5 underrated movies streaming on Netflix perfect for spooky season

Many movie fans spend October revisiting Halloween classics to get into the spooky spirit. Alongside the cult classics and beloved new releases streaming on Netflix, there's also a handful of underrated movies perfect for the season.

Though October is halfway over, there's still plenty of time to catch a few last-minute spooky movies. From fun, family-friendly adventures to spine-tingling thrillers, these underrated gems offer a wide range of entertaining tales.

I Am Frankelda (2025)

In the same vein as spooky season classics like Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, I Am Frankelda is a stop-motion animated film that follows its protagonist on a fantastical adventure. I Am Frankelda sees what happens when a struggling young writer is transported into the fictional world she created and is tasked with saving it.

While the film doesn't feature famous monsters like Count Dracula or the Wolf Man, the monstrous creatures that fill I Am Frankelda's fictional world are beautifully designed and just creepy enough to get audiences into the Halloween spirit. Visually rich and narratively thrilling, I Am Frankelda is a must-watch.

Malevolent (2018)

Combining ghosts, tangled family dynamics, and a series of twists, Malevolent is a worthy watch as Halloween approaches. Malevolent centers on a sibling duo (Florence Pugh and Ben Lloyd-Hughes) who spend their time scamming money out of clients dealing with paranormal encounters.

Malevolent doesn't quite breathe new life into the supernatural horror genre, but it gets the job done and provides audiences with a satisfying number of scares. Audiences willing to give in to the film's simple plot and minor inconsistencies will likely get the most from the film's thrilling paranormal story.

The Babysitter (2017)

Slasher films are a staple for horror fans during spooky season, and the Netflix original, The Babysitter, features some of the subgenre's best components. Samara Weaving leads the film as the titular character whose true nature is discovered one night by the young boy she is tasked with looking after.

The Babysitter asks for respect from general audiences and slasher aficionados alike but never takes itself too seriously. The film is packed with buzzy chases and bloody visuals throughout its runtime. Rarely slowing down and providing a rewarding plot, The Babysitter makes for a great addition to one's yearly spooky viewings.

Daniel Isn't Real (2019)

Daniel Isn't Real follows a young man (Miles Robbins) whose reunion with an imaginary friend (Patrick Schwarzenegger) from childhood is anything but sentimental. What starts as a cordial dynamic quickly develops into something more sinister.

Robbins and Schwarzenegger have an intense relationship throughout the film that reels audiences in and blurs the line between what is real and what is merely a product of the supernatural world. Daniel Isn't Real cleverly explores psychological trauma within a paranormal setting, and the result is a gripping, dark narrative that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.

Heart Eyes (2025)

Although it's set at the beginning of the year around Valentine's Day, Heart Eyes still makes for the perfect spooky season viewing. The film's plot centers around a mysterious serial killer who targets couples across the country every year on the romantic holiday.

With strong performances and hints of romance, Heart Eyes is another slasher that successfully combines humor with scares for an all-around good time. The film also has its connections to Halloween and spooky season classics, as it stars Casper's Devon Sawa, The Faculty's Jordana Brewster, and the Scream series' Mason Gooding.

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