It’s never too early to start getting in the Halloween spirit. Pumpkin spice has officially arrived, there’s a pumpkin patch on every corner, and the debate over whether candy corn is actually good is raging once again. The #1 way to get in the spooky spirit is still with a good movie, whether it’s a seasonal classic, a newhorror gem, or afamily favoritethat just screams fall vibes.
Netflix has plenty of horror-tinged films that range from spooky to terrifying, and we’ve narrowed down the list to the best,scariest, and downrightfunmovies in the bunch. So grab the candy corn (if that’s your thing), fire up some apple cider, and settle in for the best Halloween movies on Netflix right now.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘It’s What’s Inside’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 6.6/10
It’s What’s Inside
Written and directed byGreg Jardin,It’s What’s Insideis a 2024 science fiction horror comedy movie. The film is centered on a group of college friends who come together for a pre-wedding reunion, which becomes a psychological nightmare upon the arrival of a surprise guest with a mysterious suitcase that allows people to swap bodies. The movie starsBrittany O’Grady,James Morosini,Gavin Leatherwood,Nina Bloomgarden,Alycia Debnam-Carey,Reina Hardesty,Devon Terrell,David W. Thompson, andMadison Davenport.
It’s What’s Insidehad its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight section. The movie has received largely positive reviews from critics, with praise for its stylish visuals and clever story. While the movie’s premise is a fairly familiar one,It’s What’s Insideis an entertaining and thrilling film with great performances by its talented cast and a narrative that puts a contemporary spin on body-swap horror.
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‘Pearl’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.0/10
StarringMia Goth,Pearlis a period horror film directed, produced, and edited byTi West. The second film in West’sXtrilogy, the movie sees Goth reprise her role as Pearl from 2022’sX, exploring the origins of the character. Set in 1918, it shows how Pearl’s dreams of glamor and fame lead to her transformation from a simple farm girl to a violent murderer. The film also starsDavid Corenswet,Tandi Wright,Matthew Sunderland, andEmma Jenkins-Purroin supporting roles.
Pearlpremiered at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival, receiving generally positive reviews from critics. Anchored by Goth’s brilliantly layered performance, the film presents a well-crafted story about the desire for freedom and fame. The film also features gorgeous cinematography with excellent color work and costumes. It’s a visual masterpiece that shows a deep love for classic cinema. The third movie in the trilogy,MaXXXine, was released in July 2024.
‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 42% | IMDb: 6.1/10
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
A sequel to 2021’sGhostbusters: Afterlife,Ghostbusters: Frozen Empireis the fifth movie in theGhostbustersfranchise. A supernatural horror comedy, the movie was directed byGil Kenanfrom a screenplay he co-wrote withJason Reitman. Set three years after the last film,Frozen Empiresees the veteran Ghostbusters team up with their successors to take on a god.
Paul Rudd,Carrie Coon,Finn Wolfhard,Mckenna Grace,Celeste O’Connor, andLogan Kimreprise their roles fromAfterlife, withBill Murray,Dan Aykroyd,Ernie Hudson,Annie Potts, andWilliam Athertonappearing as their characters from the classic films.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empirepremiered in March 2024 to somewhat mixed reviews from critics. However, the movie was fairly successful at the box office, especially in its opening week, and grossed over $200 million worldwide. The film stumbles on storytelling, with an overstuffed narrative that ultimately has little to add to the franchise’s plot, but it does provide just enough fun moments and nostalgia to appeal to fans of the series. Unsurprisingly, a sequel toGhostbusters: Frozen Empireis currently in the works.
‘Scream’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 6.3/10
The fifth movie in the iconic franchise, 2022’sScreamis a legacy sequel slasher film directed byMatt Bettinelli-OlpinandTyler Gillettand written byJames VanderbiltandGuy Busick. Featuring a mix of new and familiar faces, the movie is set 25 years after the original 1996 film and follows a pair of estranged sisters who become the targets of a new Ghostface.Neve Campbell,Courteney Cox,David Arquette, and more reprise their franchise roles, with new characters played byMelissa Barrera,Jenna Ortega,Kyle Gallner,Mason Gooding,Mikey Madison,Dylan Minnette,Jack Quaid,Jasmin Savoy Brown, andSonia Ammar.
Screamreceived generally positive reviews at the time of its release, with critics and fans praising the direction, meta-comedy, and stellar performances. The film has even been hailed as the bestScreammovie since the original. The film also performed well at the box office, and a sequel,Scream VI, was released in 2023.
‘Halloween’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 6.5/10
A reboot of the iconic horror franchise, 2018’sHalloweenis a legacy sequel toJohn Carpenter’s legendary 1978 film. A slasher movie set 40 years after the events of the original,Halloweenwas directed byDavid Gordon Green, who also co-wrote the movie withJeff FradleyandDanny McBride.Jamie Lee Curtisreprises her role as an older Laurie Strode, who’s gearing up for a final showdown with the murderous Michael Myers.Judy Greerplays Laurie’s daughter Karen, andAndi Matichakstars as Karen’s daughter, Allyson.
Halloweenpremiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival to a favorable critical reception. The film has been praised by critics and fans for its performances, direction, and tone. The movie was also wildly successful at the box office, breaking the record for the highest-grossing slasher film of all time, and is now regarded as the bestHalloweenmovie since the original. The film’s success led to the release of two sequels,Halloween Kills(2021) andHalloween Ends(2022). It’s a well-crafted horror movie that delivers a thrilling experience for both longtime fans and new viewers.
‘Nightbooks’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Nightbooks
Somewhere between spooky and downright scary,Nightbooksis a wonderful new entry in the “gateway horror” canon that’s delightful for (nottooyoung) kids and adults alike. TheSam Raimi-produced YA adventure starsKrysten Ritteras a glamorous but very wicked witch who traps children to do her bidding. Following two kids (played byWinslow FegleyandLidya Jewett) attempting to escape her grasp,Nightbooksbuilds a fantastical world of magic and monsters that steers clear of gruesome gore while still delivering plenty of ooey-goeey scares. It’s one of the best Netflix originals of the year and the perfect pick for folks looking for something new to add to their Halloween watchlist. -Haleigh Foutch
‘We Have a Ghost’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 43% | IMDb: 6.1/10
We Have A Ghost
Written and directed by veteran horror screenwriterChristopher Landon,We Have a Ghostfollows Kevin (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) and his family’s journey from regular nobodies to overnight social media sensations following the discovery of a ghost, Ernest (David Harbour), in their new house. Together, Kevin and Ernest form the unlikeliest of duos as they try and uncover the truth behind Ernest’s past. Likened to theCasperfilm of 1995,We Have a Ghostfinds true charm in the juxtaposition of its story and tone, with the discovery of a spooky ghost nicely matched by cute humor and a family-friendly plot.We Have a Ghostrelishes its own genre, using long-standing techniques audiences have come to expect from such a film to its own advantage. A tale with a child-like wonder at its heart,We Have a Ghostis only elevated by its great supporting cast that includes the likes ofJennifer CoolidgeandAnthony Mackie. -Jake Hodges
‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 46% | IMDb: 5.6/10
The Curse of Bridge Hollow
The Curse of Bridge Hollowis a delightfully playful Halloween comedy bursting with hilarious talent and family-friendly adventure.The Curse of Bridge Hollowfollows teen Sydney (Priah Ferguson) as she’s forced to team with her skeptical science teacher father (Marlon Wayans) to stop the mischievous spirit she accidentally released from causing chaos all over town.The Curse of Bridge Hollowevokes the spirit ofHocus Pocuswith the physical comedy style of theScary Moviefranchise, albeit toned down for a much younger audience.The Curse of Bridge Hollowallows Ferguson to shine, supported by comedy greats like Wayans,Lauren Lapkus,John Michael Higgins, andRob Riggle. Destined to be a Halloween classic,The Curse of Bridge Hollowdeserves to be added to the annual rotation.– Yael Tygiel
‘Day Shift’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 57% | IMDb: 6.1/10
Jamie Foxxkicks undead ass inDay Shift, a fast-paced, action-heavy vampire hunter movie directed byJ.J. Perry. Perry’s history in stunt work is undeniable, with the intricate and inventive fight choreography, as well as the use of props within an action sequence. Infused with snappy and vulgar dialogue written byTyler TiceandShay Hatten,Day Shiftdoesn’t shy away from opportunities to solidify its R rating. Foxx’s performance is expectedly fantastic and highlighted by the gore, weaponry, and his unique supporting cast, which includesDave FrancoandSnoop Dogg.Day Shiftis a thrilling ride from the first kill to the last.– Yael Tygiel
‘The Munsters’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 54% | IMDb: 4.5/10
The Munsters
Inspired by the American sitcom of the same name,Rob Zombie’sThe Munstersis a prequel-esque reboot of the beloved 1960s television program. Building on the foundation of the basic premise, which follows a Transylvanian family of monsters as they move into an American suburb,The Munstersfilm begins before Mockingbird Lane, with a love story revealing how the 150-year-old vampire Lily (Sheri Moon Zombie) met the green experiment with a heart of gold named Herman (Jeff Daniel Phillips). Varying greatly from Zombie’s gory and frightful reputation,The Munstersis goofy, silly, and wildly campy above all else.– Yael Tygiel
