The best horror movies to stream on Netflix this Halloween

Sometimes, the best Halloween celebrations are the ones you have at home. If you’re not planning to hit the town this weekend in fancy dress, get your friends over for a movie marathon with our selection of the best horror movies to stream on Netflix right now: 

The Shining 

Nothing is more iconic than a Stanley Kubrick adaptation of a Stephen King – the father of horror literature – physiological thriller set in a haunted hotel. The 1980 movie tells the disturbing story of Jack Torrance, a hotel caretaker who becomes a homicidal maniac. Featuring the most classic quotes in horror history, it really is a must-watch.

Under the Shadow

This 2016 critically acclaimed Iranian thriller is a mix between the finesse of an artsy social drama and a sinister and creepy horror story. Set in Teheran during the last days of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988, Under The Shadow tells the story of a mother desperately trying to save her daughter, who is possessed by a supernatural force. More than anything, the movie breaks away from the stereotype that horror movies can’t be socially relevant and timely.

Scream

Scream set the tone for many horror movies that followed it. For the first time, a scary movie deconstructed the genre and made use of all the horror tropes to tell the story of the sleepy town of Woodsboro, where a mysterious serial killer is ripping people to shreds. When it was released in 1996, it was so innovative that it quickly became a modern cult. Can you except any less from the man behind the iconic franchise A Nightmare on Elm Street?

I Am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House

In this Netflix original movie, it’s all about the tensed and sinister atmosphere. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House is like a horror ballad: while the story is slow and familiar, an impressive central performance and creepy elements make for a chilling experience. It’s not a straightforward horror movie, but that’s exactly why it stands out.

Bram Stocker’s Dracula

It’s gothic, noir and dramatic. Francis Coppola’s take on the story of the most famous vampire of all time is a 1990s cult that combines frightening twists and an intriguing and erotic love story. Besides, remarkable performances from Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder – and their chemistry on screen – alone makes this a must-watch.

The silenced (Gyeongseonghakyoo: Sarajin sonyeodeul)

Set in a sanatorium and girls’ boarding school in 1938 South Korea during the Japanese occupation, The Silenced is a recent addition to the long list of spine-chilling Korean horror movies. As students start to disappear, the protagonist investigates the mystery and uncovers the disturbing past of the structure. Both the costumes and the soundtrack are really on point.

Fright Night

The original Fright Night (1985) – please ignore the remake – is definitely one of the most iconic horror comedies of all time. As a subgenre of its own, the story of a teenage boy convinced that his new neighbour is a vampire, is a successful blend of humour and terror.