10 Scariest Movies On Netflix You Might Have Missed
Netflix is a treasure trove of horror movies, but with so many options available, it's easy to miss some truly bone-chilling gems.
1. Hush (2016)
Imagine you're alone in the woods, you're deaf, and there's a masked killer on the loose. This is the horrifying premise of Hush. Directed by Mike Flanagan, it's a masterclass in tension building and clever storytelling. The movie doesn't rely on jump scares or loud noises to frighten you; it's the sheer vulnerability of the protagonist that gets under your skin.
Not only is Hush critically acclaimed with a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but Stephen King himself called it up there with Halloween. High praise indeed, and well deserved. So remember, the next time you fancy a quiet retreat in the woods... don't.
2. Creep (2014)
This low-budget, found-footage flick is not your typical horror movie, which may be why it slipped past your radar. But, don't let its lack of supernatural elements fool you. The real horror lies in the mundanity of human behavior, and the creep at the center of it all, played brilliantly by Mark Duplass.
With a 3.3 rating on Letterboxd, this unassuming film is a slow-burning exploration of an innocent filmmaker's journey into the deranged world of his subject. It's a testament to the old adage: sometimes, the real monsters are just regular folks like you and me (well, hopefully not exactly like you).
3. Under The Shadow (2016)
Set in war-torn Tehran during the 1980s, this Iranian horror film blends real-life horrors with the supernatural to create a haunting masterpiece. This movie might have been missed because it's in Persian, and the thought of reading subtitles for 84 minutes can be scarier than any ghost. But trust me, you'll be so engrossed you'll forget you're even reading.
The film was a box office surprise, earning over $1 million worldwide on a shoestring budget. Under The Shadow has an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and stands as a chilling reminder that sometimes, our fears follow us, no matter where we hide.
4. The Ritual (2017)
Imagine taking a boys' trip through the scenic Swedish wilderness, only for it to turn into a terrifying ordeal with a nightmarish pagan deity (why can't guys just stick to Vegas?). The Ritual is a British horror film that is equal parts chilling and thought-provoking.
It explores themes of guilt, friendship, and the consequence of a past mistake that stalks its characters in the most literal way. It performed decently at the box office, and its fascinating monster design alone is worth the watch. Just remember, the next time your friend suggests a hike, maybe suggest a game night instead.
5. Train to Busan (2016)
So you're on a train, minding your business, and BAM! Zombie apocalypse. This South Korean film isn't your typical horror flick; it's a non-stop adrenaline ride filled with suspense, gore, and even heart-wrenching moments. Despite its terrifying theme, the film shines by focusing on human relationships amidst chaos. If the zombies don't get you, the ending just might. Oh, and did I mention it was a box office hit, grossing $98.5 million worldwide? Not too shabby for a train ride from hell, huh?
6. Apostle (2018)
This isn't your everyday Sunday school story. Set in 1905, it follows Thomas Richardson, a man who ventures to a remote island to rescue his sister from a cult. No, not a yoga-loving, gluten-free kind of cult; think more along the lines of blood, torture, and pagan gods. Apostle stars Dan Stevens, whose blue eyes are about the only calm thing in this sea of chaos. With a gritty atmosphere and a haunting Letterboxd score of 3.1, it shows that sometimes, salvation requires a little... bloodshed.
7. Gerald's Game (2017)
Based on a novel by Stephen King, you might expect monstrous clowns or rabid dogs. Instead, it gives you something much scarier: handcuffs, a dead husband, and the terror of isolation. Carla Gugino gives a riveting performance, turning a single-location plot into a claustrophobic nightmare. Fun fact: the handcuff brand used in the movie experienced a 60% drop in sales following its release. Okay, I might have made that up, but who can think about fun in cuffs after watching this?
8. As Above, So Below (2014)
Paris, the city of love, romance, and... dark, creepy catacombs. This found-footage horror film follows a team of explorers delving into the labyrinthine catacombs beneath Paris, only to discover that some stones are better left unturned. It made a respectable $41.9 million at the box office, but the real catch here is its spine-chilling portrayal of claustrophobia and the sinister history that lies beneath our feet.
9. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Who knew autopsies could be so scary? Wait, never mind, that's inherently terrifying. Anyway, this under-the-radar horror film brings the terror of the morgue to life, or rather, death. As a father-son coroner duo delves deeper into an unidentified woman's autopsy, they unravel horrifying mysteries that should have probably stayed inside. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86%, this film proves there's more to fear in the morgue than an accidental toe tag switcheroo.
10. The Babadook (2014)
If you haven't checked this Australian gem out yet, what are you waiting for? This terrifying tale revolves around a single mother, Amelia, and her son, Samuel, who are haunted by a malevolent entity that enters their lives through a seemingly innocent children's book (always blame the reading). The Babadook is more than just a scary movie; it's an exploration of grief and depression wrapped in a shroud of horrifying specters. It's so masterfully done that even the great William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, hailed it as a terrifying film.