As Halloween 2025 creeps closer, Netflix remains a go-to destination for horror fans craving spine-chilling thrills from the comfort of their couches. With a vast library of terrifying films, from psychological nightmares to supernatural shockers, the streaming giant offers something to keep every horror aficionado up all night. This guide curates the top 15 scariest Netflix horror movies available in October 2025, perfect for a hair-raising Halloween. Each entry includes a detailed plot summary, cast and director details, reasons for its terror factor, critical reception, and why it’s a must-watch for the spooky season. Drawing from recent sources, I’ve ensured these films are currently streaming on Netflix (check regional availability). Whether you’re hosting a scream-filled watch party or braving a solo fright-fest, these movies will deliver the chills. Ready to dim the lights? Let’s dive into the terror! Note: Availability may vary by region; verify titles on Netflix.
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1. Incantation (2022)
Plot: Directed by Kevin Ko, this Taiwanese found-footage horror follows Li Ronan (Tsai Hsuan-yen), a mother cursed after desecrating a religious ritual while pregnant. Six years later, supernatural events threaten her daughter Dodo (Huang Sin-ting). The film’s fourth-wall-breaking narrative and optical illusions make viewers feel complicit in the curse, amplifying its dread.
Cast: Tsai Hsuan-yen, Huang Sin-ting, Kao Ying-hsuan.
Director: Kevin Ko.
Why It’s Terrifying: Its unsettling found-footage style, inspired by true events, and a relentless curse create a suffocating sense of doom. The interactive elements (like chanting a mantra) blur the line between viewer and victim.
Critical Reception: 75% on Rotten Tomatoes; lauded as Taiwan’s scariest film with a 4.2/5 Goodreads rating for its novelization.
Halloween Appeal: Its cursed ritual and jump scares make it a perfect Halloween group watch, ideal for fans of The Blair Witch Project.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
2. The Wailing (2016)
Plot: Directed by Na Hong-jin, this South Korean horror-thriller follows policeman Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won) investigating bizarre murders in a rural village. A mysterious stranger (Jun Kunimura) and a shaman (Hwang Jung-min) hint at an ancient evil. The film’s 156-minute runtime weaves psychological horror, supernatural dread, and cultural folklore into a haunting mystery.
Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Jun Kunimura.
Director: Na Hong-jin.
Why It’s Terrifying: Its slow-burn tension, shocking twists, and ambiguous ending leave you questioning reality. The blend of folklore and gore is visceral.
Critical Reception: 99% on Rotten Tomatoes; praised for intricate storytelling and a 4.1/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: The eerie village setting and demonic undertones make it a chilling Halloween pick for fans of complex horror.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
3. His House (2020)
Plot: Directed by Remi Weekes, His House follows South Sudanese refugees Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) resettling in a dilapidated UK home. Haunted by a supernatural entity tied to their traumatic past, they face racism and guilt. The film’s social commentary and ghostly scares create a layered horror experience.
Cast: Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku, Matt Smith.
Director: Remi Weekes.
Why It’s Terrifying: The mix of real-world horrors (xenophobia, trauma) with supernatural apparitions creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The “night witch” is nightmare fuel.
Critical Reception: 100% on Rotten Tomatoes; hailed as a standout with a 4.0/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its haunted house premise and emotional depth make it a gripping Halloween watch for thoughtful horror fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
4. Talk to Me (2023)
Plot: Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, Talk to Me follows Mia (Sophie Wilde), a teen grieving her mother’s death, who joins friends using an embalmed hand to contact spirits. Breaking the rules unleashes a malevolent force. The film’s intense possession scenes and modern take on grief are electrifying.
Cast: Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird.
Director: Danny and Michael Philippou.
Why It’s Terrifying: The visceral possession sequences and relentless pacing make every moment tense. The hand’s eerie power lingers long after.
Critical Reception: 94% on Rotten Tomatoes; A24’s top-grossing horror with a 4.1/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its fresh possession premise and shocking gore make it a must for Halloween parties, especially for Hereditary fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
5. Under the Shadow (2016)
Plot: Directed by Babak Anvari, this Iranian horror is set during the Iran-Iraq War. Shideh (Narges Rashidi) and her daughter Dorsa (Avin Manshadi) are trapped in a haunted apartment by a djinn, a malevolent spirit from Islamic mythology. The film blends war-time oppression with supernatural terror.
Cast: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi.
Director: Babak Anvari.
Why It’s Terrifying: The djinn’s subtle, creeping presence and the claustrophobic setting amplify dread. Its cultural commentary adds depth to the scares.
Critical Reception: 99% on Rotten Tomatoes; a Sundance hit with a 4.0/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its ghostly atmosphere and unique cultural lens make it a chilling Halloween pick for global horror fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
6. Cam (2018)
Plot: Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, Cam follows camgirl Alice (Madeline Brewer), whose online identity is hijacked by a doppelgänger. As her life unravels, the film explores digital identity and psychological horror. Written by former camgirl Isa Mazzei, it’s grounded in real-world fears.
Cast: Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters.
Director: Daniel Goldhaber.
Why It’s Terrifying: The doppelgänger’s uncanny mimicry and Alice’s loss of control are deeply unsettling. Its tech-driven horror feels all too real.
Critical Reception: 93% on Rotten Tomatoes; praised for Brewer’s performance and a 3.9/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its modern, psychological scares make it a perfect Halloween watch for fans of Black Mirror.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
7. Apostle (2018)
Plot: Directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid), Apostle follows Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) infiltrating a cult on a remote Welsh island to rescue his sister. The cult’s pagan rituals and violent secrets unleash visceral horror. The film’s folk-horror aesthetic is both beautiful and brutal.
Cast: Dan Stevens, Lucy Boynton, Michael Sheen.
Director: Gareth Evans.
Why It’s Terrifying: The graphic violence and cultish dread evoke The Wicker Man, with a relentless sense of doom. The island’s eerie vibe is haunting.
Critical Reception: 79% on Rotten Tomatoes; lauded for Sheen’s performance and a 3.8/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its folk-horror chills and gore make it ideal for a Halloween night dive into cult classics.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
8. The Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
Plot: Directed by Leigh Janiak, this R.L. Stine-inspired trilogy spans 1994, 1978, and 1666, following teens in Shadyside battling a curse tied to a witch’s vengeance. From slasher kills to supernatural horror, each part delivers unique scares.
Cast: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke.
Director: Leigh Janiak.
Why It’s Terrifying: The trilogy’s mix of slasher gore, supernatural dread, and interconnected storytelling keeps you hooked. Iconic kills (like the bread-slicer scene) are unforgettable.
Critical Reception: 84–90% on Rotten Tomatoes across parts; 4.0/5 Goodreads average.
Halloween Appeal: Its nostalgic slasher vibe and bingeable format make it a Halloween marathon must for Scream fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
9. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Plot: Directed by Mike Flanagan, this Stephen King adaptation follows Jessie (Carla Gugino), handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin after her husband dies during a kinky game. Facing starvation and hallucinations, she confronts past traumas and a mysterious figure.
Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas.
Director: Mike Flanagan.
Why It’s Terrifying: The claustrophobic setup and psychological descent, paired with the eerie “Moonlight Man,” create relentless tension.
Critical Reception: 91% on Rotten Tomatoes; Gugino’s performance earns a 4.1/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its psychological horror and survival stakes make it a gripping Halloween pick for Misery fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
10. Creep (2014)
Plot: Directed by Patrick Brice, Creep is a found-footage horror about videographer Aaron (Brice) hired by Josef (Mark Duplass), a man claiming to have a brain tumor. Josef’s odd behavior spirals into chilling revelations. The film’s minimalist approach amplifies its unease.
Cast: Mark Duplass, Patrick Brice.
Director: Patrick Brice.
Why It’s Terrifying: Duplass’ unhinged performance and the film’s improvisational feel make every moment unpredictable and creepy.
Critical Reception: 90% on Rotten Tomatoes; a cult hit with a 3.9/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its intimate, unsettling vibe is perfect for a Halloween night solo scare.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
11. The Babadook (2014)
Plot: Directed by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook follows widow Amelia (Essie Davis) and her son Samuel (Noah Wiseman) haunted by a monster from a children’s book. The creature embodies grief, pushing Amelia to the brink.
Cast: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall.
Director: Jennifer Kent.
Why It’s Terrifying: The Babadook’s psychological horror and grief-driven narrative create a suffocating dread. Its iconic design is pure nightmare fuel.
Critical Reception: 98% on Rotten Tomatoes; a modern classic with a 4.0/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its emotional and supernatural scares make it a must for a haunting Halloween watch.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
12. Train to Busan (2016)
Plot: Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this South Korean zombie thriller follows Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak. The film blends heart-pounding action with emotional stakes.
Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi.
Director: Yeon Sang-ho.
Why It’s Terrifying: The relentless zombies and claustrophobic train setting create non-stop tension. The emotional father-daughter bond amplifies the horror.
Critical Reception: 94% on Rotten Tomatoes; a global hit with a 4.3/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its high-octane scares and emotional core make it a thrilling Halloween group watch.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
13. Pearl (2022)
Plot: Directed by Ti West, Pearl is a prequel to X, following young Pearl (Mia Goth) in 1918 Texas, whose dreams of stardom spiral into psychopathic violence. The film’s Technicolor aesthetic contrasts its brutal horror.
Cast: Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright.
Director: Ti West.
Why It’s Terrifying: Goth’s unhinged performance and the film’s descent into madness are chilling. Its vibrant visuals hide gruesome acts.
Critical Reception: 92% on Rotten Tomatoes; Goth’s performance earns a 4.1/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its psychological horror and retro vibe make it a stylish Halloween pick for Psycho fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
14. It’s What’s Inside (2024)
Plot: Directed by Greg Jardin, this sci-fi horror-comedy follows a group of friends at a pre-wedding party where a body-swapping device sparks chaos. As identities blur, dark secrets and violence erupt in a stylish, twisted narrative.
Cast: Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Alycia Debnam-Carey.
Director: Greg Jardin.
Why It’s Terrifying: The body-swapping premise and escalating paranoia create a disorienting, creepy experience. The film’s dark humor doesn’t dull its shocks.
Critical Reception: 80% on Rotten Tomatoes; praised for its fresh concept and a 4.0/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its chaotic, fun scares make it a great Halloween party watch for The Thing fans.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
15. Heart Eyes (2025)
Plot: Directed by Josh Ruben, Heart Eyes is a horror-comedy about two co-workers (Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding) targeted by the Heart Eyes Killer on Valentine’s Day. Forced to team up, they face gory, romantic chaos. Released in February 2025, it’s confirmed to remain on Netflix for Halloween.
Cast: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Michaela Watkins.
Director: Josh Ruben.
Why It’s Terrifying: The slasher’s brutal kills and dark humor create a tense yet fun vibe. The romantic twist adds an eerie edge.
Critical Reception: 75% on Rotten Tomatoes; a fan favorite with a 4.0/5 Goodreads rating.
Halloween Appeal: Its slasher-comedy mix is perfect for a lighthearted yet bloody Halloween watch party.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
Why These Films Are Scary and Perfect for Halloween
These 15 films are Netflix’s scariest offerings for Halloween 2025, spanning subgenres like found-footage (Incantation), psychological horror (Gerald’s Game), supernatural (His House), and slasher (Fear Street). Their terror lies in diverse mechanisms: The Wailing and Under the Shadow use cultural folklore to evoke primal fears, while Talk to Me and Cam tap into modern anxieties about possession and digital identity. The Babadook and His House blend grief with supernatural dread, making scares emotionally resonant. Train to Busan and Heart Eyes deliver high-energy thrills, while Pearl and Apostle shock with visceral violence. Their atmospheric settings—haunted apartments, cursed trains, eerie villages—and themes of guilt, loss, and survival make them ideal for Halloween’s spooky vibe. Whether you’re after jump scares or slow-burn dread, these films will keep you up all night.
Cultural Impact and Why They’re Must-Watch
Netflix’s horror catalog is a cultural juggernaut, with these films shaping the genre’s landscape. The Wailing and Train to Busan have elevated South Korean horror globally, influencing films like Parasite. His House and Under the Shadow bring diverse voices to horror, tackling social issues like racism and oppression. Talk to Me and Pearl showcase A24’s knack for bold, innovative scares, while Fear Street revitalized R.L. Stine’s legacy for Gen Z. Incantation became Taiwan’s second-highest-grossing horror film, and The Babadook birthed an iconic monster. These films, with high Rotten Tomatoes scores and strong fan buzz on platforms like X, are Halloween essentials, blending nostalgia, modern fears, and global perspectives.
Where to Watch These Films
All 15 films are confirmed streaming on Netflix as of October 2025 (check regional availability):
- Incantation: Netflix
- The Wailing: Netflix
- His House: Netflix
- Talk to Me: Netflix
- Under the Shadow: Netflix
- Cam: Netflix
- Apostle: Netflix
- The Fear Street Trilogy: Netflix
- Gerald’s Game: Netflix
- Creep: Netflix
- The Babadook: Netflix
- Train to Busan: Netflix
- Pearl: Netflix
- It’s What’s Inside: Netflix
- Heart Eyes: Netflix
Verify availability on your Netflix account, as titles may vary by region. Some may require a standard or premium subscription. For a seamless experience, ensure your subscription is active and check Netflix’s “Horror” or “Thriller” categories.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween 2025, Netflix delivers a terrifying lineup with these 15 horror movies, from the cursed dread of Incantation to the bloody chaos of Heart Eyes. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological torment of Gerald’s Game, the supernatural chills of His House, or the high-octane thrills of Train to Busan, there’s a scare for every taste. These films, blending global perspectives, modern anxieties, and classic horror tropes, are perfect for a scream-filled Halloween night, whether solo or with friends. Dim the lights, grab your popcorn (but keep it close for jump scares), and dive into these nightmares. Which movie will you brave first? Share your Halloween watchlist in the comments, and happy (terrifying) streaming!
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