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Halloween weekend is almost upon us, which means you’re probably in the mood for a scary movie binge. Horror movies are terrifyingly addicting year round, but there’s something about October 31 that makes them extra scream-worthy. There’s just one tiny problem — Netflix’s selection of horror is not great this year. That’s where we come in.
Below are 10 of the scariest titles currently available on Netflix. From classic ghost stories and modern twists on vampire narratives to innovative slashers and psychological thrillers, there’s a little something for every horror appreciator. Turn off the lights, and grab an extra comfortable and protective blanket. You’re going to need it.
'Deliverance' (1972)
Though typically marketed as a drama thriller, Deliverance will go down in horror movie history for four words — “squeal like a pig.” Starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, and Ned Beatty, this Academy Award nominated film follows four city dwelling friends who are terrorized in rural Georgia. Can they win their fight for survival?
'The Awakening' (2011)
Plotted as a mystery, this is the perfect spooky ghost story for Halloween. Starring Rebecca Hall, this British horror movie is set in post World War I England and follows a writer who investigates a haunting at a local boy’s school. Between its creepy visuals and chilling plot, The Awakening makes for a solid horror watch.
‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011)
Starring Tilda Swentin and John C. Reilly, this thriller won’t leave you screaming but it will make you skeptical of children. A couple finally has the baby they so desperately want, but they can’t seem to bond with him no matter what they try. However, the limits of their love and family are pushed when they’re forced to deal with the aftermath of this sociopathic teen’s disturbing act.
‘V/H/S’ (2012) and ‘V/H/S/2’ (2013)
This experimental collection of interconnected horror shorts misses the mark at times, but when it finds its stride, V/H/S has the ability to haunt your nightmares. Each movie is composed of individual found footage films, each shot by a different director, that tell stories about the occult, paranormal, and the evils of technology. If you’re looking for pure horror on Netflix this Halloween, this is your best bet.
‘A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night’ (2014)
Dubbed the first Iranian vampire western, this twist on the traditional vampire story will leave you looking over your shoulder. Residents of a worn-down Iranian city are haunted by a lone vampire who preys on men who are disrespectful to women. More thriller than traditional horror, this critically-praised film is worth checking out.
‘Hush’ (2016)
This is one of the most innovative horror movies in recent history for how it expertly plays with sound. A traditional slasher with a smart twist, Hush follows a deaf author who is being stalked in her own home by a crazed, bow-wielding murderer. Turn the volume up and prepare to realize how important sound is when it comes to watching horror.
‘They Look Like People’ (2015)
Looking for a psychological deep dive into insanity? This is your best bet. The mystery film follows a troubled man who becomes convinced that the people around him are turning into evil creatures. He’s forced to choose who he will protect from the impending war: his only friend or himself?
‘Creep’ (2014)
Directed by Patrick Kack-Brice and starring Mark Duplass, this found footage movie confirms your mom’s hesitations about strangers on the internet. A man who wants to document the last few weeks of his life reaches out to a documentary filmmaker, and things quickly go south from there. Jay is the Duplass brother who’s typically praised for his acting prowess, but Mark will leave you with nightmares.
‘The Invitation’ (2015)
If you need a reason why you should never stay friends with your ex, this is it. After a man accepts a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, old wounds are soon re-opened and old tensions emerge as he becomes more and more suspicious of his ex’s sinister plans. Starring Logan Marshall-Green and Tammy Blanchard, this one may ruin dinner parties for you.
‘The Babadook’ (2014)
Don’t mess with the ‘dook in this German expressionist-inspired Australian thriller. The Babadook follows an exhausted mother with one of the worst kids around who faces an unexpected foe — a mysterious and demonic force of evil that emerges from a children’s book. Beautifully stylized and amazingly acted, this dive into exhaustion and motherhood is as disturbing as it is powerful.
