The best horror films on Netflix UK and Ireland
One of those things about getting older is you’re less likely to go crazy on Halloween. After a hard day at the office. On a Thursday. With work in the morning.
While students party hard in scandalous costumes until the small hours, most of us will be having a quiet night in - but there’s always a good scary movie to watch for the night that’s in it.
So, without further ado, here are the top picks for horror films available on Ireland’s version of Netflix. There’s plenty of … questionable films on the service, but these are all worth your time.
If you’re not a subscriber, you can get a free one-month trial quickly.
Enjoy.
IMDB score: 7.1
This might sound like the most stereotypical horror film of all time, but it’s actually a weird and wonderful tribute to the format. Featuring Joss Whedon as producer and, oddly, Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) from the West Wing, it’s definitely different and worth a go.
IMDB score: 6.1
In the mood for something lighter? Not so much scary as a horror-comedy, this Irish film takes giant flesh-eating sea-monsters with an allergy to alcohol - and pits them against a bar full of heavy drinkers on a remote Irish island.
Not a stereotype to be seen, so. Still, it’s good fun and home-grown, and worth your time.
IMDB score: 7.5
A true classic, here: two American boys lost in the moors are attacked by a mysterious beast, with sinister undertones from the locals who may know more than they let on.
Good werewolf films are few and far between - this was made way back in 1981 and is still up there with the best.
IMDB score: 7.4
“Introducing John Travolta in his first motion picture role”, you say?
A truly iconic book and movie that launched Steven Kings’ career as a horror writer, Carrie is the story of an abused teenage girl who discovers she has hidden powers to protect herself – but is unable to control them.
If you’ve never seen the film, it’s a true high-school horror classic.
IMDB score: 6.3
When Blair Witch came out in 1999, it was a massive worldwide phenomenon, thanks mainly to its marketing which claimed to be based on true events. It’s not.
It is, however, a surprisingly good horror film which many haven’t seen since. Not only did it launch the shaky-cam documentary-style horror fad, it was also one of the biggest films in years to let your imagination do most of the work.
A good choice for one or two people with the lights off.
IMDB score: 5.5
This is not a film with much subtlety – it’s go-for-a-cheap-shock horror. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Our protagonist, Kelly, is the victim of sexual violence - only to discover she has toothed genitals. A ridiculous premise, to be sure, but it might get the desired reaction in mixed company.
IMDB score: 7.2
“Do you like scary movies?”
Wes Craven’s 1996 tribute to the horror format is still a perfect slasher flick. You know exactly what you’re in for with this one, and it doesn’t disappoint - young women running from a cold killer while the strong male characters utterly fail to protect them, as each character is picked off one by one.
Can’t go wrong.
IMDB score: 6.3
Hate spiders? Put this on. Horror comedy that will work best on those with an aversion to eight-legged things.
IMDB score: 6.4
Just like Arachnophobia is a sure-fire way to scare those with a fear of spiders (obviously), some people have a thing about creepy dolls. And Child’s Play - starring the incredibly disturbing Chucky - started plenty of those fears.
A true classic of the ridiculous-yet-frightening variety, just wait for the battery scene.
IMDB score: 4.5
Widely panned as a bad film, this has one thing going for it - it’s utterly shock-filled and disgusting.
Featuring an insane surgeon who will do anything to alter human bodies in the most awful way possible, it’s one of those shock-and-gore films not for the faint of heart.
Still, we can’t ignore it on the list- it’s notable just for its subject matter.
IMDB score: 7.2
Another Steven King-inspired film, this movie is all about people, not the supernatural forces outside. Lock enough people together in one room, and see what happens to them.
It’s essentially a zombie film in another form, looking at what people do in extreme situations.
IMDB score: 7.5
Not really a horror film , but a comedy on the same old formula - what happens when two rednecks living in the woods … get attacked by a bunch of clean-cut college kids?
Hilarity.
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Don't see anything that grabs your fancy here? Of course, if you've got US Netflix, you'd have a much wider range of services available. And it possible to get it with a little digital trickery.
*Opens coat surreptitiously* Just so you know.
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