5 best Netflix original horror movies to watch this week (April 22)

When people say, "There's nothing good on Netflix," I like to tell them they aren't looking hard enough. The streamer has a ton of great titles in a vast array of genres. Recently, several popular series, including Squid Game, Outer Banks, and Emily in Paris, announced returns in 2024, giving subscribers much to look forward to.

The search function within Netflix is underutilized and helps narrow down your favorite genres and also suggests other titles similar to your search. If you are in the mood for horror below are some of the best Netflix original horror titles you should check out.

The Babysitter (2017)

The Samara Weaving led The Babysitter is a fantastic teen black comedy directed by McG, known for Terminator Salvation and This Means War. The story tells of a 12-year-old boy, Cole (Judah Lewis), who is often bullied by his neighbor. When his babysitter, Bee (Weaving), sticks up to the bully, Cole, who is often lonely, believes he has found a friend in Bee.

One night, he discovers his babysitter is part of a satanic cult, and he finds himself in a fight for his life. The film is hilarious, gory, and a great modern slasher. Luckily, a sequel is streaming on Netflix, The Babysitter: Killer Queen. The films also star Hana Mae Lee, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Andrew Bachelor, Emily Alyn Lind, Leslie Bibb, and more.

Dayshift (2022)

Dayshift is an action comedy horror directed by J.J. Perry in his directorial debut. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, Snoop Dogg, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, Karla Souza, Steve Howey, and Scott Adkins. Foxx portrays Bud Jablonski, an average blue-collar father whose pool cleaning business serves as a front for his vampire-hunting gig.

He is mentored by Big John Elliott (Snoop Dogg), a legend in vampire hunting, and kills the vamps to harvest their fangs, which bring in big money. His main goal is to provide for his witty daughter so her mother doesn't move her away.

Cargo (2018)

The Australian post-apocalyptic horror Cargo is based on a short film by directors Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, starring Martin Freeman. Andy (Freeman), his wife, and his baby travel in a remote part of Australia to avoid a deadly outbreak. Andy and his family have resorted to traveling in a houseboat to avoid others as the virus turns the infected rabid within 48 hours.

Andy must do whatever it takes to protect his infant daughter when things go south for the family. The film is praised for Freeman's emotional performance and the ability to give new life to the zombie genre.

Fear Street trilogy (2021)

Based on R.L. Stines' books, the Fear Street trilogy of movies is a fantastic adaptation directed by Leigh Janiak (Honeymoon). The three movies are set in different years, 1994, 1978, and 1666, and chronicle the evil events that have taken place in Shadyside for centuries.

Each film follows the events leading back to the fabled with Sarah Fier, who was executed for witchcraft in 1666 and placed a curse over the town. The series of films has been praised for honoring the source material and showcasing the retro slasher genre. A fourth film, Fear Street: Prom Night, has been announced.

Gerald’s Game (2017)

Based on the 1992 same-titled novel by Stephen King, Gerald's Game is a fantastic psychological horror by mastermind Mike Flanagan. Starring Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood as a married couple who are seeking a weekend away. When a sex fantasy goes wrong, Jessie (Gugino) finds herself alone, handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house.

This leads to her experiencing warped visions, dark secrets, and, ultimately, a dire choice. The film also stars Carel Struycken, Henry Thomas, and Kate Siegel. King wholeheartedly approves of the film, calling it "hypnotic, horrifying, and terrific."