As Halloween approaches, the chill in the air isn't the only thing sending shivers down our spines – Netflix is once again serving up a delectable feast of spine-tingling and eerie content to get you in the mood for this haunting season. From blood-curdling horrors to supernatural mysteries, the streaming giant has something to offer every Halloween enthusiast. In this article, we'll delve into our top 5 must-watch shows and movies on Netflix that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and make this Halloween one to remember. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the screams begin!
1. The Fall of the House of Usher
Another hit series by Mike Flanagan (known for The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, etc), The Fall of the House of Usher, based on the short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe published in 1839.
Roderick and Madeline Usher, siblings at the helm of a pharmaceutical enterprise, have transformed it into a domain of opulence, privilege, and influence. Nevertheless, hidden truths emerge as the scions of the Usher lineage start meeting their demise.
Another 10/10 for the American horror filmmaker who has attracted praise from Stephen King, Quentin Tarantino, and William Friedkin, among others, for his directing and lack of reliance on jump scares.
2. Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities
Guillermo del Toro's "Cabinet of Curiosities," a Netflix horror anthology, offers viewers a chilling journey into the realms of Gothic and Grand Guignol storytelling.
The series comprises eight modern horror tales, with two co-written by del Toro, while various filmmakers helm the others. This collection, personally curated by the Oscar-winning director, is lauded for its sophisticated yet terrifying narratives. Del Toro himself guides audiences through each episode, making Cabinet of Curiosities a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a spine-tingling, artistically crafted experience.
3. The Devil on Trial
The director of this documentary is widely recognised in the industry for his previous works, including Wonders of the Universe, Mind of a Monster and Secrets of the Pyramids. In this latest project, the esteemed documentarian explores a case that deeply affected the United States during the 1980s and set a significant legal precedent: the use of demonic possession as a defense in a murder trial. Through a combination of home footage and dramatic reenactments, the film narrates the story of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who, on November 24, 1981, in Brookfield, Connecticut, was convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of his landlord and neighbor, Alan Bono.
The defense argued that the accused had been under the influence of the same demon that had previously been exorcised from an 11-year-old boy, David Glatzel. Both the Glatzel family and the demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, known for their involvement in the boy's "exorcism," presented compelling evidence to the court regarding this paranormal phenomenon. The resulting trial was nothing short of sensational, sparking debates about the unknown and uncharted territories of the supernatural.
4. Reptile
Reptile is a gripping 2023 American crime thriller movie which stars Benicio del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Eric Bogosian, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Michael Pitt.
The plot follows Will Grady, who discovers his girlfriend's brutal murder in a rural Maine house they were selling. As the police investigation unfolds, secrets emerge, implicating his girlfriend's past and involving a corrupt police officer. Will's quest for justice leads to a series of shocking revelations, uncovering a sinister plot and a deadly web of deceit.
Reptile keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate storyline and a stellar cast, making it a must-watch crime thriller of 2023.
5. Disco Inferno
Disco Inferno delivers a spine-tingling short film experience in a once-holy, now-converted disco church. Director Matthew Castellanos enlists Soni Bringas from Fuller House as the glamorous expectant mother grappling with a diabolical presence threatening her disco-dance competition dreams. Sister Lynn's eerie confessional in 1955 sets a chilling tone, hinting at dark secrets.
Fast-forward to 1973, where the disco club, Inferno, prepares for its grand-opening dance contest. Mel's sudden illness sparks pregnancy suspicions, and as she enters the club, a sinister transformation unfolds. Blackened eyes and a ghostly confessional draw her into a haunting encounter with Sister Lynn. Disco Inferno promises an intense journey into the supernatural, teasing a dance with darkness and suspense. Watch it for a heart-pounding scare this spooky season.