10 Best Netflix Original Horror Movies In History

Netflix’s success in the streaming world is largely due to its investment in original shows and movies. They’ve created some of the most popular TV series in recent years, like Stranger Things and Squid Game. But they’ve also made a lot of original films – some have been critically acclaimed, others have been huge hits, and a few are underappreciated gems worth checking out.

Netflix consistently delivers strong horror content. Because horror films can often be made without huge budgets, many creators have the opportunity to produce compelling work. The genre has also attracted well-known actors like Carla Gugino, Samara Weaving, Wunmi Mosaku, and Sandra Bullock, contributing to a large number of original horror movies on the platform, making it difficult to choose the very best.

Netflix has a great selection of horror movies, featuring everything from adaptations of Stephen King stories to popular monster classics, hidden gems, and films that launched successful franchises.

10. The Perfection (2018)

When The Perfection arrived on Netflix in 2018, it grabbed the attention of subscribers thanks to Allison Williams. The actress was fresh off her role as a villain in Get Out, so seeing her attached to another horror film had people intrigued.

I was completely captivated by The Perfection. It centers around two incredibly talented musicians – one is a former child prodigy struggling with her past, and the other is the bright new student expected to take her place. Their connection is intense, and it quickly spirals into something really dark and unsettling, filled with twists I didn’t see coming. What truly makes the movie work, though, is the amazing acting – the leads are phenomenal and completely carry the story.

9. #Alive (2020)

The movie #Alive felt particularly relevant when it was released on Netflix. It came out shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and tells the story of a gamer in Seoul who finds himself trapped in his apartment while a zombie outbreak occurs.

He was stuck, and so were the people watching. When zombies invade his building, he teams up with a neighbor to fight back. This surprisingly good movie mixes intense action with scary horror moments.

8. Oxygen (2021)

Okay, so I recently stumbled upon this French movie called Oxygen, and wow, it really should have been way more popular! It’s directed by Alexandre Aja, who’s really good, and stars Mélanie Laurent. The premise is just so gripping – she plays a woman, Elizabeth, who wakes up locked inside a super-high-tech, airtight cryogenic chamber, and you’re right there with her trying to figure out what happened.

Elizabeth wakes up with no idea where she is and has to find a way out before her air runs out. Oxygen is a scary and intensely claustrophobic movie that will leave you on edge from beginning to end.

7. 1922 (2017)

As a big fan of Stephen King, I’ve seen a lot of adaptations over the years. It’s amazing how many movies and TV shows they’ve made from his work! A few have ended up on Netflix, like 1922. That one’s based on his 2010 novella of the same name, and stars Thomas Jane and Molly Parker – both fantastic actors, by the way.

This story follows a man and his son who plot to kill his wife, an act that haunts them with guilt. While it’s not one of Stephen King’s most famous adaptations, the film 1922 received very positive reviews, earning a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

6. The Babysitter (2017)

Effective horror movies aren’t just about being frightening. They’re actually quite adaptable and can successfully combine with other genres, like comedy. That’s a key reason why The Babysitter is so good – it smartly uses familiar elements from classic slasher films.

The movie The Babysitter follows a high school freshman who develops a crush on his babysitter, played by Samara Weaving. His world turns upside down when he witnesses her and her friends performing a satanic ritual. It’s a really entertaining film that led to a fantastic sequel, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, released in 2020.

5. Bird Box (2018)

Netflix really took off with the success of Bird Box. It quickly became incredibly popular, breaking viewership records even before Netflix started publicly sharing those numbers, and everyone was talking about it – and wanted to see what all the buzz was about.

In the film Bird Box, a mysterious force causes anyone who looks at it to die by suicide. The story follows a woman (Sandra Bullock) as she tries to guide herself and two children to safety while blindfolded. It’s a gripping and suspenseful movie that has resonated with viewers worldwide.

4. His House (2020)

His House is a chilling and effective horror film that deserved a wider audience on Netflix. With a talented cast and a compelling premise, it tells the story of a South Sudanese refugee couple trying to build a new life in England, all while confronting a terrifying presence hidden beneath the surface.

The show is visually impressive and features strong, memorable character interactions. The actors, particularly Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Wunmi Mosaku (who would go on to receive an Academy Award nomination), give outstanding performances.

3. Gerald’s Game (2017)

Similar to 1922 and Gerald’s Game, this is another Stephen King story adapted for Netflix. It’s a relatively small-scale and straightforward story, which surprisingly makes it even more effective. The initial premise is genuinely frightening, and director Mike Flanagan does a superb job bringing it to life.

Jessie and her husband retreat to a remote lake house hoping to fulfill a fantasy, but the trip takes a terrifying turn when he suddenly dies of a heart attack. Left alone, tied to the bed, and increasingly plagued by disturbing hallucinations, Jessie must fight to free herself and survive.

2. Cam (2018)

Screenwriter Isa Mazzei drew on personal experiences when creating the film Cam. The movie follows a woman who performs as a camgirl and is shocked to find she’s been replaced by a perfect copycat online, leaving her confused and desperate to understand what happened.

Madeline Brewer gives a compelling performance as a woman battling her fears and fighting for a normal life. The film itself is genuinely frightening and deserves more recognition as a horror movie.

1. Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

While it’s actually three movies, the Fear Street trilogy is considered the best horror series Netflix has created. Inspired by R.L. Stine’s books, the story blends classic slasher elements with a supernatural tale of witchcraft. What’s unique is that each film is set in a different year, keeping the story fresh and exciting.

The series began in 1994 with a style reminiscent of Scream, followed by a sequel set in the late ’70s that evokes Friday the 13th. The third installment jumps even further back to 1666, exploring a story of witchcraft. Despite the different time periods, the three parts connect to form a brilliantly crafted trilogy. Featuring well-known actors like Sadie Sink and a touching LGBTQ+ love story, this is a truly remarkable series.

2026-05-26 00:31