A howl in the night. A vengeful spirit. A final girl running to safety. Sometimes you just want to watch those classic horror stories and hit those favorite horror beats. Fortunately, if you’re in the market for some streaming screams,Huluhas a solid lineup of scary movies to get the job done. From the classics to current hits to indie gems that flew under the radar, we’re highlighting the best of the horrifying bunch. Check out our list of the best horror movies on Hulu.
In the mood for something a little lighter? Check out the bestcomedy,romance, orfamilyfilms on the platform, or explore the best movies onHuluin any genre.
Editor’s note: This article was updated October 2024 to includeTheFirst Omen, Smile, and Us.
‘The First Omen’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 6.5/10
The First Omen
Ever sinceRichard Donnersparked a child-faced demonic revolution in the 1970s,The Omenhas been a title that oozed a mythos despite its several failed accompanying projects. However, in 2024, that sequence of failure changed withArkasha Stevenson’sThe First Omen. The prequel followsNell Tiger Free’s Margaret, a young nun traveling to Rome, ready to devote her life to the church. However, upon arrival, she is greeted by much more sinister supernatural happenings than she could’ve ever imagined. Brutally horrific in all the best ways,The First Omenboth pays homage to its originator and provides a refreshing update on the franchise with an unflinching set of frights ready to chill your bones. -Jake Hodges
Watch on Hulu
‘Smile’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Written and directed byParker Finn,Smilefollows psychiatrist Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) as she battles her own trauma while also fighting for her patients. However, following a bizarre incident with one of her clients, Rose becomes seemingly followed by an evil entity that will stop at nothing to catch her. A modern horror with plenty of classic elements,Smileis full of genuine thrills that those with a weak disposition would much rather avoid. From brutal jumpscares to infrequent but hellish gore,Smilehas all the elements for a horror lover to indulge in. -Jake Hodges
‘Us’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Following up on his smash-hit directorial debutGet Outwas never going to be easy forJordan Peele, butUscertainly proved he was much more than a one-hit-wonder. The movie follows the Wilson family, in particularLupita Nyong’o’s Adelaide, who look for a break as they vacation in Santa Cruz, California. However, when four strangers break in, they are stunned to see that their invaders are identical to themselves. An intriguing concept is met with deeply socially relevant themes, something Peele has now become well known for. A brooding, tense atmosphere is crafted from almost the very first second, so prepare to cling to the edge of your seat as this mystery unfolds. -Jake Hodges
‘Immaculate’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Immaculate
Directed byMichael Mohanand written byAndrew Lobel,Immaculateis an American horror film produced bySydney Sweeney, who stars as a young American nun who joins a remote Italian convent. Soon, she comes to realize that her new home hides unspeakable horrors. Besides starring Sweeney in the lead role, the film also starsÁlvaro Morte,Benedetta Porcaroli,Dora Romano,Giorgio Colangeli, andSimona Tabasco.Immaculatereceived mixed but generally positive reviews from critics when it premiered at the 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The film features a brilliant performance by Sweeney and has been praised for its premise, which tackles themes of bodily autonomy, childbirth, abortion, and infanticide.Immaculatehas also been compared toThe First Omen, which tackles similar themes and released around the same time, leading to the two being called “twin films.” While the plot may be a bit uneven,Immaculateis still an enjoyable “nun horror” movie with plenty of scares and a thrilling climax.
‘Appendage’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 50% | IMDb: 5.3/10
Written and directed byAnna Zlokovic, the darkly funny body horror filmAppendagefollows fashion designer Hannah’s (Hadley Robinson) growing imposter syndrome, which, after going significantly out of control, ends up physically spawning a growth on her body. The growth, the titular “appendage,” soon starts to outwardly destroy her life just as the imposter syndrome had done her mind. A terrifying tale with a cutting sense of comedy, the film also stars the likes ofEmily Hampshire(Schitt’s Creek),Deborah Rennard(Dallas), andBrandon Mychal Smith(Get On Up).
While the film didn’t do too well with critics,Appendageis a fun watch that’s angst-ridden and tense but retains a humorous touch. The cast is in full force in this film that, despite what its surface may suggest, delves deep into themes of depression and anxiety and acts as somewhat of an allegory for the mental health crisis that dominates the lives of young people today.
‘The Intruder’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% | IMDb: 5.6/10
The Intruder
The Intruderis a psychological thriller that follows Annie and Scott Howard, played byMeagan GoodandMichael Ealy, who purchase a house in Napa Valley. Unfortunately for them, the previous owner of the house, Charlie (Dennis Quaid), isn’t quite ready to let go of the property just yet. Directed byDeon Taylorand written byDavid Loughery, the film was a commercial success and a critical flop — and it’s easy to see why.
The biggest draw ofThe Intruderis Dennis Quaid’s perfectly chaotic performance, which has drawn comparisons to the likes ofJack NicholsoninThe ShiningandChristian BaleinAmerican Psycho. The rest of the movie, however, falls right into camp territory.The Intruderis hardly the serious thriller it’s billed as, but if you’re in the mood for a hilariously over-the-top late-night movie, this is the one for you.
‘Infinity Pool’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.0/10
Infinity Pool
Written and directed byBrandon Cronenberg,Infinity Poolis a science fiction horror film that follows a married couple, played byAlexander Skarsgård(Succession) andCleopatra Coleman(Dopesick), who are on a relaxing beach vacation that turns unexpectedly vicious after an accident reveals the surreal subculture hiding just beneath the surface at their resort.
A horrifying deep dive into gore, morality, and hedonism,Infinity Poolpremiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and received generally positive reviews on its release. Co-starringMia GothandJalil Lespert, the filmswims within the brutal underworld of graphic violence and perversion, resulting in shocking scenes captured eloquently by Cronenberg.Infinity Pool, although undeniably a gruesome horror film, sets itself apart with unique and imaginative visuals.
‘Jagged Mind’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 4.4/10
Jagged Mind
Jagged Mindfollows Billy (Maisie Richardson-Sellers), a cool young twenty-something from Miami’s Little Haiti who meets the perfect woman (Shannon Woodward). They immediately fall in love, but shortly after, Billy starts suffering from blackouts and twisted visions of death that slowly erode her brain with every occurrence. A psychological horror thriller/romance story,Jagged Mindwas directed byKelley Kaliand written byAllyson Morgan. The movie is based on an episode of Hulu’sBite Size Halloween, “First Date,” which was also written by Morgan.
Critical response toJagged Mindwas generally favorable. While it has its share of flaws, the movie is a compelling, well-executed work of horror. In many ways,Jagged Mindfeels like someone took the concept of50 First Datesand injected it with psychotropics, producing a harrowing horror romance that’s anchored by its direction and performances.
‘Clock’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 5.0/10
Clockis a meditation on the pressures women face around reproduction, joining the ranks of modern elevated psychological horror films likeMen,Midsommar, andHereditarythat explore deep themes through the prism of horror. Written and directed byAlexis Jacknow(Love Daily), this science fiction horror story centers around Ella (Dianna Agron), a woman in her late thirties who faces constant pressure to have children despite not wanting any. She gets coerced into joining an experimental program meant to “fix her biological clock” that seemingly drives her to madness.
Despite some criticism for its execution,Clockreceived mostly favorable reviews from critics. Its visceral storytelling, combined with its deep psychological themes, make for a thought-provoking watch. The film has a lot to say about its themes and perfectly uses the thriller medium to manifest and physicalize the internal struggles that women deal with daily.
‘Fresh’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 6.7/10
After quitting dating apps, a woman meets the supposedly perfect man and accepts his invitation to a romantic weekend getaway, only to find that her new paramour has been hiding some unusual appetites.
Freshis a horror thriller with a “fresh” take on the perils and horrors of modern dating that artfully balances empowerment and uneasiness. Just as she’s sworn off dating, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) meets Steve (Sebastian Stan). He’s kind, charming, and just what she’s been looking for in a partner. That is until she discovers his secret side hustle as a cannibal who traps women and sells their body parts to an elite clientele. Noa then has to figure out how to avoid being eaten herself, even if that means playing along with Steve’s continued, morbid sense of affection for her.Written byLauryn Kahn,Freshis the feature debut of directorMimi Cave.
The movie had its world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews from critics. Despite its gruesome premise,Freshis more unsettling than outright gory when it comes to its depiction of cannibalism. That said, it does still find ways to make even the strongest stomach turn a bit. If you’re squeamish, it’s probably best if you don’t eat while you watch.
