Netflix and Chill (the Spooky Kind!): 20 Best Halloween Movies to Stream Now!
Netflix's Halloween Haul: From Classic Horror to Family-Friendly Frights
Halloween's almost here, and Netflix is loaded with spooky goodness! We're talking killer horror flicks, classic scary Movies, and even some family-friendly fun – all available to stream this October. It’s more than just their original productions – new movies hit Netflix every month and those Halloween releases fill this platform with those essential scary delights!
Netflix offers diverse selections; spanning different tastes, ages and viewing habits. Need critically acclaimed thrillers and horror from top-notch directors like Steven Spielberg and Mike Flanagan? Or those fun, nostalgic '90s classics perfect for family viewing? It’s got everything from Jaws to The Pope's Exorcist! This collection is excellent for discovering classics or re-watching those much-loved favorites.
Top 20 Spooktacular Halloween Movies Streaming on Netflix:
20. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016): A Mike Flanagan Masterpiece
This Mike Flanagan (remember that dude?) prequel to the original Ouija is way better than that original! Set in 1967, it’s about a spiritual medium (and her family) who starts having problems after they bring in that super-spooky Ouija board; these elements showcase that the creative choices behind this project were well made, creating a spooky film far superior than the source material! A superb horror outing. This makes Flanagan's standing as the master of Netflix horror very, very evident; showing just how impressive his own work became.
19. Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021): Slasher Summer Camp Fun
The second entry in the Fear Street trilogy. This one involves a gory, nostalgic throwback to those slasher classics from the 70's such as Friday the 13th!. The summer camp setting adds even more of a campy atmosphere; showcasing how well those stylistic choices were done in its direction! It’s full of thrilling twists and makes an incredible setup leading directly into that finale! And remember Sadie Sink and Emily Rudd ? They star in this scary adventure!
18. Hubie Halloween (2020): Adam Sandler's Spooky Comedy
This Adam Sandler flick may not wow the critics; but this fun movie’s pure holiday charm has been a big hit, showcasing another key element that really brings success to Halloween-themed movies: making films appropriate for entire families and that still works really well even with this specific audience! Lots of star cameos–Julie Bowen, Ray Liotta, Ben Stiller, Shaquille O'Neal– adding some star power.
17. Gerald’s Game (2017): Mike Flanagan's Psychological Thriller
Another Mike Flanagan masterpiece (based on Stephen King's novel!), this movie’s chilling psychological thrills will make this title remain incredibly memorable among many of those psychological thriller aficionados. The isolated cabin setting builds tremendous tension for those viewers as Carla Gugino battling her personal demons as she tries desperately to get free from being trapped. The choice of this actress adds another emotional weight for this kind of storytelling.
16. Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021): Unraveling the Curse!
Fear Street's final part takes us to 1666, exploring that super scary origin of Sarah Fier (that infamous witch)! Those cleverly woven flashbacks explain why Shadyside is cursed. The thrilling end also reveals how that crazy curse might just be resolved, making for that seriously well-deserved victory in this satisfying trilogy. Its superior writing made it widely praised by critics compared to the other entries.
15. Creep (2014): Found Footage That Gets Under Your Skin
A highly rated horror film with surprisingly scary moments for being just found-footage film; this title demonstrates how just having superb horror storytelling would really work well even within this seemingly limited and restrictive kind of format and makes use of strong acting from both lead stars. This particular title was made extremely popular after this successful release and also launched those excellent and satisfying sequels that every viewer eagerly awaits! Be ready to be Creeped out!
14. The Babysitter (2017): A Satanic Cult Comedy Horror
A Netflix original from McG – this funny horror flick brings Samara Weaving, Judah Lewis, and Bella Thorne. A 12-year-old discovers his babysitter’s part in a satanic cult planning to kill him! The surprisingly brilliant review ratings, and those well-received sequels (with Jenna Ortega!) really highlight this as a must-see film, making it even better than its simple description might convey initially.
13. The Pope’s Exorcist (2023): Russell Crowe Battles Demons
Russell Crowe as a real-life demon-fighting exorcist (Father Gabriele Amorth)! Based on Amorth’s actual tales, The Pope's Exorcist is pure fun; creating a superbly tense and frightening narrative surrounding demonic possessions, further emphasized by strong acting from Crowe. Critics had a varied reception; but its box office win shows plenty of reasons for viewing.
12. Woman of the Hour (2023): Anna Kendrick Directs and Stars
Directed by Anna Kendrick, this film depicts that unsettling true crime story concerning Rodney Alcala, that "Dating Game Killer"! A blend of biographical thriller; showing both personal character study combined with the intense drama from exploring a pivotal true crime element of an era which greatly impacts audiences and helped capture attention after its release. Excellent critical scores– 91% on Rotten Tomatoes!
11. The Babadook (2014): A Chilling Psychological Horror
Considered an indie horror classic, The Babadook’s (directed by Jennifer Kent) superb writing and psychological intensity create a memorable tale surrounding a troubled mom battling her personal demons after they encountered the sinister and scary imagery from a children’s story. Its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score speaks for itself. You’ll love it if you appreciate psychological thrillers.
10. It: Chapter Two (2019): The Losers Club Returns (as Adults!)
The sequel to that iconic It (2017), this follows those original characters as adults; twenty-seven years later as those very same terrifying characters reappear! While often rated below that first movie; the star-studded cast (Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Bill Skarsgård!) guarantees immense amounts of entertainment. If you were a fan of that first movie; you’re absolutely going to need to give this sequel another go!
9. The Birds (1963): An Alfred Hitchcock Classic
This classic Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece is pure suspense – a Northern California town gets terrorized by those violent birds! It’s less shocking today; but Hitchcock’s masterful direction; combined with suspense elements still stands up to time – especially for classic horror fans! It was considered revolutionary during its release in 1963.
8. It's What's Inside (2024): A Fresh Take on Party Horror
Inspired by Bodies Bodies Bodies and Talk to Me, It's What's Inside is about a pre-wedding party gone utterly wrong; that intense blend of genres– dark comedy, thriller and supernatural elements, plus the promising casting (including relatively newer actors), promises pure entertainment. Its good reception already is shown by its 77% Rotten Tomatoes score.
7. Evil Dead Rise (2023): Demons in the Big City!
The fifth installment of this long-standing franchise features superb elements: two estranged sisters fight demons in an L.A. apartment building! Written and directed by Lee Cronin; It's super gory, featuring the well-loved formula used to create superb monster-battling scenes that every horror movie fanatic thoroughly enjoys!
6. Thanksgiving (2023): A Slasher Feast
This was totally unexpected. It was an amazing, superb horror adaptation and was an originally developed “trailer” back in 2007! The unique blend of this story features slasher elements; a Thanksgiving-themed killer stalks a Massachusetts town, perfectly combining unexpected ideas and classic scary concepts. Fans of gory slashers, definitely check it out. It did better than it should, surprisingly!
5. Scream (2022): A New Generation Faces Ghostface
This fantastic reboot stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, plus iconic cast members such as Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette! It is intense, a must-see for modern horror and Scream fans, made even better with that surprising ensemble and fresh yet experienced actors in a superb and well-crafted horror mystery plot!
4. Pearl (2022): Mia Goth Shines in This Psychological Horror
This Mia Goth masterpiece (from the X trilogy, a terrific entry directed by Ti West) delivers phenomenal chills and some strong emotional and dramatic story elements that fully develops her own persona. It’s a masterpiece that fans really should check out; a compelling story highlighting a strong female persona battling personal issues during the height of 1918.
3. Halloween (2018): Jamie Lee Curtis Returns to Fight Michael Myers!
This superb reboot brought Jamie Lee Curtis back as Laurie Strode to finally confront Michael Myers once more! That same superb acting, coupled with this great reboot really highlights the potential inherent in reboots and remakes done with great sensitivity towards the source material and is a definitive must-see for every horror film fanatic! That legacy alone guarantees success!
2. The Wailing (2016): Folk Horror That’ll Keep You Up at Night
This nearly perfect film—99% on Rotten Tomatoes!—has stunning visuals and some intense suspense, featuring a supernatural tale; focusing on a quiet village experiencing many bizarre deaths, all because a mysterious stranger enters their small town. Its blend of folk horror is intense; and definitely keeps viewers hooked. If you want suspense– look no further.
1. Psycho (1960): Alfred Hitchcock’s Timeless Masterpiece
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is truly legendary. A totally groundbreaking psychological thriller with a terrifying villain; This film is now timeless, remaining impactful and enjoyable decades after it’s original release in 1960! Those amazing camera tricks, that killer storyline; even its amazing unforgettable villain; It’s iconic for a reason. Catch it if you get a chance. This should not be missed. It remains on top for a reason. An absolute classic!
Conclusion: Happy Haunting!
Netflix really has nailed this year's Halloween selection! It brings everything: from superb horror hits for seasoned viewers, classics to introduce to newer fans, and some lighter choices for a less-scary Halloween experience! So settle in, get comfy, and get ready for a movie marathon you won't soon forget! Whatever your preferred flavor of Halloween might be, those diverse and widely varying choices will absolutely have something that most viewers will completely enjoy and be entertained by!
