Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix

Prepare to be terrified as we delve into the bone-chilling realm of horror cinema with a selection of the “Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.” From heart-pounding suspense to hair-raising scares, each film on this list offers a spine-tingling experience guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural hauntings, psychological thrills, or gruesome gore, Netflix’s extensive library of horror movies has something to satisfy every fear-seeking cinephile. Join us as we navigate the shadowy depths of terror and explore the most terrifying films streaming on Netflix, ready to send shivers down your spine with every scream and jump scare.

1. "The Conjuring"

“The Conjuring” is a highly acclaimed horror film directed by James Wan, released in 2013. It follows the paranormal investigations of real-life couple Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as they assist a family who experiences disturbing supernatural occurrences in their farmhouse. The film is known for its effective scares, strong performances, and skillful direction, making it a modern classic in the horror genre. It has also spawned a successful franchise with several sequels and spin-offs. So, it is in 1st position in the ranking of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

2. "The Babadook"

“The Babadook” is a psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent, released in 2014. The story revolves around a widowed mother, Amelia, and her young son, Samuel, who are haunted by a sinister presence after reading a mysterious pop-up book titled “Mister Babadook.” As the terror escalates, Amelia begins to question her own sanity as she struggles to protect her son from the malevolent entity.

The film received critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and exploration of grief and mental illness. Essie Davis delivers a standout performance as Amelia, and Noah Wiseman impresses as Samuel. “The Babadook” is often praised for its unique approach to horror, relying more on psychological dread and character development than jump scares. So, it is in 2nd position in the list of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

3. "Hereditary"

“Hereditary” is a 2018 supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. The film follows the Graham family as they cope with the aftermath of the death of their secretive grandmother. As strange and terrifying occurrences begin to unravel, the family discovers dark and sinister secrets about their ancestry.

The film received widespread critical acclaim for its unsettling atmosphere, harrowing performances, and its ability to deeply unsettle and disturb audiences. Toni Collette’s performance as Annie Graham, the matriarch of the family, particularly stood out, earning her widespread praise. “Hereditary” is often praised for its slow-burn tension, shocking twists, and its exploration of themes such as grief, trauma, and the breakdown of family dynamics. It’s regarded as one of the most chilling and memorable horror films of recent years. So, it is in 3rd position among the Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

4. "A Quiet Place"

“A Quiet Place” is a 2018 science fiction horror film directed by John Krasinski, who also stars in the film alongside Emily Blunt. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been overrun by alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing. The surviving humans must live in near-total silence to avoid detection by these creatures, who hunt by sound.

The film follows the Abbott family, consisting of parents Lee and Evelyn (played by Krasinski and Blunt) and their children, as they struggle to survive in this dangerous new world. Communication is primarily done through sign language, and every noise could mean the difference between life and death.

“A Quiet Place” received widespread acclaim for its unique premise, tense atmosphere, and strong performances, particularly by Krasinski and Blunt. It’s praised for its effective use of silence as a storytelling device and its ability to create tension without relying heavily on dialogue or traditional horror tropes. The film was a commercial success and spawned a sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II,” released in 2021. So, it is in 4th position in the ranking of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

5. "Gerald's Game"

“Gerald’s Game” is a 2017 psychological horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The story revolves around a married couple, Jessie and Gerald Burlingame, who travel to a remote lake house in an attempt to spice up their marriage. However, a sex game goes horribly wrong when Gerald dies of a heart attack, leaving Jessie handcuffed to the bed with no hope of rescue.

As Jessie struggles to survive and grapples with her traumatic past, she begins to hallucinate and confronts her inner demons. The film delves into themes of survival, trauma, and empowerment as Jessie fights to free herself both physically and emotionally.

“Gerald’s Game” received praise for its tense atmosphere, compelling performances, particularly by Carla Gugino as Jessie, and its faithful adaptation of King’s novel. It’s regarded as a gripping and thought-provoking psychological horror film that offers more than just scares. So, it is in 5th position in the list of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

6. "Hush"

“Hush” is a 2016 horror-thriller film directed by Mike Flanagan, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kate Siegel, who stars in the film. The story follows a deaf and mute writer named Maddie Young, who lives alone in a secluded house in the woods. Her peaceful existence is shattered when a masked intruder begins stalking her, intent on killing her.

As Maddie fights for survival against her relentless assailant, she must use her wits and resourcefulness to outsmart him despite her disability. The film explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the primal instinct for survival.

“Hush” received praise for its innovative premise, suspenseful atmosphere, and Siegel’s compelling performance as Maddie. The film is noted for its effective use of sound design to convey Maddie’s perspective and heighten tension. It’s regarded as a tense and gripping thriller that offers a fresh take on the home invasion subgenre. So, it is in 6th position among the Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

7. "The Ritual"

“The Ritual” is a 2017 British horror film directed by David Bruckner, based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. The story follows a group of friends who embark on a hiking trip in the remote wilderness of Sweden to honor their deceased friend. However, they soon become lost in the dense forest and encounter eerie and malevolent forces lurking in the woods.

As the group faces increasingly terrifying and inexplicable occurrences, they realize that they are being hunted by a mysterious entity that preys on their deepest fears and insecurities. The film explores themes of guilt, grief, and the supernatural, as the characters are forced to confront their own inner demons in order to survive.

“The Ritual” received praise for its atmospheric tension, eerie setting, and strong performances, particularly by Rafe Spall as the protagonist. The film is noted for its effective blend of psychological horror and folk horror elements, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian folklore. It’s regarded as a chilling and unsettling horror film that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. So, it is in 7th position in the ranking of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

8. "Train to Busan"

“Train to Busan” is a 2016 South Korean zombie apocalypse horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The story follows a group of passengers on a high-speed train traveling from Seoul to Busan, who must fight for their survival when a zombie outbreak suddenly erupts across South Korea.

As the infection spreads rapidly among the passengers onboard, a disparate group of individuals from different backgrounds must come together to fend off the hordes of ravenous zombies and make it to safety. The film explores themes of sacrifice, survival, and human nature under extreme circumstances.

“Train to Busan” received widespread acclaim for its intense action sequences, well-drawn characters, and emotional depth. It’s praised for its fast-paced narrative, thrilling set pieces, and impressive visual effects. The film is considered one of the best entries in the zombie genre in recent years, appealing to both fans of horror and mainstream audiences alike. So, it is in 8th position in the list of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

9. "Bird Box"

“Bird Box” is a 2018 post-apocalyptic horror-thriller film directed by Susanne Bier, based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Josh Malerman. The story is set in a world where a mysterious entity has caused mass suicides by driving people who see it to extreme violence against themselves. To survive, people must avoid looking at the outside world by wearing blindfolds or using other means to block their vision.

The film follows Malorie Hayes, portrayed by Sandra Bullock, as she navigates this dangerous new reality with two young children in tow. They embark on a perilous journey down a river in search of a rumored safe haven, all while blindfolded to shield themselves from the entity.

“Bird Box” received mixed reviews from critics but became a massive hit on Netflix, garnering widespread attention and sparking numerous discussions about its themes and allegorical elements. It’s praised for its tense atmosphere, strong performances, particularly by Bullock, and its exploration of motherhood, survival, and the human psyche under extreme duress. So, it is in 9th position among the Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.

10. "The Witch"

“The Witch,” stylized as “The VVitch,” is a 2015 supernatural horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. Set in 1630s New England, the film follows a devout Puritan family who are banished from their colonial plantation and build a farm near a remote forest. As they begin to experience strange and unsettling occurrences, they suspect that witchcraft may be at play.

The film explores themes of religious paranoia, isolation, and the breakdown of family dynamics as the family members turn on each other amid growing suspicion and fear. “The Witch” is noted for its meticulous attention to historical detail, including dialogue and period-accurate language, as well as its atmospheric cinematography and eerie score.

“The Witch” received critical acclaim for its originality, unsettling atmosphere, and psychological depth. It’s praised for its slow-burn tension, unsettling imagery, and standout performances, particularly by Anya Taylor-Joy as the eldest daughter, Thomasin. The film is regarded as a modern masterpiece in the horror genre and has gained a dedicated cult following since its release. So, it is in 10th position in the ranking of Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix.