Best horror movies to watch on Netflix this Halloween
Last Updated on: 31st August 2022, 07:57 am
Spooky season has already started for a lot of us. However, some of you might only want to get your scare on in the run-up to Halloween. Well, whether you’re a Halloween fanatic or just a bit of a thrill-seeker, look no further for the best horror movies to watch on Netflix in 2021.
I’ll be going through timeless classics to newcomers and everything in between in Netflix’s ever-rotating library of horror movies. This list was compiled based on reviews and some of my personal preferences. All films are available in the UK or in the US.
Here are the best horror movies to watch on Netflix in 2021
10. Unfriended (2014)
A found-footage teen slasher with a technological twist. This supernatural horror is filmed almost completely through a screencast on a MacBook.
This interesting plot device serves as a refreshing take on a more classic subgenre of horror (slasher flick). The movie has come into mixed reviews since its release in 2014, however, its originality earns it a spot on this list.
9. Insidious (2010)
A paranormal haunted house classic. How do they keep classic tropes, like families moving into haunted houses scary? They make Insidious.
This is the first in a four-part saga directed by James Wan and it covers all bases (haunted house, paranormal activity, spooky kids…). We’ve all seen films like this before but Insidious certainly deserves a spot on our best horror movies to watch on Netflix list.
8. Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
A horror-thriller based around the art world. Look no further to get your Jake Gyllenhaal fix this Halloween. This Dan Gilroy film has haunted paintings, severed arms, and more classics of the horror genre. Velvet Buzzsaw has had somewhat average reviews hence why it only ranks 8th in our list, although we believe it is still worth the watch.
7. Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
I didn’t want this trilogy to take up 3 spots on my list, but I had to include these slasher flicks filled with classic horror movie tropes. One of our more modern picks for this list.
Based on R. L. Stine’s books of the same name, this film series pays homage to the genre by bringing together great design, cool soundtracks, and some surprisingly good acting to create an enjoyable trilogy.
6. Creep (2014)
This psychological horror is an interesting spin on the found-footage style. Patrick Brice drew inspiration from My Dinner with Andre, Misery, Fatal Attraction, and some of his own experience working as a filmmaker on Craigslist to give us a troubling found-footage horror film that deservedly got its sequel.
5. Jaws (1975)
More thriller than horror, this Spielberg classic will still get your heart racing despite looking a little old. One of the most iconic films on our list, it would be higher if it was leaning more towards horror.
This 1975 film is still an amazing piece of cinema and definitely merits its spot on our best horror movies to watch on Netflix list.
4. Friday the 13th (2009)
The 12th installment in the series creates a genuine space for Jason to kill again. Marcus Nispel directed this film to be an origin story for the Friday the 13th series that started back in the 1980s.
Nispel also directed the reboot of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. They kept this slasher as iconic as the originals, thus ranking it so high on our list.
3. 1922 (2017)
My dad once told me “If it’s scary chances are it’s Stephen King’s book”, and he’s not wrong. This adaptation of a King classic plays upon deceit, conspiracy, murder, and guilt to build a slow-burning horror. This film was well-received by critics scoring 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. His House (2020)
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This psychological horror combines real-world issues and a haunting supernatural tale to tell the gripping and terrifying story of a couple seeking asylum in the UK.
This film tells a story beyond the supernatural of the struggles asylum seekers live through to try and live a better life. Some great performances from a small cast of characters are the reason why this film is second on our list of best horror movies to watch on Netflix.
1. Midsommar (2019)
A folk/cult horror that mixes bright colors with gore to bring a brilliantly scary instant classic. Described as “more unsettling than frightening” by John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter, Midsommar is a force to be reckoned with in the horror film scene.
I believe, Midsommar is only available in the UK, nonetheless, it is well worth the watch for Halloween and horror movie fans.
That’s the complete list of the best horror movies to watch on Netflix in 2021. I would recommend any of these movies if horror, gore, thrills, and chills are what you are looking for. However, if horror movies are not your cup of tea you can always have a look at more movie news here.
