10 best horror films to watch on Netflix right now

1. The Babadook

If you’re looking for a movie that manages to be both character-based and intensely terrifying, look no farther than The Babadook. After a strange and disturbing pop-up book appears on her young son’s bookshelf, struggling widow Amelia Vanek finds herself tormented both by the book’s disturbing namesake and the lingering trauma of her husband’s death. But in the end, it’s the story of this loving yet dysfunctional family dynamic that really takes this movie the extra mile. Amelia and her son Samuel are tragic, frustrating, and most of all, relatable. We want so badly for them to just be okay, but unfortunately, they’re in the wrong genre for that.

There are a lot of factors that make this movie scary. The Babadook itself is certainly one of them. Its manic eyes, gaping mouth, and long, claw-like fingers aren’t even offset by its jaunty top hat. It looks like Jack the Ripper bred with a mime and then re-imagined by Guillermo Del Toro, and somehow, it’s terrifying. But honestly, the psychological elements are far more affecting than any horror beastie could ever hope to be. The more the Babadook appears, the less certain Amelia is of her own sanity; and her ability to keep her son safe.

This movie will make you jump at every shadow in your house for a week after seeing it. The atmosphere of dread builds slowly over the course of the film, but what really makes this movie special is the psychological element: how the horror elements are paralleled, exacerbated, and perhaps even caused by the main character’s internal struggle. I can pretty much guarantee that the ending is not what you expect.

The Takeaway

A visceral family story and a perfect balance between psychological and supernatural horror make The Babadook a terrifying and deeply satisfying foray into parenthood and grief.

There you have it, folks. Some of the best horror that Netflix has to offer. If you’re looking for a good place to kick off your October Halloween vibes, all you have to do is grab a remote and start watching. Oh, and maybe grab a friend, family member, or significant other as well. Some of these movies you won’t want to watch alone.