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Hulu has become a go-to platform for horror enthusiasts, just as Netflix has become a hub for romantic comedies. Hulu has built up an impressive library of horror content, ranging from TV shows to high-budget films, and has put special emphasis on creating original horror content.
In recent years, Hulu has also focused on bringing back beloved horror franchises, making their originals more accessible to a wider audience while also giving subscribers access to classic content. Additionally, Hulu offers various add-on streaming options, giving viewers a wide range of thrilling choices without the need for multiple niche streaming subscriptions. With all these options to choose from, let’s explore Hulu’s top-notch horror content.
As of September 27th, 2023, this article has been updated with fresh content and new entries to ensure it remains current and informative.
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23 Best Horror Movies on Hulu
Werewolves Within (2021)
The highly entertaining comedy mystery movie, “Werewolves Within,” is sure to satisfy the preferences of most fans of both horror and comedy. Its strongest asset lies in its fantastic leading duo, Milana Vayntrub and Sam Richardson, who are both captivating and perfectly in sync with the film’s tone.
Furthermore, at its core, “Werewolves Within” presents a solid mystery plot. It’s reasonable to assume that only about one in five viewers will successfully guess the identity of the werewolf. Combine this with the film’s occasional moments of effective scares and consistently humorous moments, and it easily ranks as one of the best genre-blending films of the 2020s so far.
Day of the Dead (1985)
After the success of Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead was seen as a letdown by many. While it may not reach the same level of greatness as its predecessors, it remains highly effective and has aged well.
The film’s underground setting creates a strong sense of claustrophobia, and the way the tunnels are filmed keeps the audience oriented amidst the characters and zombies. However, where the movie truly excels is in its portrayal of the interactions among the surviving characters. Few horror films from the ’80s can match its gradual tension buildup, and Cpt. Rhodes, brilliantly portrayed by the late Joseph Pilato, stands out as one of the most memorable human antagonists in ’80s horror cinema history.
Evil Dead (2013)
Fede Álvarez’s Evil Dead is likely to polarize its audience, with some finding it too intense, but those who enjoy graphic violence will find it highly entertaining. When it comes to the franchise’s history, it has successfully been rebooted three times, which is an impressive achievement for a horror series.
The first instance of this reboot occurred in 2013 when the film took the original concept and added a compelling twist by introducing a protagonist dealing with heroin withdrawal. This creative choice added depth to the story. Furthermore, the movie’s impact was enhanced by its eerie cinematography and the exceptional performance of Jane Levy in the role of Mia, who arguably rivals Ash Williams as the franchise’s best protagonist.
Mom and Dad (2018)
People who walked past Mom and Dad on Redbox, assuming it was just another cheap Nicolas Cage movie released directly to video, didn’t realize what they were missing. Thankfully, the film has gained a small but dedicated group of fans over time, and it deserves to attract an even larger following.
The story centers around Selma Blair and Nicolas Cage, who play parents facing an unusual and disturbing urge to harm their own children, much like a new twist on the zombie genre, where the infected aren’t entirely deceased.
The Menu (2022)
“The Menu,” a relatively small film from Searchlight, garnered significant attention both critically and commercially. It featured a highly creative concept and a cast of mostly slick and intriguing characters, creating an unexpectedly unsettling dining experience.
Ralph Fiennes delivers a chilling portrayal as a demanding chef who demands nothing less than absolute perfection. Add to that a captivating lead performance by Anya Taylor-Joy and a fresh take on Nicholas Hoult’s talent, and you’ve got a recipe for success in “The Menu.”
Skinamarink (2022)
This movie has an intriguing backstory as it was originally created as an experimental project by a YouTuber named Kyle Edward Ball. Ball, a Canadian filmmaker, used to produce videos inspired by people’s nightmares. He filmed this particular movie in his own home in Edmonton. Unfortunately, copies of the film were leaked, but it quickly gained a dedicated following on social media. Eventually, it secured a theatrical release through IFC Midnight and became available on Shudder. It has since gathered a substantial fan base and is highly regarded as an impressive directorial debut.
Entitled “Skinamarink,” the film revolves around the story of two young children who wake up in their home in the middle of the night. Not only is their father missing, but they also experience eerie occurrences, such as windows and other objects mysteriously vanishing. Despite working with limited resources, Ball managed to create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere, making it a standout horror film. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely one worth watching.
Annabelle (2014)
If you haven’t been keeping up with James Wan’s terrifying world within The Conjuring universe in the past decade, you’ve been missing out. Many films in this immensely popular franchise have gained a dedicated following among horror enthusiasts worldwide. While more movies are in the pipeline, one trilogy, in particular, stands out as the scariest among them all. Annabelle is unquestionably one of the most frightening entries in the franchise to date.
The film centers around a profoundly eerie doll that serves as a magnet for malevolent spirits, enough to give anyone a lifelong fear of dolls. Starring the talented actress Annabelle Wallis, who interestingly shares her name with the infamous supernatural entity, her character endures relentless hauntings by this malevolent doll throughout the movie. And if that’s not unsettling enough, there’s an actual Annabelle doll, though it is currently securely housed in the occult museum of the renowned demonologist family, the Warrens.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Starring Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox in the lead roles, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a chilling horror film that creates a gripping atmosphere. The story revolves around a father and son who operate a private mortuary in their home. The unsettling tale unfolds late at night when they receive the body of an unidentified murder victim. This woman’s death seems inexplicable as there are no apparent external injuries. However, as they commence the autopsy in the midst of a raging storm, they uncover disturbing signs of unimaginable torture deep within her body.
What makes the situation even more horrifying is that some of these internal injuries defy logic, lacking any external scars that could account for them. As the two men become trapped inside with the enigmatic corpse, the story takes a nightmarish turn. The secrets hidden within the body begin to unravel, leading to a series of terrifying events. It’s worth noting that this film even earned a spot on Stephen King’s list of favorite horror movies, emphasizing its spine-tingling impact.
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
If you’re a fan of gruesome, slasher-style horror movies, Hulu has something for you as well. “The Hills Have Eyes” follows a familiar storyline where a family traveling from Cleveland to San Diego takes an unexpected detour through the hills, suggested by a gas station attendant. Their journey takes a horrifying turn when they experience a tire blowout and crash in the New Mexico desert.
This family consists of an elderly couple, their three children, the eldest daughter’s husband, their baby, and two family dogs. Stranded in this remote location, the men venture out in search of help, but soon discover a horrifying secret hidden in the hills. The hills are home to a nightmarish community of severely disfigured individuals who are the result of inbreeding. These deformed inhabitants create and then prey on situations like this one. The family finds themselves in a desperate struggle for survival as they are relentlessly pursued, tortured, and killed one by one by their merciless attackers.
The Offering (2022)
“The Offering, released in 2022, stood out as one of the most unsettling horror movies of the year. Although it faced tough competition from films like Barbarian and Smile, it managed to surpass expectations. The movie shares a concept reminiscent of The Autopsy of Jane Doe, centering around the eerie events that unfold after a body is brought to a Jewish funeral home, located in the house of a Hasidic family.
Unbeknownst to the family, the deceased person had recently performed a ritual that inadvertently unleashed a malevolent force. A failed attempt to bind this entity results in it infiltrating the funeral home, leading to a series of haunting experiences for everyone inside. This is a highly effective film that delivers numerous spine-tingling moments, and it derives its inspiration from the Jewish folktale of Abyzou, adding an element of realism to its supernatural narrative.”
Aliens (1986)
The 1986 sequel to Ridley Scott’s Alien, known as Aliens, seamlessly fits into the action, sci-fi, or horror genres. It is renowned for its intense visuals and is highly regarded within the ever-evolving franchise. Written and directed by James Cameron, Aliens builds upon the foundation set by the first film. While Alien offered a unique take on a haunted house in space, the sequel dedicated more attention to refining its special effects and developing its characters. Notably, it provided a deeper exploration of the franchise’s central character, Ripley, portrayed by the exceptional Sigourney Weaver.
Aliens unfolds more than 50 years after the events of the original, focusing on Ripley’s experiences drifting alone in space. Rescued by a salvage ship, she earnestly warns anyone willing to listen about the peril posed by alien eggs on LV-426. Ripley joins a team of space marines on a mission to investigate a colony on this planet, with disastrous consequences. In contrast to its predecessor, which built tension gradually through atmosphere, this sequel intensifies the action, earning its place as one of the franchise’s most memorable entries. Its exploration of Ripley’s character and overarching themes of motherhood and feminism make it a truly distinctive addition to the creature-feature genre.
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Prey (2022)
In 2022, “Prey” immediately established itself as a modern classic when it became the most-watched premiere on Hulu at that time. This movie continued the Predator series but drew inspiration from the past, specifically the year 1719, and followed the story of a Comanche tribe in North America. The central character is a female warrior in training who faces challenges in proving her value to her comrades and herself in the midst of encroaching colonization and, of course, alien warfare.
This Hulu franchise reboot was incredibly successful and made a concerted effort to maintain authenticity. The film was shot in both English and Comanche to avoid jarring language transitions, similar to what occurred in “The Hunt for Red October.” The Predator itself embraced this historical accuracy, donning a suit and weaponry that were more appropriate for the time period. Additionally, the movie paid homage to the original films by incorporating revamped Arnold Schwarzenegger lines and cleverly using swamp muck in various scenes.
Fresh (2022)
Fresh is a movie that’s best enjoyed without having eaten beforehand. The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa, a woman who believes she has found a great guy through online dating and decides to go on a weekend getaway with him. Sebastian Stan portrays her new love interest, but she soon discovers that he has a gruesome preference for the flesh of young women.
This film marks the directorial debut of Mimi Cave and features a compelling script by Lauryn Kahn. Kahn aimed to create a movie that appeals to both horror enthusiasts and those who are easily frightened. Offering a disturbing and thought-provoking take on modern dating, this film explores themes of cannibalistic horror and violent misogyny and has earned praise as one of the standout movies of 2022.
Hellraiser (2022)
Although the original Hellraiser film is not available on Hulu, the streaming service does offer the 2022 remake, which breathed new life into the franchise. This version of the story follows a woman in recovery from drug addiction who is struggling to find her place in the world. She stumbles upon a mysterious puzzle box that has the power to summon Cenobites, beings who thrive on the pleasure of pain. When she opens the box, it sets off a series of catastrophic events that not only change her life but also the lives of those who choose to stand by her.
While the legendary Clive Barker had a less significant role in this 2022 adaptation, the changes made to the cast, special effects, and the storyline were much-needed updates. It’s worth noting that this portrayal of tortured characters in an increasingly troubled world is not for those with a weak stomach, but it provides an exceptional exploration of drug use and obsession.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
“Spiral: From the Book of Saw” is the ninth entry in the Saw film series, a popular franchise that centers around a sadistic serial killer and their imitators who subject their victims to gruesome physical and psychological trials. This installment follows law enforcement’s efforts to apprehend a copycat killer inspired by Jigsaw, and it features actors like Chris Rock, Max Minghella, and Samuel L. Jackson.
“Spiral” can be seen as an attempt to revitalize the series in 2021, and it achieved some success by grossing over $1 billion worldwide at the box office. The franchise is not done yet, as “Saw X” is set to be released in 2023, offering fans more to look forward to. For those interested in catching up on the series, Hulu provides a convenient option with its selection of horror films.
Little Monsters (2019)
Little Monsters, distinct from the well-known 1989 movie starring Fred Savage, stars Lupita Nyong’o as a school teacher caught in a zombie outbreak during a field trip. Alongside her are Alexander England, Josh Gad, and a group of kids.
Maintaining children’s composure is already a tough task, but in this film, it becomes incredibly challenging with the added threat of zombies and the transformation of a beloved childhood character. In any case, this film, blending elements of horror, musical, and comedy, is bound to be enjoyable.
Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil (2010)
“Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil” presents a fascinating twist on the typical slasher movie scenario: What if the seemingly creepy individuals in the woods were innocent all along? This film features the talents of Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine, who portray two well-intentioned but bumbling off-the-grid guys. Unfortunately, they are mistaken for serial killers by a group of privileged college students.
As the story unfolds, the line between who’s the killer and who’s the victim becomes increasingly blurred, leading to a series of accidental deaths at the hands of the misunderstood duo. While we may have quite a few horror comedies on our list, “Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil” earns its spot due to its clever deconstruction of classic horror conventions.
Willy’s Wonderland (2021)
Willy’s Wonderland brings together an abandoned family amusement park and the enigmatic Nicolas Cage, resulting in a truly unique and quintessentially Cage-like cinematic experience. The film features Cage as a mute drifter reluctantly taking on the overnight janitorial duties at the park. However, he quickly discovers that the animatronic mascots, long forgotten, are still very much alive and quite deadly.
While not the first movie to exploit the creepy potential of animatronics, Willy’s Wonderland takes this fear to a whole new level. Drawing loose inspiration from Five Nights at Freddy’s, this film blends elements of thriller and horror, delivering a vibe reminiscent of unconventional ’80s slasher flicks, complete with an impressive body count. While it may not achieve cinematic greatness, this offbeat adventure is both entertaining and deserving of more recognition than it has received.
Barbarian (2022)
Traveling alone can be frightening, but the movie “Barbarian” takes that fear to a new level for anyone considering renting an Airbnb for some relaxation. This unique horror film, directed and written by Zach Cregger in his solo debut, follows a young woman who stops at an Airbnb for the night on her way to a job interview, only to discover that it’s already occupied.
Starring Georgina Campbell, Justin Long, and Bill Skarsgård, the presence of these actors makes it clear that “Barbarian” is a horror movie. With a 93% approval rating on the Tomatometer and numerous positive reviews, the film’s suspenseful and unpredictable ending will leave fans of scream-inducing horror eagerly wanting more.
Censor (2021)
“Censor,” which made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, offers a playful twist on the gruesome horror of the ’80s. The protagonist, Enid, takes great pride in her job as a film censor, where she shields the public from all sorts of disturbing content, including blood, violence, and gore. However, she struggles to remember the day her sister disappeared, even after her sister is declared legally dead.
Soon, Enid stumbles upon a shocking videotape that begins to unlock her memories of that fateful time. This film has been hailed as a significant advancement in British horror and has received numerous accolades from around the world, boasting an impressive Tomatometer score of 89%.
Piggy (2022)
“Piggy,” also known as “Cerdita,” is a contemporary Spanish/French adaptation of the classic high school revenge genre, reminiscent of films like “Carrie.” The story revolves around an overweight teenage girl who becomes the target of relentless bullying by a group of girls. However, when she discovers that these girls have been abducted, she is faced with a difficult choice: should she save them or keep silent to protect her newfound helper?
The film “Piggy” is based on a short film by director and screenwriter Carlota Pereda, marking her debut in the world of feature films. Laura Galán delivers a haunting performance in the movie, making it stand out as a thought-provoking exploration of ethical dilemmas and a bold critique of fat-shaming.
Run (2020)
“Run” is a gripping blend of horror and psychological thriller, revolving around the concept of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. Sarah Paulson plays the role of a caretaker for Kiera Allen’s character, Chloe, in a movie that can be seen as Hulu’s follow-up to “The Act” from 2019. Directed by Aneesh Chaganty, who also co-wrote the film with Sev Ohanian, “Run” offers a thrilling twist on the classic “call coming from inside the house” scenario, reminiscent of “Rear Window.” The tension steadily escalates throughout the film, with numerous hidden secrets and close encounters to keep the audience on edge. It’s no surprise that the Tomatometer rates this film highly at 89%.
Infinity Pool (2023)
“Infinity Pool” is a recent addition to Hulu’s horror lineup and boasts a cast that includes the newly acclaimed horror star Mia Goth, alongside Alexander Skarsgård and Cleopatra Coleman. The movie revolves around a young couple determined to have a great time during their all-inclusive vacation.
However, their plans take a dark turn following a tragic accident, revealing a strict policy against any criminal activity. Brandon Cronenberg, both the writer and director of the film, explores a disturbing subculture of hedonism where the consequences for those unable to meet the cost can be deadly.
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