FlixList: The Ten Best Horror Films on Netflix Instant (2015 Edition)

The tradition of watching scary movies during the Halloween season is now easier to keep up with than ever thanks to Netflix Instant. But with all the content available on the service, how do you know which ones are truly worth your precious couch time? Thankfully I, Flixist’s resident expert on Besteverology, Nick Valdez, have used my lack of Halloween plans to gather a list of the ten best horror films on the service. 

Couple of rules: There’s no real order to these films as they’re all pretty scary in their own way, only one film per franchise, and they had to be available on Netflix Instant as of the time of writing. 

With all of that said, cuddle up with your candy corn cocktail, Jack O’ Lantern filled with gummy bears, and sexy Charlie Brown costume and read this list of the Ten Best Horror Films on Netflix (2015 Edition!)

Honorable Mentions: Let the Right One In, American Mary, Children of the Corn, The Lazarus Effect, The Sacrament, the V/H/S series, Teeth, Starry Eyes, Stage Fright, Vampire in Brooklyn, Odd Thomas, We Are What We Are

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Although Tucker and Dale is more of a parody of the horror genre (as teens find themselves in precarious violent situations while the two try to save them), that doesn’t mean it isn’t full of the same suspense or gore you’d expect. If gruesome deaths are your horror bag, then this film’s for you. If not, there are quite a lot of laughs mined from those gross moments. 

The Babadook

Not all horror monsters are the same. While some are in your face and some are barely noticed at all, Babadook somehow creates a truly terrifying monster without showing up at all. This magnetic thriller all takes place within a fever dream of a mother who’s pushed too far and just wants to punch her annoying child in the mouth. It’s not perfect, but it’s too different to ignore. 

All Cheerleaders Die

With a name like All Cheerleaders Die, you’d be forgiven for writting off this neat little flick. It’s not as overtly sexual as the name implies, and is fact a nice twist on that pulpy horror “sexy beast” gimmick. It’s not until the finale kicks in that you really see what kind of horror film it is, but it’s worth it. 

Scream

Out of all the slasher films on Netflix Instant, I’d have to pick Scream as my favorite. Maybe it’s because this one stars Neve Campbell too, but it’s the first film I remember utilizing the meta narrative that’s exploited so much today. It was a hipster horror film before hipster horror was even a thing. A film you can ironically and un-ironically enjoy. Also let me just mention Neve Campbell one more time. So good.

Monster Squad

It’s certainly not the best, or the funniest, or even a horror film, but I just like it so much I had to put it here. Plus Monster Squad reminds me of Space Jam because it sounds like the result of smashing the Monstars and the Tune Squad together. 

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

The most intriguing entry on this list by far, A Girl Walks is incredibly chilling. It’s superbly put together with its black and white tone creating a stark eerineess that never once lets up. Despite its horror premise, it’s a film that can be seen throughout the year with no problems. It’s a work of art, and it’s a brilliant debut from writer/director Ana Lily Amirpour. Blending new age with a sort of vintage style, yet still rotted in her Iranian culture, A Girl Walks is just something that needs to be experienced. 

Battle Royale

In Battle Royale, a group of Japanese schoolmates are randomly chosen each year to kill each other in order to appease the adults. Although I’m no longer at the age where this premise has a direct effect on me, it’s still chilling. I guess if you’re not into foreign films, just watch The Hunger Games for a lighter take on this idea. As long as the horrific themes sink in, you’re golden. 

Creep

I love me some Mark Duplass, but I had no idea what to think when Creep was first revealed during SXSW. It’s a found footage thriller where one man is hired to film Duplass’ character Josef as he plans as series of events for his unborn son. But as the film progresses, you realize Josef’s a bit more unhinged than he lets on (putting an ad on Craigslist should’ve been the tipoff, really). This film’s only really horror thanks to the icky feeling you get while you watch, but isn’t that just the best?

Rosemary’s Baby

This film continues to give me nightmares to this day. Whether it’s a fear of children, of women, of punishment for sexual desires, a paranoia of those around me, or the Devil itself, Baby taps into all of them and cripples me each time I see it. In fact, I’m getting goosebumps right now just thinking about it. And it’s not just the horror aspects, Baby is just a damn good film. With an outstanding performance from Mia Farrow, excellent set design, and pulsing score, it’s a film I’d recommend to everyone above all else. 

The Guest

From the awesome duo who brought you You’re Next (which is on Netflix too!) comes The Guest, a film so good I couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks after its release. A thriller with a killer soundtrack, great acting, a fantastic finale, and with its tongue planted firmly in cheek. Few horror films, or films in general, will bring a bigger smile to your face this season.