7 horror movies to watch (and 4 to skip) on Netflix in October

September is almost over, which means we're on the cusp of Halloween season. Spirit costume stores are popping up, parties are being planned, but most importantly, horror movies are being added to Netflix.

The streaming platform has always been good about keeping viewers spooked during the horror season, but the selection of films being added this year is especially strong. There will be classics available all month, and so we decided to help narrow things down, so you know where to start.

7 horror movies you need to watch on Netflix

• The Birds (1963) - October 1
• IT Chapter 2 (2019) - October 1
• Halloween (2018) - October 1
• Unfriended (2014) - October 1
• Psycho (1960) - October 1
• You're Next (2011) - October 1
• Scream (1996) - October 11

As you can see, the first day of October is absolutely stacked. There will be an embarrassment of riches to choose from, and the best part here is the variety. If you prefer foundational horror films by Alfred Hitchcock, there's Psycho and The Birds.

If you prefer something more visceral and unsettling, Unfriended and You're Next are available to scratch that itch. Perhaps you like your horror films with a sense of humor? Don't worry, because Scream and the second chapter in the IT franchise are already available at the click of a button.

Netflix can sometimes run into a sequel only issue, in which they have a sequel to a beloved film rather than the original, but they really did their due diligence to secure the original Psycho and Scream films. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also watch Psycho II (1983)!

4 horror movies you can skip (also on Netflix)

• Legion (2010) - October 1
• Red Dragon (2002) - October 1
• Girl Haunts Boy (2024) - October 10
• Don't Move (2024) - October 25

Up top, we want to say that bad horror films are still pretty entertaining. There's usually a level of absurdity or heightened violence that makes them memorable. Well, ideally, at least. Girl Haunts Boy and Don't Move look like riffs on ghost stories and serial killer thrillers, but they are executed in a very generic and forgettable fashion. Hence, our skip recommendation.

Legion and Red Dragon are older releases, and both have their defenders. These films take bigger artistic swings, and the latter boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Ed Norton and the legendary Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film ultimately fails to live up to its cast, though, and remains the most forgettable of the Anthony Hopkins-led Hannibal Lector films.

Legion has recognizable artwork for anybody who sifted through a discount DVD bin in the 2010s, and it's appeal doesn't extend too far beyond it. Paul Bettany is giving it his all, but the film doesn't have much going on in terms of memorability. There are so many great films to choose from in the coming month, so we're going to courteously suggest a skip.