People watching scary movies in a dark living room

Discover the Top 10 Horror Movies on Netflix for Thrills This Winter

1. His House

Okay, so His House is seriously unsettling. It’s not just jump scares; it’s a proper, deep-down creepy kind of film. It follows a couple from South Sudan seeking asylum in Britain, but their new home comes with some seriously unwanted guests – both real and supernatural.

What makes it so good? Well, it’s not your typical haunted house story. It tackles the immigrant experience head-on, showing the struggles of assimilation and the trauma of war. It’s a BAFTA-winning interpretation that really sticks with you. The film uses horror to explore the specific difficulties faced by refugees, making it a powerful and thought-provoking watch. It’s a clever premise, and the director expands on that idea in knowing and unexpected ways. Definitely one to watch if you’re after something that’ll give you chills and make you think. The atmospheric quality and high production values make it a compelling watch.

2. Gerald’s Game

Okay, so Gerald’s Game is one of those movies that sticks with you. It’s not just jump scares; it’s a proper psychological thriller. You’ve got Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood absolutely killing it in their roles. The premise is simple enough: a couple tries to spice things up with a kinky game, but things go horribly wrong, leaving Jessie (Gugino) handcuffed to the bed in a remote lake house after Gerald (Greenwood) suddenly dies. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong.

What makes this film so good is how it delves into Jessie’s mind. She’s not just fighting for survival in a physical sense; she’s battling her inner demons, past traumas, and a whole heap of regret. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and at times, genuinely disturbing. Mike Flanagan, the director, does a brilliant job of keeping you on edge, even though most of the movie takes place in a single room. It’s a masterclass in tension building. If you’re after something that will mess with your head and keep you thinking long after the credits roll, then this movie is a must-watch. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth the ride. It’s a faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s book, and Flanagan really nails the unsettling atmosphere. You’ll be squirming in your seat, that’s for sure.

3. The Perfection

Okay, The Perfection is one wild ride. Seriously, if you’re after something that’ll make you go ‘WTF did I just watch?’, this is it. It’s a Netflix original, so you know it’s gonna be at least a bit out there, but this one takes the cake.

It stars Allison Williams, who some might remember from Girls, and Logan Browning. The story kicks off with a talented cellist reconnecting with her old mentor and his new star student, and things get… complicated. Like, really complicated. Think twists and turns you won’t see coming, and some seriously gruesome moments. It’s not your typical horror flick, that’s for sure.

I went into this one expecting a standard thriller, but it’s so much more than that. It messes with your head in the best (and worst) ways possible. If you’re easily squeamish, maybe give this one a miss. But if you’re up for a horror movie that’s genuinely different and will stick with you long after the credits roll, then The Perfection is definitely worth checking out.

4. Fear Street Trilogy

Okay, so the Fear Street Trilogy is a bit of a cheat since it’s three movies, not one. But honestly, they’re so interconnected it feels like one long, awesome horror story. It’s based on the R.L. Stine books, but don’t let that fool you – these aren’t your average kids’ scares.

Think of it as a cool throwback, with each film set in a different time period. You’ve got the ’90s slasher vibes, the ’70s horror feels, and even a dip into the 1600s. It’s a wild ride through horror history, all wrapped up in a story about a cursed town. Plus, the cast is stacked! You’ll see some familiar faces like Sadie Sink. If you are looking for fun horror movie Easter Eggs, this is the trilogy for you.

It’s a really simple tale, smartly broken into three chapters. The filmmaker’s story of teens trapped in a cursed town is told across as many time periods, and allowed Janiak to explore ghostly images of the 17th century alongside ’70s slasher cliches and ’90s suspense tropes. Plus, three decades means three times as many cast members, with "Fear Street" featuring performances from Sadie Sink, Gillian Jacobs, Kiana Madeira, Fred Hechinger, Ashley Zuckerman, Maya Hawke, and many, many more.

5. The Conjuring

Haunted house shrouded in fog and shadows at night.

Okay, so The Conjuring is a classic for a reason. It’s one of those movies that just gets under your skin and stays there. Based on the supposed real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, it follows a family terrorised by a dark presence in their new farmhouse.

What makes it so good? Well, it’s not just jump scares (though there are plenty of those!). It’s the atmosphere, the slow burn of dread, and the feeling that something truly evil is lurking just out of sight. Plus, the performances are top-notch. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson really sell the Warrens as dedicated paranormal investigators, and the family being haunted is super believable. If you’re after a proper scare, this is a must-watch. And if you enjoy this one, you might want to check out Annabelle for additional terrifying experiences.

6. Hush

Intruder menacing a woman in a dark, tense scene.

Okay, so "Hush" is a pretty simple concept, but it’s executed brilliantly. It’s about a deaf writer living in a secluded house who has to fight for her life when a masked killer shows up. What makes it work so well? The tension is relentless.

The fact that Maddie can’t hear anything ramps up the suspense to almost unbearable levels. You’re constantly on edge, wondering when the killer will strike next. It’s a masterclass in using silence to create fear. I remember watching it the first time and being genuinely scared to even breathe too loudly, haha.

Here’s why it’s a must-watch:

  • The sound design (or lack thereof) is incredible. It really puts you in Maddie’s shoes.
  • Kate Siegel’s performance is fantastic. She conveys so much with just her expressions and body language.
  • It’s a tight, efficient thriller. No wasted scenes, just pure suspense from start to finish.

7. Bird Box

Okay, so Bird Box. Remember when everyone was talking about this one? It was everywhere for a solid month. The premise is simple enough: if you look at these mysterious creatures, you go crazy and die. Sandra Bullock plays a mum trying to protect her kids in this post-apocalyptic world.

It’s one of those movies that’s more about the tension and suspense than actual scares. You’re constantly wondering what’s out there, and how they’re going to avoid it. The whole ‘blindfold’ thing adds a really interesting layer to the survival aspect. It’s not the best horror movie ever made, but it’s definitely a decent watch if you’re after something that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Some people found the ending disappointing, but I thought it was alright. It’s a good popcorn flick, perfect for a night in when you don’t want anything too heavy. Plus, it spawned a bunch of memes, so it’s got that going for it, which is always a bonus, right?

8. Cam

Okay, so Cam is a bit of a mind-bender. It’s one of those films that sticks with you, making you question, well, everything. The basic plot? Alice, played by Madeline Brewer, is a camgirl. Things get super weird when she finds herself locked out of her account, only to discover someone who looks exactly like her has taken over. Talk about a bad day at the office!

It’s not just jump scares; it’s a slow-burn kind of creepy. It really gets under your skin, exploring the anxieties we all have about our online personas and the digital world. It’s like a modern-day doppelganger story, but with a webcam twist. Definitely worth a watch if you’re after something that’ll mess with your head a little. Plus, it’s got that neon-pink aesthetic that just adds to the whole unsettling vibe. You can even find it for streaming price at Amazon.

9. The Ritual

Okay, so The Ritual is one of those movies that starts off as a pretty standard ‘lads on a hiking trip’ kind of deal, but quickly spirals into something way more messed up. A group of mates, still reeling from the death of a friend, decide to hike through the Swedish wilderness. Bad idea, obviously.

It’s not just the scenery that’s bleak; the whole atmosphere is heavy with grief and unspoken tension. Then they stumble across some seriously creepy stuff in the woods, and things go from bad to absolutely terrifying. Think ancient rituals, a seriously freaky monster design, and a whole lot of psychological horror.

I reckon what makes The Ritual stand out is how it blends the supernatural with the very real emotions of guilt and loss. It’s not just about jump scares (though there are a few decent ones); it’s about how these blokes are forced to confront their own demons, both literally and figuratively. If you’re after something that’ll stick with you after the credits roll, this is a good shout.

Here’s why I think it works:

  • The setting is genuinely unsettling. Those Swedish forests are creepy as all get-out.
  • The monster is original and disturbing. It’s not your typical Hollywood baddie.
  • The characters are relatable, even when they’re making terrible decisions.

It’s a solid horror flick that’s well worth a watch, especially if you’re into that folk horror vibe. Just maybe don’t watch it right before you go camping.

10. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House

This one’s a slow burn, alright? If you’re after jump scares every five minutes, this ain’t it. But if you’re into atmosphere and a creeping sense of dread, then settle in. Ruth Wilson plays a nurse caring for an elderly horror novelist in her creaky old house, and things get… weird.

It’s more about the feeling than the plot, to be honest. Think of it like a haunted house story told in a really artsy way. Some people find it boring, others find it deeply unsettling. I reckon it’s worth a watch just for the visuals alone. It’s the kind of film that sticks with you, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why. Definitely one for a dark and stormy night, with a cup of tea and all the lights off (if you’re brave enough!).

Wrap-Up: Your Winter Horror Line-Up

So there you have it, a solid list of horror flicks to keep you on the edge of your seat this winter. Whether you’re into ghosts, slashers, or psychological thrillers, Netflix has got you covered. Grab your popcorn, snuggle up under a blanket, and prepare for some serious scares. Just remember to keep the lights on—because you never know what might be lurking in the shadows. Happy watching!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top horror movies on Netflix this winter?

Some of the best horror movies to watch on Netflix this winter include ‘His House’, ‘Gerald’s Game’, and ‘The Perfection’.

Are these movies suitable for kids?

Most of these horror movies are not suitable for kids as they contain scary themes and adult content.

Can I watch these movies alone?

Yes, you can watch them alone, but be prepared for some scary moments!

How can I find these movies on Netflix?

You can search for the titles directly in the Netflix search bar or browse through the horror section.

Do these movies have good reviews?

Many of these movies have received positive reviews for their storytelling and suspense.

What genre do these movies belong to?

These movies are primarily horror, but they also include elements of thriller and psychological drama.

Is there a specific order to watch these films?

There is no specific order; you can watch them in any sequence you prefer.

Are there any sequels to these films?

Some of these films, like ‘Fear Street Trilogy’, have sequels or are part of a series.

Angela Caroll

Angela Caroll

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *