. V/H/S/94 continues to carry the torch, to a greater effect than its predecessors thanks to its Shudder Original label.

There are a ton of great and downright scary stories here, all culminating alongside an overarching narrative that promises to keep the series moving in the future.

Jakob's Wife (2021)

A fun and funny twist on the vampire sub-genre of horror, Jakob's Wife follows a woman who suddenly gains an agonizing appetite for blood.

It's a great introspective into the idea of "suddenly becoming a vampire" and the fallout that ensues afterward. With great comedy elements and some solid writing, Jakob's Wife shows the ups and downs of a tumultuous marriage torn further apart by a sudden supernatural shift.

Santa Sangre (1990)

Alejandro Jodorowsky's Santa Sangre defies traditional classification, but this twisted tale of parent-child co-dependence has its roots firmly planted in surreal horror. The story fixates on the relationship between Concha, a beautiful trapeze artist at a circus, and her son, Fenix, a dynamic that starts disconcertingly and only gets worse from there.

Santa Sangre should be experienced blind, if possible. Its psychedelic overtones and bursts of violence might make it a poor fit for a movie marathon party; however, as one of the best horror films on Shudder, fans of the genre's experimental side should check it out.

Ringu (1998)

North American readers are likely acquainted with 2002's The Ring, which is a respectable ghost movie by any metric. However, familiarity with the remake should not discourage someone from seeking out the Japanese original, 1998's Ringu.

While they hit some of the same beats, they are ultimately quite different experiences, and the J-horror flick is the scarier of the two movies. Suspenseful and slow but effectively paced, Ringu crafts a feeling of dread that persists throughout its entire runtime.

Train To Busan (2016)

Zombies have been beaten to death, so a new addition to the subgenre has to be extra special to leave a lasting impression. Train to Busan is extra special. The South Korean film follows a father and daughter as they make a supposedly straightforward train journey, but things go awry when an apocalypse breaks out.

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Train to Busan blends action, horror, and drama to create a crowd-pleasing film without a dull moment. While not among the scariest movies on Shudder, this 2016 release is one of the service's best offerings.

The Invitation (2015)

The fantastic psychological thriller of a horror film known as The Invitation will keep you guessing what in the world is going to happen right up until the very moment everything goes wrong. It’s a triumph of the genre and one that too many people have completely missed out on.

The movie follows Will as he attends a strange sort of reunion of old friends and his ex-wife. The entire situation seems sinister from the start, but it’s hard to tell if it’s because something is actually wrong or if Will’s damaged mental state will result in something horrible happening.

Caveat (2020)

Viewers who enjoy the "slow burn and build up" to some horror films will get a kick out of Caveat, an imaginative flick that features some truly frightening visuals.

The premise follows a man who must spend time with an individual who's suffering from intense anxiety attacks, all while alone on an isolated island. What seems like a simple premise at first soon devolves into chaos, showing multiple layers to a story that seemingly comes out of nowhere.

Goodnight Mommy (2014)

While this fantastic Austrian horror movie did see a recent remake for American audiences, it’s the original that is vastly superior and found on Shudder. Unlike most horror movies, viewers won’t know what to make of anything happening right in front of them for most of the runtime.

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Those who love trying to decipher what will happen next will find Goodnight Mommy to be an absolute triumph. The movie follows two boys who are faced with a woman who is supposedly their mother who’s come home after facial surgery. The two young brothers aren't so sure if that’s the case, and things soon take a sinister turn.

Boys From County Hell (2020)

This Irish horror film explores an ancient evil when a crew of road workers accidentally unleashes a powerful vampire onto the countryside.

Playing well into the tropes of bickering father-and-son relationships and the idea of banding together to overcome something sinister, the film includes a lot of great vampire tropes and a smattering of Irish humor. It's a tense movie overall, broken up in parts by small spats of comedy but many regard it as a solid vampire flick.

Host (2020)

The global pandemic hit a lot of studios hard when theaters and productions were forced to shut down, putting a damper on the entertainment scene that so many people rely on for a means of escape. It seemed like the worst combination, for entertainment producers not to be able to bring joy to those that were stuck inside for months. Thankfully, though, some creators were able to work around the delays.

A small group of filmmakers tossed together Host, an incredibly topical film that was shot and produced during the pandemic by a talented team working from home. The end result is a truly chilling warning about messing with the occult and one of the best horror films to stem from 2020.

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