Netflix is a great streaming service and we love it for its selection of movies, series, and originals. The streaming service provides many genres of movies including comedy, romantic, thrillers etc. I myself am a fan of Netflix’s horror movie collection and that’s why we bring you the best horror movies streaming on Netflix right now. We have carefully chosen the 30 best horror movies on Netflix to watch in 2020. So far, Netflix has added a number of scary movies which look absolutely terrifying and we can’t wait to watch it. So without any delay, let’s jump to the list and find the best horror movies streaming on Netflix.
Note: All of the mentioned movies are available in the US. However, if you are based out of another country, click on the movie links provided below to check the availability.
The Best Scary Movies on Netflix in 2020
Here, we have sorted the best scary movies available on Netflix right now. We have included many of the sub-genres like classic horrors, psychological thrillers, zombie horror, cannibal horror, horror films based on books, and more. You can go through the list and pick any of them and watch it. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. But before you get to the list, don’t forget to check out our lists on other genres of movies on Netflix:
- Best Netflix Animated Movies
- Best Netflix Martial Art Movies
- Top Bollywood Hindi Movies on Netflix
- Best Family Movies on Netflix
- Best Heist Movies on Netflix
With that out of the way, lets’ get to ours list.
Note: The Rotten Tomatoes ratings are shown in the Expert / Audience format.
List of Best Horror Movies on Netflix
1. Get Out (2017)
Get Out is a horror flick about an African-American man who falls in love with a Caucasian woman. The movie is seemingly normal in the beginning, but the horrors are waiting as the film progresses. The movie gets even more disturbing with further discoveries of truth. At the outset, Get Out is brilliant at its depiction of race and psychological problems. You should watch this movie for its spellbinding story.
- IMDb: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98% / 86%
2. The Shining (1980)
The Shining is a psychological horror film about a man dealing with his past trauma. To get away from all the unnerving feelings, the main character which is played by Jack Nicholson moves to a countryside hotel with his family. But living away from the city, he starts to lose his sanity. The movie is a terrifying experience and feels much more real. You should watch this Stanley Kubrick classic for its epic climax. To sum up, The Shining is one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should not miss it at all.
- IMDb: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% / 93%
Check Out The Shining on Netflix
3. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is a chilling psychological thriller about a child possessed by an evil spirit and a psychologist trying to save the child. The story revolves around the two characters and it gets amply terrifying with each passing moment. The intersection of psychology and dark spirits make for an unsettling experience. I would highly recommend watching this old classic, The Sixth Sense.
- IMDb: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% / 90%
Check Out The Sixth Sense on Netflix
4. The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring is a supernatural horror film which revolves around a family and two paranormal investigators. The family has moved to a new house, but the unusual activity at night has made them wary for their children. To free the house from dark forces, the investigators are called upon, but then the story takes a suspenseful turn. The Conjuring is absolutely gripping and you would be terrified at many instances. If you are new to horror movies, The Conjuring is the gold standard to begin with.
- IMDb: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85% / 83%
Check Out The Conjuring on Netflix
5. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan remains a classic movie among all the zombie movies. And the great part is that it’s available on Netflix. The movie is about a father and his daughter who are on a train to South Korea. The film turns really horrid when a zombie outbreak is reported in parts of South Korea. To survive the zombies, the father-daughter takes on the frightful zombies face to face. The movie is simply terrifying, to say the least. If you like the zombie genre of movies, Train to Busan is to watch for. It’s simply one of the best horror movies on Netflix right now.
- IMDb: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95% / 88%
Check Out Train to Busan on Netflix
6. It (2017)
It is a horror-thriller movie which is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The book was a huge success and so was the movie. The film is about a forgotten evil clown named Pennywise who returns to a town named Derry to spread terror. The movie takes a terrifying turn when a group of young kids faces the clown. It is truly a masterpiece among the horror movies and you should definitely watch it. To sum up, if you want to seethe in fear, It is one of the best horror movies on Netflix.
- IMDb: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85% / 84%
7. The Wailing (2016)
The Wailing is a horror film set in a rural village of South Korea. It’s about a policeman who investigates a series of mysterious murders in the village. As the days pass by, the policeman is confronted with bizarre trails and unusual suspects. It’s one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should watch it for the story. Also, I strongly recommend this movie for the insane climax.
- IMDb: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99% / 81%
Check Out The Wailing on Netflix
8. Raw (2016)
Raw is a Belgian horror film about a vegetarian student who goes to a veterinary school to learn the techniques of animal treatment. For the first time, the student tastes raw meat and from there, the movie turns into a cannibal nightmare. The film is pretty fast-paced and you would find enough scary scenes which might make you quit the movie. But if you trudge along, Raw can make you feel the real terror at its finest. Also if you like Cannibal movies, Raw is a must-watch.
- IMDb: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% / 76%
9. Insidious (2013)
Insidious is a horror film about a couple and their struggle to save their son from dark forces. The movie revolves around the familiar trope of a haunted house and the fight to wade off the evil spirit. The movie is written by the writers of classic horror, Paranormal Activity so there are great sequences which would put you on the edge. Also, the mixture of rituals and satanic verses makes for a frightful experience. Definitely watch Insidious for the classic haunted house story.
- IMDb: 6.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 66% / 62%
Check Out Insidious on Netflix
10. Under The Shadow (2016)
Under the Shadow is a horror flick set during the 1980s war in the Middle East. The movie is in the Persian language and has won many international awards in the foreign-language category. A mother in a war-ravaged country tries to protect her daughter from supernatural forces. In order to free her daughter from evil possession, the mother faces the demons. The movie is absolutely great on visuals and you will be aghast by the storytelling. Simply put, Under the Shadow is one of the best horror movies on Netflix. You should defintely watch it.
- IMDb: 6.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99% / 74%
Check Out Under The Shadow on Netflix
11. The Witch (2015)
The Witch is the most terrifying yet beautifully shot horror film set in England in the year 1630. The movie is about a farmer’s family where their son disappears one evening. After that, the crop starts failing, and the sister gets possessed by an evil spirit and a series of unpleasant things start to happen in the village. The Witch is a great story of Witchcraft, black magic, and the triumph of the good. It’s one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should definitely watch it.
- IMDb: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% / 58%
Check Out The Witch on Netflix
12. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a supernatural horror film about the father-son duo who does the autopsy of Jane Doe and finds some bizarre clues. The revelation of autopsy is frightening and takes the story to a whole another level. It is really the most horrifying movie pulled in such a great way. It doesn’t follow the horror movie trope and still shines throughout the movie. The Autopsy of Jane Doe is one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should not miss it.
- IMDb: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% / 70%
Check Out The Autopsy of Jane Doe on Netflix
13. The Invitation (2015)
The Invitation is a psychological thriller which is based on the failed marriage of a couple. The woman calls her ex-husband to a dinner party where he shows up with his new girlfriend. After a while, a violent drama ensues with the trauma of the past. There are some unsettling scenes where the characters are unable to distinguish their paranoia with reality. The movie is unusual at best and sometimes, mindbending. If you like this kind of horror movie, The Invitation is for you.
- IMDb: 6.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% / 70%
Check Out The Invitation on Netflix
14. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Gerald’s Game is a horror movie based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The film is about a couple who want to rekindle their sex life after marriage. They move to an isolated farmhouse where an accident happens and the story takes a frightful turn. Slowly, the movie builds up the pace and you would be truly terrified on many occasions. Do watch Gerald’s Game because of the unusual storyline. Also, it’s one of the best horror movies on Netflix available right now.
- IMDb: 6.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% / 72%
Check Out Gerald’s Game on Netflix
15. Bird Box (2018)
Bird Box is more of a thriller rather than a horror flick. However, you will surely get the chills throughout the movie. It’s about a woman, who is played by Sandra Bullock, tries to save her children from an unknown evil entity. What is known though is that the unknown entity can make you kill yourself if you come face to face with the supernatural power. The story is quite thrilling and you would be on the edge of your seat for sure.
- IMDb: 6.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 63% / 58%
16. Hush (2016)
Hush is an enthralling horror flick about a deaf woman writer living in deep woods away from society. The movie takes a surprising turn when a masked man knocks the door at night. The woman does everything to save herself from the unknown man. It’s an absorbing story which takes you through the extreme highs and lows. Hush brings some great effects and heart pacing story to the audience. You should not miss it.
- IMDb: 6.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% / 73%
17. Annabelle (2017)
Annabelle is a terrifying horror film about a family and a possessed doll. The movie is set in the countryside of America where a couple adopts a child from the local orphanage. The child brings in her toys and one of them creates havoc in the entire house. The movie absolutely gets on the nerve and you would be on the edge of your seat during the intense sequences. You should surely watch Annabelle for its beautifully woven story in the hinterland of America. It’s one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should watch it without any hesitation.
- IMDb: 6.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 70% / 67%
Check Out Annabelle on Netflix
18. The Devil’s Candy (2015)
The Devil Candy is an intense horror film about a painter possessed by satanic forces. The story is an old movie trope — the painter with his family move to a dream house, only to face with a mysterious dark force. The film is highly captivating and keeps you engrossed all through the runtime. The scenes are quite disturbing and you would be gritting your teeth during the intense visuals. It’s one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should definitely watch it. Not for the faint-hearted.
- IMDb: 6.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% / 64%
Check Out The Devil’s Candy on Netflix
19. Apostle (2018)
Apostle is a British horror film set in London in the year 1905. The movie is about a protagonist who returns to London to meet his sister, only to find out that she is held hostage by a religious cult. In order to save her, he travels to a mysterious island and the story gets murkier and engrossing. The story and visuals are really unsettling and you should watch Apostle for that edge of the seat experience. Overall, Apostle is one of the best horror movies on Netflix and you should not miss it.
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80% / 54%
20. 1922 (2017)
1922 is a horror drama movie which is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The movie is based on a central character who wants to kill her wife for financial gains. It has lots of twists and turns, finding new ways to keep the audience engaged. The movie turns really enthralling when the father persuades his son to kill his mother. If you like horror movies which can turn the table upside down, 1922 is one of the best horror movies on Netflix to watch.
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% / 57%
21. The Ritual (2017)
The Ritual is a British horror movie which revolves around five friends. After the tragic death of one of their friends, they reunite and go for a hike to Sweden. What happens afterward is a mind-bending tale of horror and mystery. The Ritual is fantastic with its location, sound effect, and overall setup. If you like the old ways of storytelling, The Ritual is an absolute must-watch. It can slowly seep into your nerves making you scream without measure.
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73% / 59%
Check Out The Ritual on Netflix
22. Creep (2014)
While Creep is not a new movie, it’s probably one of the realistic horror movies you would find on Netflix. The movie is about an individual who places an online ad requesting for a videographer. A videographer turns to his door, only to find that he wants to film his day creating a sort of video diary. Slowly, the requests turn absurd and the real-life horror makes it unbelievable to watch. The mockumentary style film is too real and at the same time horrifying. If you like psychological horror movies, Creep is for you.
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% / 65%
23. Cam (2018)
Cam is a psychological horror film which revolves around an ambitious woman in the world of webcam porn. At the peak of her popularity, someone replaces her online account with a replica of her. While she tries to find the person behind the new account, you are taken on an unnerving trip with fear and suspense in equal measure. If you like the new world order of internet fandom with a dash of fear baked in, Cam is the best pick for you.
- IMDb: 6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94% / 56%
24. Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
As a satirical horror film, Velvet Buzzsaw has looked up to the task to me. This Netflix original has been directed by Dan Gilroy and features Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Toni Collette, Zawe Ashton, Tom Sturridge, Natalia Dyer, Daveed Diggs, and Billy Magnussen. The plot is centered around art critic Morf Vandewalt who starts a romantic life with Josephina. The whole story has a dramatic turnaround with the sudden introduction of a dead man called Josephina. Though it has received mixed reviews, you would enjoy watching it due to an interesting story.
- IMDb: 5.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 62% / 36%
Check Out Velvet Buzzsaw on Netflix
25. The Ring (2002)
The Ring is one of the most loved supernatural horror films on Netflix. Starring proven actors like Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, and Daveigh Chase, the movie is a remake of the 1998 Japanese horror film called Ring. As for the story, it’s based on the novel of the same name by Koji Suzuki and revolves around a journalist (Watts) who investigates a cursed videotape that kills the person seven days after watching it. Additionally, the movie has received positive reviews and even minted over $249 million worldwide.
- IMDb: 7.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71% / 48%
26. The Wicker Man (1973)
Should you wish to watch a cult classic, The Wicker Man could be a better pick. The British folk horror film has been directed by Robin Hardy and stars Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland, Diane Cilento, Ingrid Pitt, and Christopher Lee. Inspired by David Pinner’s 1967 novel Ritual, the movie is considered one of the greatest British films of all time. Moreover, it also won the prestigious 1978 Saturn Award for Best Horror Film. That’s the reason why The Wicker Man has retained the charm even after four decades of release.
- IMDb: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 82%
Check Out The Wicker Man on Netflix
27. The Evil Dead (1981)
Written and directed by Sam Raimi, The Evil Dead aka Book of the Dead is a supernatural horror film. Featuring leading stars like Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, and Betsy Baker, the movie is about five college students vacationing in an isolated cabin in a remote wooded area. One day, they happen to discover an audiotape that, when played, releases a legion of demons and spirits. Beyond the story, the Evil Dead grossed around $2.4 million in the US and about $29.4 million worldwide becoming one of the most successful horror films.
- IMDb: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95% / 84%
Check Out The Evil Dead on Netflix
28. Bird Box (2018)
Bird Box is the sort of film that can easily appeal to most. Directed by Susanne Bier, the American post-apocalyptic horror-thriller film stars Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, and Danielle Macdonald. It’s about a woman ( Sandra Bullock) who tries to safeguard herself and two children from malevolent supernatural entities. Talking about the box office success, Bird Box was watched by a record of around 26 million viewers in the first seven days in the United States, which made it one of the most-watched Netflix movies.
- IMDb: 6.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 63% / 57%
29. Cargo (2018)
If you are after a highly-rated post-apocalyptic horror drama film, I would recommend you check out Cargo. Directed by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, the movie features Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, Anthony Hayes, Susie Porter, and Caren Pistorius as the leading stars. The film is about a world overtaken by a virus that turns people into zombies within 48 hours. The Rose family—Andy, Kay, and their baby Rosie— unfortunately, finds it in the midst of a deadly zombie attack. Will they survive the virtual destruction?
- IMDb: 6.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% / 65%
30. Event Horizon (1997)
It’s the combination of science fiction and horror that makes Event Horizon an interesting horror film. The movie has been directed by Philip Eisner and stars leading names including Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan, and Joely Richardson. It’s set in 2047 and revolves around a starship that mysteriously disappeared during its maiden voyage to Proxima Centauri. Though the movie proved to be a huge disaster initially (grossing $26.7 million on a $60 million production budget), it got the classic status later thanks to a sudden upsurge in popularity.
- IMDb: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 27% / 61%
Check Out Event Horizon on Netflix
Bonus: Sinister (2012)
Directed by Scott Derrickson, Sinister is a supernatural horror film. Starring noted actors including Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, James Ransone, Fred Thompson, and Vincent D’Onofrio, the movie is about a fictional true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt. It’s inspired by nightmare co-writer C. Robert Cargill and has received fairly positive reviews thanks to the commendable acting, direction, music, and cinematography. Moreover, Sinister was also a big success at the box office, grossing $87.7 million.
- IMDb: 6.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 64% / 61%
Stream The Best Horror Movie on Netflix
So that was our complete list of 30 best horror movies on Netflix to watch in 2020. We have included all sorts of movies from classic horror to psychological thrillers. You can go ahead and pick any of the movies and you would be in for a terrifying movie experience. Do note that most of the movies are available in the US, but if you are based out of a different country, you can check the availability by clicking on the movie links. So that will be all from us. If you liked our list of horror movies or we missed your favorite classic, do let us know in the comment section below.
