Creepy Movies on Netflix: 25 Disturbing and Haunting Films to Watch

September 12, 2025
Collage of six creepy Netflix movie posters (The Silence, The Ritual, Before I Wake, Eli, The Perfection, Gerald’s Game) with bold title text "Creepy Movies on Netflix."
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When the lights go out and you’re ready for a night of unsettling chills, nothing sets the mood better than creepy movies on Netflix. This streaming giant has a wide collection of spine-tingling stories, ranging from psychological thrillers and horror classics to supernatural tales that leave you with goosebumps long after the credits roll. Unlike jump-scare heavy horror, creepy films dig deeper into psychological fears, eerie atmospheres, and disturbing imagery, making them the perfect choice for viewers who want more than just a fleeting scare.

In this curated guide, we’ve gathered 25 of the most haunting and disturbing creepy movies on Netflix that promise to test your nerves and imagination. Each movie blends atmosphere, tension, and unease, keeping you questioning what’s lurking in the shadows. Whether you enjoy ghost stories, unsettling thrillers, or slow-burn atmospheric horrors, this list is designed to keep you watching with your blanket pulled tight.

So dim the lights, turn off your phone, and let’s explore the creepiest cinematic gems Netflix has to offer.

25. Bird Box (2018)

  • Runtime: 124 minutes
  • Starring: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich
  • Director: Susanne Bier
  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic thriller, horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

“Bird Box” became a global sensation thanks to its chilling premise: mysterious entities cause mass suicides when seen, forcing survivors to navigate a dangerous world while blindfolded. Sandra Bullock delivers a gripping performance as a mother determined to protect her children in an atmosphere of constant dread. The tension builds from start to finish, with quiet moments filled with the looming threat of death. Its blend of psychological horror and survival thriller makes it one of the standout creepy movies on Netflix.

24. The Ritual (2017)

  • Runtime: 94 minutes
  • Starring: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
  • Director: David Bruckner
  • Genre: Folk horror, supernatural thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Set in the haunting forests of Sweden, “The Ritual” follows four friends who stumble upon pagan horrors after straying off the hiking path. The film brilliantly combines grief, folklore, and supernatural dread, using the isolation of the wilderness to heighten fear. As the group faces hallucinations, sinister symbols, and an ancient forest creature, the story becomes increasingly unsettling. This mix of atmospheric horror and folklore imagery makes it a top pick for viewers looking for creepy movies on Netflix.

23. Apostle (2018)

  • Runtime: 130 minutes
  • Starring: Dan Stevens, Michael Sheen, Lucy Boynton
  • Director: Gareth Evans
  • Genre: Period horror, mystery thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

“Apostle” is a visually rich, dark tale about a man infiltrating a religious cult on a remote island to rescue his sister. The movie’s pacing slowly builds from eerie suspense into graphic, shocking horror that leaves viewers disturbed. Michael Sheen is commanding as the cult leader, while the island setting provides a claustrophobic atmosphere. Combining historical drama, mystery, and unflinching violence, this film delivers unsettling imagery that lingers long after it ends.

22. Gerald’s Game (2017)

  • Runtime: 103 minutes
  • Starring: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood
  • Director: Mike Flanagan
  • Genre: Psychological horror, thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, “Gerald’s Game” is a claustrophobic nightmare. A married couple’s attempt at rekindling romance takes a horrifying turn when the husband dies during a bondage game, leaving the wife handcuffed to the bed. As hallucinations blur reality, terrifying secrets surface, including the chilling presence of the “Moonlight Man.” Mike Flanagan crafts a masterclass in tension, with Carla Gugino giving one of the strongest performances in horror. It’s deeply psychological and disturbingly creepy.

21. His House (2020)

  • Runtime: 93 minutes
  • Starring: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith
  • Director: Remi Weekes
  • Genre: Supernatural horror, drama
  • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Blending the refugee experience with supernatural terror, “His House” follows a Sudanese couple seeking asylum in the UK who find their government-assigned home haunted by a malevolent presence. The movie explores trauma, survivor’s guilt, and cultural dislocation while delivering genuine scares. Its ability to intertwine social commentary with horror makes it one of the most original and thought-provoking creepy movies on Netflix.

20. The Platform (2019)

  • Runtime: 94 minutes
  • Starring: Iván Massagué, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor
  • Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
  • Genre: Dystopian thriller, horror
  • IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

This Spanish horror-thriller is both disturbing and philosophical. Set in a vertical prison where food descends on a platform, the film explores greed, desperation, and human morality in extreme conditions. The stark imagery, brutal violence, and sense of hopelessness create an atmosphere of unease that perfectly defines what makes a movie “creepy.” It’s a metaphorical story, but one that haunts the viewer long after.

19. The Perfection (2018)

  • Runtime: 90 minutes
  • Starring: Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Weber
  • Director: Richard Shepard
  • Genre: Psychological thriller, horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Twisted, shocking, and unpredictable, “The Perfection” is a disturbing tale of obsession and revenge in the world of elite classical music. The film constantly shifts directions, playing with audience expectations and keeping viewers unsettled with grotesque imagery and psychological mind games. Allison Williams shines in a role that blurs victim and predator, making the audience question motives and reality. Its shocking turns make it one of the most unnerving creepy movies on Netflix.

18. The 8th Night (2021)

  • Runtime: 115 minutes
  • Starring: Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, Kim Yoo-jung
  • Director: Kim Tae-hyung
  • Genre: Korean horror, supernatural thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 5.2/10

This Korean horror film combines mythology, ancient curses, and modern fear. A former monk must prevent an evil spirit from destroying the world, leading to a tense battle of faith and darkness. With atmospheric cinematography, eerie rituals, and deeply unsettling imagery, “The 8th Night” delivers a slow-burning but frightening experience. It appeals to fans of international horror looking for something beyond Western traditions, offering a mix of spirituality and psychological chills.

Wide beige graphic with six horror posters in two rows (The Silence, The Ritual, Before I Wake, Eli, The Perfection, Gerald’s Game) and large bold text "Creepy Movies on Netflix."
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17. The Babysitter (2017)

  • Runtime: 85 minutes
  • Starring: Samara Weaving, Judah Lewis, Hana Mae Lee
  • Director: McG
  • Genre: Horror comedy, slasher
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

“The Babysitter” blends comedy with over-the-top horror in a gory, campy, yet undeniably creepy experience. It follows a boy who discovers that his attractive babysitter is part of a demonic cult willing to kill for their rituals. The absurdity mixes with shocking violence, producing unsettling contrasts that leave viewers laughing one moment and squirming the next. The film is fun yet terrifying, a mix that makes it stand out as one of the quirkiest creepy movies on Netflix.

16. Hush (2016)

  • Runtime: 82 minutes
  • Starring: Kate Siegel, John Gallagher Jr.
  • Director: Mike Flanagan
  • Genre: Home invasion thriller, horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Minimalist but deeply effective, “Hush” tells the story of a deaf writer who must survive a masked killer outside her secluded home. The absence of sound amplifies tension, as both the character and the audience are forced into silence, heightening the dread of every movement and shadow. Mike Flanagan once again proves his mastery of horror, crafting a film that relies on suspense and atmosphere over cheap scares. Its realistic terror makes it creepier than many supernatural films.

15. Cam (2018)

  • Runtime: 95 minutes
  • Starring: Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters
  • Director: Daniel Goldhaber
  • Genre: Psychological horror, techno-thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

Exploring the dark side of online identity, “Cam” follows a webcam model who discovers her likeness has been stolen by a sinister doppelgänger. The film tackles modern fears of technology, privacy, and identity theft while building an atmosphere of paranoia. Madeline Brewer delivers a gripping performance, embodying both vulnerability and strength as her life unravels. Its eerie tone and modern themes cement it as one of the most unique creepy movies on Netflix.

14. The Invitation (2015)

  • Runtime: 100 minutes
  • Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman
  • Director: Karyn Kusama
  • Genre: Psychological thriller, mystery
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

A slow-burn thriller, “The Invitation” builds unbearable tension as a dinner party becomes increasingly sinister. Subtle performances, uneasy pacing, and a feeling that something is deeply wrong keep the viewer unsettled throughout. When the truth finally emerges, the payoff is both shocking and terrifying, cementing the movie’s status as a psychological masterpiece. It’s a film that shows how real-life settings and human behavior can be creepier than supernatural horror.

13. Cargo (2017)

  • Runtime: 105 minutes
  • Starring: Martin Freeman, Anthony Hayes, Susie Porter
  • Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic thriller, zombie drama
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Martin Freeman stars in this haunting zombie film with a heart. Set in a post-apocalyptic Australia, a father searches for someone to protect his infant daughter before he succumbs to infection. The movie is filled with despair, eerie landscapes, and haunting imagery, but also tenderness and hope. The mix of emotion and horror makes it stand out as not just another zombie movie but a truly creepy Netflix film that resonates on a human level.

12. The Silence (2019)

  • Runtime: 90 minutes
  • Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Stanley Tucci, Miranda Otto
  • Director: John R. Leonetti
  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic thriller, monster horror
  • IMDb Rating: 5.2/10

Similar in theme to “A Quiet Place,” “The Silence” imagines a world where sound-sensitive monsters wipe out humanity. A deaf teenager and her family must navigate survival while being hunted by both creatures and a sinister cult. Though often compared to its predecessor, the movie holds its own with chilling atmospheres and moments of shocking intensity. The use of silence as a survival tool creates dread that lasts beyond the screen.

11. Veronica (2017)

  • Runtime: 105 minutes
  • Starring: Sandra Escacena, Claudia Placer, Bruna González
  • Director: Paco Plaza
  • Genre: Supernatural horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

Based on a true story from Spain, “Veronica” is one of the creepiest supernatural films on Netflix. A teenage girl attempts a séance with a Ouija board during a solar eclipse, unleashing forces she cannot control. The film’s atmosphere of dread is heightened by dimly lit hallways, strange noises, and the constant feeling of being watched. Paco Plaza crafts scares that stay in the mind, making “Veronica” a chilling addition to the Netflix library.

10. In the Tall Grass (2019)

  • Runtime: 101 minutes
  • Starring: Patrick Wilson, Laysla De Oliveira, Avery Whitted
  • Director: Vincenzo Natali
  • Genre: Supernatural thriller, mystery horror
  • IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

Adapted from a novella by Stephen King and Joe Hill, “In the Tall Grass” transforms an open field into a labyrinth of terror. Strangers lost in a field of tall grass are stalked by sinister forces that manipulate time and space. The disorienting cinematography and eerie sound design make the film feel endless and inescapable. With Patrick Wilson in a particularly menacing role, the movie creates a sense of dread that grows with each twist.

9. Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

  • Runtime: 107–114 minutes each
  • Starring: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr.
  • Director: Leigh Janiak
  • Genre: Slasher, supernatural horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.2–6.7/10

This trilogy, based on R.L. Stine’s novels, covers horror across three timelines: 1994, 1978, and 1666. Combining slasher thrills with supernatural curses, the films explore a town plagued by recurring massacres. Each entry feels different yet connected, offering both nostalgia for classic slashers and a modern horror sensibility. With brutal kills, atmospheric scares, and a strong overarching story, the trilogy is binge-worthy for fans of creepy Netflix movies.

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8. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

  • Runtime: 86 minutes
  • Starring: Emile Hirsch, Brian Cox, Olwen Kelly
  • Director: André Øvredal
  • Genre: Supernatural horror, mystery
  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

A father-son team of coroners is tasked with examining the mysterious body of an unidentified woman, only to uncover sinister secrets. The film’s confined setting amplifies the fear, with each discovery bringing them closer to a supernatural force they cannot escape. The slow reveal of Jane Doe’s story keeps the tension unbearable, while the eerie atmosphere makes it impossible to look away. This is one of Netflix’s creepiest hidden gems.

7. The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

  • Runtime: 109 minutes
  • Starring: Charlie Plummer, Dylan McDermott, Samantha Mathis
  • Director: Duncan Skiles
  • Genre: Psychological thriller, crime horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

“The Clovehitch Killer” offers a disturbing look at the hidden darkness in small-town America. When a teenager suspects his father might be a notorious serial killer, he dives into a world of paranoia and fear. The tension builds slowly, with dread lingering in every interaction. Dylan McDermott delivers a chillingly subtle performance, making the horror feel all too real. It’s a psychological nightmare grounded in reality, which makes it even creepier than supernatural horror.

6. The Girl on the Third Floor (2019)

  • Runtime: 93 minutes
  • Starring: C.M. Punk, Trieste Kelly Dunn, Sarah Brooks
  • Director: Travis Stevens
  • Genre: Haunted house horror
  • IMDb Rating: 4.6/10

What begins as a simple home renovation project quickly becomes a nightmarish descent into supernatural horror. A man trying to repair his life moves into an old house filled with sinister secrets. Disturbing imagery, grotesque discoveries, and a growing sense of corruption make the film unsettling from beginning to end. Its use of body horror and ghostly encounters ensures it earns a spot among creepy movies on Netflix.

5. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

  • Runtime: 99 minutes
  • Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, Henry Thomas
  • Director: Mike Flanagan
  • Genre: Supernatural horror
  • IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Set in 1960s Los Angeles, this prequel revitalizes the Ouija franchise with genuine scares and strong storytelling. A widowed mother and her daughters run a séance scam business but accidentally invite true evil into their home. The creeping dread builds as one of the daughters becomes possessed, leading to disturbing visuals and terrifying revelations. Mike Flanagan elevates what could have been a typical horror film into something memorably creepy.

4. Eli (2019)

  • Runtime: 98 minutes
  • Starring: Charlie Shotwell, Lili Taylor, Sadie Sink
  • Director: Ciarán Foy
  • Genre: Supernatural horror, mystery thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

“Eli” tells the story of a boy with a rare illness undergoing experimental treatment in a secluded facility. At first, the medical isolation feels clinical, but strange happenings reveal sinister truths. The film combines haunted house elements with shocking twists, keeping audiences guessing until its wild finale. Its use of childhood vulnerability, medical dread, and supernatural forces make it deeply unsettling. A must-watch for those seeking creepy movies on Netflix with unexpected turns.

3. The Devil All the Time (2020)

  • Runtime: 138 minutes
  • Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skarsgård
  • Director: Antonio Campos
  • Genre: Southern Gothic, psychological thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

This dark psychological thriller captures the corruption and violence festering in small-town America. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film weaves multiple stories of sin, abuse, and religious fanaticism. The eerie tone, haunting performances, and disturbing imagery combine to create a world where evil is ever-present. Unlike supernatural horror, its creepiness comes from human depravity, making it chillingly realistic. It’s one of Netflix’s most haunting original films.

2. Under the Shadow (2016)

  • Runtime: 84 minutes
  • Starring: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi
  • Director: Babak Anvari
  • Genre: Supernatural horror, Iranian cinema
  • IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Set in war-torn Tehran during the 1980s, “Under the Shadow” follows a mother and daughter haunted by a djinn in their apartment. The film intertwines political unrest with supernatural terror, creating an oppressive sense of fear. Its use of cultural folklore and claustrophobic settings makes the scares feel fresh and unpredictable. This unique perspective and deeply eerie mood make it one of the most unsettling creepy Netflix movies.

1. The Conjuring (2013)

  • Runtime: 112 minutes
  • Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor
  • Director: James Wan
  • Genre: Supernatural horror
  • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

“The Conjuring” remains one of the most terrifying haunted house films ever made. Following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film explores a family plagued by dark forces in their farmhouse. James Wan expertly blends atmosphere, jump scares, and genuine dread, crafting a story that feels both epic and intimate. The strong performances and unsettling imagery cement it as a modern classic and the ultimate pick for those exploring creepy movies on Netflix.

Conclusion: Why Creepy Movies on Netflix Are Perfect for Chilling Nights

The unsettling power of creepy movies on Netflix lies in their ability to blend eerie atmosphere with unforgettable storytelling. From psychological thrillers to supernatural terrors, the 25 titles above remind us that true fear often hides in silence, shadows, and the unseen. These films are not only meant to scare but also to provoke thought, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve finished watching. Whether you want folklore, post-apocalyptic dread, or deeply human nightmares, Netflix’s horror library delivers it all. For deeper insights into the genre, resources like The New York Times – Movies and RogerEbert.com provide explorations of horror cinema that enrich the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creepy Movies on Netflix

Q1: What makes a movie creepy rather than just scary?

A1: Creepy movies focus on unsettling atmospheres, disturbing imagery, and psychological tension rather than relying solely on jump scares.

Q2: Are creepy movies on Netflix suitable for all audiences?

A2: Many contain disturbing or mature content, so viewer discretion is advised. Netflix provides age ratings for guidance.

Q3: What are some of the best creepy movies on Netflix right now?

A3: Titles like Bird Box, His House, The Platform, and Gerald’s Game are among the most recommended creepy films available on Netflix.

Q4: Do creepy movies usually have supernatural elements?

A4: Some creepy movies rely on supernatural themes, while others focus on psychological or real-world horrors that disturb audiences.

Q5: Can creepy movies also be artistic or thought-provoking?

A5: Yes, many creepy films on Netflix, such as The Platform or Apostle, combine horror with social commentary or symbolic storytelling.


 

Emerging filmmaker and writer with a BA (Hons) in Film Studies from the University of Warwick, one of the UK’s top-ranked film programs. He also trained at the London Film Academy, focusing on hands-on cinematography and editing. Passionate about global cinema, visual storytelling, and character-driven narratives, he brings a fresh, creative voice to MAXMAG's film and culture coverage.

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