The 10 best horror films on Netflix - ranked

From the supernatural to the psychological, these are the scariest films currently available on the streaming platform.

Being a huge fan of horror, I've been generally disappointed in Netflix’s selection for a while now. However, I had a quick browse last night and realised that there are quite a few hidden gems on the streaming site. Because of this, I decided to compile a ranked list of Netflix’s greatest movies in the horror genre. For the sake of this article, I’ve selected only films which I found genuinely scary or disturbing. From the supernatural to the psychological, these are the best horror films currently available on Netflix.

10. Under the Shadow (2016) 

‘Under the Shadow’ is a Persian supernatural horror/thriller set in the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq War. When a missile hits the home of Shideh and her daughter Dorsa, Shideh becomes convinced that they are being haunted by the malevolent spirit of a Djinn. The only reason this film isn’t higher up on this list is because it simply isn’t scary enough. However, ‘Under the Shadow’ is still a unique take on an overused horror movie trope with a few scenes that are genuinely terrifying. Its clever use of psychological horror makes this film well worth the watch. 

9. Cargo (2017) 

‘Cargo’ is set in rural Australia following the outbreak of a pandemic turning people into flesh-eating zombies. It follows Andy, played by Martin Freeman, as he struggles to save his baby with the clock ticking on his own humanity. This film can best be described as a surprisingly touching, at times distressing, post-apocalyptic experience. It made it onto this list because its zombies are actually scary, but its depiction of human violence is scarier. Overall, ‘Cargo’ is an excellent film with a very heartfelt message. 

8. Deliver us from Evil (2014) 

‘Deliver us from Evil’ is a classic example of how good a traditional supernatural horror can be. It focuses on a religiously disillusioned police officer and a cleric as they combat demonic forces attempting to break through to the human world. Full of creepy goings on and an epic final exorcism scene, this film is one of the best possession horrors out there. Depraved, dark, and disturbing, ‘Deliver us from Evil’ can definitely be described as one of Netflix’s hidden horror gems. 

7. Cam (2018) 

‘Cam’ is a psychological horror which tells the story of a cam-girl called Alice, played by Madeline Brewer. One day, Alice goes online to discover that she has been replaced by someone who is an eerie replica of herself. This film is genuinely disturbing and has a very interesting premise. From stalking and identity theft, ‘Cam’ is a horror which portrays real life fears in a way which is, quite frankly, terrifying. My only complaint is that the ending leaves a lot to be desired. 

6. Hush (2016) 

‘Hush’ takes place in an isolated house that deaf author, Madison, has chosen to occupy in order to work on her new book. Described as a slasher/thriller, this film is a tension-filled masterpiece with very little dialogue. It focuses entirely on Madison’s battle to survive when a masked attacker enters her home. ‘Hush’ had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. With its clever use of sound to create a building sense of dread, this film is a valuable addition to the slasher genre which will no doubt go down as a classic. 

5. Climax (2018) 

‘Climax’ is a recent French psychological horror directed by the one and only Gaspar Noé. It explores the chilling, otherworldly experiences of a dance troupe when their punch is spiked with a large amount of LSD. As the dancers fall under the influence of the hallucinogenic, the film becomes more and more disturbed as they begin to turn against one another in an attempt to find out who did it. ‘Climax’ is a dark, messy, depiction of insanity, and is undoubtedly one of the more effed-up horrors available on Netflix. 

4. The Possession (2012) 

‘The Possession’ tells the story of Em, a young girl possessed by a demon after buying a dybbuk box from a yard sale. As Em’s actions become increasingly violent and disturbing, her Father eventually realises that an exorcism is necessary. This film is an incredibly underrated supernatural horror. It is not only terrifying but focuses on a very simple concept; and does so successfully. Overall, ‘The Possession’ delivers plenty of scares, and is a film I’d recommend to any lover of the horror genre. 

3. Annihilation (2018) 

‘Annihilation’ is a sci-fi horror in which scientist Lena joins a mission to explore the interior of a mysterious and expanding dome of rainbow light in order to uncover her lost husband. Lena, played by Natalie Portman, discovers a beautiful but dangerous world filled with mutated nature. This film's depiction of insanity, terrifying creatures, and mystery is the reason it is ranked so highly on this list. Though not fitting strictly into the horror genre, ‘Annihilation’ is certainly scary, and conveys a powerful message. 

2. Ghost Stories (2017) 

‘Ghost Stories’ follows Professor Phillip Goodman, a man who spends his time exposing the fiction behind alleged supernatural occurrences. When he receives information detailing three unexplained cases of such occurrences, he makes it his mission to reveal the truth behind them. This film is scary enough as it is, but the twist at the end makes it downright terrifying. A sinister tale about the past coming back to haunt you, ‘Ghost Stories’ is a must watch horror film which delivers more than you’d expect. 

1. The Hole in the Ground (2019) 

‘The Hole in the Ground’ is a recent Irish horror which tells the story of Sarah and her young son Chris. When Chris disappears one night, his return is accompanied by increasingly strange behaviour which makes Sarah believe that it is not her son who has returned after all, but an imposter. This film takes the spot of, in my opinion, the best horror currently on Netflix. Atmospheric, ominous, and consistently scary, ‘The Hole in the Ground’ is a great horror film with a simple but disturbing premise. 

If you enjoyed this, you can read more Films To Watch Before You Die lists here.