The search for the perfect horror show is challenging, especially with so many options. If we narrowed our selections down to only what is on Netflix, there's still an exhaustively long list of selections worthy of consideration. The Walking Dead is one of the most groundbreaking horror shows ever made, but it had low points in its run. Meanwhile, Stranger Things could close with an epic finale, but it's yet to be determined if the show can stick the landing.
The perfect horror show on Netflix needs to start strong, hook the viewers with compelling and relatable characters, and never let up its intensity until the end credits roll and the streamer starts the first episode of Emily in Paris for some reason. The following shows on Netflix are examples of perfect horror storytelling that are great no matter how many times they’re watched. Since it's impossible to gauge if a show was perfect from beginning to end without them, well, ending, this list will only cover shows that are officially finished.
1 'Santa Clarita Diet' (2017–2019)
Death is the first step in a new adventure for a suburban wife and mother in Santa Clarita Diet. Drew Barrymore stars as Sheila Hammond, a happily married real estate agent who dies and returns as an undead version of herself that needs human flesh to survive. Helping her to navigate her new life and search for a cure are her husband Joel (Timothy Olyphant), her daughter Abby (Liv Hewson), and her neighbor Eric (Skyler Gisondo).
Too often, Santa Clarita Diet is overlooked when discussing horror shows, but it remains a smart and clever horror comedy series throughout its three-season run. Barrymore and Olyphant's chemistry lends a playful spirit that sets the tone for the show, while Hewson and Gisondo provide sharp comedic support. The darkly comedic series moved at a brisk pace, threw curveballs for Sheila to overcome that used the supernatural concept to its benefit, and was always fun to watch. Really, the only thing wrong with Santa Clarita Diet is that we didn't get more of it.
2 'Midnight Mass' (2021)
In Mike Flanagan's third limited series for Netflix, a small community receives a new visitor who brings miracles too good to be true. The island community of Crockett Island has seen better times, and the few who remain have lost hope that prosperity will return to the town. However, the arrival of a new priest, Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), inspires faith with a miracle that distracts everyone from the evil lurking in the shadows.
Midnight Mass is one of Flanagan's most balanced pieces, delivering well-earned scares while exploring how spirituality drives individuals in ways they're not aware of. The performances are incredible from the entire cast, including Flanagan regulars like Samantha Sloyan as the frustratingly pious Bev Keane, but Linklater steals the show. Father Hill is a tragic figure in pursuit of the grace of God, but he’s so blinded by personal desires that he makes the worst decisions for the best of intentions. The setting and characters of Midnight Mass bring to mind the best Stephen King stories, where a small town is ravaged by an evil that manifests differently in each person it touches.
3 'Dark' (2017–2020)
The disappearance of two boys in a German town leads to revelations about the concept of time itself in Dark. After a body is recovered, the mystery only deepens when he doesn't fit the description of either missing boy, and bears clothing and technology from the '80s. As the investigation deepens, the strange abductions appear to link back to crimes that have happened decades before, and possibly to crimes that have yet to be discovered.
Featuring a complex mystery with strong supernatural and horror elements, Dark is a tense and intriguing story sure to hook viewers from the first episode. There's an eerie quality to the central plot and stark visuals that will resonate with fans of slow-burn, moody mysteries like Twin Peaks or the sci-fi brain-twister Fringe. Most importantly, what brings Dark's story together is the family drama explored through the households of those affected by the disappearances. The three seasons of Dark are not to be missed, even for those who have a strong dislike for subtitles.
4 'The Fall of the House of Usher' (2023)
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
A corrupt bloodline faces inescapable annihilation in The Fall of the House of Usher. Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood) has made many enemies in his day as the amoral leader of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, but his greatest foe appears to be death herself when his children begin to die one by one. As the reason for their deaths becomes clearer, the dark history of the Ushers' success is revealed to be the key to their downfall.
Another creation of Mike Flanagan's, The Fall of the House of Usher, feels like a departure from his other Netflix series. Flanagan is adept at creating sympathetic characters who suffer in emotionally devastating storylines, but the demise of the Usher family feels looser, and with a theatrical flourish that's more fun than somber. No surprise that the acting is once again incredible, with each Usher child given an episode to chew scenery before death in the form of the Raven (Carla Gugino) makes her final judgment.
5 'Evil' (2019–2024)
In Evil, Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers) is a forensic psychologist recruited into the world of faith by the Catholic Church. Working alongside David (Mike Colter), a priest in training, and Ben (Aasif Mandvi), a technical advisor, Kristen investigates possible miracles submitted to the church. Although Kristen is skeptical, her work with the church exposes her to supernatural occurrences that challenge her worldview.
The case of the week structure of Evil is perfect for those who don't want a long serialized story, but there is an overarching narrative that will reward viewers on a binge. Much like shows such as The X-Files, the series balances faith and skepticism between the characters' perspectives, opening up debates about the supernatural in a procedural format. Demons and forces of darkness make their presence known, and due to the grounded writing and strong character work, the moments of horror hit harder and feel earned when they occur.
6 'The Haunting of Hill House' (2018)
Horror fans are likely all familiar with the moving horror miniseries The Haunting of Hill House. The first Netflix series helmed by Mike Flanagan, The Haunting of Hill House follows the Crain family as they move into Hill House with plans to renovate and sell it. Unbeknownst to them, the ghosts who have long called Hill House their home plan on having the Crains stay much longer than they intended.
The Haunting of Hill House is truly one of the perfect ghost stories of the modern era. Using Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House as inspiration, the series expands the concept into a tragic tale of a family who are forever changed after encountering shared trauma. The Haunting of Hill House is unnerving in moments of horror, heartbreaking in moments of loss, but always riveting to watch. It's clear why this series kicked off the loyalty fans have towards Flanagan's work.
7 'Castlevania' (2017–2021)
It's time to throw the hand-drawn horror some love with Castlevania. After the love of Dracula's (Graham McTavish) life is burned at the stake as a witch, the powerful vampire waits one year before unleashing hell on those who killed his beloved. Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) happens upon the chaos and is soon on a mission to confront Dracula and free the land from his vengeance.
Castlevania breaks the curse of awful video game adaptations by telling a sophisticated story while also staying true to the source material. Each character, even Dracula, has understandable motivations for their actions, and everyone operates under their own flawed moral guidance. The animation is impressive throughout, and whether it's a massive cathedral or villagers being ripped to shreds by demon creatures, no details are missed. And yes, the gore is plentiful, but no series with Dracula as its villain should be without. Castlevania is one of the greatest Netflix adult animated series and has four excellent seasons to binge, followed by the sequel series, Castlevania: Nocturne.
8 'Marianne' (2019)
An accomplished horror writer learns the line between fiction and reality is razor-thin in Marianne. The French horror series follows Emma Larsimon (Victoire Du Bois), a writer retiring her popular horror character to focus on more serious work. However, when a person from her past commits a heinous act, it serves as the catalyst for Emma to make a trip to her hometown and discover the truth behind her "fictional" creation.
Relentlessly eerie and a psychological assault on the senses, Marianne is arguably the scariest show on Netflix. Marianne finds its horror in building tension instead of jump scares, but when a startling moment does happen, they're guaranteed to spike a heart rate. With only one season, the story of Marianne has no filler, and every episode connects one more puzzle piece to the mystery while still making the viewer question if anything they're watching is real.
