Horror films manifest in multiple variations. There are comedic horrors, psychological horrors, thriller-like horrors, and genuinely terrifying horrors. These are the movies that linger in your mind long after the credits end, causing you to sleep with the lights on. Shudder provides an extensive array of such films.
We have delved into Shudder’s vast collection of horror, sci-fi, and thrillers to uncover the most chilling films, from iconic titles like Ring to the disturbing puppet-centric Possum. If you’re not a fan of jump-scares, these may not appeal to you. Prepare to shield yourself behind cushions…
Possum
What’s the premise?
A man returns to his childhood residence to eliminate a creepy puppet after losing his job in puppeteering. However, when a local teenager goes missing, something malevolent comes to light.
What makes it terrifying?
Possum’s atmosphere is grim, featuring a horrifying puppet that reappears even after disposal. The disquieting soundtrack and strategically placed jump scares intensify the fear.
Where to watch: Possum is currently streaming on Shudder.
The Medium
What’s the premise?
A documentary team heads to northern Thailand to interview a shaman, only to face something eerie when her niece behaves oddly.
What makes it terrifying?
The film escalates tension with a gradual build-up, culminating in a chaotic climax. The haunting music and found footage aesthetic amplify the horror.
Where to watch: The Medium is currently streaming on Shudder.
The Unheard
What’s the premise?
After undergoing an experimental treatment to regain her hearing, a woman begins to experience auditory hallucinations tied to her mother’s disappearance.
Why should you watch it?
The film artfully blends horror, mystery, and thriller elements, maintaining a consistent pace filled with frights and suspense.
Where to watch: The Unheard is currently streaming on Shudder.
Skinamarink
What’s the premise?
Two siblings find themselves trapped in a dark home with a whispering voice after their father vanishes.
Why should you watch it?
Skinamarink aims to instill fear by tapping into childhood anxieties about darkness and the unknown.
Where to watch: Skinamarink is currently streaming on Shudder.
The Power
What’s the premise?
In 1974, a nurse at a London hospital confronts a stifling hierarchy and continuous blackouts, among other horrors.
Why should you watch it?
The film creates a sense of dread through jump scares that enhance its themes, complemented by compelling performances.
Where to watch: The Power is currently streaming on Shudder.
Satan’s Slaves
What’s the premise?
Following their mother’s death, a family suspects her spirit lingers in their home.
What makes it terrifying?
The film combines gradual tension with jump scares, establishing an eerie atmosphere.
Where to watch: Satan’s Slaves is currently streaming on Shudder.
Ring
What’s the premise?
A journalist investigates a cursed videotape that causes viewers to die a week after watching it.
What makes it terrifying?
Ring employs minimal effects to generate scares, showcasing nightmarish scenes and images.
Where to watch: Ring is currently streaming on Shudder.
The Dark and the Wicked
What’s the premise?
A brother and sister return to their family farmhouse, only to encounter sinister occurrences.
What makes it terrifying?
The film effectively employs sound to create unexpected and frightening jumps.
Where to watch: The Dark and the Wicked is currently streaming on Shudder.
Host
What’s the premise?
Amid the coronavirus lockdown, friends hold a seance via Zoom.
What makes it terrifying?
The realistic environment and natural interactions make Host unsettlingly authentic, featuring frequent and creative scares.
Where to watch: Host is currently streaming on Shudder.
Terrified
What’s the premise?
Paranormal investigators delve into disturbing occurrences in a Buenos Aires neighborhood.
What makes it terrifying?
Terrified showcases a range of scares, ensuring something will unsettle you.
Where to watch: Terrified is currently streaming on Shudder.
Hell House LLC
What’s the premise?
A documentary crew investigates a haunted house attraction associated with fatalities.
What makes it terrifying?
The film utilizes realism and creepy clowns to provoke fear, along with effective jump scares.
Where to watch: Hell House LLC is currently streaming on Shudder.
Z
What’s the premise?
A mother becomes concerned about her son and his imaginary companion “Z.”
What makes it terrifying?
Z leverages the fear of an unseen monster to generate tension, making the absence of “Z” disquieting.
Where to watch: Z is currently streaming on Shudder.
*This summary was featured in a prior Mashable list.
UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 12:52 p.m. EDT This compilation was initially published on Sept. 15, 2023. It has since been revised to mirror current streaming availability.
Are you a fan of horror films? Check out our editor-selected list of 100 of the greatest horror movies and utilize the filters to refine your choices for tonight’s viewing.