The best horror movies aren't just for spooky season! This horror-filled list can be enjoyed at any time of year, as it spans many-a-streaming platform where these movies will terrify many-a-watcher.
The best streaming services have made it possible for horror to be right at our fingertips whenever we want it and has even become the sole home to some of our picks. We’ve slithered through the horrors on offer across the major platforms to determine the best ones to watch across the likes of Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount Plus, and Prime Video.
To be on this list, movies must score highly on Rotten Tomatoes and be recommended by a member of our streaming team. There's been some great horrors over the last few years, and many can be found on some of the world's biggest streaming service. To find out our best horror movie picks, read below.
Best horror movies: 13–9
14. The Substance
RT score: 90%
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Mubi (Worldwide)
If it's body horror you're after, The Substance is a harrowing, visceral masterpiece. It ended up on our top horror movies of 2024 list for good reason and in my experience, it's a life-changing watch. And an essential one, because it has a lot to say about the entertainment industry and how women are treated, but even if you're not a superstar, you'll be able to relate to some of the themes. Both Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are incredible in this movie, as two versions of the same self; Demi has the original, fading star, and Margaret as the younger, "more perfect" version of herself. The last 20 minutes is some of the wildest stuff put to cinema, and every horror fan should witness it.
13. M3GAN
RT score: 93%
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Age rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Prime Video (US), NOW TV (UK), Paramount Plus (Aus)
There’s a lot of terrifying possibilities to explore if you explore the question, what can go wrong with artificial intelligence? Turns out M3GAN is happy to oblige with a demonstration for us. A lifelike robot doll created by Allison Williams (Get Out) that was programmed to be a unique and lovely friend for a little girl turns out to be not so lovely at all. Not one bit. Believe me when I say it’s not as easy as taking the batteries out of M3GAN when you don’t want to play with her anymore. This movie is at the milder end of the scariness spectrum, but it's also a great satire of technology – it opens with a very Paul Verhoeven-like fake advert, and I loved it from that moment.
- Watch M3GAN on Prime Video (US)
- Watch M3GAN on NOW TV (UK)
- Watch M3GAN on Paramount Plus (Aus)
- Watch the M3GAN trailer on YouTube
12. Totally Killer
RT score: 87%
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Amazon Prime (Global)
From production company Blumhouse – known famously for Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Get Out, and more terrifying titles – Totally Killer is a time-traveling teen slasher flick hit. Jamie Hughes (Kiernan Shipka) is thrown back in time to 1987 to stop a serial killer before they can start their murderous spree. The mash-up of fear and fun has many horror fans excited for something a bit different with an impressive 87% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re into ’80s slashers, Totally Killer will have you totally thrill-ered…
11. No One Will Save You
RT score: 82%
Director: Brian Duffield
Age rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Hulu (US), Disney Plus (UK/Aus)
In another twisty genre mix, Hulu’s No One Will Save You is horror hanging from a sci-fi hook. Brynn (Kaitlyn Dever) lives an exiled life in her hometown before an alien invasion sees her life infiltrated by their haunting presence. Overwhelming, heart-palpitating quiet tension is truly front and center with only one line of dialogue uttered throughout the whole movie. This almost absolute silence has, in turn, left viewers teeming with the same levels of anxiety as Brynn as she takes on a full blown extraterrestrial takeover. It's especially great if you have a good sound system.
- Watch No One Will Save You on Hulu (US)
- Watch No One Will Save You on Disney Plus (UK and Aus)
- Watch the No One Will Save You trailer on YouTube
10. Talk to Me
RT score: 94%
Directors: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Netflix (UK, Aus), rent or buy (US)
This Australian movie is one of the best horror explorations of viral teen "dare" sensations, peer pressure and casual drug use, all at once. Someone gets hold of a hand that enables you to speak to the dead when you hold it, providing a thrilling rush unlike anything on Earth. It becomes a hang-out activity that people record each other doing, but not everyone can handle it as well as others, some younger teens naturally want to prove they're as cool as the older ones, and if you do it wrong… well, then things take a turn into some excellent(ly disgusting) body horror.
9. Huesera: The Bone Woman
RT Score: 97%
Director: Michelle Garza Cervera
Age rating: N/A
Where to watch: AMC Plus/Shudder (US), Shudder (UK), AMC Plus/Shudder (Aus)
A 97% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes is one helluva status for this horror indie from Mexican filmmaker Michelle Garza Cervera. When pregnant Valeria finds herself cursed by an evil spirit, she must descend even deeper into dark magic to rid herself of the hex before it’s too late. A Shudder exclusive, the horror-themed streaming service is full of niche chillers, and Huesera is in a perfect setting to tell viewers a terrifying tale. You’ll have experienced bone-breaking before in horror films, and you’re sure as heck about to see it again.
Best horror movies: 8–4
8. Evil Dead Rise
RT Score: 84%
Director: Lee Cronin
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Max (US), Netflix (Aus), Rent or buy (UK)
Breathing new life (appropriately) into Sam Raimi’s iconic Evil Dead franchise, horror filmmaker Lee Cronin is at the helm to tell a twisted tale of the Deadites doused in his own unique vision. Two estranged sisters, Beth and Ellie, are thrust together to battle the undead after uncovering the Book of the Dead following an earthquake. It’s a true survival nightmare as the once home-y apartment in Los Angeles becomes a gorey hellhole where your most trusted people are now horrors that taunt you.
- Watch Evil Dead Rise on Max (US)
- Watch Evil Dead Rise on Netflix (Aus)
- Watch the Evil Dead Rise trailer on YouTube
7. Speak No Evil
RT Score: 84%
Director: Christian Tafdrup
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Shudder
You might have heard of the 2024 Blumhouse version of Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy, but did you know it's adapted from an original Danish movie? Not only that, but it's one of the bleakest things you'll ever watch. Like, ever. There's no joy to be found in this movie, but those who like a slow, psychological burn will be left forever impacted by the story and the path it goes down. I think about it often, and that's a very good thing.
6. Sick
RT Score: 85%
Director: John Hyams
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Peacock (US), Sky/NOW Cinema (UK)
This Peacock Original is pandemic-based horror, because it felt like it was only a matter of time before they made those lockdown days even worse. Quarantining at her family’s lakehouse, Parker (Gideon Adlon) and her best friend Miri think they’re alone in an idyllic location to wile away the days. That is, until they realize they’re definitely not alone. Quarantining felt incredibly long, but we’re sure it feels even longer when you’re just trying to survive just one night alone in the darkness with a knife-wielding killer stalking you.
5. The Boogeyman
RT Score: 61%
Director: Rob Savage
Age rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Hulu (US), Disney Plus (UK/Aus)
Based on Stephen King’s 1973 short story of the same name, The Boogeyman is brought to life (through the threat of death) when a therapist and his two daughters are haunted by a terrifying supernatural entity that wants to prey on the family. If it’s not enough that they’re mourning the death of their mother, the girls have to navigate grief whilst being haunted from the shadows. It’s mainstream horror with jump scares a’plenty as The Boogeyman finds the darkest places to hide. Despite its 61% rating, I still recommend it.
- Watch The Boogeyman on Hulu (US)
- Watch The Boogeyman on Disney Plus (UK, Aus)
- Watch The Boogeyman trailer on YouTube
4. Saw X
RT Score: 80%
Director: Kevin Greutert
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Prime Video (worldwide)
You would have thought the tenth entry into a franchise wouldn't be particularly good, but I was very impressed by Saw X. Here, they really go back to their bloody best and I'm excited to see where the franchise goes next. It's a personal one for John Kramer, who finds himself the victim of an expensive medical scam and soon targets the ones responsible. Spoiler alert, it gets very, very gross. For even more from the splatter genre, check out three you really shouldn't miss and how to watch the Saw movies in order. Trust me, it's a complicated timeline.
Best horror movies: 3–1
3. Scream VI
RT Score: 76%
Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Paramount Plus (US/Aus), Paramount Plus/Sky/NOW TV (UK)
It’s been 27 years and counting for the iconic Scream franchise as Scream VI continues to instil fear with this spine-chilling entry. The new cast unites again, after 2022’s Scream V, for another self-aware slasher. A year after the Woodsboro killings, they’ve headed to pastures new in New York City, but Ghostface can’t be escaped. When you think it’s over, they keep coming back. First-rate oh-no-they're-behind-you action, suitably horrifying masked murdering rampages, and a shocking killer reveal makes for another Scream scaring masterclass.
2. Lamb
RT Score: 86%
Director: Valdimar Jóhannsson
Age rating: R
Where to watch: Prime Video (US, UK), Stan (Aus)
I do love a bit of surrealism and fantasy elements in my horrors, so Lamb was a real delight. This Icelandic folk horror follows a couple who live in a remote area, and are in a loveless marriage, seeing them childless and stuck in a rut. When they discover a mysterious sheep/human hybrid, they take her under their wing and grow to love her as a daughter. I found this movie to be profoundly sad and unsettling, but also beautiful. A24 rarely misses and this is a prime example.
1. I Saw the TV Glow
RT Score: 84%
Director: Jane Schoenbrun
Age rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Max (US)
As my favourite movie of 2024 (so far!), it's only fair that I champion I Saw the TV Glow in our horror round up. You can also find it featured in our best Max movies list. Here, two teenagers bond over a supernatural TV series called The Pink Opaque, which has some serious Buffy vibes. But their mutual obsession with the show reveals a much bigger truth. Is everything really as it seems, or is something else afoot? You're not ready for how much this will blow you away, trust me.
