The allure of a scary movie comes from the thrilling and oddly addictive terror of the unknown. Watch your deepest fears on screen, and let your imagination run wild with these Netflix scary movies.
“Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
Scare scale: 6/10
This is a movie that’s based on Irving’s’ tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, in which Ichabod, played by Johnny Depp, is a NY detective who is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate multiple murders of people who are found headless in the woods. The local myth is that a ghost of a Hessian trooper who got his head removed by a cannon ball rides through the woods on horseback and decapitates those who don’t believe.
Ichabod refuses to believe in this legend and sets out to solve the murders. Throughout the film, Ichabod is attracted to Kathrina Van Tassel, played by Christina Ricci, who’s already taken by the muscular Brom Bones, played by Casper Van Dein. Ichabod thinks if he can catch the murderer, he’ll win over Kathrina. If you’re into more of a bloody, get-your-head-cut-off horror film, this movie is definitely for you.
“The Babadook” (2014)
Scare scale: 9.9/10
After losing her husband in a car wreck, Amelia, played by Essie Davis, is a single mother struggling to move on from his death. Samuel, their only son, starts having horrifying dreams about monsters. When a strange book appears in their house about the “Babadook” monster that hides in the dark areas of their house, unimaginable things start occurring to Sam and Amelia; Amelia becomes possessed by the Babadook and then tries to kill her own son. If you’re looking to get scared to death, this film should definitely be on the top of your list. You’ll continuously on edge the entire movie never knowing what’s going to happen next.
“Insidious 2” (2013)
Scare scale: 7/10
The sequel to “Insidious,” which isn’t on Netflix, “Insidious 2” is a terrifying, mysterious story about the Lambert family and their attempt to uncover a childhood secret that’s keeping them connected to the spiritual world. “Insidious 2” demands that the viewer stay focused the whole time. If you love movies that literally take you into another “spiritual” world with demons and spirits that are trying to overtake your body, this movie is right up your alley.
“Carrie” (1976)
Scare scale: 8/10
Based on the novel by Stephen King, “Carrie” is a film about a sheltered teen named Carrie White, played by Sissy Spacek, who deals with tormenting classmates. On top of being an outcast at school, Carrie endures abuse from her mother at home.
Strange occurrences begin to happen, and Carrie realizes that she may have supernatural powers. Carrie gets invited to prom and starts to think that everything is starting to look up in her life, but quickly her magical prom night takes a sudden and violent turn. If you enjoy high school drama revenge, this movie takes it to a whole new level.
“Scream” (1996)
Scare scale: 9/10
In the small town of Woodsboro, there’s a psychopath on the loose who stalks and taunts his victims with trivia questions then painfully kills them. To stay alive, the characters have to stay one step ahead and know all the correct answers to the trivia. The film keeps you guessing the identity of the killer and his next victims.
“You’re Next” (2011)
Scare scale: 9.6/10
A group of masked ax-wielding murders decide to invade a family reunion. The murderers have jammed the phone lines and set up wire outside all the doors that would slit their throats if they tried to escape. Throughout the night, the family is in a cat and mouse hunt until a family member who wants to inherit all the family’s investments turns into the most skilled killer of all. The whole film, you’re holding your breath because you never know who’s going to be next, or who’s behind the mask.
“Saw” (2004)
Scare scale: 4/10
This is a thriller that begins with two men chained up in a chamber-like room, neither knowing how they got there. Together, they try to piece together how they got there and who’s behind their imprisonment. Meanwhile, one is told to kill the other, or his family will die. “Saw” is more corrupted than scary, so if you’re into twisted, gory films, this one is for you.
Breathing a sigh of relief when you see that your favorite character lives to see another day or gasping when you realize who the killer was all along, that’s what horror film junkies live for. The final moment of truth. This Halloween, make sure you catch all the greats Netflix will be screaming.
