The 43 Best Halloween Movies on Netflix Right Now
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We don’t always enjoy getting scared out of our minds, but there’s something about the fall month that make it semi-mandatory to watch all the thriller, horror and scary movies that we can. So if you’re looking for a real jump-scare (no offense, 31 Days of Halloween), then keep reading for the 43 best Halloween movies on Netflix to watch in the lead-up to the spooky holiday.
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1. 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)
What’s it about? Known as one of the most terrifying movies of all time, the film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she ventures into a maximum-security asylum to pick the diseased brain of Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist turned cannibal. The 1991 piece is based on a handful of real-life serial killers, so if stalkers and cannibals aren’t your things, we recommend giving this one a pass.
2. 'Hush' (2016)
What’s it about? A deaf writer isolates herself in a cabin for some much-needed “me” time. Her relaxing experience turns into a silent fight for her life when a masked killer shows up at her doorstep—actually her window. If you enjoyed a A Quiet Place and Scream, this one mixes elements of both.
3. 'Cabin Fever' (2002)
What’s it about? A college student accidentally shoots a man while vacationing with his five friends (casual). After trying to cover their tracks, they discover the victim has a highly contagious, flesh-eating virus. Spoiler alert: it starts to spread. Fair warning, the disease is pretty nasty looking. So, for all you queasy folk, we suggest keeping a pillow close by to cover your eyes.
4. 'The Ritual' (2017)
What’s it about? Four friends embark on a hike in the Scandinavian mountains (we already know where this is going) in honor of their late friend. But not so fast. Things take a horrifying turn when they stumble upon a mysterious forest that is haunted by a Norse legend. More of a psychological thriller, The Ritual is a spookily-satisfying film, with a subpar ending.
5. ‘The Evil Dead’ (1981)
What’s it about? Another historically popular film, director Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead tells the tale of a group of teenagers who begin to turn into flesh-eating zombies during a visit to an off-the-grid cabin. Lesson learned: don’t read old books that could possibly reawaken the dead.
6. 'A Hunted House' (2013)
What’s it about? This spoof on scary movies (think Anna Farris’s Scary Movie franchise) follows a young couple settling into a new home—a theme we’ll see a lot on this list—where an evil spirit and horrifyingly hilarious antics await. Plus, there's nothing better than a Marlon Wayans-Cedric the Entertainer team up.
7. 'Terrifier' (2018)
What’s it about? Introducing Art the Clown, a homicidal maniac who comes out of the shadows and terrorizes three young girls on Halloween night. Anyone with an actual fear of clowns should not (we repeat) should NOT watch this film, considering Art is possibly the most horrifying painted face we have ever seen.
8. 'Sinister' (2012)
What’s it about? Starring Ethan Hawke, Sinister follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt when he discovers a box of Super 8 videotapes depicting several brutal murders that took place in his new home. However, what seems to be the work of a serial killer turns out to be not as straight forward as it seems. Warning: This one had us sleeping with the lights on for weeks and is definitely not for children.
9. 'Insidious' (2010)
What’s it about? A suburban family moves away from everything they know in an attempt to leave behind their haunted house. However, they soon learn the home isn’t the root of the problem—their son is. Staring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, Insidious centers on paranormal entities and possession, if you’re into that sort of thing.
10. 'Zodiac' (2007)
What’s it about? This one’s for all those true crime fans out there. Based on a real story, the triller followers a political cartoonist, a crime reporter and a pair of cops as they investigate San Francisco's infamous Zodiac Killer. Did we mention it stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr.?
11. 'Casper' (1995)
What’s it about? If you’re looking for something more family-friendly, try this 90s film about a kind young ghost who falls in love with the daughter of a visiting specialist. The movie follows Casper as he tries to grow their budding relationship, despite the fact that he’s transparent and she’s human.
12. 'Gerald's Game' (2017)
What’s it about? Based on Stephen King's 1992 novel of the same title, the psychological thriller centers around a couple who try to rekindle their marriage with a romantic getaway. However, when the woman accidentally kills her husband while she’s handcuffed to the bed, she loses all hope. That is, until she begins having strange visions that change everything. It starts off a bit slow, but has terrifying moments.
13. 'The Babysitter' (2017)
What’s it about? In this teen horror-comedy (which is not suitable for children) the events of one evening take an unexpected turn for the worst when a young Cole stays up past his bedtime to spy on his hot babysitter. He later discovers that she’s is part of a satanic cult that will stop at nothing to keep him quiet.
14. 'The House at the End of the Street' (2012)
What’s it about? After moving with her mother to a small town, a teenager (played by Jennifer Lawrence) finds that an accident happened (and by accident we mean double murder) in the house next door. The New York Times called it an “unwieldy hybrid of Psycho and standard teenage horror films,” so take from that what you will.
15. 'Truth or Dare' (2018)
What’s it about? The film takes place on Halloween night when a group of friends decide it would be funny to rent a haunted house (first mistake) in Mexico that claimed several lives years ago. While there, a stranger convinces one of the students to play a seemingly harmless game of truth or dare. To no surprise, history begins to repeat itself and a evil demon begins terrorizing the group.
16. 'Cult of Chucky' (2017)
What’s it about? One of the many movies centered around the murderous doll, Cult of Chucky follows Nica, who is confined to an asylum for the criminally insane. After a string of murders take place, she realizes that the killer doll is seeking revenge with the help of his former wife. More action than anything, it’s important to note that the film is rated R for strong violence, grisly images, language, brief sexuality and drug use.
17. 'The Invitation' (2015)
What’s it about? A man accepts an invitation from his ex-wife to bring his new girlfriend over for dinner. Although the offer seems genuine, the get-together sparks tension between the former lovers, resulting in a thrilling twist. If for no other reason, the low budget film is worth the watch for the acting. Not to mention, the tension will have you at the edge of your seat, especially during the last half-hour.
18. 'The Bye Bye Man' (2017)
What’s it about? When three college students move into an off-campus house, they soon discover that they’ve unleashed a supernatural killer, dubbed “Bye Bye Man.” Plus, the movie stars Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas? You had us at Prince Harry.
19. 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' (2016)
What’s it about? Not for the squeamish viewers out there, the movie follows a father-son coroner duo. When they investigate the body of a Jane Doe, they find a series of bizarre clues that lead them to a supernatural presence. The creepiest thing about this one is the minimal use of special effects that make the scares themselves, super realistic.
20. 'Poltergeist' (1982)
What’s it about? It doesn’t get much more iconic than this malevolent film about otherworldly forces that invade a suburban home in California. These evil entities transform the house into a supernatural sideshow centered on the family's young daughter. We’re not going to lie, the special effects still hold up, even today.
21. 'The Perfection' (2018)
What’s it about? When a troubled music prodigy becomes friends with a new classmate, they go down a sinister path resulting in horrifying consequences. (Two words: Psychological thriller.) The suspenseful film, co-written with the TV writing-producing team of Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder (known for producing hit series like Supernatural and Ringer), became one of Netflix’s most streamed films of the year, so it’s definitely worth watching.
22. ‘Child’s Play’ (1988)
What’s it about? Before there was The Cult of Chucky (or any of the other sequels/prequels or remakes), there was Child’s Play, a story about 6-year-old Andy who learns that his toy doll, Chucky, is the serial murderer that is terrorizing his town. Unfortunately, neither the police (nor his own mother) believe him.
23. 'The Blackcoat's Daughter' (2015)
What’s it about? Emma Roberts and Kiernan Shipka star in this 2015 thriller that takes place during the dead of winter. When a troubled young woman (Roberts) becomes isolated at a prep school with two other stranded students (Shipka and Lucy Boynton), things start to take a turn for the worse.
24. 'Apostle' (2018)
What’s it about? For the history buffs, this slow-burn period piece (which happens to be a Netflix original and take place in London during the early 1900s) is about a man who goes to rescue his sister from a remote cult. Determined to get her back at any cost, Thomas travels to the idyllic island where he quickly realizes that something more sinister and darker is going on.
25. 'Would You Rather' (2012)
What’s it about? Iris (Brittany Snow) is drowning in her sick brother’s medical bills. So, she takes part in a lethal, winner-takes-all game, along with several other desperate people, that could result in a massive cash prize…or deadly consequences. Torture is a major part of this plot, so keep that in mind when you’re sorting through your options.
26. 'Don't Knock Twice' (2016)
What’s it about? In this film (also starring Lucy Boyton), a mother desperately tries to reconnect with her estranged daughter and attracts the attention of a demonic witch in the process. Oh, and the movie’s tagline is, “Knock once to wake her from her bed, twice to raise her from the dead…” Enough said.
27. '1922' (2017)
What’s it about? Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, the film follows a farmer who initiates a murderous plot against his wife…but not before convincing his teenage son to participate.
28. 'Polaroid’ (2019)
What’s it about? High school loner Bird Fitcher has no idea what dark secrets are tied to the Polaroid camera she finds. However, things get complicated when she realizes that everyone who gets their photograph taken, ultimately dies. Now, Bird must try and protect everyone she’s ever taken a snapshot of, which is no easy feat. Warning: This one contains a ton of jump shots, so maybe keep the volume low.
29. 'CARRIE' (2002)
What’s it about? This remake of the popular 1976 classic (yup, another King novel adaptation), the movie follows a sensitive teen who discovers she has supernatural powers. Things take a dark turn when she’s slowly pushed to the edge (at prom, of all places) by frequent bullying and an overly religious mother. Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore also star in the latest remake from 2013.
30. 'The Roommate' (2011)
What’s it about? When college freshman Sara (Minka Kelly) arrives on campus for the first time, she befriends her roommate, Rebecca (Leighton Meester), unaware that her new so-called “friend” is becoming dangerously obsessed with her. With the tagline “2,000 colleges. 8 Million roommates. Which one will you get?” the film is pretty much every high-school graduate’s nightmare.
31. 'The Silence' (2019)
What’s it about? In a dystopian society, the world is under attack by carnivorous creatures. Similar to A Quiet Place, the monsters hunt their prey based on sound, forcing a family to seek remote refuge as they learn to live in silence.
32. 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark' (2010)
What’s it about? Katie Holmes stars in Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of the 1973 television movie. When young Sally Hurst and her family move to a new home, she discovers they aren’t alone in the creepy mansion. In fact, strange creatures also live there and they don’t seem too happy with their new guests. It’s important to note that the original film terrified del Toro as a young boy, so we’re going to say make sure the kids are asleep when you turn this one on.
33. 'Verónica' (2017)
What’s it about? During a solar eclipse, young Verónica and her friends want to summon the spirit of Verónica's father using (you guessed it) a Ouija board. This Spanish film has a reputation as one of the scariest films on Netflix. You've been warned.
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34. ‘The Forest’ (2016)
What’s it about? A young woman (Natalie Dormer) goes on a search for her twin sister, who disappeared in a notorious area of Japan known as the Suicide Forest. While there, she encounters supernatural and psychological terrors that make finding her sister nearly impossible. The scariest part of the movie? The Suicide Forest is actually a real place.
35. ‘The Witch’ (2015)
What’s it about? When members of New England town start to think a curse has come over them, they become increasingly paranoid when a family’s youngest son, Samuel, suddenly vanishes. As their concerns increase, members of the town begin to suspect Samual’s older sister, Thomasin, of practicing witchcraft and they all begin to question one another as well as their faith.
36. ‘Chernobyl Diaries’ (2012)
What’s it about? A group of friends decides to take an illegal tour through an abandoned city near Chernobyl, where a nuclear accident occurred in 1986. During their journey, mysterious humanoid forms begin to follow and haunt them. Chernobyl Diaries, although based on the real-life disaster, contains some Zombie elements that will keep you on edge throughout the entirety of the film.
37. ‘Rattlesnake’ (2019)
What’s it about? The movie (which infuses both horror and a little mystery) follows a mom whose daughter, after being bitten by a rattlesnake, hence the name, is saved by a mysterious stranger. The catch? She must repay the debt by providing a sacrifice, aka killing another human, before the sun goes down. Yikes.
38. ‘In the tall grass’ (2019)
What’s it about? In case you can’t get enough of Stephen King adaptations, this one is based on a novella King wrote with his son, Joe Hill. The story follows two siblings, Becky and Cal, as they rescue a young boy who's lost in a field (casual). However, the duo quickly realizes that they may not be the only lurking in the woods and there might not be a way out.
39. ‘Little Evil’ (2017)
What’s it about? Probably only the horror-comedy on this list, Little Evil follows a newly married man as he desperately tries to bond with his new stepson. Unfortunately for him, it turns out the boy may in fact be a demon, sorry Antichrist. Rated TV-mature, this silly film is appropriate to watch with older children and young adults, so you can all get in on the fun.
40. ‘Creep’ (2017)
What’s it about? Exploiting the potential horrors of Craigslist, this indie thriller followers Videographer Aaron as he takes a job in a remote mountain town and quickly realizes his client has some pretty disturbing ideas for his final project before he succumbs to his inoperable tumor. Clearly, the name is fitting.
41. ‘Bird Box’ (2018)
What’s it about? Perhaps one of Netflix’s most popular sensations, Bird Box tells the tale of a post-apocalyptic world (inhabited by Sandra Bullock) where evil beings attack people through their sense of sight and force them to commit suicide. Similar to a Quiet Place, the movie relies on suspense and loud sound effects. The ending isn’t the best, but it’s still worth to watch Bullock defend her family from evil beings while wearing a blindfold.
42. ‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)
What’s it about? When Katie and Micah move into their new home, they disturbed that the residence may be haunted by a demonic presence. In response, Micah sets up a video camera to document all the action. The movie, which was shot partly through the couple’s cameras set up around the house, became so popular that there were even four follow up films.
43. ‘Eerie’ (2019)
What’s it about? A famous flick from the Phillippines, you’ll have to watch this one with subtitles. When a student's suicide shakes up an all-girls Catholic school, one clairvoyant guidance counselor must use her psychic powers on a ghost to uncover the convent's past. Warning: this one’s packed-full of jump scares.
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