36 Best Horror Movies on Hulu to Watch Right Now (2024)

Hulu is to horror what Netflix is to rom-coms, which is, in a word, revitalizing. Hulu has slowly cultivated a one-of-a-kind collection of both short and long-form horror, from TV shows to big-budget movies, paying extra care to the genre with numerous originals.

In recent years, Hulu has taken to revitalizing beloved horror IP, which further cemented a place for the originals to be more widely available while giving Hulu access to time-proven content for its subscribers. That, plus its plethora of add-on streaming options, allows viewers to sort between even more tantalizing delights rather than needing to pay for a more niche streaming service. With all of this to sort from, here are Hulu’s best of the best of all things spine-tingling and scary.

36 The Omen (1976)

The Omen (1976)

R

Release Date

June 25, 1976

Director

Richard Donner

Cast

gregory peck , Lee Remick , Harvey Stephens , David Warner , Billie Whitelaw

Main Genre

Horror

One of horror's most beloved and long-running film franchises, The Omen is more than a little terrifying. And, while that can apply to 2024's effective The First Omen, it really mostly applies to Richard Donner's original. That's right, Richard Donner, the director of Superman and Lethal Weapon.

An All-Timer

While the film's whole melancholic, near-end-of-days vibe is what makes it truly stand out, there are individual factors that have also stood the test of time. For instance, the birthday party hanging scene is still top-tier horror imagery. Furthermore, the glass pane-caused death of David Warner's character is still a legitimate shock. Speaking of Warner, he's not the only legitimate thespian giving this scary movie his all, as the film is led impeccably by Gregory Peck and Lee Remick.

35 Dog Soldiers (2002)

Dog Soldiers

R

Release Date

May 10, 2002

Director

Neil Marshall

Cast

Sean Pertwee , Kevin McKidd , Emma Cleasby , Liam Cunningham , Thomas Lockyer , Darren Morfitt

Main Genre

Action

A few years before his equally impressive The Descent, Neil Marshall was revolutionizing the werewolf subgenre with Dog Soldiers. Tense, claustrophobic, and capable of a legitimate surprise or two (even for horror aficionados), it's one of 2002's best films. Regardless of genre.

An Incredible Directorial Debut

The cast understands the assignment throughout. What could have been a group of generic military types getting picked off one by one instead comes across as wholly organic. Moreover, with excellent creature design, there's no chance this film won't please those even marginally interested in lupine cinema.

34 The Host (2006)

The Host (2006)

R

Release Date

July 27, 2006

Director

Bong Joon-ho

Cast

Song Kang-ho , Byun Hee-bong , Park Hae-il , Bae Doona , Go Ah-sung

Main Genre

Drama

One part survival film, one part monster movie, one part family drama, and one part sci-fi horror, there's something in masterful director Bong Joon-ho's The Host for everyone. The narrative follows the slimy, amphibious result of formaldehyde being poured into a drain. A drain that leads right into the Han River. And, now, that amphibious result has kidnapped a clumsy, silly, but kind-hearted man's daughter.

A Modern Sci-Fi Horror Classic

The beast's initial emergence from the Han River was and remains a startlingly effective 15 minutes or so of monster cinema. But the real appeal is the kidnapping plot because even the youngest individuals in this narrative are well-written and astoundingly acted. And not once does the movie let the viewer feel that they're safe.

33 The Inhabitant (2022)

The Inhabitant

Release Date

October 7, 2022

Director

Jerren Lauder

Cast

Odessa A'Zion , Leslie Bibb , Dermot Mulroney , Lizze Broadway , Michael Cooper Jr.

Main Genre

Horror

The Inhabitant follows a teen girl who starts to attract unwanted attention in her community. She's a descendant of Lizzie Borden, and like those other women in the bloodline who came before her, but after Lizzie, her existence frightens people. Of course, that's silly. Individuals make individual choices. But, perhaps, the speculation surrounding this particular teen isn't entirely unfounded.

One That Didn't Deserve to Fly Under the Radar

Essentially a twisty, twisted, modernized take on the Lizzie Borden story, The Inhabitant basically flew under people's radar. But, with fairly tight direction and outstanding lead performances from Odessa A'zion and Leslie Bibb, it's an underseen film worth watching. Not to mention, while he doesn't get to have as much fun as he did in Scream VI, Dermot Mulroney sells his scenes with ease.

32 Scream (2022)

Scream (2022)

R

Release Date

January 14, 2022

Director

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin , Tyler Gillett

Cast

Neve Campbell , Courteney Cox , David Arquette , Melissa Barrera , Jack Quaid , Mikey Madison , Jenna Ortega

Main Genre

Horror

After Scream 4 bombed, it seemed like Ghostface was done for good. Then, once Wes Craven passed, that hint solidified. But, it wasn't to be, and with Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett's Scream (2022), the IP was successfully rebooted in several major ways.

An Incredible Trip Back to Woodsboro

Fans liked it. Critics liked it. And, perhaps most importantly, it was a financial success. That said, the following year's inferior (but still worthy of the namesake) Scream VI did even better, at least financially. Of course, with lead Melissa Barrera's severely unfortunate firing and Jenna Ortega's subsequent exit, Scream VII might not be fully what the franchise's newfound fans were hoping for. That said, Scream VI finishes the Carpenter sisters' arc, and as a duology it totally works.

31 Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Bone Tomahawk

NR

Where to Watch

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See Also

Die Filmstarts-Kritik zu The Boogeyman„The Boogeyman“-Kritik: Nicht alle Horror-Fans kommen beim neuen Stephen-King-Fan auf ihre KostenThe Boogeyman | Rotten TomatoesFilmkritik The Boogeyman (2023) - Horrormagazin.de

Release Date

October 23, 2015

Director

S. Craig Zahler

Cast

Patrick Wilson , Kurt Russell , Sean Young , Lili Simmons , Matthew Fox , Zahn McClarnon

Main Genre

Western

Written and directed by S. Craig Zahler in his directorial debut, Bone Tomahawk is a Western horror set in the remote town of Bright Hope, which is dominated by a clan of cannibals who call themselves the “troglodytes.” When the wife of the sheriff and two others are abducted by the clan, he teams up with his deputy, a gunslinger, and a cowboy to rescue them. But soon, they’re outnumbered by the brutal killers, leading to a fight for their lives.

A Horrifying and Unique Western

We’ve seen gritty westerns and disturbing horrors separately, and they both have the most unsettling aspects that make them memorable. Bone Tomahawk infuses the classic tropes from both genres to create something terrifyingly beautiful. While the practical effects add ferocity to the cannibalistic clan, a more tender and tense pace enhances the nature of its compelling characters. With actors like Kurt Russell, Richard Jenkins, Patrick Wilson, and Matthew Fox lending their talents, the movie is a true gem.

30 Mandy (2018)

Mandy

R

Where to Watch

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Release Date

September 13, 2018

Director

Panos Cosmatos

Cast

Nicolas Cage , Andrea Riseborough , Linus Roache , Ned Dennehy , Olwen Fouéré , Richard Brake

Main Genre

Thriller

Set in the early 1980s, Mandy is an outstanding action horror film that follows Red Miller, living a peaceful secluded life in the woods with his artist girlfriend, Mandy. Their glorious world is shattered when a rogue cult leader is infatuated by Mandy and orders his henchmen to kidnap her. Things escalate violently when Red embarks on a harrowing mission to dismantle the cult and free Mandy.

A Cage-Dominated Revenge Flick

Even though the premise of Mandy sounds weary, its beautifully shot action, inventive allegory, and heavy metal sensibilities make it unconventional. Nicolas Cage is brilliant in this surreal epic as he bathes himself in grief and vengeance, his rage engulfing every scene. Under the stylish direction of Panos Cosmatos, the movie becomes arthouse fare that not only packs visceral scenes of horror but also redefines the genre for the cinephiles.

29 The House That Jack Built (2018)

The House That Jack Built

R

Release Date

October 4, 2018

Director

Lars von Trier

Cast

Matt Dillon , Bruno Ganz , Uma Thurman , Siobhan Fallon , Sofie Gråbøl , Riley Keough

Main Genre

Documentary

Split into five sections, The House That Jack Built follows the titular serial killer as he recounts all the gruesome and meticulous murders he committed in the past decade. The entire time, he’s referring to a faceless man called Verge. Apparently, Jack considered every act of violence as a work of art, and the way he describes them is jarring.

Gruesome and Visceral Murder Scenes

Knowing the film is written and directed by Lars von Trier, it is only natural that it would infuse highly shocking kills with a sufficient amount of social commentary. As far as serial killer movies go, The House That Jack Built is perhaps the most authentic in its depiction of intense murders. Matt Dillon certainly outdoes himself as the psychotic criminal who takes pride in admitting that he has murdered sixty people so far. Paired with the hauntingly beautiful score and unrushed cinematography, the film is a wild masterpiece.

28 Titane (2021)

Titane

R

Where to Watch

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Release Date

October 1, 2021

Director

Julia Ducournau

Cast

Vincent Lindon , Agathe Rousselle , Garance Marillier , Laïs Salameh , Dominique Frot , Myriem Akeddiou

Main Genre

Horror

Titane is a bizarre French body horror film centered around Agathe Rousselle’s main character who was in an accident as a child. As a result, a medical-grade titanium alloy was fitted inside her skull. Now an adult, she works as a model and kills anyone who crosses her. While on the run, she comes across fire chief Vincent, whose young boy has been missing for a decade now. Alexia poses as Adrien, and what follows is a series of uncomfortable scenarios.

Thematically Rich and Narratively Startling

Disturbing but visually stunning, Titane confuses you from the get-go. Despite not understanding her character, you’re drawn to Rousselle because of her magnetic presence and unusual appeal. The horror thriller setup makes the movie’s plot twists and fetishes seem shocking. Moreover, with Vincent Lindon’s chief, it also tries making subtle commentary on self-denial, body image, and sexuality, eventually drawing to a conclusion that will leave your mouth agape.

27 A Haunting in Venice (2023)

A Haunting in Venice

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Release Date

September 15, 2023

Director

Kenneth Branagh

Cast

Kelly Reilly , Michelle Yeoh , Kenneth Branagh , Jamie Dornan , Emma Laird , Tina Fey

Main Genre

Crime

Read Our Review

The third Hercule Poirot story brought to the big screens by director and actor Kenneth Branagh, A Haunting in Venice is an ambitious effort that manages to be as intriguing and filled with mystery (if not moreso) as the first two films. It centers around Poirot, who may be living a solitary life, but he’s living in Venice. Upon attending a seance, he gets embroiled in a mystery where one of the guests is mysteriously murdered.

Branagh's Poirot Is Endlessly Enjoyable

First things first, A Haunting in Venice boasts an incredibly talented cast that includes Branagh (obviously), Michelle Yeoh, Tina Fey, and Jamie Dornan. The film is adapted from Agatha Christie's 1969 novel Hallowe'en Party, and even though the story’s location, timespan, and primary characters have been altered, the storytelling and the pacing really make it an interesting watch. It is smart, sensitive, surprisingly spooky, and somewhat refreshing.

26 Cobweb (2023)

Cobweb

Not Yet Rated

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See Also

'Bogeyman' jailed after he was found wearing boy's pants under his bed

Release Date

July 21, 2023

Director

Samuel Bodin

Cast

Lizzy Caplan , Antony Starr , Cleopatra Coleman , Ellen Dubin , Woody Norman

Main Genre

Horror

Read Our Review

Samuel Bodin arrives with style and a splash of horror in his directorial debut, Cobweb. The supernatural horror film follows a young eight-year-old boy named Peter, who claims that he can hear the walls of his home knocking. The strange and constant sound never reaches anyone but him, and when his parents dismiss his concerns, he’s almost sure that they’re hiding something sinister from him.

Spooky, Atmospheric Horror

Few recent horror movies have held the potential for a sequel, and Cobweb is one of them. Bodin seems to have outdone himself when it comes to the spookiness because the movie is subtle yet so increasingly scary that you cannot help but get sucked into its very familiar and entertaining imagery. The sound effects and the overall music score, done by Drum & Lace, add to the horror and family dynamics. Moreover, the acting and the plot are also surprisingly amazing.

25 The Boogeyman (2023)

The Boogeyman

PG-13

Where to Watch

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Release Date

June 2, 2023

Main Genre

Horror

Director

Rob Savage

Cast

Chris Messina , Sophie Thatcher , Marin Ireland , David Dastmalchian , Vivien Lyra Blair , LisaGay Hamilton

Read Our Review

Based on a Stephen King short story, The Boogeyman is another tale from the horror master that ramps up tension in truly frightening ways. Featuring a psychiatrist reeling from his own pain, he struggles to be there for his children who are mourning the death of their mother when a terrifying entity is unleashed in their home to prey on their grief. With some great performances driving it, this one makes for a unique blend of supernatural terror mixed with atmospheric tension and psychological horror.

Another Chilling Stephen King Adaptation

Given that its source material comes from one of the all-time greatest masters of horror, the film already has a great starting point. What makes Stephen King's stories so effective and terrifying, and what was brilliantly carried through to the film, is the chilling atmosphere that haunts it throughout. From the beginning, the film is bathed in a kind of creepy tension that keeps you in a constant state of fear, rather than relying on jump scares thrown in here or there.

24 No One Will Save You (2023)

No One Will Save You

PG-13

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Not available

Not available

Release Date

September 22, 2023

Director

Brian Duffield

Cast

Kaitlyn Dever , Zack Duhame , Geraldine Singer , Dane Rhodes

Main Genre

Horror

Read Our Review

Touted by everyone from Guillermo del Toro to Stephen King, Hulu's No One Will Save You is another win for the streamer's original film department. It's also another win for director Brian Duffield whose 2020 debut, Spontaneous, was also very impressive.

Dever Commands the Screen

There are just five words of dialogue throughout the entire film, yet the viewer will never have any trouble following what's going on. Thanks to tremendous work from Kaitlyn Dever (who has been impressive ever since her role on Justified), the viewer is also able to discern exactly what the lead character Brynn is feeling. This is the perfect display of her endless talent as she experiences such abject terror.

23 The Babadook (2014)

Babadook

R

Horror

Documentary

Drama

Thriller

Release Date

May 22, 2014

Director

Jennifer Kent

Cast

Essie Davis , Noah Wiseman , Hayley McElhinney , Daniel Henshall , Barbara West , Benjamin Winspear

One of the best horror movies directed by women, The Babadook is an intimate, moody, atmospheric modern masterpiece. Some have deemed it an overrated entry in the modern-thinking person's era of horror, but even if just going by the acting and cinematography, it's a winner. It follows a single mother haunted by the death of her husband while her young son claims there's a monster lurking about.

Allegorical Horror and Creeping Tension

There's much to be said about the titular antagonist. Although he may not be seen much, there's an intense creepiness the entire movie is imbued with, making it an unsettling watch even though there isn't much in-your-face horror. These facts set it apart since it creeps under the skin rather than relying on cheap jump scares at every turn.

22 Willy's Wonderland (2021)

Willys Wonderland

TV-MA

Horror

Action

Comedy

Release Date

February 12, 2021

Director

Kevin Lewis

Cast

Nicolas Cage , Emily Tosta , Beth Grant , Ric Reitz , chris warner , Kai Kadlec

One of the better movies from Nicolas Cage's direct-to-streaming era, Willy's Wonderland is the Five Nights at Freddy's movie before 2023's Five Nights at Freddy's. Cage is perfectly stoic as the unnamed main character, but the real star of the show is legendary character actor Beth Grant, whom Willy's Wonderland (much to its benefit) gives a tremendous amount of material.

A Better Version of Five Nights at Freddy's

The plot is basically nonexistent and fans might be disappointed by just how little Cage's character speaks, but there's more good than bad in the movie. Despite all this, the film is downright enjoyable and somehow manages to make Cage look cool as his unabashed violent self in the film. The animatronics, are legitimately creepy, and impressive for such a low-budget film, lending an air of fear around every corner.

21 Alien (1979)

Alien

R

Horror

Action

Sci-Fi

Thriller

Release Date

May 25, 1979

Director

Ridley Scott

Cast

Tom Skerritt , Sigourney Weaver , Veronica Cartwright , Harry Dean Stanton , John Hurt , Ian Holm

Filled with unforgettable scene after unforgettable scene, Ridley Scott's iconic Alien is a haunted house attraction in space. Even if no screams can be heard in space, they can definitely be heard on Earth, and unsuspecting viewers should expect to do so a few times. Featuring a commercial spaceship that unwittingly allows a terrifying alien on board, the film is a classic and turned Sigourney Weaver into an icon.

A Truly Perfect Horror Film

There are scenes like the claustrophobic death of Tom Skerritt's Captain Dallas and others that just make this film so different from others of its era. Brilliant, ahead of its time, bloody, well acted, well directed, and bolstered by a perfectly designed but seldom seen antagonist, Ridley Scott's Alien is an all-time classic of cinema. It birthed a franchise that's still going strong today, so, buckle up and relive why that was with this legendary film.

20 Appendage (2023)

Appendage

TV-MA

Where to Watch

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Not available

Not available

Release Date

October 2, 2023

Director

Anna Zlokovic

Cast

Emily Hampshire , Hadley Robinson , Deborah Rennard , Brandon Mychal Smith , Desmin Borges

Main Genre

Horror

Read Our Review

Body horror at its best, Appendage sees a young woman's battle with herself taken to extremes. When Hannah keeps allowing her inner voice to consume her with insecurities, the power she gives it soon results in her fears growing into an actual appendage that starts to push its way out of her. What she initially believes to be stomach cramps, turns out to be monstrous growth and a manifestation of her inner voice.

Body Horror In the Name of Self-Esteem

Weird and twisted in the best of ways, fans of body horror will love this one. It may not be to everyone's tastes, but for those who enjoy morbid stories, it contains a pretty poignant one beneath all the gruesome scenes. Carrying a terrifying message, the film will have you paying attention to your self-talk a lot closer.

19 Werewolves Within (2021)

Werewolves Within

R

Horror

Comedy

Mystery

Where to Watch

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Release Date

July 2, 2021

Director

Josh Ruben

Cast

Sam Richardson , Milana Vayntrub , George Basil , Sarah Burns , Michael Chernus , Catherine Curtin

Runtime

1hr 37min

A wonderfully entertaining comedy mystery film, the well-cast Werewolves Within should check most horror and comedy fans' boxes. Its greatest asset is the leading duo of Milana Vayntrub and Sam Richardson, both of whom are captivating and entirely on the film's wavelength. A werewolf story at its heart, it also incorporates great elements of comedy and mystery effortlessly into its plot.

A Delicious Blend of Horror and Comedy

At its core, Werewolves Within actually provides a solid mystery. It stands to reason maybe one in five will be able to guess the werewolf's identity. Factor in the film's occasionally effective scares and always-effective comedy, and it's one of 2020's best genre-blenders thus far. It may not be terrifying for those who prefer hardcore horror, but it's plenty of fun and features an iconic horror villain as its main antagonist.

18 Day of the Dead (1985)

Day of the Dead (1985)

R

Release Date

July 19, 1985

Director

George A. Romero

Cast

Lori Cardille , Terry Alexander , Joseph Pilato , Jarlath Conroy , Anthony Dileo Jr.

Main Genre

Horror

Because it followed the masterful one-two punch of Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead was practically universally deemed a major disappointment. Is it as remarkable as those two preceding films? Not quite, but it's incredibly effective and has only improved with age. Featuring the same classic zombie tropes in a saturated subgenre, the film is more than effective as a horror featuring the undead.

Not For Those Scared of Small Spaces

The film's underground setting is incredibly claustrophobic, and the tunnels of the base are so well-shot that the viewer always has at least a general sense of where the characters (and the zombies) are. But where the movie shines is in the interactions between the still-living cast members. There aren't many '80s horror films better at the gradual build, and there's no '80s horror film with a better human antagonist than Cpt. Rhodes, brought to life by the late, great Joseph Pilato in one of horror cinema's all-time performances.

17 Skinamarink (2022)

Skinamarink

Not Rated

Where to Watch

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Release Date

November 4, 2022

Director

Kyle Edward Ball

Cast

Jaime Hill , Lucas Paul , Ross Paul , Dali Rose Tetreault

Main Genre

Horror

This film has a pretty awesome backstory since it was shot as an experimental film by a YouTuber. It has since gained a huge following and is considered to be an amazing directorial debut. Skinamarink follows two young children who awake at their home during the night. Not only is their father missing, but strange things begin to happen as windows and other objects in the house start to mysteriously disappear.

A Truly Nightmarish Experience

Kyle Edward Ball was a Canadian filmmaker who used to make videos based on nightmares that other people described. Shooting this film at his own home in Edmonton, copies of it were leaked, and it soon gained cult popularity on social media. This led to the film securing a theatrical release from IFC Midnight and it being released on Shudder. Despite the film's budgetary constraints, Ball was able to create a brilliantly creepy atmosphere and a great horror film overall. Prepare to feel unsettled as this immersive journey grabs you and wrenches you into the film. Once there, the outside world melts away as the terrifying atmosphere slowly engulfs viewers.