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The 10 most chilling horror movies streaming on Netflix New Zealand
With some spine-tingling originals and modern classics from the world of horror, Netflix has fans of the genre sorted.
Spooking yourself silly is easy when you have a Netflix subscription. This content-delivering juggernaut has many a skeleton lurking in its closet (and ghosts, and murderous wildlife, and psychotic shape-shifting clowns, and… well the list goes on).
For most sensible folk with a moderately healthy heart, horror is a genre not to be binge-watched. Typically, it’ll be one viewing, then some recovery time – possibly therapy – and then you’ll come back to sample another slice. But with such staggered viewing, one really ought to know which horror dishes to consume first. You certainly can’t go wrong with any of the following…
1. 1922
- Year: 2017
- Cast: Thomas Jane, Neal McDonough, Dylan Schmid, Molly Parker
The two takeaways you should get from 1922: Some secrets don’t stay buried, and inside every man is another man – a conniving man. In this Netflix original adaptation of a Stephen King classic, a simple yet proud rancher conspires to murder his wife for financial gain, and to prevent his pride and joy landholding from being lost in a divorce. After convincing his son to be an accessory, the deed is done, the law is successfully thrown off, and then the real troubles begin.
2. The Babysitter
- Year: 2017
- Cast: Samara Weaving, Judah Lewis, Hana Mae Lee, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne
If you like your horror thrills with a splash of bloody comedy, The Babysitter will be right up your alley. The movie centres on a young boy who stays up past his bedtime only to discover that his hot babysitter belongs to a satanic cult that will stop at nothing to keep him quiet. Equal parts hilarious and gruesome, the movie should be a delight for slasher fans. Also, how good is Samara Weaving? Spoiler alert: very.
3. The Ritual
- Year: 2017
- Cast: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
Reuniting after the tragic death of their friend, four college pals set out to hike through the Scandinavian wilderness. Here, a wrong turn comes with disturbing consequences. Besides the eerie setting, The Ritual treats viewers to creepy visual effects, impressive creature design and a cast of compelling characters. The dread is real with this one.
4. I’m Thinking of Ending Things
- Year: 2020
- Cast: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette, David Thewlis
Based on the novel of the same name by Iain Reid, I’m Thinking of Ending Things is more uncomfortable than downright scary. That doesn’t make it any less worthy of your attention, especially if you like your movies on the trippy side. The plot revolves around a young woman who accompanies her new boyfriend to his parent’s secluded farm. Weird stuff happens. By the end, you’ll be scratching your head and gasping in wonder at what just unfolded on screen.
5. Eli
- Year: 2019
- Cast: Kelly Reilly, Sadie Sink, Lili Taylor, Max Martini, Charlie Shotwell
Jump scares abound in this uneven but very satisfying horror flick. The movie revolves around a young boy plagued with an unknown illness, who becomes trapped in a haunted house while undergoing treatment. The set-up is terrifying, the effects are excellent and the final 15 minutes are ridiculously intense. Also, the twists are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
6. Gerald’s Game
- Year: 2017
- Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas, Chiara Aurelia
Sometimes all a failing marriage needs is a bit of spice in the bedroom, or a getaway to somewhere romantic and remote. Gerald’s titular game involves both of the aforementioned – the kink of the day being a pair of handcuffs and a bit of roleplaying with his missus, Jessie. When said activity goes horribly wrong, the designated incarcerated must face warped visions, dark secrets and a dire 127-Hours-esque choice.
7. Train to Busan
- Year: 2016
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik
When South Korea goes to hell in a handbasket due to fast zombies (truly the worst variant of all the undead), martial law is declared. After it all kicks off, rubbish father Seok-woo must bravely shepherd his estranged daughter to Busan, a city that seems to have successfully fended off the viral outbreak. Slight problem: A number of carriages are already window-to-window full of cannibals and the freak-free sections have morons in them making very, very stupid decisions.
8. Veronica
- Year: 2017
- Cast: Sandra Escacena, Bruna González, Claudia Placer
During a solar eclipse, Verónica and her friends want to summon the spirit of Verónica’s father using an Ouija board. As the session progresses, she loses consciousness, but eventually recovers. Soon though, it becomes clear that evil demons have arrived and a horrific outcome awaits her. The best kind of unsettling, this is the kind of movie that will make you sleep with the lights on. Especially since it’s inspired by a true story.
9. Hush
- Year: 2016
- Cast: John Gallagher Jr., Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco
A heart-pounding home invasion flick, Hush is about a deaf writer who retreats into the woods to live a solitary life. When a masked killer set on terrorising her appears in the window, she suddenly has to fight for survival. The movie is intense and scary, clever and twisty. It’s also jam-packed with nail-biting moments, so you might want some company instead of watching this one alone.
10. His House
- Year: 2020
- Cast: Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku, Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba
His House centres on a refugee couple who escape a war-torn South Sudan to England. Once there, they find it hard to adjust to their new surroundings – a shabby London house haunted by a less-than benevolent spirit. With plenty to say about assimilation and grief, His House is a top-tier horror movie that’s both compelling and visually arresting. It will give you goosebumps.
- Check out the complete list of horror movies streaming on Netflix New Zealand
- Learn more about horror streaming service Shudder
What changed on our list?
New additions
- I’m Thinking of Ending Things
- His House
Didn’t make the cut
- A Quiet Place
- The Cabin in the Woods
Enjoy even more spooks for free with these streaming trials?
Unfortunately, Netflix no longer offers free trials globally. However, there are a number of other streaming services available in New Zealand that do. You can compare streaming services in the table below.
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