Horror movie enthusiasts don't have to look far these days for entertaining films. With so many streaming services available, finding a movie to keep you up at night isn't too difficult. Netflix offers a nice selection of genres that cater to almost every kind of horror aficionado.

Whether it's haunted houses, demonic possessions, or underwater terror, there's typically something for everybody on Netflix. For those who have never seen these gems before, now is the perfect time to start streaming them. Longtime horror fans know full well that many films in the genre can be hit or miss. However, one really can't go wrong with this selection of the best horror movies on Netflix.

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Netflix does not have most of the movies in The Conjuring universe, however, for some reason, the streaming service has the second entry in the main series. Permitting someone is not a completionist, this sequel is accessible to newcomers who skipped out on the original film. James Wan's film takes inspiration from the Warrens' historical reports of real hauntings, with The Conjuring 2 focusing on the Enfield poltergeist.

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A thrill ride from beginning to end, this Netflix horror movie carefully guides audiences through a haunted house where something horrifying might be always lurking in the shadows. The scares are well spread out and pay off long stretches of understated tension, making each fright as impactful as possible.

The Babysitter (2017)

McG's The Babysitter pays homage to sleazy '80s slasher flicks, so someone's mileage with the movie will depend on their fondness for that era. The Netflix horror movie does not reach the highest heights seen during that decade, but it does not scrape the bottom of the barrel either.

Cole thinks his babysitter, Bee, is the coolest person ever. At least, that appears to be the case until it is revealed that Bee is secretly a Satanist who plans to perform a ritual that involves sacrificing an innocent. Stuck in a house with bloodthirsty teenagers, Cole has to high jinks his way to safety. The Babysitter is perfect to throw on a Tuesday night when someone wants a short and unchallenging slasher film.

The Call (2020)

South Korea has produced some of the most effective horror flicks of the last 20 years, and The Call ranks among the very best. While perhaps not one of the scariest movies on Netflix, this 2020 release has a gripping narrative, great acting, and even a cool sci-fi twist. The Call revolves around two women from different decades who are connected through a phone, a relationship that initially proves beneficial for both parties. However, things are not quite as they seem.

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Time travel has been done to death, but The Call presents a fresh spin on the concept that lends itself to the movie's thrilling tone. This film is a good pick for people who are not particularly enamored with the horror genre.

Oxygen (2021)

A sci-fi horror film with a magnetic performance by Melanie Laurent, Oxygen is about a woman, Elizabeth, stuck in a cryogenic unit that is quickly losing oxygen. This type of premise lives and dies through the strength of its central character and performer, two things this film knocks out of the park.

Elizabeth's memories are initially all over the place, but she steadily pieces together her past while questioning the system's AI, MILO. The latter is a character in its own right, even if MILO adheres to its programming throughout the story. Oxygen maintains a steady intensity throughout most of its relatively lengthy runtime (for this sort of narrative), and the film tackles themes of isolation and a brittle future well. Compared to other horror films on Netflix, Oxygen is not particularly scary, but it is horrifying in its own way.

It (2017)

Stephen King's It tells the timeless tale of a nightmarish entity that loves to manifest as a clown (among other things) to scare and eat children. The novel has inspired a couple of adaptations, with 2017's It Chapter One coming the closest to capturing the haunting magic of the source material. It lives and dies by its presentation of Pennywise, and Bill Skarsgård delivers a chilling performance as the Dancing Clown, a distinct portrayal that shares little in common with Tim Curry's iconic '90s rendition.

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It also does right by the story's children, all of which are well-written and acted. The Losers Club's members go through hell throughout the movie, a journey that is filled with sadness and tragedy but also humor and hope. It Chapter Two is not on Netflix, but the first movie works well as a standalone experience.

Under The Shadow (2016)

Set during the War of the Cities in Tehran, Under the Shadow blends a supernatural horror story with real-world subtext and culturally relevant social themes. Despite the pleas of her husband, Shideh decides to stay with her daughter in Tehran; following an air raid, the pair begin to experience strange incidents while getting glimpses of an apparition.

Although rife with familiar concepts and thrills, Under the Shadow utilizes its material to tell a completely unique and terrifying tale of fear and resistance. It is also consistently scary, particularly in its final act.

Scream 4 (2011)

Scream 4 exists in a somewhat weird place. Upon its release, the film garnered a relatively positive reception and was considered an improvement over the disappointing third entry. However, the sequel played things a bit too safe for its own good and, ultimately, did not revitalize the horror franchise.

That said, Scream 4 is a competent slasher from one of the genre's masters. The 2011 movie was also Wes Craven's final project, and while not among the director's masterpieces, the film was and still is a respectable swan song. This entry also has perhaps the most vicious Ghost Face in Scream, a necessary shift following the villain's goofier presentation in the third movie.

It Follows (2014)

It Follows' premise is brilliantly simple. There is a curse that causes an entity to stalk the target until they kill them, and the only way for the latter to survive is to pass it along to somebody else. Naturally, such circumstances can lead even the most reasonable of people to commit acts that they would never otherwise humor.

While only periodically terrifying, It Follows is constantly intense, mainly because the horror movie makes clever use of backgrounds to deliver its scares. Consequently, there is an always-present feeling that something horrifying is around the corner.

Ravenous (2017)

Not to be mistaken with 1999's Ravenous, another great horror film, this 2017 release is a zombie flick. By the early 2000s, this subgenre had been already beaten to death; however, somehow, horror keeps on finding new ways to breathe life into the concept.

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Ravenous takes place in Quebec and follows a group of survivors as they are run out of their town by zombies (or worse). While the movie delivers plenty of horror goodness synonymous with the walking dead, Ravenous stands out due to the way it explores the idea that zombies could form something akin to a community.

The Mist (2007)

Any person craving Stephen King adaptations could easily fill a weekend with just a Netflix subscription, and the service has some of the best horror movies based on the author's work. The Mist takes place in a small town that suddenly finds itself shrouded in a dangerous and deadly fog, prompting many people to take refuge in a supermarket.

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In a brilliant move, The Mist uses its titular threat as fuel to explore how its human characters react to such imminent danger, and these sections are incredibly intense and drenched in social commentary. Difficult as it might be to imagine that someone does not know the film's legendary ending, The Mist should be experienced blind.

Raw (2016)

Far from an easy watch, Raw chronicles Justine's descent into cannibalism, and it is a wild and frequently nauseating ride. Bolstered by strong performances and intelligent writing, Raw uses its premise to explore sexual development and primal urges, all the while delivering scene after scene of visceral and off-putting horror.

Raw is not going to be for everyone and might not be the best pick for a Halloween watch party, but it ranks among the most original horror films on Netflix.

Creep (2014) & Creep 2 (2017)

Two for the price of one, the Creep movies are unpredictable found footage horror films that deliver their scares through human rather than supernatural sources. Both movies follow videographers as they visit the eccentric Josef's cabin. Things quickly go off the rails.

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These low-budget films create an uncomfortable atmosphere that produces awkward laughs and frequent shudders of fear. Mark Duplass is chilling as Josef, while Aaron and Sara make for likable protagonists.

Forgotten (2017)

This South Korean thriller might not be among the scariest Netflix movies, but it tells a clever story that keeps viewers on edge throughout most of its runtime. A family moves into a new home, and while everyone else is cheerful and excited, Jin-seok cannot shake the feeling that something is off. Then, his older brother goes missing.

Forgotten is one of those stories that lives and dies on its twists and turns. That's not to say that every reveal is satisfying, but they will get a reaction. If possible, try to go into this movie as blind as possible.

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)

Based on Alvin Schwartz's children's book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a love letter to old-school horror. Taking inspiration from a variety of stories within the source material, the 2019 film can feel a bit stitched together, almost like an anthology project that has been meshed to tell an overarching narrative. Consequently, the overall experience is disjointed.

Despite that criticism, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark has plenty of great moments that bring to life Stephen Gammell's creepy illustrations that accompany Schwartz's writing in the books. While a must-watch for pre-existing fans, familiarity with the source material is not required to enjoy the adaptation.

Before I Wake (2016)

With a filmography consisting of Absentia, Oculus, Hush, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and Gerald's Game, Mike Flanagan is one of the horror genre's best active filmmakers. Compared to some of his other projects, Before I Wake tends to be overlooked, which is a shame as it is another strong outing by the director.

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Jessie and Mark adopt a young child named Cody who happens to have a unique ability that brings his dreams to life while he is asleep. Unfortunately, Cody often dreams of a creature known as the Canker Man. Before I Wake has its heart in the right place as it explores the very real tragedies that underlie its horror ideas. It also ends on a satisfying note.

Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

Based on R. L. Stone's series of books, Netflix's Fear Street trilogy is a prime option for fans of slasher movies. Set across three eras, the trilogy follows a set of teenagers as they deal with a curse that has caused nothing but pain in their town.

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Fear Street might not quite be the scariest horror movie on Netflix, but the trilogy is entertaining from beginning to end. These movies deliver creative kills, vibrant visuals, and a game cast; the perfect recipe for a fun Halloween evening.

Vampires (1998)

Few names hold more weight in the horror sphere than John Carpenter. The director's Halloween and The Thing hold up as two of the greatest and most terrifying movies of all time, and they are hardly Carpenter's only noteworthy additions to the genre. 1998's Vampires is not among that elite selection, and it tends to be quite polarizing.

As the title suggests, the movie revolves around vampires, albeit with hunters taking center stage. James Woods leads a gang of vampire killers as they try to track down and take out the original neckbitter. Loud, obnoxious, and chaotic, Vampires is a glorious mess that produces sporadic moments of brilliance. Although this should not be anyone's first exposure to Carpenter, fans of the director's other works should allocate some time to watch this bizarre outing.

His House (2020)

Stories that revolve around supernatural occurrences are a dime a dozen. With so many titles in existence for this particular genre, both good and bad, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Fortunately, His House does stand out from the bunch in a positive light.

His House tells the story of two refugees, a husband, and wife, fleeing from the turmoil of South Sudan. They seek asylum in the United Kingdom, where they are forced to live in a ramshackle tenement building and come to realize that a dark presence has followed them to their new home. It's a familiar trope, but one that's executed quite well, especially on the part of the actors.

Insidious Chapter 2 (2013)

Except for 2018's The Last Key, Chapter 2 is arguably the worst Insidious movie, although that does not mean it is without positives. James Wan's penchant for frights is still evident throughout the movie, and the acting is above average for the genre. Chapter 2 suffers from a messy plot that only allows for intermittent scares, but its high points are nevertheless enjoyable.

Newcomers to this franchise should not start with Chapter 2 as it does not leave the strongest first impression. However, fans of the original movie who want to experience something similar should give the sequel a try. It is decent.

Hush (2016)

Fans of The Strangers will no doubt want to take a look at Hush. In a similar vein to the previous entry, Hush deals with the concept of home invasion as a mask-wearing, knife-wielding psycho descends upon the household of a young novelist.

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The movie, uniquely, adds an extra twist whereby the protagonist is both deaf and mute. This fact adds an extra layer of creepiness to the proceedings as the heroine must rely on her other senses to protect herself from the malevolent stalker.

Apostle (2018)

Another horror genre that receives quite a bit of attention revolves around strange and malicious cults. Fans looking for a movie of this type, along with plenty of body horror thrown into the mix, should consider Apostle. It's also a period piece for those who enjoy that sort of added touch.

Set in 1905, Apostle tells the story of a man who seeks to rescue his kidnaped sister from a mysterious cult on an island off the coast of Wales. The movie is certainly filled with plenty of tension, as the protagonist must pose as a member of the weird community to locate his imprisoned sibling.

1922 (2017)

Speaking of period pieces, horror fans may also want to check out 1922. This particular film is based on a novella of the same name written by Stephen King. It's an interesting tale, one that pulls off the psychological horror trope quite nicely.

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1922, which unsurprisingly takes place in the year 1922, is about a farmer from Nebraska who schemes to murder his wife with the aid of his son. When the deed is finally carried out, the protagonists' mind starts to come apart from the guilt and shame. Thomas Jane delivers a superb performance as the leading character of the story.

Gerald's Game (2017)

If someone is in the mood for more Stephen King, then Gerald's Game is another excellent choice. Based on his 1992 novel, the movie proves to be just as chilling. Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood, who play the two central characters of the story, are terrific.

Gerald's Game is uniquely unusual in its central conflict. After her husband handcuffs her to the bedposts as part of a sex game, he dies of a heart attack. Jessie, the protagonist, finds herself trapped and in a seemingly hopeless position. Her fight against her inner demons, as well as for survival, results in a fascinating tale that should appeal to most King fans.

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