Scary movies have long captivated audiences, offering a unique and thrilling cinematic experience that evokes fear, suspense, and excitement. Among the various streaming platforms available, Netflix is among the leading provider of entertainment, boasting a vast library of movies and TV shows.
There are many different types of horror movies available on Netflix, so there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic slasher films, psychological thrillers, or found footage horror, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
So without further ado, here are the best scary movies on Netflix at the moment (May 2023):
Top Scary Movies on Netflix in May 2023
1. Get Out 2017
Prepare for a thought-provoking horror film as a young man uncovers a disturbing secret while visiting his girlfriend’s seemingly friendly family.
Interesting Fact: “Get Out” is the directorial debut of Jordan Peele, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for this groundbreaking film that tackles social commentary through the horror genre.
- Duration: 1 hour, 44 minutes
- SubGenre: Psychological Horror/Thriller
- Rating: R (IMDb: 7.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%)
2. Hush 2016
Brace yourself for an intense and suspenseful thriller as a deaf and mute writer fights for her life against a masked Killer.
Interesting Fact: “Hush” was commended for its clever use of sound design to heighten tension and was directed by Mike Flanagan, known for his work in the horror genre.
- Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes
- SubGenre: Thriller/Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 6.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%)
3. IT Follows 2014
A teenage girl finds herself pursued by a supernatural entity after a fateful encounter. Experience a unique horror film.
Interesting Fact: “It Follows” gained praise for its innovative approach to horror and stylish cinematography.
- Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
- SubGenre: Supernatural/Psychological Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 6.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 96%)
4. Train to Busan 2016
A group of passengers embarking on a thrilling ride fight for Survival on a high-speed train during a zombie outbreak.
Interesting Fact: “Train to Busan” received international acclaim for its intense action sequences, emotional storytelling, and innovative take on the zombie genre.
- Duration: 1 hour, 58 minutes
- SubGenre: Zombie Horror/Thriller
- Rating: TV-MA (IMDb: 7.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 94%)
5. The Witch 2015
Immerse yourself in this atmospheric horror film set in 17th-century New England, where a family’s descent into darkness begins when their baby goes missing.
Interesting Fact: “The Witch” received praise for its authentic historical setting, meticulous attention to detail, and exploration of paranoia, religious hysteria, and folklore.
- Duration: 1 hour, 33 minutes
- SubGenre: Supernatural/Psychological Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 6.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%)
6. Gerald’s Game 2017
Based on Stephen King’s novel, this gripping film follows a woman trapped and psychologically tormented during a sex game gone wrong.
Interesting Fact: “Gerald’s Game” displays strong performances, particularly from Carla Gugino, and delves into themes of survival and resilience.
- Duration: 1 hour, 43 minutes
- SubGenre: Psychological Thriller
- Rating: TV-MA (IMDb: 6.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 91%)
7. The Babadook 2014
Dive into this psychological horror as a single mother and her son face a sinister presence after reading a mysterious children’s book.
Interesting Fact: “The Babadook” received critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension and powerful performance by Essie Davis as the troubled mother.
- Duration: 1 hour, 33 minutes
- SubGenre: Psychological Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 6.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%)
8. The Conjuring 2013
Get ready for paranormal terror as renowned investigators help a family tormented by a dark presence in their farmhouse.
Interesting Fact: “The Conjuring” is based on the real-life experiences of Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators.
- Duration: 1 hour, 52 minutes
- SubGenre: Supernatural Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 86%)
9. A Quiet Place 2018
Survival is based on Silence in this suspenseful thriller where a family must navigate a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by creatures with hypersensitive hearing.
Interesting Fact: “A Quiet Place” is directed by John Krasinski, who also stars in the film alongside his real-life wife, Emily Blunt.
- Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- SubGenre: Thriller/Horror
- Rating: PG-13 (IMDb: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 95%)
10. Hereditary 2018
Get ready to dive into this deeply unsettling psychological horror film as a family unravels dark secrets following the death of their secretive grandmother.
Interesting Fact: “Hereditary” marks the feature directorial debut of Ari Aster, who received critical acclaim for his atmospheric storytelling and compelling visuals.
- Duration: 2 hours, 7 minutes
- SubGenre: Psychological Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 7.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%)
11. Things Heard and Seen 2021
Get ready to Enter a world of supernatural mysteries as a couple moves to a small town, only to discover dark secrets lurking within their new home.
Interesting Fact: “Things Heard and Seen” is based on the novel “All Things Cease to Appear” by Elizabeth Brundage.
- Duration: 2 hours, 1 minute
- SubGenre: Supernatural Thriller
- Rating: R (IMDb: 5.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 37%)
12. Lights Out 2016
Prepare for a chilling experience as a young woman uncovers a dark entity that only appears in the absence of light, threatening her and her family.
Interesting Fact: “Lights Out” is based on a short film of the same name that gained popularity and was expanded into a feature-length movie.
- Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes
- SubGenre: Supernatural Horror
- Rating: PG-13 (IMDb: 6.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 76%)
13. We Have a Ghost 2023
A unique blend of comedy and horror as a family discovers they have a ghost haunting their home and must navigate the challenges that come with it.
Interesting Fact: “We Have a Ghost” is an upcoming film directed by Christopher Landon and stars Anthony Mackie and David Harbour.
- Duration: 2 hours, 7 minutes
- SubGenre: Comedy/Horror
14. Viking Wolf 2022
A vengeful Viking warrior who transforms into a powerful werewolf and embarks on a quest for revenge against those who wronged him.
Interesting Fact: “Viking Wolf” combines elements of Viking mythology and classic werewolf lore to deliver an action-packed horror experience.
- Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- SubGenre: Action/Horror
15. Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022
The return of Leatherface, a group of friends find themselves trapped and pursued by the sadistic Killer.
Interesting Fact: The 2022 version of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a direct sequel to the original 1974 film, disregarding the previous sequels and reboots.
- Duration: 1 hour and 23 minutes
- SubGenre: Slasher Horror
16. Choose or Die 2022
A twisted game of survival as a group of strangers find themselves trapped in a deadly situation where their choices determine their fate.
Interesting Fact: “Choose or Die” offers a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
- Duration: 1 hour and 24 minutes
- SubGenre: Horror/Thriller
17. Bird Box 2018
A world plagued by unseen creatures that drive people to deadly violence if they are looked at directly, forcing survivors to navigate blindfolded.
Bird Box” gained significant attention upon its release and became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous memes and discussions about its intriguing premise.
- Duration: 2 hours, 4 minutes
- SubGenre: Post-apocalyptic/Thriller
- Rating: R (IMDb: 6.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 63%)
18. Apostle 2018
A man infiltrates an isolated island to rescue his kidnapped sister, only to uncover sinister secrets and face supernatural horrors.
Interesting Fact: “Apostle” is directed by Gareth Evans, known for his work on action films like “The Raid” series, and offers a unique blend of horror and period drama.
- Duration: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- SubGenre: Period Horror
- Rating: TV-MA (IMDb: 6.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 79%)
19. Little Evil 2017
Get ready for a hilarious and supernatural twist on the stepfather trope as a man suspects his stepson might be the Antichrist.
Interesting Fact: “Little Evil” is directed by Eli Craig, known for his previous horror-comedy film “Tucker & Dale vs Evil.”
- Duration: 1 hour, 34 minutes
- SubGenre: Comedy/Horror
- Rating: TV-MA (IMDb: 5.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 54%)
20. Eli 2019
A young boy with a debilitating illness undergoes an experimental treatment that unlocks a series of terrifying supernatural events.
Interesting Fact: “Eli” is directed by Ciarán Foy, known for his work in the horror genre, and features a twist-filled narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Duration: 1 hour, 38 minutes
- SubGenre: Supernatural Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 5.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 46%)
21. Umma 2022
Enter a world of supernatural terror as a woman’s search for her missing daughter leads her to confront dark secrets from her past and a malevolent entity.
Interesting Fact: “Umma” is an upcoming horror film directed by Iris K. Shim and is inspired by Korean folklore and legends.
- Duration: 1 hour and 23 minutes
- SubGenre: Supernatural Horror
22. The Babysitter 2017
Embark on a wild and bloody and comedy-filled adventure as a young boy discovers that his attractive babysitter is involved in a satanic cult.
Interesting Fact: “The Babysitter” is a horror-comedy film directed by McG and features a mix of humor and over-the-top violence, making it a unique and entertaining watch.
- Duration: 1 hour, 25 minutes
- SubGenre: Comedy/Horror
- Rating: TV-MA (IMDb: 6.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 71%)
23. Resident Evil 2002
Dive into the world of survival horror as a group of individuals trapped in a secret underground facility must fight against hordes of zombies unleashed by the sinister Umbrella Corporation.
Interesting Fact: “Resident Evil” is the first installment in the film franchise based on the popular video game series of the same name.
- Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
- SubGenre: Action/Horror
- Rating: R (IMDb: 6.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 35%)
24. Luther: The Fallen Sun 2023
Detective John Luther investigates a twisted and complex case that pushes him to the edge of his sanity.
Interesting Fact: “Luther: The Fallen Sun” is an upcoming film that serves as a continuation of the acclaimed British TV series “Luther,” starring Idris Elba in the titular role.
- Duration: 2 hours and 9 minutes
- SubGenre: Psychological Thriller/Crime Drama
How to Choose the Right Scary Movie for You
Choosing the perfect scary movie is an exhausting experience. Let’s look at steps to ensure you find a film that matches your preferences and the desired level of fright;
1. Determine Your Preferred Subgenre:
- Identify your favorite subgenre: psychological thrillers, supernatural horror, or classic slashers.
- This helps you narrow down your options.
2. Know Your Comfort Level:
- Consider your tolerance for gore, jump scares, and disturbing content.
- Determine the level of intensity that suits your comfort level.
- Check ratings and parental guidance to gauge the movie’s content.
3. Watch Trailers:
- View trailers to get a sense of a movie’s atmosphere, visuals, and overall tone.
- Pay attention to the style, mood, and highlighted elements in the trailer.
4. Explore Directorial Styles and Filmmakers:
- Research directors and filmmakers are known for their distinctive horror styles.
- Find directors whose previous works align with your tastes.
5. Research Movie Ratings and Reviews:
- Check IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes for ratings and reviews.
- Look for movies with high ratings and positive feedback from critics and viewers.
What is the number 1 ranked scariest Movie on Netflix?
The number 1 ranked scariest movie on Netflix is His House. It is a 2020 British supernatural horror film written and directed by Remi Weekes in his directorial debut. The film stars Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu as a refugee couple who are granted asylum in the UK and are given a house to live in. However, they soon begin to experience strange and terrifying things in the house, which they believe are the work of a night witch.
Are they any good scary movies on Netflix right now
There are a number of good scary movies on Netflix right now, Here are a few recommendations;
- His House (2020): A refugee couple who are granted asylum in the UK begin to experience strange and terrifying things in their new home.
- Verónica (2017): A teenage girl becomes possessed after using an Ouija board with two of her classmates.
- The Ritual (2017): Four friends go on a hiking trip in Sweden, but they soon find themselves being stalked by a mysterious creature.
- The Babadook (2014): A widow and her son are terrorized by a mysterious book that appears in their home.
- Midsommar (2019): A young couple travels to Sweden to attend a midsummer festival, but they soon discover that the festivities are not what they seem.
What film has the most jump scares
The film with the most jump scares is The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia. It has a total of 31 jump scares, which is more than any other horror film.
The film follows a family who moves into a haunted house in Georgia. The house is inhabited by the ghosts of several people who were murdered there. The family soon begins to experience strange and terrifying things, including a number of jump scares.
Conclusion
There is an impressive selection of terrifying movies to choose from on Netflix. Whether you crave heart-pounding jump scares or prefer a slow-burning suspenseful experience, the platform offers something to cater to every scare-seeking viewer. The next time you find yourself in the mood for a chilling cinematic journey, make sure to check out these captivating films for some heartbeat-racing experience.
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