October is here, and people are eager to watch scary movies, but Netflix is facing a challenge for horror fans. While it’s usually a top streaming service, when Halloween comes around, their selection of horror films often feels limited. Even with original movies like the Fear Street trilogy, Bird Box, and The Babysitter series, and great horror TV shows such as The Fall of the House of Usher, Netflix’s horror movie offerings frequently include films that are unfamiliar to most viewers, and their trailers don’t really suggest they’re good.
Although Netflix offers hundreds of titles, it doesn’t actually have a huge number of truly good horror movies for a spooky October. Luckily, Netflix constantly updates its selection, so there are new additions this week, and several important titles were released in September, just in time for Halloween.
10) 28 Days Later
Danny Boyle’s 2003 horror film hasn’t always been easy to find on streaming services, but it’s currently available on Netflix. 28 Days Later was a huge success when it came out, breathing new life into zombie movies with its innovative camerawork and a fresh take on a deserted city due to the outbreak. However, the film’s lasting appeal comes from the compelling human story of survival at its heart, featuring a standout performance by Oscar winner Cillian Murphy as the relatable protagonist, Jim – considered one of the best in horror from the 2000s. If you enjoy this film, you’re in luck – the 2025 sequel, 28 Years Later, is also available on Netflix.
9) Bram Stoker’s Dracula
While horror enthusiasts are likely familiar with the story of Dracula, this adaptation stands out for its striking visuals. Francis Ford Coppola’s film isn’t just visually impressive thanks to its production design and special effects; it’s Gary Oldman’s incredibly versatile performance that truly defines it. Oldman embodies every facet of the Dracula legend – charming and seductive, repulsive and terrifying, and all the shades in between. This extends to the film as a whole, which skillfully blends romance with genuine horror – a feat few movies achieve – and you can clearly see the impact of the film’s substantial budget in every scene.
8) Creep 2
While many found footage films exist, Creep stands out because Mark Duplass’ character – a cunning serial killer – is central to the story. Duplass’s acting, combined with unexpected scares, makes the Creep films enjoyable, though Creep 2 improves on the original in several ways. It takes the story in fresh directions for a sequel and doesn’t shy away from the elements that made the first movie successful.
Netflix carries both Creep movies, so you can watch them both. However, Creep 2 is a significant improvement over the original, so it’s best to start with the sequel-it quickly fills you in on everything you need to know from the first film.
7) Cobweb
Recently added to Netflix, Cobweb is a great choice for Halloween viewing, as it’s a horror film actually set during the holiday. While the talented leads – Antony Starr of The Boys and Lizzy Caplan of Party Down – give wonderfully unsettling performances, it’s the overall Halloween atmosphere that really makes Cobweb stand out. The movie also has a unique benefit: it’s a fantastic starting point for younger viewers who are new to the horror genre and prefer something more contemporary.
6) Gerald’s Game
Mike Flanagan has become known for successfully turning Stephen King novels that people thought couldn’t be adapted into captivating and original films. Before tackling Doctor Sleep and The Life of Chuck, he first proved his skill with what was considered his toughest challenge yet: Gerald’s Game. The difficulty in making this film was clear: the story largely focuses on a single woman who is handcuffed to a bed for several days. While the novel is engaging, it seemed like a tedious premise for a movie. This is where Flanagan’s directing talent truly stands out; he skillfully maintains suspense and develops the narrative without sacrificing the core conflicts of the book.
5) The Ritual
This Netflix film is a slow burn, meaning it takes its time to build suspense as we watch a group of friends get lost in the woods and gradually realize they’re in danger. Director David Bruckner doesn’t just fill the movie with scary images; he creates a uniquely tense experience that sets it apart from other horror films about being lost in the wilderness. The scares aren’t random; they’re deeply connected to what the characters are going through, and the film cleverly uses the vastness of the woods and the fear of the unknown darkness to really frighten the audience.
4) Smile
Parker Finn’s 2022 film has gained a lot of attention online thanks to its clever marketing, but the movie itself is surprisingly good-even better than the hype. As the main character experiences increasingly unsettling visions, and those frightening smiles seem to be everywhere, it becomes clear why Smile works so well. Finn cleverly uses fear to mislead both the people in the film and the viewers, making you suspect that everything is hiding something sinister. It’s a creepy and unsettling movie, and it doesn’t hold back on the gore.
3) The Strangers
Despite several follow-up films, Bryan Bertino’s 2008 home-invasion horror movie still stands out as the strongest entry in the series. The premise is straightforward, yet deeply unsettling: a young couple retreats to a rural house and finds themselves targeted by three masked intruders, with no obvious means of escape. What truly elevates The Strangers is its ability to sustain a high level of tension throughout, even as the characters desperately seek a way out of their dangerous situation; the masked killers always seem to have a response to every attempt they make.
2) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film is often mistakenly believed to be a non-stop gore-fest, a slasher movie filled with excessive blood and violence. However, the reality – and what continues to make Chain Saw (two words) compelling after more than 50 years – is that it’s truly unique. The story follows five teenagers who venture into a forbidden area and stumble upon a horrifying reality no one could have imagined. What makes The Texas Chain Saw Massacre so frightening isn’t gratuitous violence; instead, it relies on masterful sound design and unsettling visuals, using graphic content sparingly and letting your own imagination do the heavy lifting to create fear.
1) Train to Busan
The zombie movie genre is full of forgettable films, but occasionally one comes along that really stands out with its creativity and emotional depth, proving how great this type of horror can be. Train to Busan, a 2016 South Korean horror film, offers a fresh take on the zombie story, and its skillful direction by Yeon Sang-ho creates a truly gripping and intense experience. Be warned: it’s not for those who are easily scared, and even seasoned horror fans might find themselves uncomfortable with the graphic violence and relentless zombie attacks against the windows.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- 10 Most Badass Moments From Arrow
- Wednesday Season 2 Completely Changes a Key Addams Family Character
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition coming to PS5 on November 4
- The Simpsons Kills Off Marge Simpson In Shocking Twist
- Timothee Chalamet heist film
- Jimmy Kimmel Slams ‘Angry Finger Pointing’ Following Charlie Kirk Shooting After Building a Career off Angry Finger Pointing
- Dynasty Warriors remastered title and Dynasty Warriors: Origins major DLC announced
- Wind Breaker Chapter 197 Release Date & What To Expect
2025-10-03 18:41