Picture this: another dark, gloomy Friday night. A storm is brewing outside, and the howling winds rattle your windows, warning you not to set foot outside. You lock the doors. You're not going to go out with friends, that would be crazy! No, now is the time for Netflix, and with a monthly slate change [1], there's always something new for you to put your eyeballs on. When I find myself beleaguered by one of these harrowing and stormy Friday nights, I delight in the thrill of a horror movie or two [2].
As someone who spent the better part of this last Fall scrolling over and over through Netflix's horror movies, I have good news. The new year has definitely brought a handful of new offerings, old and fresh, for us horror junkies to sink our teeth into. Wondering what's worth a watch and what you should shoo from your queue? Allow me to guide you, weary reader, into the long night.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
This is one of the few movies that have managed to rattle me in recent years! Expect great scares that don't feel too cheap and a dread that lingers when the lights go out.
Watch it now! [3]
Green Room
This one is gripping, guys. I never knew I'd be so rapt by an unassuming punk band taking on a huge gang of Neonazis, but wow, did this one rope me in! I don't think you could ever guess how it pans out.
Watch it now! [4]
The Nightmare
This one is technically a documentary about sleep paralysis, but I guarantee it's the most horrifying, unsettling documentary you will ever see.
Watch it now! [5]
The Strangers
My brother thinks this is one of the scariest movies ever made, and if that's not enough to interest you, I don't know what is! "It could literally happen to anyone!" he exclaimed.
Watch it now! [6]
The Conjuring
The Conjuring only came out in 2013, but it's already topped my list of favourite horror movies. I'd venture to call it an instant classic that has opened a whole world of possibilities.
Watch it now! [7]
I Know What You Did Last Summer
A classic '90s slasher with an ultimate '90s cast! What more could you possibly want?!
Watch it now! [8]
The Boy
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The Boy has one of the wildest twists [9] I've ever seen. You just have to watch.
Watch it now! [10]
The Uninvited
This one has a twist that may seem familiar and almost trope-like in its reveal. But it's never been done in quite such a creepy and unique way. Plus, like, look at that horrible lady. OMG.
Watch it now! [11]
Apostle
A rather recent Netflix original, Apostle certainly packs a punch [12] that's altogether quite crazy and gruesome.
Watch it now! [13]
The Witch
Wouldst thou like to sh*t thy pants deliciously? Then thou best watch The Witch, a "New-England folktale" that will have you side-eyeing every goat for the rest of your life.
Watch it now! [14]
Creep
You know, I'm more or less tired of the whole "found footage" genre, but this one really does freak you the f*ck out. Who knew Mark Duplass could play such a convincing serial killing psychopath?
Watch it now! [15]
Creep 2
Turns out, round two is just as tense, wild, and f*cked up as round one.
Watch it now! [16]
Mara
After a man mysteriously appears to have been murdered in his sleep by his wife, one criminal psychologist uncovers a pretty gripping case. I'm in.
Watch it now! [17]
47 Meters Down
This one hopped right onto that new "scary shark movie" trend along with The Meg and The Shallows, and you know what? I'm totally here for it. We see you, Mandy Moore [18].
Watch it now! [19]
The Ritual
Here we have one of the rare cases in which there's a horrifying monster and they show it in all its glory. And let me tell you, it's truly a sight to see. It all tumbles into one rather haunting tale [20].
Watch it now! [21]
Raw
This one has been on Netflix for quite a while, and that's probably because it's so damn good. Warning: it's rumoured to have had audiences gagging and fainting in theatres. Obviously not for the faint of heart.
Watch it now! [22]
Gerald's Game
I already gave this one a pretty rave review [23], just because it's so chilling and well-done. It'll really get you.
Watch it now! [24]
The Open House
Another Netflix original, and it stars 13 Reasons Why [25] babe Dylan Minnette! That's already a great start, isn't it?
Watch it now! [26]
XX
This is a compilation of four short horror films, and they're all directed by women! I actually liked each of the entries for entirely different reasons. They're all so vastly varied in the ways they creep you out.
Watch it now! [27]
The Eyes of My Mother
The main character of this film has already been dubbed the "Hannibal Lecter" of the 21st century. It's high praise and more than enough to rope me in for a watch.
Watch it now! [28]
Before I Wake
Nothing like a little maddening surreal horror to really add a little kick to your horror movie viewing experience, right?
Watch it now! [29]
The Eye
This is a rather new addition, and it's peak 2000s rip-off-Japanese-horror-films culture! I have to say, they did a decent job with it, though.
Watch it now! [30]
Veronica
This one definitely blew up on the internet as a great horror film that will scare the ever-loving sh*t out of you. Probably best to watch it with every single light on, every single door locked, and every single stuffed animal you own.
Watch it now! [31]
Gothika
Yes, that's Halle Berry [32]. And yes, that's a pre-Iron Man Robert Downey Jr. who's more or less smelling her hair. Aren't you, like, dying to watch now? I will say I remember this being a pretty twisted, psychological romp.
Watch it now! [33]
It Follows
Another longtime Netflix dweller. I think It Follows has been on the platform for the better part of three, maybe four years. That's because it's really that good, people! Give it a watch; you'll be looking over your shoulder for months.
Watch it now! [34]
As Above, So Below
If you want a real mind trip that is nearly impossible to figure out, this is your match. It's impossible to tell what's real and what's not, what's up and what's down, and what will give you brutal, brutal nightmares. Have fun!
Watch it now! [35]
Malevolent
You really won't see the multiple twists coming in this supernatural haunted house tale, added in Fall 2018. And it's super bleak. Isn't that what makes it so fun?
Watch it now! [36]
Shutter
One more Japanese-inspired turn for the road! While not as well-known as, say, The Ring or The Grudge, I guarantee this one will still give you the same kinds of deep-seated chills.
Watch it now! [37]