With Halloween just a weeks away, it’s the perfect time to dive into some spine-tingling horror films. If you’re scouring Netflix for your next terrifying watch, we’ve got you covered. The movie experts at SpicyNerd.com have recommended the best horror flicks available on Netflix right now. While Netflix has a lot of options, it can be tricky to sift through the less-than-stellar titles. But worry not—we’ve curated a list of genuinely excellent horror movies for you to enjoy. Unless otherwise stated, these movies are available on Netflix in both the US and the UK.
1. Smile (2022)
Director: Parker Finn
Starring: Sosie Bacon, Jessie T Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Rob Morgan
Before “Smile 2” creeps into cinemas this October, catch the original “Smile” on Netflix. After witnessing the gruesome suicide of a patient, therapist Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) finds herself haunted by a supernatural entity that manifests through disturbing, unnatural smiles. This chilling film will make you second-guess every smile you see.
(UK only)
2. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Bill Nighy
“Shaun of the Dead” is a brilliant blend of horror and comedy that still holds up 20 years after its release. Follow Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his friends as they try to survive a zombie apocalypse by holing up in their favorite pub. It’s both hilariously funny and genuinely terrifying—a must-watch classic.
3. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Director: Halina Reijn
Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Rachel Sennott, Chase Sui Wonders, Myha’la Herrold
In “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” a group of wealthy twentysomethings gathers for a party at a remote mansion during a hurricane. The party takes a deadly turn when one of them ends up dead during a game of Bodies Bodies Bodies. This slasher flick is a darkly humorous critique of Gen Z, filled with tension and unexpected twists.
4. Nope (2022)
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea
Jordan Peele’s “Nope” is a mind-bending sci-fi horror film that follows siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) as they attempt to capture footage of a mysterious UFO flying over their ranch. With layers of meaning and jaw-dropping visuals, “Nope” is an original and unsettling cinematic experience.
(UK only)
5. The Black Phone (2021)
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, James Ransone, Jeremy Davies
“The Black Phone” sees a teenager named Finney (Mason Thames) kidnapped by a serial killer known as The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Trapped in The Grabber’s basement, Finney discovers a mysterious phone that connects him with the ghosts of the killer’s previous victims. It’s a tense and terrifying film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
(UK only)
6. Disappear Completely (2022)
Director: Luis Javier Henaine
Starring: Harold Torres, Teté Espinoza, Fermín Martínez, Vicky Araico, Norma Reyna
In “Disappear Completely,” insensitive tabloid photographer Santiago begins to lose his senses one by one after taking a photo of a young woman’s death. This haunting Mexican horror film is a chilling exploration of guilt and punishment, anchored by a compelling performance from Harold Torres.
7. Emelie (2015)
Director: Michael Thelin
Starring: Sarah Bolger, Joshua Rush, Carly Adams, Thomas Bair, Susan Pourfar
“Emelie” flips the classic babysitter-in-danger trope on its head. The Thompsons hire Anna to babysit, unaware that she’s actually an imposter with a dark secret. As the night unfolds, the children find themselves in grave danger. Sarah Bolger’s performance as the twisted babysitter is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
(UK only)
8. Zombieland (2009)
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Bill Murray
“Zombieland” is a perfect mix of horror and comedy, following a group of strangers who band together to survive a zombie-infested America. Packed with blood-soaked action, clever kills, and laugh-out-loud moments, this film is a wild ride from start to finish, with one of the best cameos in cinema history.
9. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Director: André Øvredal
Starring: Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gabriel Rush
Based on the bestselling book series, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” brings terrifying tales to life as a group of teens encounters monsters from a mysterious book. With Guillermo del Toro as producer, this horror anthology successfully weaves its stories into a cohesive and frightening narrative.
10. Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, LaKeith Stanfield
Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking horror film “Get Out” follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) as he visits his girlfriend’s family, only to uncover a horrifying secret. With sharp social commentary and intense suspense, “Get Out” is a modern horror masterpiece that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
11. The Lure (2015)
Director: Agnieszka Smoczyńska
Starring: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszanska, Kinga Preis, Magdalena Cielecka, Jakub Gierszał
This Polish horror-musical offers a unique take on “The Little Mermaid” tale, following two carnivorous mermaid sisters trying to start a new life in a nightclub. “The Lure” is a visually stunning and bizarre film that blends horror with musical elements, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
(UK only)
12. His House (2020)
Director: Remi Weekes
Starring: Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Wunmi Mosaku, Matt Smith, Javier Botet, Emily Taaffe
“His House” tells the story of a refugee couple from South Sudan who escape to England, only to find their new home is haunted by an unspeakable evil. This film masterfully combines traditional horror elements with powerful social commentary, making it one of the most memorable horror movies of recent years.
13. Talk to Me (2023)
Directors: Danny and Michael Philippou
Starring: Sophie Wilde, Joe Bird, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, Alexandra Jensen
“Talk to Me” revolves around a group of teenagers who use a cursed object to conjure spirits for fun—until things take a deadly turn. This Australian horror film is one of the scariest releases of 2023, with a gripping plot and plenty of shocking moments.
(UK only)
14. The Ruins (2008)
Director: Carter Smith
Starring: Jena Malone, Jonathan Tucker, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramsey, Joe Anderson
In “The Ruins,” two couples exploring an ancient Mayan ruin in Mexico discover that the site is covered in carnivorous vines. This gory horror film is a tense and unsettling experience that will make you think twice about your next vacation. Catch it before it leaves Netflix at the end of August.
(UK only)
15. Halloween (1978)
Director: John Carpenter
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Nick Castle, Kyle Richards, Nancy Loomis
John Carpenter’s “Halloween” introduced the world to the iconic Michael Myers and remains a classic of the slasher genre. As Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) fights for her life, the film builds relentless tension, making it a perfect choice for your Halloween viewing.
(UK only)
16. Insidious (2010)
Director: James Wan
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Andrew Astor
James Wan’s “Insidious” follows the Lambert family as they are haunted by a malevolent entity in their new home. With its spine-chilling atmosphere and terrifying jump scares, this film is a must-watch for fans of supernatural horror. If you’re planning a marathon, start with this one.
(UK only)
17. The Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Maya Hawke, Benjamin Flores Jr, Gillian Jacobs
Netflix’s “Fear Street Trilogy” offers a fun and bloody horror marathon that spans three different eras. Based on R.L. Stine’s book series, these interconnected films pay homage to classic horror while delivering plenty of scares and twists. It’s a nostalgic treat for horror fans of all ages.
18. Verónica (2017)
Director: Paco Plaza
Starring: Sandra Escacena, Claudia Placer, Bruna González, Iván Chavero, Ana Torrent
“Verónica” is a Spanish horror film that follows a teenager who unwittingly summons a malevolent spirit during a ouija session. Set in 1990s Madrid, the film is a terrifying blend of supernatural horror and coming-of-age drama, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
19. Under the Shadow (2016)
Director: Babak Anvari
Starring: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi, Ray Haratian, Arash Marandi
Set in 1980s Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War, “Under the Shadow” follows a mother and daughter as they face both the horrors of war and a sinister presence in their home. This Iranian horror film is a unique and unsettling experience, blending historical events with supernatural terror.
20. The Wasteland (2021)
Director: David Casademunt
Starring: Inma Cuesta, Asier Flores, Roberto Álamo, Alejandra Howard, Víctor Benjumea
In “The Wasteland,” a mother and son living in a desolate wasteland are terrorized by a mysterious creature. This slow-burn horror film builds a sense of dread and isolation, culminating in a terrifying and unforgettable climax. It’s a haunting exploration of fear and survival.
These 20 horror films are the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit as Halloween approaches. From supernatural terrors to psychological thrillers, this list has something for every horror fan. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be scared out of your wits with these top Netflix horror movies!