If you're a thrill-seeker with a fondness for spine-tingling chills and heart-pounding suspense, you're in for a sinister treat. Netflix has become a treasure-trove for horror connoisseurs, housing popular movies in the genre and releasing their own unforgettable spooky films. Whether you're a seasoned horror veteran or just looking to dip your toes into the genre, prepare for a frightful journey of the must-watch films currently available in Netflix's sinister library.
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‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ (2023)
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A new addition to the horror library on Netflix, “The Pope's Exorcist” has captivated audiences with its eerie narrative revolving around religion, demons, and spine-tingling supernatural encounters. This film, which premiered in theaters this past April, delves into the life of Father Gabriele Amorth (Russell Crowe), the Vatican's top exorcist. And yes, this is based on actual events.
Father Amorth embarks on a harrowing journey through a series of chilling exorcisms. One particularly long, grueling exorcism takes place at an ancient Spanish abbey involving a possessed child. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into a web of intrigue as Father Amorth uncovers a fictional Vatican conspiracy during his work, adding layers of suspense to this gripping movie.
‘Missing’ (2023)
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Released in theaters earlier this year, “Missing” is a stand-alone sequel to the 2018 film “Searching,” which is unfortunately not on Netflix. However, viewers can still enjoy the excellently crafted technology thriller that follows a young woman named June (Storm Reid) on her journey to find her mother (Nia Long). June's mother vanishes during a vacation in Colombia alongside her new boyfriend, and the daughter finds herself grappling with the complexities of international bureaucracy in her quest for answers.
As if that isn't enough to grapple with, June is miles away from Colombia in Los Angeles, forcing her to get resourceful with technology. As she digs deeper into her online search, an eerie progression of information leaves June with more questions than answers. In a world where technology is so deeply ingrained in our lives, this film does a great job of showcasing just how dangerous it could be, leaving you feeling a bit terrified by it all.
‘Run Rabbit Run’ (2023)
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For “Succession” fans eager to see Sarah Snook on the screen again, “Run Rabbit Run” is a delightfully twisted thriller that will leave you questioning what you initially expected. Snook portrays the role of Sarah, a fertility doctor who finds herself struggling with the changing behavior of her 7-year-old daughter, Mia (Lily LaTorre).
As Mia's behavior becomes increasingly troubling, Sarah is forced to navigate repressed childhood traumas that continue to manifest in her present through her daughter. The film, which takes place in an Australian seaside town, takes you on a twisty ride and will leave you shocked by the ending. You'll be thinking about it for days after.
‘In the Tall Grass’ (2019)
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Based on a novella written by Stephen King and his son Joe Hill, this Netflix original psychological horror film follows a pregnant woman named Becky (Laysla De Oliveira) and her brother Cal (Avery Whitted), who stop near a vast field of tall grass while traveling. They hear the cries of a young boy lost in the grass and decide to venture in to rescue him. However, they soon discover that the field is not what it seems, as its supernatural nature distorts time and space, leading to a tense and nightmarish struggle for survival.
The film's gripping and mind-bending narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as it explores themes of isolation, desperation, and the unknown. If you enjoy psychological horror that messes with your perception of reality and delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, this movie is a compelling and unsettling choice that will leave you questioning the boundaries of time and space.
‘Lights Out’ (2016)
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Another excellent choice for fans of the supernatural, this movie follows the story of Rebecca (Teresa Palmer), a young woman who becomes concerned about her younger brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman). Martin begins experiencing terrifying and unexplainable events involving a malevolent supernatural entity that appears only in the darkness. As Rebecca investigates the origin of this entity, she discovers a disturbing family secret tied to her mother's mental health history.
With its effective and relentless scares, the film skillfully taps into our primal fear of the dark and the unknown, making it a chilling and suspenseful experience. It also delves into the emotional aspects of its characters' lives, adding depth to the horror narrative. With its creative premise, strong performances, and spine-tingling moments, “Lights Out” offers a fresh take on the classic haunted house genre and provides a genuinely frightening cinematic experience.
‘Crimson Peak’ (2015)
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If gothic romance with a side of horror is right up your alley, “Crimson Peak” is a must-watch. The story centers on Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), a young aspiring author who falls in love and marries Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), a charismatic but enigmatic British aristocrat. She moves to his family's decaying mansion, Allerdale Hall, which is plagued by chilling secrets and a haunting past.
The film offers a captivating blend of gothic romance and atmospheric horror. Director Guillermo del Toro's visually stunning direction creates a hauntingly beautiful and eerie world, with the mansion itself being an intriguing character in the story. Stream this to enjoy a visually sumptuous, emotionally engaging, and suspenseful film that combines love, tragedy, and supernatural horror.
‘Prom Night’ (2008)
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A loose remake of the 1980 slasher film of the same name, “Prom Night” is a horror thriller revolving around Donna Keppel (Brittany Snow), a high school student who becomes the target of a relentless and homicidal stalker on her prom night. Three years prior, Donna's family endured a traumatic experience when a former teacher, Richard Fenton (Johnathon Schaech), became obsessed with her and killed her family members. Fenton is captured and sent to a psychiatric facility, but he escapes on the night of Donna's prom, determined to finish what he started.
While the movie is not considered a critical masterpiece, it offers an entertaining and suspenseful ride for fans of slasher horror. The film capitalizes on tension and fear, turning a typically joyous occasion into a harrowing ordeal. It's a movie that delivers on the classic elements of the genre — suspense, jump scares, and creative kills — making it a suitable choice for those looking for a straightforward, adrenaline-pumping horror experience.