Director: Jennifer Kent
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman
Why It’s Top-Rated: With a Rotten Tomatoes score hovering around 98%, The Babadook remains a standout for its haunting exploration of grief. Amelia, a widow, and her son Samuel face a sinister entity from a pop-up book that may or may not be real. Critics laud its emotional depth and Essie Davis’s powerhouse performance, making it a modern horror classic.
Why Watch: It’s a slow-burn masterpiece that redefined psychological horror, proving fear isn’t just about jump scares—it’s about what lingers in the mind.
Availability Note: Frequently cited as a Netflix staple, it’s a safe bet for 2025.

Director: Ari Aster
Starring: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro
Why It’s Top-Rated: Boasting a 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes score, Hereditary is A24’s crown jewel of dread. After a grandmother’s death, the Graham family unravels dark secrets tied to a malevolent force. Toni Collette’s Oscar-worthy meltdown is unforgettable.
Why Watch: It’s a gut punch of familial trauma wrapped in occult terror—perfect for those who love their scares with substance.
Availability Note: A horror mainstay on Netflix, per IGN and Vulture updates.

Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Starring: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok
Why It’s Top-Rated: This South Korean zombie thriller clocks in at around 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. A father and daughter board a train during a viral outbreak, leading to heart-pounding action and tear-jerking moments. Critics praise its blend of adrenaline and emotion.
Why Watch: It’s a zombie movie with soul—Ma Dong-seok punching undead is just the icing on the cake.
Availability Note: Fangoria confirms its 2025 presence on Netflix alongside its sequel.

Director: Na Hong-jin
Starring: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min
Why It’s Top-Rated: With a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, this South Korean gem is a slow-burn descent into madness. A village cop investigates a mysterious illness, uncovering supernatural horrors. Its atmospheric tension is unmatched.
Why Watch: It’s a cultural horror epic that keeps you guessing until the devastating end.
Availability Note: Forbes and Paste Magazine highlight its enduring Netflix status.

Director: Remi Weekes
Starring: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu
Why It’s Top-Rated: Sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, this Netflix original follows South Sudanese refugees haunted by their past—and their new home. It’s a poignant blend of social commentary and ghostly chills.
Why Watch: It’s terrifyingly relevant, with standout performances that linger long after the credits roll.
Availability Note: A Netflix original, it’s a lock for 2025 streaming.

Director: Mark Mylod
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy
Why It’s Top-Rated: With a score around 88%, this dark comedy-horror satire serves up a deliciously twisted tale. A celebrity chef invites guests to a remote island dinner, where the menu hides deadly surprises. Critics love its biting wit.
Why Watch: Ralph Fiennes as a unhinged chef is a treat—think Hannibal meets haute cuisine.
Availability Note: Vulture and Tom’s Guide list it as a 2025 Netflix highlight.

Director: Ti West
Starring: Mia Goth
Why It’s Top-Rated: Scoring 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, this prequel to X showcases Mia Goth’s tour-de-force as a farm girl dreaming of stardom—until rejection sparks a bloody rampage. It’s a technicolor nightmare critics adore.
Why Watch: Goth’s monologue alone is worth the watch—it’s unhinged brilliance.
Availability Note: Tom’s Guide confirms its Netflix run in 2025.

Director: Babak Anvari
Starring: Narges Rashidi
Why It’s Top-Rated: This Persian-language film holds a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score. Set during the Iran-Iraq War, a mother and daughter face a djinn amid bombings. It’s a masterclass in blending real and supernatural terror.
Why Watch: It’s a hidden gem that proves horror transcends borders.
Availability Note: IGN and Paste Magazine note its consistent Netflix presence.

Director: John Krasinski
Starring: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy
Why It’s Top-Rated: With a 91% score, this sequel builds on its predecessor’s silent terror. The Abbott family navigates a world of sound-hunting creatures, adding new allies and stakes. Critics praise its tension.
Why Watch: It’s edge-of-your-seat suspense with heart—perfect for a horror binge.
Availability Note: Tom’s Guide lists it as a 2025 Netflix must-watch.

Director: David Bruckner
Starring: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali
Why It’s Top-Rated: At 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, this British horror flick delivers. Four friends hike through a Swedish forest, awakening an ancient evil. Its eerie visuals and folkloric dread shine.
Why Watch: It’s a chilling reminder: never stray from the path.
Availability Note: Polygon and Rotten Tomatoes affirm its 2025 Netflix spot.