Netflix is bringing the thrills and chills all summer long with its spooky movies, and of course, TheWrap wants to show you the best ones to watch first.
No, but seriously, Netflix is definitely going big with its horror movie lineup this month. They have one of the most iconic films from the OG horror filmmaker, Alfred Hitchcock, as well as the Philippou brothers’ creepy “Talking to Me” and Parker Finn’s Grinny Goodie “Smile.” But then you add in Jordan Peele’s story “Us?”
Making this list was a light task, but the titles on this list get really, really dark. Check out our picks for the best horror movies on Netflix this month below.
“Smile” (2022)
Beginning with the first film in 2022, the “Smile” universe has quickly become one of the scariest franchises to enter the horror arena. Instead of a scowl or a frown, creator and director Parker Finn uses the most delightful facial expression to scare the viewer. When Dr. Rose (Sosie Bacon) witnesses a horrific incident involving a patient, she begins to experience terrifying occurrences that cannot be explained.
“Dawn of the Dead” (2004)
Of course, George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” will always stand the test of time, but let’s not act like Zack Snyder didn’t do his thing with his 2004 remake. In this new vision, an unlikely group of Milwaukeeans gathers inside a local mall in an effort to prevent a zombie apocalypse. But when new people join in, it becomes harder to keep the virus out.
“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” (2024)
In the highly anticipated return of the spooky yet hilarious Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), the ghost returns to Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) daughter, Astrid Deetz (Jenna Ortega), after entering the afterlife portal and embarking on her own wild and hellish journey. While this isn’t textbook horror, it gets pretty spooky at times, and is a family-friendly watch.
“Us” (2019)
If you’re a fan of Jordan Peele’s blockbuster “Get Out,” you’ll love his 2019 film “Us,” especially this terrifyingly incredible double performance by Lupita Nyong’o. The film centers on a family who are suddenly attacked by a group of people wearing red jumpsuits… who look just like them. But as they rush into the scene, they soon learn that the doppelgängers may be connected to an even more insidious plot in which they are merely pawns.
“Talk to Me” (2022)
Now, the only film on this list that could give “Smile” a run for its money in scares is Michael and Danny Philippou’s “Talk With Me.” It’s considered one of the scariest films in recent years and remains at the top of A24’s list of most successful films at the global box office. In the film, a group of friends at a party discover they can summon spirits using an embalmed hand, but when their itch for thrills goes too far and one of them unleashes dangerous supernatural forces, they quickly learn that everything is not to be interpreted.
“Psycho” (1960)
This is a classic ending you should have seen before reading this list. But alas, here it is. Nevertheless, “Psycho” is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most popular cinematic works—known as the “Master of Suspense”—and spawned sequels and TV series. You can also hear samples of his iconic score used in many of the songs . While on the run, with $40,000 in stolen cash in her pocket, Phoenix’s secretary, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), checks into the Bates Motel, where the creepy motelier with a love of taxidermy and a troubled relationship with her mother lurks in the darkness.
“His House” (2020)
This Sundance Film Festival favorite is one that doesn’t get enough recognition, not only for how terrifying it is, but for how well it uses supernatural elements to portray the refugee experience, particularly as it relates to mental well-being after being displaced from one’s home. After fleeing war-torn South Sudan, couple Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial Majur (“Sinners” scene-stealer Wunmi Mosaku) are placed in a new home in England. But beyond the walls and ceiling lies an evil presence that has no intention of leaving.
