Netflix has become a very popular streaming service, with its fair share of shows, movies, anime, short films, etc. Let's dive into the horror genre, going through some of the most chilling shows I have seen so far on Netflix.
Stranger Things - 92% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered July 15th, 2016]
The residents of Hawkins, Indiana's lives change when a local boy goes missing, a strange girl shows up in town, and the supernatural reveals itself piece by piece.
One of the more popular TV series (and also a Netflix original), this show has such an interesting premise. Although the show is rated TV-14 and has a not-so-original topic of the supernatural, it is still so addictive to watch.
The visuals for this show are captivating, capturing all the trends of the 1980s, setting every mood with dark scenes and moody synth music. The characters are also phenomenal, where the main group of kids grow up around the horrifying reality that unfolds around them, each dealing with complex issues, and growing from their experience as individuals, and friends.
Although I was late to watch the show, I believe it is worth the hype.
Ozark - 82% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered July 21st, 2017]
A family man with a wife and two kids, Marty Byrde is a financial advisor who must relocate his family to the Missouri Ozarks, a dreary, lakeside city. Why? He must successfully launder millions in cash to pay off a debt to a Mexican drug lord. If he doesn't, his whole family will be dead.
Where do I even begin?
The mood of the Ozarks is defined by the consistent and melancholy shades of blue.
This show was a whirlwind of drama, suspense, and shock. The characters are all complex, and most are completely unforgiving. This show easily wrapped me around its finger, and I found myself wanting more at the end of season 4.
I would highly recommend this show to anyone who loves drama. Don't even blink!
Dark - 95% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered December 1, 2017]
A German sci-fi show dealing with missing persons, the history of the seemingly ordinary village of Winden, and the connection between four families. The watcher goes through so many twists and turns that their head will be spinning for days afterward, as mine did.
What I like about this show, is that other than being the first series authored in Germany, it was also shot and produced in Germany. The visuals of this show were fantastic and played into the concepts of light and dark with the exceptional camera work.
Although this series was often compared to Stranger Things, it is much darker, with much more complex ideas and characters. Without revealing too much, I can say that this show will get you/leave you thinking about the world in a different light.
Next, the casting. I also can't reveal too much about why this is important without revealing any spoilers, but just know that the casting crew did a phenomenal job of choosing the right people for each role. Each cast member truly embodied their character, and the expertise of the casting crew led to much less confusion for the watcher.
You - 91% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered September 9th, 2018
Joe is a book nerd, a bibliophile if you will, and he just loves to go to the bookstore to peruse books and women. He is incredibly smart, charming, and obsessive. As he becomes infatuated with a woman at the bookstore, his infatuation turns into something a little more dangerous.
Ever feel like you're being watched? Like someone is stalking you? This is precisely what this show is, with a sprinkle of comedy.
You quickly captivated me, with its sinister main character, humorous bits, and deep dive into the mind of a stalker.
That is something that I thoroughly enjoyed about the show and something that did create a lot of controversies. Throughout the show, you get to hear Joe's thoughts as he justifies his actions, and he is pretty convincing. I think this is something that makes the show so unique, is that Joe is so convinced that he is right, so much so that you almost believe his justifications are correct.
With the added humor that Joe gives in his monologues, it does take away from the creepy vibe, but I believe that the show integrates the suspense and humor well.
The Haunting of Hill House - 93% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered October 12th, 2018]
The Crain's and their five children move into Hill House, hoping for a quick renovation and reselling. However, they quickly begin to realize that there is something wrong with the house and find themselves thinking about it long after.
This show was phenomenal. Alternating between the past and the present, you get to see the characters as adults, learning through flashbacks about their experiences living in Hill House. Each character has a different experience that plagues them, and it is so interesting how each "haunting" is explained at the end of the show.
Not much can be said without revealing the twists and turns, but if you like shows that are dark and also have an "aha" moment, you will love this show!
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - 82% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered October 26th, 2018]
Sabrina, half-witch, and half-mortal must choose her 16th birthday approaches. To become a full witch, or to become a full mortal.
This show is not so much chilling as it is somber. Getting attached to the characters is unavoidable, and you have to watch as they struggle to find themselves, whether they be mortal, witches, or something else.
What I liked about this scene was that it was scary conceptually. Although a teenage drama, there were some very dark undertones that I found intriguing. Broken families, feeling (and being) trapped, difficult choices. There are also elements of a power struggle, where Sabrina looks innocent, but is still tempted by the idea of control.
A more malevolent version of the popular Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, this show had me hooked until a bittersweet end.
Behind Her Eyes - 62% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered February 17th, 2021]
A single mother, bored of her seemingly monotonous life, gets tangled into an affair with her new boss. Things start to get interesting as their relationship grows, and even more interesting as she becomes more acquainted with his wife.
This show, honestly, took me by surprise. It is chilling in the way that you feel something is wrong but you just can't put your finger on it.
You'll find yourself screaming for our main character, Louise, to bolt out of there, watching and hoping that she makes the right decisions.
The ending is a twist that still haunts me, so sudden and so short, but it is what makes this show something special.
The Midnight Club - 89% Rotten Tomatoes
[Premiered October 7th, 2022]
Eight terminally ill teenagers meet at midnight each night, hoping to scare the others with their stories. Their goal? To look for signs of their deceased friends from the beyond.
The Midnight Club is a thriller, with only a little thrill. That said, the story's underlying topics are so much more chilling.
With a hint of supernatural, you follow the story of these 8 teens, learning more about their stories, their terminal illnesses, and their goals if they were to live.
What is haunting about this show is the theme of death. It speaks on the fear of death, connection to the dead, and the possibility of living despite all odds. On a much more serious topic, it is haunting to watch each character struggle with the impending doom that lurks nearby.
The Chilliest of Them All?
I would have to say that The Haunting of Hill House topped the cake for me. Although haunted houses are overused, I felt enamored by the hidden details, the storyline, and the overall dark atmosphere.
Which shows have you seen, and what do you think is the most chilling show on Netflix?
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