Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix
Netflix has become a haven for horror enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of films that cater to every taste—from psychological thrillers to supernatural slasher flicks.
As of May 2025, the streaming giant continues to deliver spine-chilling experiences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a fan of classic horror, indie gems, or international scares, Netflix's current lineup has something to offer.
In this curated list, we've compiled the top 10 horror movies available on Netflix, ensuring a mix of critically acclaimed titles and fan favorites.
These selections promise to deliver the thrills, chills, and psychological twists that define the best of the genre. So, dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and prepare for a terrifyingly good time.
| Rank | Movie Name |
|---|---|
| 10 | Constantine (2005) |
| 9 | Dawn of the Dead (2004) |
| 8 | The Ritual (2017) |
| 7 | Gerald's Game (2017) |
| 6 | Apostle (2018) |
| 5 | Don't Move (2024) |
| 4 | Heart Eyes (2025) |
| 3 | Train to Busan (2016) |
| 2 | His House (2020) |
| 1 | Fear Street Trilogy + Prom Queen (2021-2025) |
10. Constantine (2005)
Subgenre: Supernatural Action
Keanu Reeves brings noir sensibility to this adaptation of DC's "Hellblazer" comics, playing John Constantine, a demon hunter seeking redemption while investigating supernatural crimes. When detective Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) seeks his help investigating her twin sister's mysterious death, they uncover a plot that threatens the balance between Heaven and Hell.
While loosely adapted from its source material, "Constantine" has gained cult status for its unique blend of religious mythology, noir atmosphere, and Reeves' perfectly deadpan performance. The film's vision of supernatural Los Angeles is both stylish and genuinely creepy.
Why it's found new life: "Constantine" was ahead of its time, arriving before the current superhero boom. Its dark tone and supernatural elements feel perfectly suited for today's horror-loving audiences.
9. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Subgenre: Zombie Action
Zack Snyder's feature directorial debut reimagines George A. Romero's classic with modern sensibilities and James Gunn's sharp screenplay. When a zombie outbreak overruns America, survivors take refuge in a shopping mall, but their safe haven becomes a trap as the undead masses grow outside.
The film's opening sequence remains one of the best in zombie cinema, efficiently establishing the apocalypse while introducing compelling characters. Snyder's kinetic direction and the decision to make zombies fast and ferocious creates relentless tension.
Why it's a worthy remake: Rather than simply copying Romero's original, Snyder and Gunn created something that honors the source while standing on its own. The social commentary remains sharp, but the action is amped up for modern audiences.
8. The Ritual (2017)
Subgenre: Folk Horror/Creature Feature
When four friends honor their deceased buddy by taking a hiking trip through Swedish wilderness, they become hopelessly lost and begin to suspect something ancient and malevolent stalks them through the forest.
David Bruckner's direction expertly builds dread through isolation and the fear of the unknown.
Based on Adam Nevill's novel, the film starts as a meditation on grief and male friendship before evolving into a primal survival story. The creature design, when finally revealed, is genuinely unsettling and original.
Why it works: "The Ritual" understands that the best monster movies make you care about the characters before putting them in danger. The emotional foundation makes every subsequent scare more impactful.
7. Gerald's Game (2017)
Subgenre: Psychological Thriller
Mike Flanagan accomplished what many thought impossible by adapting Stephen King's "unfilmable" novel about a woman handcuffed to a bed after her husband's sudden death.
Carla Gugino delivers a tour-de-force performance, essentially carrying the entire film as Jessie Burlingame confronts her past traumas while fighting for survival.
The film transforms what could have been a static, one-location thriller into a deeply psychological journey that explores trauma, memory, and survival. Flanagan's direction keeps the tension unbearable while diving deep into character psychology.
Why it's Stephen King at his best: "Gerald's Game" proves that the most effective horror often comes from internal struggles made external. It's a masterclass in adapting literary horror for the screen.
6. Apostle (2018)
Subgenre: Folk Horror/Cult
Gareth Evans, the director behind "The Raid" series, ventures into supernatural territory with this beautifully disturbing tale of religious extremism. Dan Stevens delivers a intense performance as Thomas Richardson, who travels to a remote Welsh island to rescue his kidnapped sister from a mysterious cult, only to discover darker forces at work.
"Apostle" combines the atmospheric dread of "The Wicker Man" with Evans' signature brutal violence, creating something that's both art house horror and visceral experience. The film's stunning cinematography makes every frame feel like a painting, even when depicting some truly disturbing imagery.
Why folk horror fans will love it: For viewers who appreciated "Midsommar" or "The Witch," "Apostle" offers similar themes of religious obsession and isolated communities, but with Evans' unique visual flair and commitment to unflinching violence.
5. Don't Move (2024)
Subgenre: Survival Thriller
Produced by legendary "Evil Dead" director Sam Raimi, this high-concept thriller follows Iris (Kelsey Asbille), a grief-stricken woman who encounters a seemingly friendly stranger while seeking solitude in a remote forest.
When he injects her with a paralytic agent that gradually takes over her entire body, she has a limited window to escape before becoming completely helpless.
The film's brilliant central conceit—a protagonist who becomes progressively more physically limited as the movie progresses—creates mounting tension that never lets up.
It's a masterclass in building suspense through constraint rather than action.
Why it stands out: "Don't Move" proves that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most effective scares. With Raimi's producing expertise behind it, the film delivers edge-of-your-seat tension that'll have you shouting at the screen.
4. Heart Eyes (2025)
Subgenre: Slasher/Rom-Com
Josh Ruben's delightfully twisted Valentine's Day slasher has taken Netflix by storm, proving that horror-comedy can work when it's crafted with genuine affection for both genres.
When co-workers Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding) are mistaken for a couple by a killer who targets romantic partners every February 14th, they must survive the night while navigating their own complicated feelings.
With an 81% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and a spot in Netflix's top 10, "Heart Eyes" succeeds by balancing genuine scares with smart humor and surprising emotional depth.
The kills are creative and brutal, but the real joy comes from watching two appealing leads develop chemistry while dodging a creative killer.
Why it's currently trending: "Heart Eyes" fills a rare niche—a horror movie that's equally entertaining for date night or solo viewing. It's proof that modern slashers can be both scary and genuinely romantic without sacrificing either element.
3. Train to Busan (2016)
Subgenre: Zombie Action
Director Yeon Sang-ho's South Korean masterpiece breathed new life into the zombie genre when it became one of the biggest box office hits in Korean history.
Set almost entirely on a high-speed train during a zombie outbreak, the film follows a workaholic father and his young daughter as they fight for survival while racing toward what they hope is safety.
What makes "Train to Busan" extraordinary isn't just its innovative setting or terrifyingly fast zombies—it's the film's emotional core.
Between the heart-pounding action sequences, the movie explores themes of sacrifice, social class, and what it means to be human when the world falls apart.
Why it's a must-watch: This isn't just one of the best zombie movies ever made; it's one of the best films period. The emotional resonance will leave you in tears while the relentless action keeps your adrenaline pumping. It's accessible to non-horror fans while satisfying genre veterans.
2. His House (2020)
Subgenre: Psychological Horror/Drama
This haunting masterpiece from director Remi Weekes transforms the traditional haunted house formula into a profound meditation on trauma, guilt, and the immigrant experience.
When Bol and Rial, refugees from South Sudan, are placed in a rundown English town house, they discover that the ghosts following them may be more than supernatural—they're manifestations of the unspeakable choices they made to survive.
Wunmi Mosaku and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù deliver powerhouse performances that ground the supernatural elements in genuine human emotion.
The film doesn't rely on cheap scares; instead, it builds an atmosphere of dread that reflects the real-world horrors of displacement and survival.
Why it's essential viewing: "His House" proves that the best horror comes from authentic human experiences. It's a film that scares you on multiple levels—supernatural, psychological, and sociological—while never losing sight of its characters' humanity.
1. Fear Street Trilogy + Prom Queen (2021-2025)
Subgenre: Slasher/Supernatural
Netflix struck gold with this interconnected horror franchise that spans multiple decades and delivers three full movies' worth of scares. The original trilogy masterfully weaves together stories from 1994, 1978, and 1666 to tell the epic tale of a witch's curse plaguing the fictional town of Shadyside.
Each film captures the essence of different horror eras—from 90s meta-slashers to 80s summer camp killers to colonial folk horror.
The newest addition, "Fear Street: Prom Queen," transports viewers to 1988 where prom season at Shadyside High becomes a deadly competition.
What sets this series apart is its commitment to character development alongside genuinely effective scares. These aren't just pretty teenagers waiting to be killed—they're fully realized characters whose fates you actually care about.
Why it tops our list: The Fear Street franchise proves that Netflix Originals can rival theatrical releases. With one of the greatest on-screen kills of all time (you'll know it when you see it in Part 1), colorful cinematography, and a sweeping narrative that rewards binge-watching, this series delivers both nostalgic thrills and fresh innovation.
Honorable Mentions: More Netflix Nightmares Worth Your Time
- Smile (2022) - A trauma-based supernatural horror that follows the concept to its terrifying conclusion.
- Cam (2018) - A disturbing thriller about identity and technology that gets under your skin on multiple levels.
- The Platform (2019) - Spanish sci-fi horror that serves as both entertainment and social commentary.
- Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) - Mike Flanagan's prequel that's infinitely better than the original.
- Vampires vs The Bronx (2020) - A fun horror-comedy that uses vampire mythology to explore gentrification.
Genre Breakdown: Finding Your Perfect Scare
- For Slasher Fans: Start with the Fear Street series or Heart Eyes for modern takes on classic formulas.
- Supernatural Seekers: His House and Gerald's Game offer psychological depth alongside genuine scares.
- International Horror: Train to Busan showcases how global cinema is redefining genre expectations.
- Folk Horror Enthusiasts: Apostle and The Ritual explore ancient fears in modern settings.
- Action-Horror Hybrids: Don't Move and Constantine blend thrills with supernatural elements.
Ready for Your Next Netflix Nightmare?
Netflix's horror collection proves that quality scares don't require a trip to the theater. Whether you're planning a solo late-night viewing session or gathering friends for a group scare-fest, these ten films represent the best that streaming horror has to offer in 2025.
Start with whichever subgenre appeals to you most, but don't be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone. Some of the best horror experiences come from films that surprise you with their depth, creativity, or emotional resonance. And remember—Netflix regularly updates its horror library, so bookmark this list and check back for new additions throughout the year.
