What is better for summer than a Netflix horror movie marathon? Whether you’re spending time away from the heat waves or looking for a thrilling way to spend a summer night, horror movies are great. However, scrolling through Netflix to find the perfect film can be time-consuming and a mood killer. You don’t want to get stuck in endless scrolling!
To avoid that, we have gathered the five best horror movies from around the world. These are the films that slip through the critical radar only to become a core memory for midsummer nights.
They will send you shivers down your spine and keep you at the edge of your seat. So, dim the lights, crank up the cooling, and prepare for a summer scare-fest like no other.
Note: The provided list is based on the Netflix catalogue of 2024, and some of them may not be available in certain countries.
1. The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
- Country: United States
- Director: Julius Avery
- Starring: Russle Crowe, Carrie Munro, Laurel Marsden
- IMDb Rating: 6.1
“The Pope’s Exorcist” follows Father Gabriele Amorth, a Vatican exorcist who is requested to save a possessed boy in Spain. In this sinister deed, he will have to deal with many more demons. This Netflix film is particularly for people who are avid fans of possession films yet tired of them.
“The Pope’s Exorcist” doesn’t limit itself to its theme and packs it with a well-developed script. The character of Father Gabriele Amorth is also based on a real person who claimed to have performed over 100,000 exorcisms during his lifetime. Therefore, the film includes a streak of realism that is refreshing in the possession genre.
2. Crimson Peak (2015)
- Country: United States
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastin
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
Directed by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro, “Crimson Peak” is a gothic horror story set in a decaying mansion. It follows a young woman, Edith, who marries a mysterious man, Sir Thomas Sharpe, against her father’s will. However, only once she moves into his ancestral home does she realise that things are much more terrifying.
At the surface, “Crimson Peak” might appear as a soft-core horror movie with its aesthetic sets, but it doesn’t shy away from taboo territories. With the addition of excellent CGI, the film is a visual fest in a morbid way. Not to mention, the elaborate sets for the mansion were built from scratch, adding a del Toro touch to the haunting film.
3. Silent Hill (2006)
- Country: Canada, France
- Director: Christophe Gans
- Starring: Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell, Laurie Holden
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
The classic horror film “Silent Hill” is based on a popular video game series. It follows a mother who loses her daughter in the mysterious town of Silent Hill after fainting from an accident. The film focuses on the period between life and death, making it a chilling addition to your summer marathon.
“Silent Hill” is a film that slipped under the radar upon its release only to shine later as an underrated gem. Its sequences and writing have a rough, nostalgic feel. Additionally, the featured town was inspired by the real-life abandoned town of Centralia, Pennsylvania, which has been burning underground since 1962 due to a coal mine fire. This adds a rustic charm to the film.
4. The Wailing (2016)
- Country: South Korea
- Director: Na Hong-jin
- Starring: Chun Woo-hee, Hwang Jung-min, Kwak Do-won
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
The globally famous Korean horror movie “The Wailing” combines elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural horror. At the centre of it is a police officer investigating a series of mysterious deaths and illnesses in a small village. He must uncover the secret behind the horrific epidemic, which seems to be linked to the arrival of a stranger, to save his sick sister.
There is hardly any list of horror movies that don’t include “The Wailing.” The reason is pretty simple: It is a masterpiece that introduces viewers to the cinema of South Korea. It uniquely combines the horrors of the human psyche and folklore. Moreover, it’s inspired by a real case named the Vallecas incident, which is considered one of the most disturbing cases in Spanish paranormal history.
5. Ju-on: The Grudge (2002)
- Country: Japan
- Director: Takashi Shimizu
- Starring: Takako Fuji, Yuya Ozeki, Megumi Okina
- IMDb Rating: 6.7
The classic Japanese horror “Ju-on: The Grudge” revolves around a cursed house where a mother and child die under tragic circumstances. Following this, a vengeful spirit haunts and terrorises anyone who enters.
This is a complex film with an art-house feel that doesn’t unravel itself in a linear motion. This makes it a valuable watch. You will find yourself getting tangled into the pieces told through the simplicity of 2000s film until you are hit with chilling turns. Although it might not be everyone’s cup of screams, it has inspired many adaptations ahead.
Bonus: Nowhere (2023)
- Country: Spain
- Director: Albert Pintó
- Starring: Anna Castillo, Tamar Novas, Mariam Torres
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
“Nowhere” is a harrowing Spanish thriller about a dystopian future in which a pregnant woman escapes a totalitarian country. During her escape, she finds herself trapped in a cargo shipping container adrift at sea. Although it isn’t a typical horror movie, its claustrophobic dread will make you feel unsettled.
“Nowhere” is a curveball in our list of horror films, but trust us and give it a chance. This Spanish thriller is packed with gripping survival anxiety. It was also shot in an actual shipping container, which adds realism to the protagonist’s ordeal. Stopping yourself from biting your nails while going through this panic-inducing film is one of the biggest challenges—give it a try.
That’s all for our list—these Netflix horror movies will ensure a diverse, chilling experience. They are also a treat to watch for their distinctive production, influenced by the art style of their creators and the culture of their countries. So, without further ado, cosy up with your favourite snacks and enjoy these terrifying tales from the safety of your home.
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