Halloween is truly the most wonderful time of the year—there’s no argument there. It marks the arrival of vibrant autumn leaves, the rich flavor of apple cider, pumpkin everything, and the perfect excuse to indulge in all the spooktacular (or spoopy) movies and TV shows available.
If you’re a Netflix subscriber, you’re in luck. Whether you’re in the mood for a mini-series, a multi-season binge, or just a single movie; whether you prefer a light-hearted spooky tale or something genuinely terrifying; and whether it’s animation you seek or live-action thrills—here are some top recommendations.
Halloween (2018)
While you can’t find John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 film Halloween on Netflix, the 2018 reboot is available. This “reboot” involves the original events and even reunites Jamie Lee Curtis as her character, now older. With a plethora of Halloween films out there, this entry smartly disregards most of them for a standalone viewing experience.
All of Us Are Dead
In the wake of Squid Game’s massive success in 2021, the world was introduced to the captivating realm of South Korean entertainment. One noteworthy addition is 2022’s All of Us Are Dead, a Netflix Original series that’s ideally suited for the Halloween season. This action-horror show, which has been greenlit for a second season, revolves around students battling a zombie outbreak within their high school. Expect a splattering of gore and chaotic scenes.
The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House reinterprets Shirley Jackson’s 1959 gothic horror novel, allowing for deeper exploration thanks to the TV series format. The narrative unfolds across two timelines, showcasing the haunted experiences of a family, highlighting both their childhoods in the sinister mansion and their tumultuous adult lives.
Combining a moving storyline with genuine scare factors, this series solidifies Mike Flanagan as Netflix’s top horror showrunner—he will appear again in this list.
Death Note
There are numerous anime that capture the Halloween spirit, like Hellsing. However, Netflix offers Death Note instead—alongside the more action-packed Devilman Crybaby. While Death Note is not technically a Halloween anime, it features shinigami, or death gods, and follows a brilliant high schooler who discovers how to use a notebook that brings about death simply by writing a name in it. This thrilling classic delivers ample suspense.
The Babadook
Transitioning to a quirky yet iconic character, The Babadook has garnered a unique space as a modern horror classic since its release in 2014. This film cleverly combines psychological elements with traditional monster film tropes, stemming from an eerie children’s book. The storyline revolves around a widowed mother and her young son, who find themselves tormented in their own home.
Castlevania
Upon the release of The Last of Us, many considered it the first successful adaptation of a video game to television; however, they seem to overlook Castlevania, which debuted even before Arcane.
Castlevania is unabashedly gory—a rarity in animated series outside of Japan (though technically American, so it doesn’t count as anime). This thrilling series narrates the adventures of vampire slayer Trevor Belmont, priestess Sypha Belnades, and Dracula’s strikingly attractive son, Alucard. It’s an exhilarating journey that rewards both fans of the classic Konami games and newcomers alike.
Wendell & Wild
Two years back, Jordan Peele collaborated with the creator of Nightmare Before Christmas, Henry Selick, leading to a film that intriguingly flew under the radar. I’d advocate sharing its existence for recognition.
The movie follows two demon brothers, voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, who seek the assistance of a teenager to guide them back to the Land of the Living.
Interview with The Vampire
With its second season concluding in 2024, Interview with a Vampire is now accessible on Netflix. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time—while the Tom Cruise-led film from the 90s holds nostalgic charm, AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel showcases a unique depth. Plus, who doesn’t crave the drama of vampire romance set in 20th-century New Orleans?
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher resembles a horror-inspired version of Succession. Brought to life by Mike Flanagan, this 2023 mini-series delves into a family-run pharmaceutical empire, marred by a string of mysterious family deaths. Each episode draws inspiration from a different Edgar Allan Poe poem, creating a narrative that’s gruesome yet subtly engaging.
Psycho
On Netflix, you can find two masterpieces by Alfred Hitchcock—The Birds and Psycho. Both films are timeless horrors, especially considering Hitchcock’s legendary status in the genre. If you have yet to experience Psycho, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in this classic as the season of scares approaches.
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