Looking for a good scare? EW’s got you covered. If you’re a fan of scary movies, the digital age has truly been a treat, making some of the most terrifying films easily accessible. With a vast array of chilling cinema just a click away, you can dive into a world of fright whenever you like.
However, not all horror libraries are created equal—some selections might leave you more bored than scared. Plus, with titles constantly moving between platforms, it can be tough to keep track of where your favorite horror films are streaming. But don’t worry! If you’re ready for a thrill, we’ve got you covered with a definitive guide. Get ready for the jump scares: here are the 25 best scary movies you can stream all year round!
01. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s starship setting in Alien serves as a haunted house in space, where escape is limited, and screams go unheard. The film features a cast of Hollywood icons facing off against the menacing Xenomorph, but it was Sigourney Weaver who captured hearts as the ultimate final girl in the cosmos.
As reported by EW, Weaver reflected on her breakout role, noting that Hollywood seemed unsure of how to categorize her after she showcased her strength and resilience. Fortunately, she has evolved into one of the most formidable actresses of her time, with her journey beginning in this chilling tale of survival against humanity’s most fearsome foe.
Where to Watch: Alien is available on Hulu.
Director: Ridley Scott
02.The Babadook (2014)
Long before it became an unexpected gay icon, The Babadook delivered visceral scares that tugged at our heartstrings. The film challenges viewers to question whether the central troubled child, played by Noah Wiseman, is genuinely linked to a monstrous figure from a storybook or if he—and his mother, portrayed chillingly by Essie Davis—are experiencing a psychological decline. This dark narrative offers a particularly bleak perspective for parents, highlighting the difficulty of keeping children safe and emotionally stable.
As noted by EW’s critic in their review, “In an age when horror movies have mostly become lazy and toothless, here’s one with ambition and bite.” Just be warned—the emotional scars from this particular bite can linger long after the credits roll.
Where to Watch: The Babadook is available on Netflix.
Director: Jennifer Kent
03.Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Like pineapple and pepperoni on pizza (yes, we said it), the blend of horror and comedy in Bodies Bodies Bodies creates an unforgettable experience of contrasting flavors. Set in a luxurious mansion during an approaching hurricane, the film follows a group of obnoxious party teens who suddenly start dropping like flies. The Gen Z whodunnit antics are genuinely thrilling, and the escalating paranoia as the characters turn against one another keeps you guessing until the very end.
As EW’s critic aptly puts it, this film is “just straight-up fun: a black-hearted comedy of manners meets contemporary social nightmare, written in blood and vape smoke.”
Where to Watch: Bodies Bodies Bodies is available on Max.
Director: Halina Reijn
04.The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
For those seeking a horror homage with a fresh twist, The Cabin in the Woods is a must-see. At first glance, it tells the story of a group of unsuspecting youths looking to escape to a remote getaway. However, beneath the surface (and quite literally), mysterious figures manipulate their fate, all while cleverly recontextualizing everything you think you know about classic slasher films. With a script co-written by Joss Whedon, there’s plenty for genre enthusiasts to ponder.
As EW’s critic notes, “The movie’s biggest surprise may be that the story we think we know from modern scary cinema—that horror is a fun, cosmic game, not much else—turns out to be pretty much the whole enchilada.” If you’re in the mood for scenes that are as smart as they are frightening, you’ll savor every moment.
Where to Watch: The Cabin in the Woods is available on Peacock.
Director: Drew Goddard
05.Carrie (1976)
Carrie was the groundbreaking film that launched not only Stephen King’s career as a novelist but also set the stage for a long line of adaptations of his works. While these adaptations vary in quality, few would dispute the impact of Brian De Palma’s take on the story of high school outcast Carrie White, played by Sissy Spacek. Carrie uses her telekinetic powers to take revenge on the bullies who torment her.
The film doesn’t rely on traditional jump scares; instead, it builds psychological tension as Carrie endures the horrors of high school life and grapples with her overbearing, religious zealot mother (played with camp excellence by Piper Laurie). This buildup makes the iconic prom climax even more satisfying. Notably, Carrie also earned Oscar nominations for its performances, marking a rare acknowledgment of horror talent, with both Spacek and Laurie recognized for their fully committed portrayals.
Where to Watch: Carrie is available on Tubi.
Director: Brian De Palma
06.Creep (2014)
Longtime horror enthusiasts know that Blumhouse Productions has a mixed bag of films, but director Patrick Brice’s Creep stands out as one of the gems in their collection. The story follows a cameraman (played by Brice himself) who takes a Craigslist job to film an eccentric dying client (Mark Duplass) creating a video diary for his unborn son. This setup results in a refreshing and stripped-down found footage film. Trust us: even if you typically dislike the format, you’ll appreciate this wild tale that derives much of its terror from a surprisingly psychological perspective.
As Duplass shared with EW, the collective mindset behind the film was, “Let’s just make it super weird and make it the crazy little monster that it is.” The result is a thought-provoking exercise in horror that will particularly resonate with those who believe the found footage subgenre peaked with The Blair Witch Project.
Where to Watch: Creep is available on Netflix.
Director: Patrick Brice
07.The Descent (2005)
Sometimes, we crave a horror film that serves up thrills in a refreshingly straightforward manner, and The Descent delivers just that. This movie literalizes the trope of characters descending into peril, as a group of adventurous women on a girls’ trip find themselves facing terrifying creatures deep underground.
EW’s critic observes that “Gollum might be a distant relative of these monstrous nightmares-made-flesh,” highlighting that these ghouls evoke a nightmarish version of Tolkien’s creations. Ultimately, The Descent triumphs by swapping the claustrophobic terrors of a cabin in the woods for the even more confining horrors of a cave.
Where to Watch: The Descent is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Director: Neil Marshall
08.Get Out (2017)
Few films have made as significant an impact on the horror genre in recent memory as Jordan Peele’s 2017 directorial debut, Get Out. The film follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s parents, only to uncover their sinister intentions hidden beneath their friendly facade.
Blending sharp social commentary with genuine thrills, Get Out delves into fear on both surface and subconscious levels as Chris desperately seeks to escape a fate that is arguably worse than death. Peele won an Oscar for his screenplay, and the film received a nomination for Best Picture—a rare achievement for a horror film.
Where to Watch: Get Out is available on Peacock.
Director: Jordan Peele
09.Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Horror has no shortage of creepy twins, and one of the most chilling examples in recent memory is Austria’s Goodnight Mommy. Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival in 2014 and released theatrically a year later, this psychological horror story follows two nine-year-old twin boys who start to question their mother’s identity after she returns from extensive cosmetic surgery, appearing like a completely different person.
Determined to expose the imposter and find their real mother, the boys’ investigation leads them to truths that are too horrifying to bear. In our 2015 review, we anticipated an “inevitable remake,” and in 2022, the film gods delivered. While you can enjoy both versions, it’s highly recommended to start with the original.
Where to Watch: Goodnight Mommy is available on Freevee.
Directors: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
10.Hereditary (2018)
It’s a rarity for horror films to delve into family drama, and even rarer for that drama to prove scarier than the ghosts and specters haunting our characters. Yet, Hereditary accomplishes just that. Directed by Ari Aster, this film showcases domestic tragedies that will have you covering your eyes long before the supernatural elements take center stage.
Featuring standout performances from actors like Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro, it’s Toni Collette who truly delivers a powerhouse performance. EW’s critic praised her as “amazing,” noting that she brings real dramatic weight to what many might dismiss as just a “scary movie.” Collette captures the essence of a mother losing control over her family and her own sanity, making the audience feel every ounce of her struggle. A haunting tale of motherhood and madness, Hereditary will cling to your soul like gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe.
Where to Watch: Hereditary is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Director: Ari Aster
11.It (2017)
As the first installment of a two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s monumental novel, It made waves by becoming the highest-grossing horror film of all time at the domestic box office. The film’s success is no surprise, given the haunting legacy of Pennywise, the terrifying clown that has lingered in the minds of readers for decades. Set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, it follows a group of outcast kids as they confront the sinister clown who lurks in the sewers and forces them to face their deepest fears.
EW’s critic highlights the perfect timing of It‘s release, arriving on the heels of a popular sci-fi/horror series that premiered the previous year. “Just as there’s no denying that a series like Stranger Things wouldn’t exist without King’s It, there’s also no question that Stranger Things informs the way It portrays its band of nerdy young misfits and the fears they carry,” he notes. “The two are in a dialogue with each other.”
Where to Watch: It is available on Max.
Director: Andy Muschietti
12.Let the Right One In (2008)
Vampire movies often rely heavily on blood, but Let the Right One In delivers an equally compelling narrative filled with heart. Set against the backdrop of 1982 in a suburb of Stockholm, the film follows 12-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), who faces relentless bullying at school. His life takes a turn when Eli (Lina Leandersson), a pale and enigmatic girl, moves in next door. Oskar finally finds a confidant in Eli, but he remains unaware of her true nature as a vampire.
An EW critic praised Let the Right One In as a contender for the best vampire movie of 2008, noting that it’s “like a Scandinavian Twilight minus the teen-steam schmaltz, packing in great gooey scares while tracing the friendship between a picked-on 12-year-old boy and a girl who hungers for the red stuff.”
Where to Watch: Let the Right One In is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Director: Tomas Alfredson
13.Malignant (2021)
Historically, horror films have often been low-budget projects, but Malignant breaks that mold as a relatively high-budget entry in the genre. Directed by James Wan, the film centers on Annabelle Wallis’s character, who experiences disturbing visions of brutal murders. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a shocking connection to the violence surrounding her. An EW horror critic describes Malignant as “a deliciously nightmarish tale” and reminds audiences that Wan, before directing Furious 7 and Aquaman, was known for his work on Saw.
Where to Watch: Malignant is available on Max.
Director: James Wan