This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, Digital Trends and Yahoo Inc. may earn a commission.
July marks the beginning of the year’s second half, and we’ve already had many great horror movies on both the big screen and streaming services. The latter has been particularly good, with Netflix and Hulu leading the way. The best horror movies on Hulu are perfect for any hardcore or casual fan of the genre to enjoy.
Unlike other streamers, Hulu’s horror collection is considerable and full of recognizable titles and original efforts. To help, we at Digital Trends have done the work of going through Hulu’s mighty collection of scary movies and selecting the best ones that will keep you up at night. Here’s our roundup of the best horror movies on Hulu you can stream right now.
Hulu isn’t home to only horror titles. We’ve also put together guides to the best Hulu original seriesand the best anime on Hulu.
Get Out (2017)
Metacritic: 85%
IMDb: 7.8/10
Duration: 104m
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Horror
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
Directed by: Jordan Peele
In an Oscar-nominated performance, Daniel Kaluuya Stars as Chris Washington, a Black man on his way to meet his white girlfriend’s family. Upon arrival, everything seems great — eerily so, making Chris suspect things aren’t quite what they seem.Get Out is Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, a groundbreaking, smart, and thought-provoking societal critique masquerading as a horror thriller. Peele’s Oscar-winning screenplay is tight, tense, bitingly funny, and unsettling, offering a harsh take on racial relationships behind a heavy layer of dread and anxiety-inducing horror. Yet, Get Out is still entertaining and quite rewatchable, making it perfect for horror lovers.
Split (2017)
Metacritic: 63%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Duration: 117m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
James McAvoy delivers what is arguably the finest performance of his career in Trap directorM. Night Shyamalan’s psychological horror thriller Split. The plot centers on three young women kidnapped by a disturbed man with 23 personalities. Split provided Anya Taylor-Joy with her breakthrough role and furthered her credentials as a horror icon after the success of Robert Eggers’ The Witch. However, the film is largely McAvoy’s show, and the Scottish actor makes the most of it, delivering a tour de force performance that is intense and mesmerizing, yet profoundly discomforting and intimidating, depending on who is in control. Split is Shyamalan’s best effort of the 2010s, reminding audiences why his clever and subversive style became famous in the first place.
Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
Metacritic: 55%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Stars: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
A sequel to the cult 2009 hit Zombieland,Zombieland: Double Tap was worth the wait. A decade after the unexpected success of the original, the four main cast members — Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone (Poor Things), and Abigail Breslin — return for another adventure in a zombie-invested USA. This time, the group splits after years together, encountering new people and dangers in this dystopian world. Although not as refreshing or funny as the original, Zombieland: Double Tap is still a great horror comedy that mixes laughter with considerable gore. The four leads are all in on the jokes, recreating the special dynamic they originated 10 years prior. They are joined by new and exciting blood, including Rosario Dawson and a scene-stealing Zoey Deutch.
The Invitation (2022)
Metacritic: 45%
IMDb: 5.3/10
Duration: 105m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Sean Pertwee
Directed by: Jessica M. Thompson
Game of Thrones‘ Nathalie Emmanuel stars in the divisive 2022 horror thriller The Invitation. Inspired by Bram Stoker’s seminal classic Dracula, the film follows Evie, a young woman grieving the loss of her mother. She meets some long-lost family members who soon prove to be more sinister than they seem. Emmanuel gives it her all in the lead role, considerably elevating The Invitation‘s dodgy screenplay and puzzling direction. The result is more uneven than one would expect, but The Invitation remains a refreshing addition to the canon ofDracula-inspired cinematic efforts. In the hands of a more experienced director, it could’ve been a genuine hit; still, it is quite good for what it is.
Somewhere Quiet (2024)
IMDb: 4.8/10
Duration: 98m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Stars: Jennifer Kim, Kentucker Audley, Micheál Richardson
Directed by: Olivia West Lloyd
The psychological horror thriller Somewhere Quiet centers on Meg, a woman recovering from a kidnapping. Attempting to regain control of her life, she travels to her husband’s compound, only to begin losing her grip on reality. Somewhere Quiet is an interesting case: critics gave it positive reviews, but audiences have been far more mixed in their reaction. The film favors establishing a moody and almost overwhelming atmosphere over offering typical thrills or jump scares. See for yourself to decide where you fall in the critics-versus-audiences battle regarding this underrated but worthwhile picture.
The First Omen (2024)
Metacritic: 65%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Duration: 119m
Genre: Horror
Stars: Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Sônia Braga
Directed by: Arkasha Stevenson
A prequel to the 1976 horror classic The Omen, the aptly titledThe First Omen stars up-and-coming scream queen Nell Tiger Free, best known for her remarkable work in M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple TV+ series Servant. She stars as Margaret, an American woman sent to Rome to work at an orphanage. There, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy to birth the Antichrist. Although it is very much tied by its duties to the larger franchise, The First Omen successfully stands on its own as a worthy addition to a movie series that has never really found its footing. Atmospheric and chilling, this is a prequel that’s actually worth seeing.
Matriarch (2022)
Duration: 85m
Genre: Horror
Stars: Jemima Rooper, Kate Dickie, Sarah Paul
Directed by: Ben Steiner
A woman named Laura reaches a turning point in her life after surviving a near-fatal overdose. Determined to do better, she travels to her childhood home to confront her past traumas and her mother. However, she soon finds herself confronting an actual demon, making her mental nightmare a real one. Matriarch is not the first movie to explore the struggles of substance abuse and generational trauma through a horror lens, but it still offers a fresh enough perspective to add something to the ever-growing canon. It’s far too dark at times — literally, the lightning is Game of Thrones season 8-levels at some points — but Matriarch is a good option, especially for horror lovers looking for something new.
Birth/Rebirth (2023)
Metacritic: 78%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Science Fiction
Stars: Marin Ireland, Judy Reyes, A.J. Lister
Directed by: Laura Moss
The brilliant and criminal underrated Marin Ireland stars in the psychological horror film Birth/Rebirth. The film follows Rose, a morgue technician who reanimated a young girl and must go to extreme lengths to keep her alive. An incredibly disturbing piece of psychological dread, Birth/Rebirth rises on the strength of Ireland’s performance. It’s provocative enough to surprise yet confident enough to rely on classic horror tropes without succumbing to cliches. Birth/Rebirth is an impressive directorial debut from Laura Moss, and a horror movie that has everything to become a modern classic.
When Evil Lurks (2023)
Metacritic: 75%
IMDb: 7.0/10
Duration: 100m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Ezequiel Rodríguez, Demián Salomón, Silvina Sabater
Directed by: Demián Rugna
The supernatural horror filmWhen Evil Lurks centers on a small town who discovers a demon is about to be born. When two brothers try to deal with the issue, they only make things worse. When Evil Lurks is an impressive blend of thought-provoking themes with pure, unadulterated horror. The film has lofty ambitions, and it mostly fulfills them all through a riveting screenplay that juggles several things at once, each one scarier than the other. With striking visuals and an intriguing story, When Evil Lurks is among the best supernatural horror movies of the past year.
Honeymoon (2014)
Metacritic: 65%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Duration: 88m
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Stars: Rose Leslie, Harry Treadaway, Ben Huber
Directed by: Leigh Janiak
The 2014 supernatural horror movieHoneymoon stars Rose Leslie and Harry Treadaway. They play a newlywed couple celebrating their honeymoon in a secluded cabin in the Canadian forest. However, their bliss is disrupted after a series of strange events. Like the best horror movies, Honeymoon places a higher emphasis on atmospheric chills than jump-out-of-your-seat scares, resulting in a quiet, anxiety-inducing nightmare that could make one second-guess the person they’re sleeping next to. Further benefitting from Treadaway and Leslie’s performances, Honeymoon is a sci-fi horror that deserves far more attention from fans of the genre.
False Positive (2021)
Metacritic: 54%
IMDb: 4.6/10
Duration: 93m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Stars: Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, Pierce Brosnan
Directed by: John Lee
The unlikely trio of Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, and former James Bond Pierce Brosnan join forces for the 2021 horror film False Positive. The plot centers on Lucy and Adrian, a couple who seemingly meet the perfect fertility doctor, the respected John Hindle. Their efforts pay off, and Lucy becomes pregnant. However, she soon begins to suspect there’s something wrong with Hindle, and her suspicions lead her to discover the truth behind the doctor’s charm. False Positive plays on a primal fear to tell its horror story, and it often pulls it off. Its ambition might be too big for its grasp, but the film remains a worthy and visceral experience that’s greatly enhanced by Glazer’s committed performance and a remarkably eerie portrayal from the ever-reliable Brosnan.
Funhouse (2019)
IMDb: 5.2/10
Duration: 106m
Genre: Horror
Stars: Valter Skarsgård, Khamisa Wilsher, Gigi Saul Guerrero
Directed by: Jason William Lee
If a Skarsgård is involved, you can bet the horror movie will be worth your time. This time, it’s Valter Skarsgård who stars inFunhouse as a washed-up reality TV star who’s invited to participate in a reality show along with other C-listers. The catch? The losers are all killed in brutal ways. Funhouse doesn’t do nearly as much as it could with its premise and it fails to comment on the nature of online celebrity and the public’s obsession with infamy. Still, a game cast and gory, over-the-top kills make this a solid effort, especially for those horror fans looking for something that might have previously flown under their radar.
Flesh & Blood (2018)
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 93m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie
Stars: Diana Silvers, Dermot Mulroney, Tembi Locke
Directed by: Patrick Lussier
An entry in Hulu’s anthology series Into the Dark,Flesh & Blood follows teenager Kimberly, who’s living with agoraphobia and hasn’t left her house since her mother’s unresolved murder. On Thanksgiving Eve, she begins suspecting her father might be hiding a sinister secret in her home, which sets of a series of events that escalate rapidly. Although dealing with a familiar premise, Flesh & Blood rises on the strength of its cast, especially a chilling Dermot Mulroney and an impressive Diana Silvers, who crafts a final girl for a new generation.
Splinter (2008)
Metacritic: 58%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Duration: 82m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Jill Wagner, Charles Baker, Rachel Kerbs
Directed by: Toby Wilkins
An underrated gem of the 2000s, Splinter offers the perfect mix of horror and sci-fi. The plot follows a couple who get kidnapped by a pair of small-time crooks and taken to a remote gas station. There, they become targets of a violent parasitic horde, and all four must outsmart the creatures if they want to survive. Benefitting from a small-scale, yet effective screenplay and a memorable performance by the incredibly talented Shea Whigham, Splinter is a surprisingly scary thriller that makes the most out of its premise and claustrophobic setting. It never takes itself too seriously, resulting in a film that horror fans will enjoy and will probably want to watch again.
It Lives Inside (2023)
Metacritic: 50%
IMDb: 5.2/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Megan Suri, Neeru Bajwa, Mohana Krishnan
Directed by: Bishal Dutta
It Lives Inside centers on high school student Samidha, who rejects her Indian heritage in an effort to fit in with her friends. However, when a vengeful demonic spirit takes over her former best friend, Sam will need to reconcile with her heritage to save her friend and defeat the demon. It Lives Inside features the right balance between supernatural scares and social commentary. but the healthy dose of Indian folklore is the real hook here, and the high school setting greatly enhances the film’s messages about belonging and adapting. Overall, It Lives Inside is quite an impressive debut for director Bishal Dutta and further proof that Indian culture should play a larger role in mainstream horror.
Cobweb (2023)
Metacritic: 50%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Duration: 88m
Genre: Horror
Stars: Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman
Directed by: Samuel Bodin
Lizzy Caplan and The Boys‘ Antony Starr headline the 2023 horror film Cobweb. The plot centers on Peter, a young boy raised by two overbearing and overprotective parents, When he begins hearing noises from the other side of his wall, he begins suspecting something sinister might be lurking. Borrowing from films that came before, particularly Wes Craven’s 1991 horror comedy The People Under the Stairs, Cobweb offers a wicked and chilling take on family secrets that will have every fan checking under the bed before turning off the light. The film might not reinvent the genre, but it offers enough genuinely chilling moments to earn a reputation as a worthwhile horror effort.
Slotherhouse (2023)
Duration: 93m
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Thriller
Stars: Lisa Ambalavanar, Sydney Craven, Andrew Horton
Directed by: Matthew Goodhue
In the pantheon of utterly ridiculous horror premises,Slotherhouse surely has a place of honor. The plot follows Emily, a girl trying to become president of her sorority. She adopts a cute sloth to try and earn more votes, but soon, the animal proves itself dangerous, and Emily and her friends must fight to stay alive. Slotherhouse is absurd in the best possible way: it never tries to be anything more than what it is, embracing its nature as a campy B-movie and making the most out of it. Few horror comedies are as gleefully ridiculous as this one, and that’s Slotherhouse‘s greatest strength: its ability to laugh at its bonkers premise, thus making the audience laugh along.
Werewolves Within (2021)
Metacritic: 66%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Duration: 97m
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Fantasy
Stars: Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil
Directed by: Josh Ruben
One of the best video game adaptations ever, Werewolves Within is a criminally underrated horror comedy that deserves a lot more fans. The plot follows the inhabitants of a rural town in Vermont, who become trapped in an inn because of a violent snowstorm. Tensions rise when they begin suspecting one of them is the werewolf who has been wreaking havoc in the community. Funny and witty without forgetting to be scary, Werewolves Within is a pulpy and instantly memorable throwback to the ’80s classics that saw the horror genre thrive. Come for the severed body parts, but stay for the genuine heartfelt story.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
Metacritic: 78%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Duration: 100m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars: Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner
Directed by: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Robert Carlyle stars in Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s follow-up to Danny Boyle’s now-iconic 2002 film 28 Days Later. The plot sees two siblings inadvertently reintroducing the Rage Virus into a safe zone in London, and the efforts of NATO military forces to salvage the territory. A standalone sequel to Boyle’s sleeper hit,28 Weeks Later is a worthy continuation of a story that has become uncomfortably relatable. The film benefits from an outstanding performance from Carlyle and a stellar supporting cast that includes Jeremy Renner, Idris Elba, and Rose Byrne. It’s more focused on action thrills than human chills compared to its predecessor, but 28 Weeks Later remains a spectacular and unnerving horror thriller.
Haunting of the Queen Mary (2023)
IMDb: 4.1/10
Duration: 124m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Alice Eve, Joel Fry, Nell Hudson
Directed by: Gary Shore
Gary Shore’s 2023 British horror filmHaunting of Queen Mary stars Alice Eve and Joel Fry. Combining past and present, the film follows two storylines: a family’s strange and violent experiences aboard the vessel on Halloween 1938, and their connection to another family aboard the ocean liner in the present day. Borrowing heavily from the ship’s infamous real-life reputation, Haunting of Queen Mary does the most with its premise, largely thanks to a committed cast. Atmospheric and genuinely chilling, the film is a well-crafted and well-acted horror story that might not reinvent the genre, but offers enough twists and frights to make it a worthwhile viewing experience.
Umma (2022)
Metacritic: 51%
IMDb: 4.7/10
Duration: 83m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Sandra Oh, Fivel Stewart, Dermot Mulroney
Directed by: Iris K. Shim
Thirteen-time Emmy nominee Sandra Oh (The Sympathizer) stars in the 2022 supernatural horror film Umma. The story concerns Amanda, a woman leading a quiet rural life with her daughter, Chrissy, on a farm. Their lives are upended when the remains of Amanda’s mother arrive from Korean, kicking off a chain of supernatural events. The film could’ve benefitted from a more atmospheric approach, and the excessive presence of genre clichés can get a little grating. However, Oh’s passionate performance almost always elevates the material, making Umma an uneven but ultimately satisfying experience for all those looking for a classic horror tale.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Metacritic: 72%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Duration: 133m
Genre: Western, Horror, Drama
Stars: Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Richard Jenkins
Directed by: S. Craig Zahler
Kurt Russell stars in S. Craig Zahler’s Western horror film Bone Tomahawk, opposite an ensemble that also includes Patrick Wilson and Oscar-nominee Richard Jenkins. The plot follows Franklin Hunt, a small-town sheriff who leads a small group — including his deputy, a gunslinger, and a cowboy — to rescue three people from a group of cannibalistic cave dwellers. Violent, riveting, and featuring a stellar turn from Russell, Bone Tomahawk is a refreshing blend of genres that offers a tense, slow-building, yet engaging narrative that will satisfy fans of both horror and the ever-present Western genre.
Mandy (2018)
Metacritic: 82%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Duration: 122m
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Horror
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache
Directed by: Panos Cosmatos
No actor is as committed to sheer, unadulterated intensity as Nicolas Cage. The Oscar winner is at his most unhinged in Panos Cosmatos’ horror action film Mandy, about a couple whose idyllic and secluded life is disrupted by a brutal cult. A stylish, original, blood-soaked revenge thriller, Mandy is action-packed and exciting. It’s a savage and surreal tale of vengeance that benefits greatly from Cosmatos’ assured direction. However, this is Cage’s show, and the actor relishes every demented minute of it, offering a wild, yet fascinating and brave performance that few, if any, actors could pull off.
Watcher (2022)
Metacritic: 72%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Duration: 96m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Stars: Maika Monroe, Karl Glusman, Burn Gorman
Directed by: Chloe Okuno
Modern scream queen Maika Monroe stars in the 2022 psychological horror thriller Watcher. The plot centers on Julia, a young American actress who moves to Bucharest, Romania, with her boyfriend. Her mental state deteriorates as she begins suspecting a stranger who watches her from across the street is the serial killer terrorizing the city. Like many of the best-regarded thrillers, Watcher rises on the strength of a clear vision and a terrific central performance. Director Chloe Okuno is perfectly suited for the material, and Monroe is outstanding as the increasingly fragile Julia, resulting in a chilling thriller that might not subvert expectations, but certainly entertains and disturbs.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Metacritic: 65%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Duration: 86m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Brian Cox, Ophelia Lovibond
Directed by: André Øvredal
Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox star in the underrated 2016 supernatural horror filmThe Autopsy of Jane Doe. The story sees a father and son performing an autopsy on a beautiful Jane Doe, only to discover increasingly dangerous and terrifying secrets. Unlike other supernatural horror movies, The Autopsy of Jane Doe relies on suggestion rather than overt terror, largely succeeding thanks to a clever screenplay and Hirsch and Cox’s performances. And while director André Øvredal’s recent efforts have left a lot to be desired, The Autopsy of Jane Doe remains one of his most effective and creepy efforts.
Bad Hair (2021)
Metacritic: 60%
IMDb: 5.6/10
Duration: 102m
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Stars: Elle Lorraine, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe
Directed by: Justin Simien
Director Justin Simien’s 2020 satirical horror comedy Bad Hair is among the most daring projects in recent memory. The film tells the story of Anna, a young woman who gets a weave to succeed in the cutthroat world of music. However, her journey to stardom faces unprecedented dangers when she comes to believe her new hair has a mind of its own. Bad Hair‘s reach far exceeds its grasp, but one must respect it for trying. The screenplay attempts many things, and while it’s quite uneven, the film remains a truly zany and campy mix of ideas and genres that must be seen to be believed.
The Boogeyman (2023)
Metacritic: 55%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Stars: Sophie Thatcher, Vivien Lyra Blair, Chris Messina
Directed by: Rob Savage
Based on Stephen King’s famous short story, The Boogeymanfollows a grieving family attempting to recover from their matriarch’s recent death. Things take a sinister turn when a desperate patient visits the father and leaves behind a predatory entity that preys on pain and suffering. Although it doesn’t do nearly as much as it could with its fascinating premise, The Boogeyman remains an effectively twisty and chilling exercise in dread that further confirms the close bond between horror and grief.
Alien (1979)
Metacritic: 89%
IMDb: 8.5/10
Duration: 117m
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Ian Holm
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott’s masterful hybrid of horror and sci-fi remains as refreshing and terrifying today as it was in 1979. Sigourney Weaver stars as sci-fi heroine Ellen Ripley, who must fight against a hostile alien force targeting the crewmembers of the commercial space tug Nostromo. Alien is a triumph of the horror genre, a stellar marriage of mystery and science fiction that results in one of cinema’s most terrifying films. Making the most out of its ambitious premise, Alien is a claustrophobic master class in tension and dread and is also one of the best sci-fi movies in cinematic history.
Prey (2022)
Metacritic: 71%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Duration: 100m
Genre: Thriller, Action, Science Fiction
Stars: Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, Michelle Thrush
Directed by: Dan Trachtenberg
ThePredator franchise has had numerous ups and downs, but 2022’s Prey might just be its finest hour yet. The plot centers on Naru, a young Comanche woman who must defend her tribe against the Predator, a vicious alien that hunts humans for sport. Taking the series’ main themes and effectively translating them to a more visceral approach, Prey is a remarkable achievement and a compelling action vehicle. Although it’s more of a thriller than an outright horror film, Prey‘s atmospheric tone and effective jump scares will have audiences on the edge for a full 100 minutes.
Clock (2023)
IMDb: 5.0/10
Duration: 92m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Dianna Agron, Melora Hardin, Jay Ali
Directed by: Alexis Jacknow
The ever underrated Dianna Agron stars in the 2023 sci-fi horror thrillerClock. The plot revolves around Ella, a young, successful woman who doesn’t want children. Pressured by her friends and family, Ella enrolls in a clinical trial to “fix” her seemingly broken biological clock. Clock‘s admittedly over-the-top plot might lack the subtlety of other, more cerebral marriages of sci-fi and horror. Still, Agron’s confident performance and the film’s themes of societal pressures and expectations make it a worthwhile and even thought-provoking horror picture.
Good Boy (2020)
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 89m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Comedy, TV Movie
Stars: Judy Greer, Ellen Wong, McKinley Freeman
Directed by: Tyler MacIntyre
Who said horror movies can’t be somewhat cute? The amazing Judy Greer stars inGood Boy, the second installment of theInto the Dark series. The plot follows Maggie, who gets an emotional support dog to help with her anxiety. Although things go great at first, Maggie soon discovers her best boy will go to extreme, murderous lengths to protect her against unwanted strangers. Sweet, yet still scary, Good Boy is further proof that Greer can elevate any material with her considerable talents. The plot is uneven, but there are enough thrills here to make it the best Into the Dark installment in recent memory.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Metacritic: 72%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Duration: 118m
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman
Directed by: Brandon Cronenberg
Horror-icons-in-the-making Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth star in Brandon Cronenberg’s 2023 sci-fi horror film Infinity Pool. The plot centers on a couple whose resort vacation turns into a nightmare of hedonism, violence, and horror after they’re seduced by an alluring young woman. Full of Cronenberg’s trademark surreal and brutal themes and imagery and powered by Skarsgård and Goth’s committed performances, Infinity Pool is a truly shocking experience that’s not for the weak of stomach or mind.
Monsters (2010)
Metacritic: 63%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Duration: 94m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction
Stars: Scoot McNairy, Whitney Able, Mario Zuniga Benavides
Directed by: Gareth Edwards
Gareth Edwards’Monsters is set in a world where Mexico has become quarantined after a space probe crash-landed in South America, spreading anew and dangerous life form. The film follows a journalist and a tourist journeying across the infected zone and to the safety of the U.S.-Mexico border. Benefitting from an intriguing premise and Edwards’ deft approach, Monsters is a compelling sci-fi horror movie with impressive visual effects and a chilling, anxiety-ridden plot. Its politics are clumsy and too on the nose, but the film remains a worthy watch for sci-fi horror lovers.
Pilgrim (2019)
IMDb: 5.6/10
Duration: 80m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Reign Edwards, Beth Curry, Antonio Raul Corbo
Directed by: Marcus Dunstan
The 2019 horror movie Pilgrim shows how easily a Thanksgiving celebration can descend into chaos. The film follows a woman who invites pilgrim reenactors to her family’s Thanksgiving dinner to remind them of their privilege and bring them closer together. However, the gathering turns deathly when the actors refuse to break character. Pilgrim is the kind of farcical, almost ridiculous horror movie that both thrills and entertains. Over-the-top and with a healthy dose of campy humor,Pilgrim is the perfect movie for a holiday-themed horror marathon.
Escape Room (2019)
Metacritic: 48%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Duration: 100m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Stars: Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Jay Ellis
Directed by: Adam Robitel
Taylor Russell stars in the 2019 psychological horror film Escape Room. Set during Thanksgiving break, the film follows six strangers who participate in an elaborate escape room puzzle for the chance to win $10,000. The catch? Each room is filled with death traps, and this is actually a life-or-death game. Although far from perfect,Escape Room is entertaining and consistently thrilling, featuring an impressively committed cast and a series of innovative traps that would make the Saw movies quiver with excitement.
No One Will Save You (2023)
Metacritic: 60%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Duration: 93m
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Stars: Kaitlyn Dever, Elizabeth Kaluev, Zack Duhame
Directed by: Brian Duffield
Emmy-nominee Kaitlyn Dever stars in Brian Duffield’s 2023 horror filmNo One Will Save You. The plot centers on an anxious introvert living in her childhood home who must battle an alien trying to invade her space. A nearly silent nightmare with only five audible pieces of dialogue, No One Will Save You is an atmospheric and electrifying home invasion thriller. Dever commands the screen, deftly guiding the plot using only the strength of her incredibly expressive face.
Skinamarink (2023)
Metacritic: 64%
IMDb: 4.9/10
Duration: 100m
Genre: Horror
Stars: Lucas Paul, Dali Rose Tetreault, Ross Paul
Directed by: Kyle Edward Ball
Canadian irrational horror film Skinamarinkwent viral on social media earlier this year. The film follows two children who wake up at night to realize their father is gone and their home’s windows and doors have vanished. Skinamarink is among the most recent examples of the audience-versus-critics divide. The latter praised its daring nature and themes, while many viewers found it frustrating and boring. However, Skinamarink remains provocative, intriguing, and above all scary, thanks to an atmospheric approach that will leave audiences shaking.
The Babadook (2014)
Metacritic: 86%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Duration: 94m
Genre: Drama, Horror
Stars: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney
Directed by: Jennifer Kent
The 2014 Australian psychological horror pictureThe Babadook is based on director Jennifer Kent’s 2005 short Monster. The film tells the story of a single mother reeling from her husband’s death who must confront her son’s fear of a monster lurking in their house. Clever and genuinely terrifying,The Babadook is a triumph of the horror genre, boasting a compelling and emotional story rooted in raw and real feelings most audiences will sympathize with. An eerie atmosphere and a singularly creepy villain further make The Babadook the perfect marriage between art and horror.
Titane (2021)
Metacritic: 75%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Duration: 108m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Stars: Agathe Rousselle, Vincent Lindon, Garance Marillier
Directed by: Julia Ducournau
Julia Ducournau’s Palm d’Or-winning body horror filmTitane stars Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon. The plot centers on a serial killer with a titanium plate in her head who develops a complicated relationship with a man after posing as his long-lost son to avoid capture. Blending elements of psychological thriller and body horror, Titane is among the most original and boldest films of the new millennium, an unforgettable experience for fans of elevated horror.
The Omen (1976)
Metacritic: 62%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Duration: 111m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner
Directed by: Richard Donner
Richard Donner’s classic The Omen is an institution in the horror genre. Cinematic icons Gregory Peck and Lee Remick star in the story about a couple whose child becomes the prime suspect in a series of violent deaths, leading them to believe he might be the Antichrist. A gorefest that makes the most out of its over-the-top premise, The Omen is an exercise in dread powered by a deliciously creepy performance from Harvey Stephens. The film launched a franchise, although the subsequent efforts have failed to match the original’s influence.
Crimes of the Future (2022)
Metacritic: 67%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Duration: 107m
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, Scott Speedman
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Body horror maestro reunites with Viggo Mortensen for his 2020 horror sci-fi Crimes of the Future, co-starring Léa Seydoux and Kristen Stewart. Set in a dystopian future where human evolution has made most humans immune to pain and disease, the film follows a performance artist who performs surgery on himself before live audiences. Although far from Cronenberg’s best picture, Crimes of the Future remains a must-watch for fans of the director’s singular mix of body horror and thought-provoking ideas.
Hellraiser (2022)
Metacritic: 55%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Duration: 121m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Odessa A'zion, Jamie Clayton, Adam Faison
Directed by: David Bruckner
A reboot of the venerable Hellraiser franchise, Hellraiser follows a young woman recovering from addiction. When she receives a mysterious box capable of summoning humanoid beings with sad*stic impulses, she must confront the dangerous demonic forces responsible for her brother’s disappearance.
Featuring a spectacular performance from Jamie Clayton as the iconic villain Pinhead,Hellraiser is a welcome return to form for a franchise that spent far too long neck-deep in mediocrity.
Run (2020)
Metacritic: 67%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Duration: 90m
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Drama
Stars: Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen, Pat Healy
Directed by: Aneesh Chaganty
Emmy nominee Sarah Paulson stars in the 2020 psychological thriller Run. The film revolves around Chloe, a young woman who has spent her life controlled by her overbearing mother. However, as Chloe enters adolescence, she begins questioning her life and her mother’s role in it. Powered by Paulson’s committed performance, and with a smart and pleasantly surprising screenplay, Run is an effective and suspenseful thriller that will keep audiences on the edge.
Fresh (2022)
Metacritic: 67%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Duration: 114m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Comedy
Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan, Jojo T. Gibbs
Directed by: Mimi Cave
Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones star in the horror thriller Fresh. The film follows Noa, a young woman frustrated with dating apps, who begins a relationship with the charming Steve. When the two go for a weekend getaway, Noa discovers the many sinister secrets Steve has been hiding. Benefitting from Edgar-Jones and Stan’s performances and with clever insights into the horrors of modern dating, Fresh is a chilling horror story with poignant social critique.
Pooka! (2018) [New]
Rated: R
Duration: 90m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, TV Movie
Stars: Nyasha Hatendi, Latarsha Rose, Jon Daly
Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo
Hulu’s Into the Dark series has served as a powerful forum for established and up-and-coming genre directors to showcase new and exciting horror films, and while we’ve already covered Treehouse (directed by James Roday), we’d also like to shine some morbid light on director Nacho Vigalondo’s contribution to the anthology. It’s a film called Pooka! that stars Nyasha Hatendi as a man named Wilson who takes an acting job as a costumed creature named Pooka, a beast based on a popular new holiday toy that’s selling like crazy. But as the toy’s popularity reaches new heights, Wilson begins experiencing wild hallucinations with murderous conclusions. A fitting genre feast for the Christmas season, Vigalondo clearly had a ton of fun with his off-the-wall concept, and so will you.
Hatching (2022)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Rated: R
Duration: 91m
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Stars: Siiri Solalinna, Sophia Heikkilä, Jani Volanen
Directed by: Hanna Bergholm
There’s nothing quite like a solid coming-of-age story, especially when the focus is on a 12-year-old gymnast (Siiri Solalinna) named Tinja who comes into the possession of a dying bird’s one and only egg deep in the woods — one that hatches and reveals one of the most visually disturbing combinations of makeup and VFX the world has ever seen. It turns out the creature takes on the likeness of those who raise it, too, leading us down a path of surreal terrors as Tinja does everything in her power to shield her family from the monster’s clutches. There’s plenty to be said about Hatching’s vivisection of girlhood and what it takes to be worthy in the eyes of our mothers. With its David Lynch-inspired visions of idyllic suburbia getting ripped and clawed apart, this is a feature that’s hard to forget.
You Are Not My Mother (2022)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 5.8/10
Rated: R
Duration: 93m
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Stars: Hazel Doupe, Paul Reid, Ingrid Craigie
Directed by: Kate Dolan
Films likeYou Are Not My Motherare cleverly-lensed explorations of a world where our parents are not who we think they are. In this 2021 Irish horror film, the story follows Char (Hazel Doupe), her grandmother (Ingrid Craigie), and Char’s mother, Angela (Carolyn Bracken), in the aftermath of Angela’s sudden disappearance. Re-emerging, Angela is not the same parent Char has known her whole life. Exhibiting frightening new behaviors and disturbing thoughts and emotions, it’s up to Char to figure out just what happened to her mother before she’s all but lost to whatever evils have been visited upon her. An astonishing feature debut from Kate Dolan, You Are Not My Mothercreates a perplexing, almost folkloric setting and atmosphere where almost any flavor of fear is possible.
Little Monsters (2019)
Metacritic: 59%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Rated: R
Duration: 94m
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Stars: Lupita Nyong'o, Alexander England, Josh Gad
Directed by: Abe Forsythe
Remember that elementary school field trip where you and your peers were besieged upon by hordes of the living dead? Count yourself lucky if such madness escaped you in your youth, because in writer-director Abe Forsythe’s 2019filmLittle Monsters, the onscreen kindergarten class isn’t so fortunate. With a cast led by Lupita Nyong’o as kindergarten teacher Miss Caroline, Alexander England as washed-up musician Dave, and Josh Gad as television personality Teddy McGiggles, the horror/rom-com hybrid follows the unlikely trio of adults and Miss Caroline’s students as they fight and defend themselves against zombies that have escaped from a nearby government facility. Filled with heart and soul, laugh-out-loud moments, and a healthy supply of B-movie gore,Little Monstersis an awesome summer flick that assures the viewing world that zombies still have an important place in horror cinema.
Held (2020)
Metacritic: 46%
IMDb: 5.2/10
Rated: R
Duration: 94m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Stars: Jill Awbrey, Bart Johnson, Travis Cluff
Directed by: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing
Heldstars Jill Awbrey and Bart Johnson as Emma and Henry Barrett, a married couple looking to address some of the many strifes within their relationship. After taking up residence in an isolated smart home, the couple’s idyllic retreat quickly unfurls into a sinister game of cat-and-mouse when Emma and Henry realize that their rental host, a sentient voice that speaks through the home’s automated ecosystem, knows a number of personal details about their marriage and is watching their every move.Heldborrows from films likePanic Roomand other single-location horror-thrillers, delivering a familiar story that gains the higher ground come the third act. Stick around for the reveal — you won’t be disappointed.
Agnes (2021)
Metacritic: 65%
IMDb: 3.9/10
Rated: R
Duration: 93m
Genre: Drama, Horror
Stars: Molly C. Quinn, Sean Gunn, Hayley McFarland
Directed by: Mickey Reece
Religious fervor reaches new peaks in director Mickey Reece’s harrowing horror-dramaAgnes.When a sister of faith begins experiencing wretched tendencies, an investigative priest and his apprentice are sent to the remote convent to investigate the phenomena. But as evil spreads its wings wider, not even the benevolent intentions of the priesthood can contain the demonic troubles that boil over. An atmosphere-laden tale of terror,Agnesoperates more than effectively on its rather small budget, delivering chills throughout its entire runtime.
Gaia (2021)
Metacritic: 64%
IMDb: 5.6/10
Rated: R
Duration: 97m
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Drama
Stars: Monique Rockman, Carel Nel, Alex van Dyk
Directed by: Jaco Bouwer
In director Jaco Bouwer’sGaia, Monique Rockman stars as the titular character, a displaced forest ranger who gets hurt on the job. Rescued by a nomadic father-and-son duo, Gaia’s troubles grow bigger when she discovers that both men are devotees to a tantalizing and mythic presence harboring deep in the woodlands. Or is it all in their heads? An eerie and hallucinatory film,Gaiawill crawl directly under your skin and lurk there for weeks to come.
Willy's Wonderland (2021)
Metacritic: 44%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Rated: R
Duration: 88m
Genre: Action, Horror, Comedy
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Emily Tosta, Beth Grant
Directed by: Kevin Lewis
Nicolas Cage has become the unsung king of B-list horror films over the last few years, with lead performances in off-the-wall films like MandyandColor Out of Space. InWilly’s Wonderland, the mighty Cage stars as an unnamed protagonist who agrees to take a janitorial job at Willy’s Wonderland for one night to pay for car repairs. But what Nomadic Nick doesn’t see coming is an army of animatronic foes that wage war against him. Armed with whatever he can find, the man must fight for his life to see the sunrise. A bizarre homage to the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise,Willy’s Wonderlandis a whole bunch of Cage-fueled, off-kilter fun.
Wounds (2019)
Metacritic: 51%
IMDb: 4.1/10
Rated: R
Duration: 94m
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Stars: Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson, Zazie Beetz
Directed by: Babak Anvari
When Will (Armie Hammer), a down on his luck bartender, comes into possession of a cell phone left at the local dive by a college patron, he brings it home with him. Going through the device, he begins to discover some truly disturbing content. All of this is only exacerbated when the same group of college students that left the phone behind start remerging, but in ways more terrifying than Will can fathom.Wounds puts forth the efforts of a dedicated cast and an immersive atmosphere, delivering a film that works in more ways than one, while faltering a bit here and there. As a genre entry though, it’s certainly worth a watch.
We Need to Do Something (2021)
Metacritic: 48%
IMDb: 4.5/10
Rated: R
Duration: 97m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Sierra McCormick, Vinessa Shaw, Pat Healy
Directed by: Sean King O'Grady
Getting locked in the bathroom during an apocalyptic fallout is never fun, especially when you’re trapped in said bathroom with your mom, dad, and younger brother. In WeNeed to Do Something, teenaged Melissa (Sierra McCormick) must contend with her crumbling family dynamic in the wake of a devastating storm. But as parts of the outside world start slithering their way into the house, Melissa and the rest of her kin must do everything in their power to stay alive until help arrives. But will it ever? A taut closed-door chiller,We Need to DoSomethingwill make you reconsider where you duck out during the next maelstrom.
Censor (2021)
Metacritic: 69%
IMDb: 6/10
Rated: R
Duration: 84m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Niamh Algar, Michael Smiley, Nicholas Burns
Directed by: Prano Bailey-Bond
Enid (Niamh Algar), a film censor, protects the moviegoing public from the exploits of the “nasties” of the day. When the dutiful anti-cinephile is assigned a new disturbing film, it’s nothing but work as usual until Enid starts tracing parts of the violent picture back to a series of traumatic events that occurred in her youth — horrid acts that may have had something to do with the disappearance of her sister. An indie gem for sure, Censormay skip the radar of most Hulu-watchers of today, but we loved its performances and captivating take on the infamous phenomena that was England’s “video nasty” era.