Netflix Best Scary Movies to Test Your Limits (2023)

This proven list of the top 8 best scary movies on Netflix is sure to leave you feeling haunted!

As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like settling in for a spine-tingling movie night.

If you're a fan of heart-pounding thrills and hair-raising moments, you're in for a treat. In this blog post, we're diving into the world of cinematic chills and uncovering some of the best scary movies that Netflix has to offer. From ghostly encounters to psychological horrors that will leave you sleepless, Netflix's collection has something to cater to every taste of the macabre.

We'll walk you through a carefully curated list of Netflix's best scary movies, offering a sneak peek into the world of dark mysteries, blood-curdling suspense, and heart-racing terror.

Whether you're planning a solo movie marathon or a hauntingly fun gathering with friends, this guide will help you navigate through the eerie offerings that Netflix has in store.

8) The Invitation (2015)

IMDb 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes 88%

Synopsis: A woman is invited to a dinner party by her ex-husband and his new wife, but she soon realizes that something is not right.

"The Invitation" is a psychological thriller directed by Karyn Kusama that is known for its tense and unsettling atmosphere.

While not a traditional horror film, it generates fear and unease through various elements:

Gradual Tension Buildup

The movie thrives on its slow-burning tension, gradually raising the stakes and unsettling the audience. As the story progresses, the uncertainty surrounding the characters' motives and the isolated setting intensify the atmosphere of fear.

The gradual escalation keeps viewers on edge, waiting for something sinister to happen.

Psychological Manipulation and Uncertainty

The film plays with psychological manipulation and uncertainty.

The characters' actions and interactions create a sense of paranoia, making it challenging to discern their true intentions. The emotional baggage of the main character, coupled with cultish undertones and unsettling behaviors, further fuels the fear factor.

Climactic Impact

The final act is a culmination of tension, revealing the truth and delivering an emotionally distressing climax.

The unsettling themes of loss, trauma, and the fear of the unknown leave a lasting impact on the audience, making "The Invitation" a psychologically haunting experience.

"The Invitation" is scary due to its skillful combination of slow-building tension, psychological elements, emotional resonance, and atmospheric storytelling that leaves the audience feeling uncomfortable and uncertain throughout the film.

7) Crimson Peak (2015)

IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 72%

Synopsis: A young woman marries into a wealthy family, but she soon discovers that their mansion is haunted by a dark past.

"Crimson Peak," a chilling masterpiece directed by Guillermo del Toro, weaves a haunting tale enveloped in an alluring Gothic aesthetic. While not confined to the traditional horror genre, the film orchestrates fear and unease through a symphony of carefully curated elements:

Enveloping Gothic Atmosphere

"Crimson Peak" weaves its scariness through a mesmerizing Gothic setting that draws you in. The haunted mansion, with its eerie grandeur and decaying beauty, sets the stage for an unsettling experience.

The attention to every detail in the opulent surroundings and characters' attire deepens the sense of stepping into a mysterious, unsettling world.

Ghostly Encounters

You're in for a spine-tingling ride as the film masterfully blends the supernatural with psychological tension. Ghostly apparitions and otherworldly events creep into the storyline, blurring the lines between reality and the unknown. The way the movie dances between the tangible and the spectral adds an extra layer of intrigue and fear.

Twisted Relationships and Hidden Malevolence

What truly amps up the creepiness factor are the intricate tangle of relationships dripping with hidden motives.

The characters' twisted connections and their concealed dark secrets cast an air of distrust and trepidation. As the layers are peeled back to reveal the chilling truths, you can't help but be drawn into their disturbing world.

"Crimson Peak" is scary in the most captivating way. With its Gothic allure, supernatural mysteries, intricate character dynamics, shocking violence, and mood-setting music, it creates an experience that leaves an indelible mark.

6) It Follows (2020)

IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 96%

Synopsis: A young woman is pursued by a malevolent supernatural force after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter.

"It Follows" is a riveting horror directed by David Robert Mitchell that spins a haunting narrative shrouded in an enigmatic atmosphere.

The film crafts an unsettling experience by skillfully interweaving various elements into a disquieting symphony:

Subtle Dread and Unrelenting Pursuit

In "It Follows," fear takes on a unique guise, unfurling as a quiet unease that grips your psyche.

Unlike traditional jump scares, it thrives on the gradual, the persistent feeling that a lurking presence shadows your every move. The constant pursuit isn't just a plot element; it's the rhythmic heartbeat of the horror.

Atmosphere of Vulnerability

What sets this movie apart is its ability to amplify vulnerability. Those moments of solitude, where every creak becomes a whisper of dread, are harnessed and amplified.

The film transforms the ordinary into a breeding ground for primal fears, capitalizing on our innate sensitivity to the unknown.

Metaphor of Unshakable Fear

The brilliance of "It Follows" lies in its metaphoric resonance. The supernatural entity serves as a mirror for our personal fears – those nagging anxieties that cling to us.

It's not merely about an external threat; it's a reflection of the internal unease that refuses to dissipate.

"It Follows" is a slow descent into horror's embrace. Its subtle terror, vulnerability exploitation, metaphorical depth, and sensory allure create an experience that lingers like a haunting melody.

5) The Ritual (2018)

IMDb 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes 73%

Synopsis: Four friends go on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, but they soon find themselves lost and hunted by a terrifying creature.

"The Ritual," a gripping horror directed by David Bruckner, embarks on a journey through fear as it unfolds a tale of primal terror amidst the wilderness.

Lost in Nature's Nightmare

Imagine stepping into the world of "The Ritual," where a seemingly innocent hike takes a dark turn into the unknown.

You're right there with a group of your closest friends, feeling that growing unease as the forest closes in around them. The sense of being lost in nature's grasp adds an extra layer of dread.

Ancient Fears Awakened

The movie taps into ancient fears that have slumbered for ages. As the friends stumble upon eerie symbols and artifacts, you're drawn into a world of mysticism and malevolence.

"The Ritual" digs deep into our fear of the unknown and the primal terror of facing forces beyond our understanding.

Psychological Descent and Unseen Threats

It doesn't just rely on physical scares; it's all about the psychological descent. As tensions rise within the group, their own insecurities and fears play into the growing paranoia.

Add in the lurking threats that remain just out of sight, and you've got a recipe for heart-pounding horror.

Bond of Friendship Tested by Horror

This film deeply explores the bonds of friendship as they're put to the ultimate test.

Amid the terror, the characters' relationships strain and fray, revealing their rawest emotions. It's the very human element that makes the supernatural horror hit closer to home.

"The Ritual" takes you on a trek through fear that's a blend of ancient dread, psychological torment, and the fragility of human connections. With its ominous forest setting and the feeling of being watched, it's like embarking on a dark journey where every step inches you closer to the edge of your seat.

4) Hush (2016)

IMDb 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes 93%

Synopsis: A deaf woman living alone in the woods is stalked and attacked by a masked killer.

"Hush," a suspenseful thriller directed by Mike Flanagan, delves into the harrowing ordeal of a deaf woman fighting for her life against a relentless intruder.

Deafening Silence and Unseen Threats

Dive into "Hush" and you're immersed in the world of a deaf woman facing a deadly intruder. As her struggle unfolds, the silence becomes a canvas for suspense. Every creak, every breath – it all becomes a symphony of fear.

Beyond Traditional Thrills

"Hush" redefines the thriller genre, focusing on psychological warfare. It's not about cheap scares; it's about the mind games that play out with intense tension.

The film sets a higher bar for suspense, where you feel like an active participant in the heart-pounding narrative.

A Battle for Survival and Raw Emotion

More than fear, "Hush" explores the human side of horror. The deaf woman's fight for survival is an emotional journey that hits hard. It complements the terror, adding depth to the film's impact.

"Hush" isn't your typical thriller. With its unique perspective, psychological intrigue, nerve-wracking suspense, and emotional depth, it's an experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

3) The Babadook (2014)

IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 93%

Synopsis: A single mother and her son are terrorized by a mysterious creature called the Babadook.

"The Babadook," a chilling creation helmed by Jennifer Kent, delves into a psychological horror that's as haunting as it is thought-provoking. Pushing the boundaries of traditional scares, the film intricately merges personal torment and supernatural terror.

Motherhood and Haunting Grief

Imagine entering the world of "The Babadook," where a mother's struggle with grief takes a nightmarish turn.

The film delves into the haunting realm of emotions, as the titular character becomes a manifestation of suppressed pain. It's a chilling exploration of the darker corners of the human psyche.

Distorted Reality and Psychological Unraveling

This film is about the disintegration of reality.

The psychological unraveling of the characters mirrors the blurring lines between the supernatural and the human psyche. As you watch the mother's descent into terror, you're on the edge of your seat, questioning every reality.

Metaphorical Horrors and Empathy Struggles

Get ready for a gut-wrenching experience – "The Babadook" uses its supernatural premise as a metaphor for trauma.

The struggle between the mother and the monster becomes a battle between the need to confront pain and the fear of being consumed by it. It's a journey that resonates deeply with anyone who's grappled with their own darkness.

With its psychological complexity, haunting narrative, and exploration of grief, this is a film that continues to lurk in the psyche.

2) Midsommar (2019)

IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 83%

Synopsis: A young couple travels to Sweden to attend a midsummer festival, but they soon find themselves in a terrifying situation.

"Midsommar," a chilling masterpiece directed by Ari Aster, unveils a disturbing journey into a folk horror festival. It artfully weaves an intricate tapestry of fear and unease, compelling viewers to remain captivated and on the edge of their seats.

A Daylight Nightmare

Step into this film and you're transported to a sunlit nightmare. The film challenges the idea that horror hides in the dark; instead, it thrives in broad daylight.

The juxtaposition of serene landscapes and eerie occurrences creates a unique kind of fear that crawls under your skin.

Cultish Charms and Unsettling Rituals

This movie takes you deep into a secluded cult's traditions, leaving you mesmerized and disturbed.

The rituals are beautifully unsettling, an exploration of how the normal can warp into something haunting. You're drawn into a world where the line between fascination and fear blurs.

Emotional Turmoil and Psychological Horror

Beyond the visual frights, "Midsommar" delves into the depths of emotional turmoil.

The strained relationships and psychological unraveling of the characters add layers of dread. It's like watching the disintegration of sanity within an idyllic backdrop.

"Midsommar" is a dance between fear and fascination. With its sun-soaked horror, cultish intrigue, psychological unraveling, and captivating visuals, it's a film that's hard to forget.

1) Get Out (2017)

IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 98%

Synopsis: A young black man visits his white girlfriend's family for the weekend, but he soon realizes that something is not right.

"Get Out" is a gripping cinematic creation directed by Jordan Peele, that delves into the horrors of racial tension.

Social Thrills and Unsettling Reality

The film digs into social commentary with a horror twist, unraveling the unease of racial tensions. It's like peeling back layers of societal fears, exposing the chilling reality lurking underneath.

Intricate Mind Games and Psychological Suspense

The tension is a labyrinth of mind games, leaving you questioning motives and realities. The film pulls you into a whirlwind of uncertainty, a puzzle of fear that keeps you guessing.

As you put the pieces together you start to feel the undertones of unease and panic.

Cultural Horror and Thought-Provoking Thrills

"Get Out" explores cultural horror in a way that hits hard.

The film dances on the edge of reality and the supernatural, tapping into primal fears with a thought-provoking edge. It's a refreshing blend of thrill and introspection that's as unsettling as it is riveting.

"Get Out" isn't just a horror movie; it's a thought-provoking exploration of societal fears. With its social commentary, psychological suspense, and pulse-pounding excitement, it's a film that leaves you both terrified and contemplative.

RECAP:

1) Get Out

2) Midsommar

3) The Babadook

4) Hush

5) The Ritual

6) It Follows

7) Crimson Peak

8) The Invitation

Whether you're a horror aficionado seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush or someone looking to dip their toes into the eerie waters of the genre, Netflix's best scary movies have you covered.

From the comfort of your own couch, you can embark on journeys through haunted houses, unravel chilling mysteries, and confront the darkest corners of the human psyche.

With Netflix as your guide, you're in for a spooky movie night that's sure to leave you both thrilled and captivated. Happy watching, and may your screams be heard from the safety of your living room!

Remember, you're always welcome home here at My Morbid Manor👻