Best Horror Movies on Netflix (2023 – Editor Picks)

If you are looking for a scary movie on Netflix, there is no such time to watch a horror movie. Now you can sit back and enjoy your scares from the comfort of your couch and thank the streaming content on Netflix.

Below is the list of some Best Horror Movies on Netflix in 2023 right now that will provide you with classic horror selections and modern cuts to get your fright fixed. From conjuring to fear street, all the movies will be discussed below. 

Best Horror Movies to Watch on Netflix – All Time Hits

The list of movies mentioned below are picked by considering their watch time, critic and audience reviews across various platforms and based on theatrical collections if it was first released in the theatres before releasing on Netflix platform.

1. The Conjuring (2013) 

Director: James Wan
Writer: Chad Hayes and Carey W.Hayes
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston, Mackenzie Foy, Shanley Caswell. 
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

The first released season of the entire conjuring series has sent chills in the viewers’ bodies and is one of the best horror movies in 2023.

In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron had shifted their family into a dilapidated Rhode Island farmhouse. Soon spooky things start happening in the house. To seek help, Carolyn calls the noted paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, to check the house. 

Warrens discovered that the whole area had been steeped in a satanic haunting and targeted the Perron family wherever they went.

Warrens calls upon all their skills and spiritual strength to stop the evil forces from defeating the spectral menace at its source that threatened to destroy everyone involved.

2. Let Me In (2010)

Director:  Matt Reeves
Writer: Matt Reeves
Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloë Grace Moretz, Elias Koteas, Richard Jenkins
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

The movie has got 14 wins and 28 nominations. In Los Alamos, New Mexico, lives a twelve-year-old Owen, a lonely and outcast boy bullied in school by Kenny and his other two classmates. One day, Owen dreams of avenging himself against the trio of bullies.

He makes friends with his twelve-year-old, next-door neighbour, Abby, who only appears during the night in the playground of their building. 

Abby’s father is a wanted serial killer who used to drain the blood of his victims to supply Abby, who is shown as an ancient vampire. Abby advises Owen that he must fight Kenny.

But he soon discovers that she is a vampire. He gets a feeling of both fear and love for the girl. Meanwhile, a police officer investigates the murder case, thinking it to be a satanic cult. 

3. The Exorcist (1973)

Director:  William Friedkin
Writer: William Peter Blatty
Cast: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Kitty Winn, Vasiliki Maliaros, Mercedes McCambridge
IMDB rating: 8.1/10

IMDb had rated it as the number one scariest movie ever made in 2013, and the film continues to scare the audiences. 

A visiting actress in Washington, DC, notices some dramatic and dangerous changes in the behaviour and physical attributes of her 12-year-old daughter. At the same time, a young priest at nearby Georgetown University begins to doubt his faith while he deals with his mother’s terminal sickness.

At the end of the story, a frail, elderly priest recognises the necessity for a show-down with an old demonic presence. 

4. It Follows (2015)

Director:  David Robert Mitchell
Writer: David Robert Mitchell
Cast: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Lili Sepe, Jake Weary, Daniel Zovatto, Bailey Spry
IMDB rating: 6.8/10

Most parts of the movie are very creepy, and little kids under nine will get nightmares of this movie. For a 19-year-old Jay, autumn should be all spending time at school, with boys, and having fun during weekends out at the lake.

But after having a seemingly-innocent sexual encounter, Jay is plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is constantly following her.

Troubled with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem only a few steps behind and haunt them.

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Director:  Wes Craven
Writer: Wes Craven
Cast: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, John Saxon, Amanda Wyss, Lin Shaye. 
IMDB rating: 7.4/10

The movie is a classic scary movie, and being more than 35 years since its initial release, it continues to hold a special place in the world of classic horror. 

On Elm Street, Nancy Thompson and a group of her friends, including Tina Gray, Rod Lane and Glen Lantz, are being tormented by a clawed killer in their dreams named Fred Krueger.

Nancy must decide quickly as Fred tries to pick them off one by one. Who will save you when he comes and has you in your sleep?

6. Bird Box (2018)

Director:  Susanne Bier
Writer: Eric Heisserer
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Sarah Paulson, John Malkovich, Roza Salazar. 
IMDB rating: 6.6/10

The movie is one of the best horror movies and will probably give you some nightmares as it plays on your worst fears. 

In the surge of an unknown global terror, a mother must explore the strength to run with her children down a treacherous river in search of safety. Due to unseen deadly forces, the challenging journey must be made blindly.

Emmy winner Susanne Bier directs the movie, and Bird Box is a thriller which stars Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson, and Trevante Rhodes. 

7. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

Director:  Charlie Kaufman
Writer: Iain Reid
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, David Thewlis, Toni Collete, Hadley Robinson, Jason Ralph, Colby Minifie
IMDB rating: 6.6/10

The movie is not scary in the traditional sense of view, but it does create a sense of internal fear among the public. 

The film has been awarded 14 wins and 11 nominations. Despite having second thoughts about their relationship, a young woman named Jessie Buckley goes on a road trip with her new boyfriend, Jesse Plemons, to his family farm.

They get trapped at the farm during a snowstorm with Jake’s mother, Toni Collette and father, David Thewlis.

Jessie begins questioning the nature of everything she knew or understood about her boyfriend, herself, and the world. The movie explores regret, longing and the fragility of the human spirit. 

8. The Boy (2016)

Director:  William Brent Bell
Writer: Stacey Menear
Cast: Lauren Cohan, James Russell, Rupert Evans, Ben Robson, Diana Hardcastle, Jett Kylie, Lily Pater. 
IMDB rating: 6/10

The movie has a friendly creepy atmosphere and tone, undoubtedly giving nightmares. Greta, a young American woman, starts working as a nanny in a remote English village and discovers that the family’s 8-year-old is a life-sized doll that the parents care for, just like a real boy.

They do this to cope with their actual son, who died 20 years ago. When she goes against a list of strict rules, her worst nightmare comes to life through a series of disturbing, inexplicable events, and she comes to believe that the doll is a living creature. 

9. Creep (2014)

Director: Patrick Brice
Writer: Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass
Cast: Mark Duplass, Patrick Brice, Katie Aselton
IMDB rating: 6.3/10

Some scenes are disconcerting without once resorting to gore. The jump scares are severe but cheesy. Horror fans must watch Creep as they will surely love it. 

When a videographer answers an advert on the website Craigslist for a one-day job in a remote mountain town to video the last messages of a dying man, his career takes a strange turn when the previous statements turn out to be darker and darker.

The videographer continues to stick to his job. When it is his time to leave, he cannot find his keys. He receives a strange phone call where he finds his client is not at all what he initially seemed to be.

10. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Director: James Wan
Writer: Chad Hayes and Carey W.Hayes
Cast: Madison Wolfe, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick McAuley, Frances O’Connor, Lauren Esposito
IMDB rating: 7.3/10

The movie is genuinely scary and has a natural tension filled with suspense and dread. The public will get palm-sweating and heart-pounding senses. 

In 1977, two paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, travelled to London, England, to visit the single mother Peggy Hodgson, who believed that something evil was in her home.

As Peggy’s youngest daughter starts showing signs of demonic possession, Ed and Lorraine attempt to help the besieged girl, but they find themselves targeted by malicious spirits.

11. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Director: Mike Flanagan
Writer: Mike Flanagan and Jeff Howard
Cast: Lulu Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Parker Mack.
IMDB rating: 6.2/10

The movie is one of the best mainstream horror films, with plenty of scary and creepy scenes. In 1967 Los Angeles, a young widow named Alice Zander worked out of her suburban home as a spiritual medium and was accompanied by her daughters, 15-year-old Paulina, also called Lina and 9-year-old Doris.

The family still grieves the recent death of Roger, Alice’s husband and the kids’ father. Taking Lina’s suggestion, Alice incorporates an Ouija board into her readings. While trying out the board, she unknowingly contacts a spirit named Marcus, that starts processing Doris. 

Alice then receives a notice stating that the bank intends to foreclose on their home. Doris then contacts the board for help, believing she communicates with her dead father.

The spirit emerges and takes her to a secret compartment behind the basement wall containing a cash pouch. After giving the money to her mother, the family has an Ouija session, believing they can come in touch with Roger.

When the board answers a question whose answer only Roger knew, a thrilled Alice begins thinking that they are still in contact with her dead husband.

12. The Nightingale (2018)

Director: Jenifer Kent
Writer: Jenifer Kent
Cast: Aisling Franciosi, Baykali Ganambarr, Sam Chaffin, Damon Herriman, Harry Weaving, Micheal Sheasby
IMDB rating: 7.3/10

The film is a different sort of film with its kind of horrors various horrors and was a hugely impressive debut hence making it one of the best horror movies in 2023.

This revenge film is not for everyone and will give you nightmares for some days. The story is excellent, but you might find the movie extremely violent. The film follows Clare, a 21-year-old native Irish wife and her mother.

Clare is held captive beyond her 7-year sentence, desperate to be free of her obsessed master, British lieutenant Hawkins. Clare’s husband Aidan has to face devastating consequences for all. 

When the British authorities fail to give justice, Clare pursues Hawkins, who quits his post suddenly to grab a captaincy up north. Not familiar with the Tasmanian wilderness, Clare enlists the help of an orphaned Aboriginal tracker, Billy.

Faced with their traumas, the two fight their best to overcome their distrust and prejudices against the backdrop of Australia’s BlackWar. 

13. The Call (2013)

Director: Lee Chung-Hyun
Writer: Lee Chung-hyun
Cast: Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Michael Eklund, Morris Chestnut, Evie Thompson, Justina Machado, David Otunga
IMDB rating: 6.7/10

The movie is a whole lot scarier than it was thought to be and has an effectively creepy thriller. Jordan Turner is popularly known as an experienced 911 operator.

But when she makes a silly error in judgment, and a call ends badly, Jordan is rattled and unsure if she can continue her job. But then teenager Casey Welson, who is abducted, calls 911.

Jordan is then called upon to use all of her experience, insights and quick thinking to try to help Casey escape from the mystery and ensure that the man is brought to justice. 

14. Raw (2016)

Director: Julia Ducoumau
Writer: Julia Ducoumau
Cast: Garance Mariller, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Nair Oufella, Bouli Lanners, Lich Jass, Laurent Lucas.
IMDB rating: 7/10

The movie is a bold film, sublimely released, erotic, feral, primal and will play on the senses even after it is over. 

Justine, raised as a rigorous vegetarian, arrives as a freshman at the reputable Saint-Exupéry Veterinary School.

When she leaves her family home, Justine abruptly comes in contact with the mad new world of strange school traditions and vicious initiation tests.

She had to chew over her unshakable herbivorous beliefs. As Justine descends deeper into a hidden world of uncharted animalistic tendencies, an unprecedented and equally morbid craving for meat will transform her into a very different being. 

15. Gerald’s Game (2017)

Director: Mike Flanagan
Writer: Mike Flanagan and Jeff Howard
Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Carel Struycken, Kate Siegel, Henry Thomas and Chiara Aurelia
IMDB rating: 6.5/10

The movie is one of the best psychological thrillers and has lots of suspense.  After an attempt to add spark and passion to their marriage goes differently, Jessie is left handcuffed to a bed in a secluded house with her husband, Gerald, who is dead.

Not only does she need to break free, but she must also avoid being killed by a wild dog that thinks Jessie is on the menu. Jessie then starts to hallucinate and reminisce.

16. The Ring (2002)

Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer: Ehren Kruger
Cast: Naomi Watts, Daveigh Chase, David Dorfman, Martin Henderson
IMDB rating: 7.1/10

The ring is one of the favourite horror films of viewers as it has good storytelling. A journalist, Rachael Keller, investigates a videotape that may have killed four teenagers (including her niece).

There is an urban legend about this tape according to which the viewer will die seven days after watching it. If the code proves correct, Rachel must run against time to save her son’s and her own life.

17. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

Director: James Wan
Writer: Leigh Whannell, James Wan
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Leigh Whannell, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Danielle Bisutti
IMDB rating: 6.5/10

The movie is terrifying, and those fans of horror movies will significantly enjoy watching it. Renai is questioned by a police detective related to the supernatural events happening in the house.

As the police investigate the house, the Lambert family decides to move temporarily to the old place of Lorraine Lambert.

Renai is kept on being haunted by a woman in white, and Josh starts to have a strange behaviour at home. Meanwhile, Lorraine turns out to Elise’s partner’s Specs and Tucker expecting to find help and a solution.

18. Caliber (2018)

Director: Matt Palmer
Writer: Matt Palmer
Cast: Jack Lowden, Tony Curran, Martin McCann, Ian Pirie, Kitty Lovett, Cameron Jack
IMDB rating: 6.8/10

The movie has been excellently shot and directed, is one of the year’s best genre efforts, and has been claimed as the best horror movie in 2023.

Two lifelong friends go up to an isolated Scottish Highlands village for a weekend hunting trip which takes a remarkable turn into a never-ending nightmare as they attempt to cover up a horrific hunting accident. 

19. Cargo (2018)

Director: Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke
Writer: Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke
Cast: Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, Lily Anne Mc Pherson, Anthony Hayes
IMDB rating: 6.3/10

The movie is scary and suspenseful and has been shot in a very realistic way.  A man wakes up trapped inside a cargo container with only a cell phone and is given 24 hours by his kidnappers to raise ten million dollars. If he fails to arrange the amount, he will be killed.

20. Berlin Syndrome (2017) 

Director: Cate Shortland
Writer: Melanie Joosten
Cast: Teresa Palmer, Max Rielmant, Lucie Aron, Emma Bading, Elmira Bahrami
IMDB rating: 6.2/10

The movie is pretty thought-provoking, sharp and entertaining. During a holiday trip in Berlin, an Australian photojournalist, Clare, meets Andi, who is a charismatic local man.

An instant attraction is formed between them and a night of passion ensues. But the start of the romance suddenly takes an unexpected and strange turn when Clare wakes the following morning and discovers Andi has left for work and locked her in his apartment.

FAQs:

Conclusion:

Hence these were a list of some best Horror Movies on Netflix that one must watch once in their lifetime to get that chills running down their body.

You will enjoy watching these movies if you are a die heart fan of horror, whereas if you are weak in the heart, then prepare yourself to get nightmares for some days. Try to watch these movies at your own risk. Grab the popcorn, darken your room and get the creepy experience.