If there’s one thing Netflix has consistently delivered to its global audience, it’s an ever-evolving catalog of horror movies. Over the past few years, horror has moved beyond jump scares and formulaic plots—it has become one of the most creative spaces in filmmaking. In 2025, Netflix continues this tradition by offering a wide variety of terrifying experiences, from gory slashers to elegant Gothic tales. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan who thrives on blood and gore or a casual viewer who enjoys creeping dread and psychological tension, this year’s lineup has something to keep you awake at night.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the top horror movies currently available on Netflix in 2025, highlighting what makes each film stand out. From martial-arts zombie madness to Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Gothic masterpiece, here are the must-watch titles that define horror streaming this year.
Horror Movies #1. Ziam – A Muay Thai Zombie Apocalypse
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Origin: Thailand
Genre: Action-Horror, Zombie
“Ziam” stormed into Netflix’s catalog like a punch to the face—quite literally. This Thai horror film has already gained cult status for its unique blend of martial arts action and relentless zombie terror. Unlike many modern horror films overloaded with CGI, “Ziam” stands out for its commitment to practical stunts and raw choreography.
The story unfolds in a dystopian Bangkok, where a sudden outbreak transforms the city into a battleground. Instead of relying solely on guns and weapons, survivors fight their way through hordes of zombies using Muay Thai combat—a move that gives the film a refreshing twist.
What makes “Ziam” special is its gritty realism. Every punch, kick, and elbow strike is bone-crunching and visceral. It’s a horror-action hybrid that never lets up on intensity, and the combination of Thai cultural flair with zombie mythology gives it a global appeal. Within days of release, it topped Netflix’s global charts, proving that international horror is alive and kicking—literally.
Why watch it? Because it’s not every day you see a Muay Thai fighter knee a zombie in the face.
Horror Movies #2. Fear Street: Prom Queen – Slasher Nostalgia at Its Finest
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Origin: USA
Genre: Slasher, Teen Horror
The “Fear Street” series has always been a love letter to classic horror, and its fourth installment, “Prom Queen,” takes us straight back to the blood-soaked tropes of the 1980s. If you loved “Scream” or “Carrie,” this one is made for you.
Set during a high school prom, the movie starts off with all the glitter, gowns, and youthful excitement of a typical teen celebration. But as the night progresses, a masked killer begins picking off students one by one. What unfolds is a mixture of campy slasher fun and shocking gore that pays homage to the golden era of horror while keeping modern audiences hooked.
The film doesn’t shy away from clichés—locker-room whispers, dark hallways, and dramatic prom reveals—but it executes them with enough self-awareness to feel fresh. It’s stylish, bloody, and unapologetically fun.
Why watch it? It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern horror, making you both laugh and scream at the same time.
Horror Movies #3. Watcher – Psychological Terror in a Foreign Land
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Origin: USA/Romania
Genre: Psychological Thriller
For horror fans who prefer their scares served slow and cerebral, “Watcher” delivers. This movie follows Julia, an American woman who moves to Bucharest with her husband. Struggling with language barriers and loneliness, Julia begins to feel that someone is constantly watching her from across the street.
What begins as paranoia slowly spirals into a terrifying reality. Is she truly being stalked, or is it all in her head? The suspense builds gradually, echoing the style of Alfred Hitchcock and Roman Polanski.
“Watcher” thrives on its atmosphere rather than cheap scares. The gloomy setting of Bucharest adds to the sense of isolation, while the tension between Julia’s fears and her husband’s disbelief makes the audience question every moment. It’s one of those films where you’ll find yourself double-checking your own windows by the end.
Why watch it? Because sometimes the scariest monster is the one you can’t quite see.
Horror Movies #4. Revelations – A South Korean Thriller with Prestige Power
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Origin: South Korea
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Horror
When it was announced that Yeon Sang-ho, the visionary director behind “Train to Busan,” was teaming up with Oscar-winning producer Alfonso Cuarón, expectations were sky-high for “Revelations.” While the film received mixed reviews, it remains one of the most intriguing additions to Netflix’s horror lineup.
Based on a popular South Korean webtoon, the story delves into human fragility, religious fanaticism, and the thin line between faith and madness. True to Yeon’s style, it balances haunting visuals with deep emotional storytelling. While not as universally beloved as “Train to Busan,” it still offers a gripping narrative and some unforgettable imagery.
For those who enjoy horror with layers of social commentary and philosophical depth, “Revelations” provides plenty to dissect.
Why watch it? It’s ambitious, visually striking, and designed for viewers who want horror that makes them think.
Horror Movies #5. Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic Masterpiece
Release Date: November 7, 2025 (Netflix premiere after limited theatrical run in October)
Origin: USA
Genre: Gothic Horror, Drama
No list of 2025 horror movies would be complete without Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein.” This adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel has been one of the most highly anticipated releases in recent years, and Netflix scored a major win by securing its streaming rights.
Del Toro, known for films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” brings his signature mix of fairy tale darkness and emotional depth to the Frankenstein myth. Featuring a powerhouse cast including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, the film promises both chilling horror and profound human drama.
Instead of focusing solely on the monster’s terror, del Toro explores the tragic humanity of Frankenstein’s creation and the moral questions around life, death, and responsibility. With Gothic set design, haunting visuals, and an emotional core, this film is expected to become a modern classic.
Why watch it? Because when Guillermo del Toro adapts a Gothic masterpiece, you know it’s going to be more than just horror—it’s going to be art.
Honorable Mentions
While the above five dominate the Netflix horror conversation in 2025, a few other titles are worth noting:
Dead Talents Society – A Taiwanese horror-comedy about a ghost navigating the modern world. It’s quirky, funny, and a refreshing break from heavier horror films.
The Surrender – A chilling story about a widow who attempts to resurrect her husband, only to face horrifying consequences. Think of it as a spiritual cousin to “Hereditary.”
Conclusion: A Landmark Year for Horror on Netflix
From zombie-kicking action in “Ziam” to Gothic melancholy in “Frankenstein,” 2025 has proven to be an incredible year for horror fans on Netflix. What makes this year stand out is the variety of horror experiences available. Instead of sticking to one formula, Netflix has embraced everything from campy slashers to thought-provoking psychological dramas.
For casual viewers, “Fear Street: Prom Queen” offers a bloody good time. For those who love artistry and emotional depth, “Frankenstein” is the must-watch event of the year. And if you’re somewhere in between, craving both adrenaline and chills, “Ziam” or “Watcher” will keep you on edge.
Horror, at its core, is about confronting fears—both external and internal. Netflix’s 2025 collection not only entertains but also reflects the evolving nature of those fears in our modern world. So grab your popcorn (and maybe a blanket to hide under) and start streaming—because this year, the nightmares are better than ever.
