Are you ready to get spooked? Amazon Prime has a fantastic selection of horror movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With options ranging from psychological thrills to classic slasher flicks, there’s something for every horror fan.
For those who love an original story, check out Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny. This movie offers a fresh take on horror with standout performances by Anna Diop and Michelle Monaghan. If you prefer something more familiar, you can revisit timeless classics like Rosemary’s Baby.
Looking for a mix of the old and new? Dive into Train to Busan for a thrilling ride or explore new releases that promise just as many chills. Whatever your horror preference, Amazon Prime has got you covered.
Top Scary Movies on Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime offers a wide selection of horror films that provide chills and thrills for horror enthusiasts. Here are the must-watch titles, from classic horrors to modern nightmares.
1. Hereditary
Hereditary is a psychological horror film directed by Ari Aster. The story revolves around the Graham family and the dark secrets they uncover following the death of their reclusive grandmother. Toni Collette delivers a chilling performance as the family matriarch. The film explores themes of grief and familial trauma, making it a deeply unsettling experience.
2. A Quiet Place
Directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place is a tense thriller set in a world overrun by noise-sensitive creatures. The film follows a family that must remain completely silent to avoid being hunted. The minimal dialogue and innovative sound design create a gripping atmosphere, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
3. Midsommar
Ari Aster’s Midsommar is another disturbing tale that takes place in broad daylight. A group of friends travel to Sweden for a rural festival, only to find themselves entangled in a pagan cult. The film is visually stunning yet harrowing, blending horror with lush, pastoral settings. Midsommar expertly balances disturbing imagery with psychological dread.
4. The Witch
The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers, is a period horror film set in 1630s New England. It tells the story of a Puritan family who experiences strange and horrifying events after being banished from their village. The film’s meticulous attention to period detail and its unsettling atmosphere make it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
5. The Conjuring
James Wan’s The Conjuring is based on the true stories of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film follows their investigation of a haunted farmhouse. Known for its effective jump scares and chilling atmosphere, The Conjuring has become a modern horror classic that spawned a successful franchise.
6. Get Out
Directed by Jordan Peele, Get Out is a horror film that combines psychological terror with social commentary. The film follows Chris, an African American man who goes to meet his white girlfriend’s family, only to uncover a terrifying secret. The film is praised for its sharp social critique and innovative storytelling.
7. Us
Jordan Peele’s Us is another thought-provoking horror film that delves into the concept of doppelgängers. The story follows a family that is terrorized by their sinister doubles. The film expertly blends horror with social themes, exploring identity and duality. Lupita Nyong’o’s performance is particularly memorable.
8. It Follows
It Follows is a unique horror film directed by David Robert Mitchell. The plot centers around a young woman who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. The film is known for its eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension. The concept of an inescapable, stalking entity adds to the psychological horror.
9. Paranormal Activity
The Paranormal Activity series, directed by Oren Peli, popularized the found-footage genre. The first film follows a young couple who experience increasingly disturbing events in their home. The film’s use of ordinary domestic settings makes the supernatural occurrences even more unsettling, creating a relatable yet terrifying experience.
10. Insidious
Insidious, directed by James Wan, explores the theme of astral projection and supernatural possession. The story follows a family whose son falls into a mysterious coma, leading them to uncover a dark, spirit-filled realm. The film’s creepy aesthetic and effective jump scares have made it a favorite among horror fans.
11. The Babadook
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is a psychological horror film that delves into grief and motherhood. The story follows a single mother and her troubled son as they are haunted by a sinister entity from a children’s book. The film’s exploration of deep emotional themes and its unsettling imagery create a lasting impact.
12. The Descent
Directed by Neil Marshall, The Descent follows a group of women on a spelunking adventure that goes horribly wrong. Trapped underground, they encounter a race of monstrous creatures. The film’s claustrophobic setting and relentless tension make it a nerve-wracking experience.
13. Sinister
Sinister, directed by Scott Derrickson, stars Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer who moves his family into a house with a dark past. He discovers a box of disturbing home movies that link to a series of grisly murders. The film’s eerie atmosphere and shocking twists make it a standout in the horror genre.
14. The Exorcist
The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin, is a classic horror film about the demonic possession of a young girl and the resulting exorcism. The film is renowned for its terrifying special effects and intense performances. It remains one of the most influential horror movies of all time.
15. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween is a seminal slasher film that introduced the iconic character Michael Myers. The story follows Laurie Strode as she is stalked by the masked killer on Halloween night. The film’s minimalist approach and suspenseful direction have cemented it as a classic.
16. The Ring
The Ring, directed by Gore Verbinski, is an American remake of the Japanese horror film Ringu. The plot revolves around a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it within seven days. The film’s eerie, atmospheric visuals and suspenseful storytelling made it a hit.
17. Annabelle: Creation
Annabelle: Creation, directed by David F. Sandberg, is a prequel to The Conjuring focusing on the origin of the haunted doll Annabelle. The film follows a group of orphans who encounter the doll in a rural house. It combines jump scares with a creepy backstory.
18. Train to Busan
Train to Busan, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, is a South Korean zombie horror film set on a high-speed train. The film follows passengers as they battle a zombie outbreak. Known for its intense action sequences and emotional depth, it has garnered widespread acclaim.
19. The Others
Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others is a gothic horror film starring Nicole Kidman. The story revolves around a woman who lives in a darkened old house with her two light-sensitive children and starts experiencing strange occurrences. The film’s eerie atmosphere and twist ending make it a memorable watch.
20. The Blair Witch Project
The Blair Witch Project, directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, is a pioneering found-footage horror film. The story follows three film students who venture into the Maryland woods to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. Its realistic approach and ambiguous narrative created a sense of authenticity and dread.
21. Rosemary’s Baby
Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby is a classic psychological horror film about a young woman who suspects that her neighbors are part of a sinister cult. The film’s slow-building tension and Mia Farrow’s compelling performance make it a timeless piece of horror cinema.
22. Night of the Living Dead
George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead is a groundbreaking zombie film that laid the foundation for the modern zombie genre. The film follows a group of people trapped in a farmhouse during a zombie outbreak. Its social commentary and revolutionary horror elements have made it an enduring classic.
23. Ginger Snaps
Ginger Snaps, directed by John Fawcett, is a Canadian horror film that combines elements of werewolf mythology with teenage angst. The story follows two sisters who are obsessed with death until one of them is bitten by a werewolf. The film is praised for its unique take on the werewolf genre and its dark humor.
24. Hellraiser
Clive Barker’s Hellraiser is a gruesome and imaginative horror film about a man who inadvertently opens a portal to a hellish dimension. The film introduced the iconic character Pinhead and is known for its graphic and disturbing imagery.
25. We Need to Talk About Kevin
We Need to Talk About Kevin, directed by Lynne Ramsay, is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between a mother and her sociopathic son. The film delves into themes of guilt and responsibility, with Tilda Swinton delivering a powerful performance as the troubled mother.
26. The Invisible Man
Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man is a modern reimagining of the classic H.G. Wells novel. The film follows a woman who believes she is being stalked by her abusive ex-partner, who has become invisible. The film is noted for its suspenseful direction and Elisabeth Moss’s intense performance.
27. We Are Still Here
We Are Still Here, directed by Ted Geoghegan, is a haunted house film with a unique twist. The story follows a couple who move to a rural home, only to find it inhabited by vengeful spirits. The film’s blend of ghost story elements and Lovecraftian horror creates a memorable experience.
28. House on Haunted Hill
House on Haunted Hill, directed by William Castle, is a classic horror film about a millionaire who invites guests to stay in a haunted house for a cash reward. The film combines campy fun with genuinely creepy moments, making it a beloved classic in the horror genre.
29. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Invasion of the Body Snatchers, directed by Philip Kaufman, is a science fiction horror film about aliens who replace humans with emotionless duplicates. The film’s paranoid atmosphere and social commentary on conformity make it a standout in the genre.
30. Candyman
Bernard Rose’s Candyman is a horror film based on Clive Barker’s short story. The plot follows a graduate student investigating the legend of a vengeful spirit. The film is praised for its exploration of race and urban legends, with Tony Todd delivering an iconic performance as Candyman.
31. Night of the Demons
Night of the Demons, directed by Kevin Tenney, is a supernatural horror film set during a Halloween party that goes awry when evil spirits are unleashed. The film combines humor with horror, making it an entertaining cult favorite.
32. Dead & Buried
Dead & Buried, directed by Gary Sherman, is a horror film about a small town where visitors are murdered and reanimated. The film’s twisty narrative and eerie atmosphere make it a hidden gem in the horror genre.
33. The Nightmare
The Nightmare, directed by Rodney Ascher, is a documentary-horror hybrid that explores the phenomenon of sleep paralysis. The film features interviews with people who have experienced horrifying episodes, blending their accounts with terrifying reenactments.
34. The Neon Demon
Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon is a psychological horror film set in the modeling industry. The story follows an aspiring model whose beauty sparks jealousy and obsession among her peers. The film is known for its striking visuals and unsettling atmosphere.
35. Grave Encounters
Grave Encounters, directed by The Vicious Brothers, is a found-footage horror film about a reality TV crew investigating a haunted asylum. The film effectively uses the found-footage format to create a sense of realism and tension.
36. Smile
Smile, directed by Michael Ritchie, is a horror-comedy that blends dark humor with chilling moments. The story follows contestants in a beauty pageant who begin to experience eerie occurrences. The film’s unique blend of genres makes it an interesting watch.
37. The Taking of Deborah Logan
The Taking of Deborah Logan, directed by Adam Robitel, is a found-footage horror film about a documentary crew filming a woman with Alzheimer’s, only to uncover something far more sinister. The film is praised for its terrifying portrayal of possession.
38. Absentia
Directed by Mike Flanagan, Absentia follows two sisters who discover a mysterious tunnel that may be connected to the disappearances of numerous people. The film blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated horror movies currently available on Amazon Prime?
Some of the highest-rated horror films you can stream on Amazon Prime include The Dead Zone, directed by David Cronenberg. This adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is widely praised for its chilling atmosphere and strong performances. Another standout is House on Haunted Hill, known for its memorable scares and campy charm.
Which new horror movies were recently added to Amazon Prime?
Recently added to Amazon Prime is Nanny, directed by Nikyatu Jusu. Starring Anna Diop and Michelle Monaghan, this film has been well-received for its unique storytelling and compelling visuals. For found-footage fans, Hell House LLC offers plenty of scares and has become a must-watch for the genre.
Can you recommend some horror movies on Amazon Prime that are free to watch for subscribers?
For subscribers, you can watch Black Box for free. This horror sci-fi thriller dives deep into psychological horror and has received positive reviews for its intriguing plot and strong performances. Another great choice is The Dead Zone, featuring a blend of supernatural horror and suspense.
What are the most critically acclaimed horror series available on Amazon Prime?
Among the most critically acclaimed horror series on Amazon Prime is The Terror. This series blends historical events with supernatural elements, creating a tense and eerie atmosphere. Another top series is Lore, which is based on the popular podcast and explores real-life frightening tales.
Which horror movies on Amazon Prime are considered the scariest by audiences?
Audiences have found Hell House LLC to be particularly terrifying due to its found-footage style and unsettling plot. Nanny also ranks high on the scare factor, thanks to its suspenseful and eerie storytelling. Both of these movies are recommended for those looking for genuine scares.
