As Halloween draws near, Netflix is delivering plenty of thrills for horror fans. The streaming platform’s library is stacked with options that span from timeless classics to recent hits, making it easy to find the perfect fright.
Whether you’re looking for slashers, supernatural scares, or pulse-pounding psychological horror, these are five of the best scary movies on Netflix to watch this October.
Scary Movies to Watch on Netflix October 2025
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974)
- Director: Tobe Hooper
- Stars: Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Paul A. Partain
- Runtime: 83 minutes
Netflix doesn’t always house a wide selection of vintage horror, which makes the presence of Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” a must-see. The 1974 classic introduced audiences to Leatherface, chainsaws, and cannibalistic terror that inspired generations of slashers.
Its raw, sunbaked brutality and disturbing imagery cemented its place as one of the most influential horror films ever made. While countless imitators have followed, few match the original’s nerve-shattering intensity. For horror fans who haven’t yet experienced it, now’s the perfect opportunity.
“Smile” (2022)
- Director: Parker Finn
- Stars: Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Jessie T. Usher
- Runtime: 115 minutes
“Smile” offers a polished yet terrifying experience anchored by Sosie Bacon’s unsettling performance. The film follows an evil entity that dooms its victims after haunting them with eerie grins.
Director Parker Finn leans into tried-and-true horror tropes, focusing on jump scares and suspenseful tension. While not every story beat lands, the movie delivers enough screams to satisfy genre fans. “Smile” proves that sometimes straightforward scares are all you need.
“Creep” (2014)
- Director: Patrick Brice
- Stars: Patrick Brice, Mark Duplass
- Runtime: 77 minutes
Found footage fans will find plenty to love in “Creep.” The story begins when Aaron, a filmmaker, responds to an ad placed by a man named Josef, who claims he is dying and wants to film a message for his unborn child.
From there, things spiral into a disturbing psychological game. Mark Duplass gives a bizarre and unforgettable performance, especially once the Peachfuzz mask enters the picture. With its low-budget style and unsettling twists, “Creep” remains one of Netflix’s most unnerving horror gems. For those who want more, the streamer also offers its sequel, “Creep 2.”
“Train to Busan” (2016)
- Director: Yeon Sang-ho
- Stars: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Kim Su-an, Kim Eui-sung, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee
When it comes to zombie films, “Train to Busan” stands out as both a high-intensity thriller and a moving family drama. The South Korean hit follows a father trying to protect his young daughter during a zombie outbreak that overtakes passengers on a speeding train.
The confined setting makes the danger feel relentless, with each train car offering new challenges and harrowing encounters. What sets the film apart, though, is its emotional core — amid the chaos, the story explores sacrifice, humanity, and the bonds of family.
With inventive action sequences, strong performances, and unforgettable twists, “Train to Busan” has earned its reputation as one of the best zombie movies of the past decade and a must-watch for horror fans.
“Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992)
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Hopkins
- Rating: R
Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” is a lavish Gothic spectacle. Gary Oldman transforms into the iconic vampire with equal parts menace and longing, while Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, and Keanu Reeves round out a star-studded cast.
The film is visually stunning, with elaborate costumes and practical effects that harken back to early cinematic techniques. Sometimes over-the-top and operatic, it’s a feast for horror and romance fans alike. For those seeking a mix of drama and fright, this classic remains a top choice.
From 1970s slashers to 1990s Gothic horror and modern psychological chills, Netflix’s lineup offers something for every horror lover this October. Whether you’re revisiting classics or discovering new favorites, these five picks guarantee a fright-filled Halloween movie night.
