Not everyone enjoys horror even I don’t consume much of the genre myself but there are a few films I’ve watched on Netflix that I genuinely liked and would love to recommend to you. These movies are guaranteed to deliver the full horror experience you’re looking for. Believe me, you’ll find these films truly frightening; plus, they all boast excellent ratings, ensuring you’ll be thoroughly entertained. Now, let’s dive into our featured topic: Top 5 Terrifying Horror Movies Streaming on Netflix Right Now.
01) His House (2020)
The story revolves around a couple named Bol and Rial, who arrive in Britain after an incredibly dangerous journey from Sudan. Their past is far from pleasant it is marked by painful experiences that they desperately wish to leave behind as they attempt to start a new life. Upon reaching Britain, they are provided with a new home, but with the expectation that they will follow the rules of the local society and integrate into it. However, as this is a horror film, their new home gradually transforms into a nightmare. Strange sounds emanate from within the rooms, and there is a sense that something unsettling is occurring behind the walls phenomena that are anything but normal. Why is this happening, and what will unfold next? You will find the answers within the film itself; rest assured, it effectively satisfies the curiosity surrounding the questions that will inevitably arise in your mind. Furthermore, the horror is not confined solely to the house.
This film was released worldwide on January 27, 2020. It holds a solid IMDb rating of 6.4, based on over 56,000 votes. Rated TV-14, the film delivers a consistent horror experience throughout its 1-hour and 33-minute runtime. Spanning genres such as folk horror, psychological horror, supernatural horror, drama, and thriller, it is an excellent film that comes highly recommended. It is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
As for the cast, the film features Sope Dirisu (Bol Majur), Wunmi Mosaku (Rial Majur), Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba (Nyagak), Matt Smith (Mark Essworth), Javier Botet (The Witch), Yvonne Campbell (South Sudanese Woman), Vivienne Soan (Neighbour), Lola May (Nyagak’s Mother), Kevin Layne (The Cameroonian), Maureen Casey (Detention Custody Officer), Homer Todiwala (Iraqi Man), Dominic Coleman (Lead Officer), Sally Plumb (Secondary Officer), Roland Manookian (Barber), Andy Gathergood (Church Man), Rasaq Kukoyi (William), Gamba Cole (George), and Bradley Banton (Phillip). Each actor has done a fantastic job in their respective role; there is no doubt that the entire cast delivered truly compelling performances.
02) The Ritual (2017)
The story revolves around four old friends who embark on a hiking trip in memory of a deceased friend. They head to a remote wilderness area in Northern Sweden. While things begin normally, the situation takes a dark turn when the group decides to take a shortcut a path that leads them deep into a forest from which escape becomes increasingly difficult. After losing their way, the group encounters strange symbols and unsettling signs, indicating that whatever is happening in the woods is far from normal. They soon realize that they are not merely battling hunger, exhaustion, and challenging terrain; there is something mysterious lurking in the forest something that is stalking them. This is enough to set the stage and build suspense; the film itself delivers everything you would expect from the horror genre, leaving no stone unturned to keep you entertained. It is a fantastic film definitely a must-watch!
This film was released worldwide on October 13, 2017. It holds an impressive 6.4 rating on IMDb, based on over 150,000 votes. The film carries a TV-MA rating and falls into genres such as folk horror, monster horror, mystery, and thriller. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The cast deserves special mention for their excellent portrayals of their respective characters. The ensemble including Rafe Spall (Luke), Arsher Ali (Phil), Robert James-Collier (Hutch), Sam Troughton (Dom), Paul Reid (Robert), Matthew Needham (Junkie), Jacob James Beswick (Fiend), Maria Erwolter (The Host), Hilary Reeves (The Curate), Peter Liddell (The Logger), Francesca Mula (The Witch), Kerri McLean (Gayle), Gheorghe Mezei (Parishioner), Adriana Macsut (Parishioner), Constantin Codrea (Parishioner), and Zane Jarcu (Shop Keeper) has left a lasting impression, delivering powerful performances throughout the film.
03) Gerald’s Game (2017)
The story revolves around a married couple, Jessie and Gerald, who head to a remote lakeside house for the weekend, hoping to reignite the spark in their relationship. As they attempt to breathe new life into their bond, a private game takes a disastrous turn. The situation becomes dire, leaving Jessie with no easy way to call for help. She finds herself handcuffed to a bed in an isolated house, with no one nearby to assist her. Jessie faces a multitude of challenges; she must find a way to escape while grappling not only with her physical limitations but also with her deepest fears and haunting memories. How does Jessie manage to get out? Will she be able to survive? You will find the answers to all these questions as the film unfolds.
This film was released worldwide on September 29, 2017. It holds a solid 6.5 rating on IMDb, based on over 145,000 user ratings. The film carries a TV-MA rating. Spanning genres such as psychological horror, psychological thriller, drama, and suspense, it is an excellent film that is definitely worth considering. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
There is no doubt that the actors have delivered stellar performances in their respective roles. The cast includes Carla Gugino (Jessie Burlingame), Bruce Greenwood (Gerald Burlingame), Chiara Aurelia (Young Jessie), Carel Struycken (Moonlight Man), Henry Thomas (Tom), Kate Siegel (Sally), Adalyn Jones (Maddie), Bryce Harper (James), Gwendolyn Mulamba (Judge McGarnagle), Jamie Flanagan (Court Clerk), and Dori Lumpkin (Teenage Girl). Each of them has portrayed their character brilliantly, and they certainly deserve recognition for their work.
04) Under the Shadow (2016)
The story follows a woman named Shideh, who lives in Tehran with her young daughter, Dorsa. Shideh’s life is quite complex; she aspires to complete her medical studies, but political circumstances make this impossible. To add to her challenges, her husband leaves for military service, leaving her to shoulder all the responsibilities on her own. Amidst this, a missile strikes their residential building, and following this dangerous incident, strange occurrences begin to unfold in her surroundings. Her daughter, Dorsa, starts behaving unusually and begins speaking of a mysterious, supernatural presence. Some of the building’s residents believe that an evil spirit, known as a ‘Djinn,’ might be present. Initially, these claims are dismissed, and Shideh attempts to find logical explanations but as the incidents escalate, the situation intensifies. The question arises: is there truly a supernatural force at play, or is it merely a trick of the mind? And if a supernatural power does exist, what exactly is it? You will find the answers as you watch the film. It is a movie that will keep you in suspense throughout.
This film was released worldwide on September 30, 2016. It holds a solid IMDb rating of 6.8, based on over 33,000 votes, and is rated PG-13. Spanning genres such as psychological drama, psychological horror, psychological thriller, fantasy, and war, this is an excellent film that is definitely worth a watch. With a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes, it is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The cast deserves high praise for their outstanding performances in their respective roles. The actors including Narges Rashidi (Shideh), Avin Manshadi (Dorsa), Bobby Naderi (Iraj), Ray Haratian (Mr. Ebrahimi), Arash Marandi (Dr. Reza), Bijan Daneshmand (Director), Behi Djanati Atai (Pargol), Hamid Djavadan (Mr. Fakur), Aram Ghasemy (Mrs. Ebrahimi), Soussan Farrokhnia (Mrs. Fakur), Nabil Koni (Mr. Bijari), Karam Rashayda (Mehdi), Zainab Zamamiri (Sogand), Khaled Zamamiri (Ali), Adel Darageh (Big-Bellied Man), Jalal Izzat (Glazier), Suhaila Armani (Female Prison Guard), Amir Ranjbar (Young Soldier), and Houshang Ranjbar (Senior Police Officer) all portrayed their characters exceptionally well.
05) Don’t Move (2024)
The story revolves around a woman named Iris, who is struggling emotionally following a major personal loss. While in a remote forest area, she encounters a stranger named Richard. Initially, Richard appears to be a helpful and normal person, but the situation suddenly turns dangerous; Iris realizes she is trapped with someone whose intentions are far from good. Richard injects her with a drug that begins to progressively impair her ability to move. With limited time, Iris must find a way to escape, evade Richard, and seek help. However, as the drug’s effects intensify, walking, running, or even defending herself becomes increasingly difficult. The film explores whether Iris can manage to escape, or if she will meet her end right there and just how severe the impact of the drug will be. You will find the answers to all these questions within the film.
This film was released worldwide on October 24, 2024. It holds a solid IMDb rating of 5.8, based on votes from over 48,000 users. The film carries an ‘R’ rating and falls under the genres of psychological horror, psychological thriller, survival, and intense thriller. With a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes, it is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
There is no doubt that the cast delivered an exceptional performance in their respective roles. The ensemble including Kelsey Asbille (Iris), Finn Wittrock (Richard), Moray Treadwell (Bill), Daniel Francis (Dontrell), Denis Kostadinov (Mateo), Kate Nichols (Young Mom), Skye Little Wing Dimov Saw (Boy), Sarah Sarandos (Selfie Girl 1), and Zainab Azizi (Selfie Girl 2) portrayed their characters brilliantly, providing a compelling experience for the audience. They certainly deserve recognition and appreciation for their work.
Final Verdict
Everyone has different tastes, but I’ve noticed that many people especially are huge fans of the horror genre. That’s why I’ve curated a list of the top 5 horror films currently streaming on Netflix. True fear doesn’t just come from what’s right in front of us; often, we are more afraid of what we cannot see which is where psychological horror comes into play.
In this list, I’ve included films that span various subgenres, such as folk horror, psychological horror, supernatural horror, drama, thriller, mystery, suspense, fantasy, and even war-themed horror. Rest assured, you’re going to love these films; each one features excellent execution of its respective subgenre. As a quick reminder, all 5 of these top-tier horror movies are currently available to stream on Netflix.
