If you’re on the hunt for chills and thrills, you’re in luck.
From chilling ghost stories and zombie apocalypses to satirical horror comedies, Prime Video has you covered with a top-notch array of horror flicks. To save you from the endless scrolling dilemma, we’ve curated a list that cuts through the noise, spotlighting the must-watch horror movies you can stream on Prime Video right now. So grab your favorite snack, cozy up with a blanket, and prepare to delve into a world of terror and suspense.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Run Time: 1 hr 36 min | Director: George A. Romero
Cast: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Marilyn Eastman
George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” gave birth to the modern zombie archetype—undead figures devoid of individuality or humanity. Yet, a revisit of the classic unveils a deeper social commentary that goes beyond the mindless gore. The film explores the darker aspects of human behavior such as prejudice and distrust, underlining them with Romero’s subtle nods to the contemporary social landscape of the 1960s. Even as it shows us the “ghouls,” it forces the viewer to question the moral standing of the humans fighting them, who display deeply ingrained prejudices and destructive tendencies.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes | Genre: Horror Mystery | Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird
Take a suspenseful journey with Knock at the Cabin, a horror-mystery flick directed by the renowned M. Night Shyamalan. Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge portray a couple vacationing with their daughter, played by Kristen Cui, when their peaceful retreat takes a horrifying turn. Held hostage by a group of menacing intruders, the family’s vacation turns into a waking nightmare. Adapted from Paul G. Tremblay’s novel “The Cabin at the End of the World,” the film’s script was penned by Shyamalan, Steve Desmond, and Michael Sherman. Featuring an extraordinary performance from Dave Bautista of Guardians of the Galaxy fame, Knock at the Cabin is a roller coaster of psychological and apocalyptic elements that you won’t want to miss.
Smile (2022)
Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes | Director: Parker Finn
Cast: Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner
Parker Finn, the creative mind behind the short film Laura Hasn’t Slept, brings us Smile, a supernatural thriller that dissects the cyclical nature of trauma. Rose Cotter, portrayed by Sosie Bacon, is a therapist who finds her world disintegrating when she becomes haunted by an eerie, smile-inducing curse following the suicide of a patient. The film takes viewers on a disorienting journey, skillfully blending an unreliable narrative with enough ambiguity to fuel heated discussions about its supernatural dimensions long after the credits roll.
NOPE (2022)
Runtime: 2 hours, 10 minutes | Director: Jordan Peele
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott
Jordan Peele, the auteur behind modern horror classics, strikes again with NOPE. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as siblings involved in the equine film industry, along with Steven Yeun as a theme park operator haunted by his childhood trauma, the film presents a disturbing yet engaging narrative. The less you know going in, the better, as NOPE thrives on its unpredictable plot twists. The film masterfully tackles intricate themes with sophistication, making it another standout in Peele’s growing repertoire of horror films.
The Reef (2010)
Run Time: 1 hr 34 min | Director: Andrew Traucki
Cast: Damian Walshe-Howling, Adrienne Pickering, Zoe Naylor, Gyton Grantley, Kiernan Darcy-Smith
“The Reef” excels at crafting a nerve-wracking atmosphere with minimalist elements. The story plunges us into the ordeal of four friends stranded in the ocean after their boat capsizes while exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Forced to choose between waiting on a sinking vessel or swimming through shark-infested waters, they decide to swim. Andrew Traucki masterfully builds suspense leading up to the inevitable shark attack. Utilizing real shark footage, the film creates an authentic, almost unbearable level of tension, heightened by visceral performances from the cast. Despite a somewhat abrupt ending and one character’s questionable decisions, “The Reef” stands as a lean, efficient thriller that turns its aquatic setting into a sea of dread.
Suspiria (2018)
Run Time: 2 hr 32 min | Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloë Grace Moretz
Luca Guadagnino’s take on “Suspiria” transcends the conventional remake, offering a parallel interpretation of Dario Argento’s iconic horror film. Anchored in the turbulent background of generational conflict and political instability, the film envelopes you in a nightmarish world of arcane rituals. Through a mesmerizing blend of dance, mysticism, and psychological horror, Guadagnino crafts a unique cinematic experience that is equal parts unsettling and profound. The film insists that you surrender to its eerie dance of visuals and themes, providing no room for passive viewing.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Run Time: 1 hr 48 min | Director: John Fawcett
Cast: Katharine Isabelle, Emily Perkins, Kris Lemche, Mimi Rogers, Jesse Moss
John Fawcett’s “Ginger Snaps” rejuvenates the werewolf narrative by weaving it into a compelling coming-of-age story. Focusing on two sisters engrossed in a dark, almost parasitic bond, the film unfolds as one of them undergoes a lycanthropic transformation. In addressing female adolescence through the lens of horror, “Ginger Snaps” precedes many 21st-century films that employ similar thematic devices. Notably, the film combines a stellar cast, remarkable special effects, and an empathetic view of its characters, humanizing even the supposed villains. It’s a layered exploration of various themes—identity, familial bonds, sexuality—that marks a high point in modern horror.
Candyman (2021)
Runtime: 1 hour, 31 minutes | Director: Nia DaCosta
Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Candyman takes the helm as an ambitious sequel to the 1992 cult classic, recontextualizing its horror themes within the fabric of modern America’s racial climate. Co-written by Jordan Peele, known for his pivot from comedy to creating intellectually stimulating horror films like Get Out and Us, this installment advances the mythology we knew, adding layers of nuance and contemporary edge. Director Nia DaCosta collaborates effectively with Peele to bring this culturally charged tale to life, featuring compelling performances by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris.
Nanny (2022)
Runtime: 1 hour, 39 minutes | Director: Nikyatu Jusu
Cast: Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls
Nanny marks the feature debut of writer and director Nikyatu Jusu, and what a debut it is. The story revolves around Aisha, played by Anna Diop, an undocumented immigrant working as a nanny in New York. Her dream is to earn enough to bring her son and cousin to the U.S., but supernatural visions plague her daily life. Whether she’s awake or asleep, Aisha feels like she’s drowning, forcing her to confront these psychological assaults while caring for the child of her employers. Jusu crafts a compelling blend of real-world fear and supernatural horror, making for a mesmerizing watch.
The Purge (2013)
Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes | Director: James DeMonaco
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Max Burkholder, Adelaide Kane
The film that launched a franchise, The Purge explores the human condition through a terrifying lens. Conceived and directed by James DeMonaco, the movie tackles societal decay and the darker aspects of human nature, offering more than just gore and jump scares. In a world where crime becomes legal for 12 hours, a wealthy family is held hostage by a sadistic gang, forcing them to confront the very structure of the society they belong to. Featuring strong performances by Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, The Purge offers a dark and grim look at humanity through a genre often criticized for lacking depth.
Run Sweetheart Run (2020)
Runtime: 1 hour, 44 minutes | Director: Shana Feste
Cast: Ella Balinska, Pilou Asbæk, Clark Gregg, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Directed by Shana Feste, Run Sweetheart Run takes the modern dating scene and turns it into a house of horrors. Ella Balinska plays Cherie, a young woman whose date night spirals into a disturbing and deadly game. With Pilou Asbæk playing the puppetmaster of her grim experience, the film delves into the perils of dating in an age where trust is a rare commodity. Backed by an ensemble that includes Clark Gregg and Shohreh Aghdashloo, Run Sweetheart Run offers both thrills and a dark message that will linger long after you’ve finished watching.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism (2022)
Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes | Director: Damon Thomas
Cast: Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Rachel Ogechi Kanu, Cathy Ang
Channeling ’80s horror nostalgia, My Best Friend’s Exorcism delivers equal parts fright and fun. Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller play high school besties Abby and Gretchen, whose friendship takes a dark turn after a visit to a spooky cabin and a round of Ouija board antics. When Gretchen starts acting out of character, Abby realizes she’s the only one who can save her friend from demonic possession. Balancing humor and horror, this film serves up a delightful blend of supernatural shenanigans and teenage angst, making it the perfect pick for those looking for a lighter horror experience.
Train to Busan (2016)
Runtime: 1 hour, 58 minutes | Director: Sang-ho Yeon
Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-Seok, Jung Yu-mi
Train to Busan is a high-octane Korean zombie thriller that did the unthinkable: it gave the zombie subgenre a shot of adrenaline just when we thought it had seen better days. In a narrative that can best be described as “zombies on a train,” the movie offers a perfect blend of action, gore, and heart, making it a standout in modern horror cinema. Sang-ho Yeon directs with a sure hand, delivering set pieces that are both exhilarating and deeply affecting.
Chopping Mall (1986)
Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes | Director: Jim Wynorski
Cast: Kelli Maroney, Tony O’Dell, Barbara Crampton, Karrie Emmerson, Russell Todd, Nick Segal, Dick Miller
Ah, the ’80s, a decade of excess, neon, and apparently killer robots in shopping malls. Chopping Mall is a quintessential ’80s B-movie that delivers the horror alongside camp and self-aware humor. Imagine being trapped in a mall not with zombies but with malfunctioning, deadly security robots. The result is this delightful, nostalgia-dripping horror comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. From its overt ’80s references to its playful tone, Chopping Mall captures the spirit of its era while providing a genuinely fun, albeit absurd, viewing experience.
Hell House LLC (2015)
Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes | Director: Stephen Cognetti
Cast: Kristin Michelle Taylor, Jeb Kreager, Theodore Bouloukos
Forget what the title might suggest; this is no true-crime documentary. Hell House LLC is a wholly fictional, found-footage thriller that delivers chills from start to finish. The narrative revolves around a tragic incident in a Halloween haunted house in the quaint town of Abaddon, New York, that resulted in the deaths of 15 people in one fateful night. Eager to uncover the truth, a documentary crew ventures into Abaddon to gather evidence, stumbling upon unsettling photos, video clips, and even a survivor willing to speak on record. A must-see for fans of the found-footage genre, it stands as a haunting yet captivating experience.
The Wailing (2016)
Runtime: 2 hours, 36 minutes | Director: Na Hong-jin
Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee
The Wailing is not your run-of-the-mill horror film. This South Korean masterpiece from director Na Hong-jin marries crime thriller elements with a demonic backdrop. The story focuses on a detective named Jong-Goo, drawn into a web of inexplicable murders and horrifying curses. As he attempts to solve these crimes, he finds his personal life spiraling into nightmare territory. The Wailing is a complex, sometimes perplexing watch, but one that rewards its audience with its nuanced storytelling and unflinching embrace of horror elements.
Terrifier 2 (2022)
Runtime: 2 hours, 18 minutes | Genre: Horror | Director: Damien Leone
Cast: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Elliott Fulham
The infamous Art the Clown, one of contemporary cinema’s most hair-raising antagonists, returns in Terrifier 2, the sequel to the 2016 hit. Director Damien Leone amplifies the fright and gore that made the original film a standout, delivering nonstop, visceral horror. Far from a run-of-the-mill sequel, Terrifier 2 maintains a relentless pace of terror, thanks in no small part to David Howard Thornton’s unnerving performance as Art the Clown. His portrayal is so compelling that it raises the question: should Art the Clown join the ranks of iconic horror villains?
For more handpicked collections of must-watch films, feel free to browse our curated movie and TV show selections on HitPlay. Happy watching!
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