Halloween season is here. And nothing takes the fun out of a Halloween evening quite like being stuck on a streaming platform, not knowing what to watch during the horror marathon. Thankfully, Netflix has everyone’s spooky needs covered. From gore fests full of jump scares, psychological head-scratchers, and some spooky sci-fi weirdness, to unique takes on the undead, or a light-hearted horror comedy that will have everyone laughing in between- there is truly something for everyone on the streaming giant's must-watch list.

To celebrate all things Halloween-adjacent this month, here are seven of the scariest films to really get into the seasonal spirit with Netflix.

For many, Halloween means the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The 1974 horror classic slasher film is known for shaping the horror genre and influencing countless horror filmmakers’ visions that followed. While Netflix might not have the OG Tobe Hooper film, it does have the latest 2022 installment in the long-running Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise by Chris Thomas Devlin.

This 2022 version brings the horror tale into the modern age, as a group of influencers finds themselves on Leatherface's hooks. The movie is tailor-made for gore enthusiasts who would not bat an eye at watching Leatherface get creative with his killing methods.

People often assume that a horror movie with a PG rating will not have much of a punch. Well, Under the Shadow flips that notion on its head in the most terrifying way possible. It is more of a grounded psychological drama that perfectly weaves together human emotions with supernatural scares to deliver an important message.

For those looking for a genuinely frightening film with a tense atmosphere largely devoid of violence and gore, Under the Shadow is the perfect find. 

R.L. Stine has been a household name in the horror community, and with beloved movies like Fear Street, it is safe to say that he certainly has not been forgotten. Packed with slasher and supernatural elements, this trilogy by Leigh Janiak honored many horror greats of the past while also elaborating on classic tropes with a truly original and compelling plotline.

Fear Street is especially a great fit for a teenage Halloween sleepover, as it revolves around a group of teens digging into their town's curse and its backstory.

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Plus, there is a sprinkle of humor throughout the film that keeps the fun alive, even amid the spooky environment.  

Hubie Halloween can easily be called a comedy-horror, and it delivers on that front. The Netflix original is a classic Adam Sandler comedy that tries to balance tolerance and laughs throughout while making light of people in a psychiatric facility. While it is a great choice for the spooky season, there is one thing to consider.

Hubie Halloween might resonate best with fans of Adam Sandler's comedies, but those on the lookout for a good horror-comedy or an atmospheric Halloween flick might find it a bit lacking.

Ryan Reynolds is usually known for his comedic chops and R-rated blockbusters like Deadpool. However, his horror films are just as underrated as some of his early acting performances. Life is one such horror film featuring Reynolds that offers a refreshing change by not relying on the terrifying looks often seen in other monster movies.  Perhaps because it did not even need to appear scary to make an impact.

Even in the film's trailer, one can catch multiple jump scares and plenty of terrified panting. So, while science fiction does not always have to be scary, viewers of Life should be prepared for some seriously freaky moments.

It Follows is far from the typical cliché jump-scare horror that gets churned out every season. It zooms in on deeper subjects, much like The Babadook and Goodnight Mommy, where it appears one way on the surface but reveals plenty of layers beneath. This film is a slow burn that gradually builds tension and relies on the atmosphere it creates to make the viewers feel uneasy, rather than outright scared.

While it may not deliver on jump scares, gore, or shocking images, what makes the movie truly chilling is the unsettling notion that, in the end, 'it' will inevitably catch up to you.

No discussion of horror is complete without Stephen King. And Netflix has one of the best King adaptations with Gerald’s Game. The performances and writing in this film are so strong that the atmosphere instantly gets under the skin. The Mike Flanagan movie has the best elements of the horror genre- the same director who also created the popular horror series, The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix.

Despite its relatively simple premise, Gerald’s Game is suspenseful and unpredictable- all with surprising depth, unexpected twists, and even the occasional jump scare, making it a preferred Halloween watch. 

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What do you think about these seven horror movies for Halloween 2024? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!