Good Horror Movies on Hulu: Your Guide to Top Scares

Top Picks for Your Next Fright Night

For those seeking good horror movies on Hulu, standout options include The Babadook (2014), Barbarian (2022), and Fresh (2022), offering a range of scares from psychological dread to modern dating horrors. Hulu’s extensive catalog provides numerous choices for thrill-seekers, from schlocky slashers to films with strong social commentary, ensuring a diverse selection for any horror fan. These recommendations aim to deliver primal scares alongside thematic depth that can resonate long after viewing.

One of the most impactful modern horror films available is The Babadook (2014). This Australian indie quickly achieved canon-worthy status by focusing on a single mother and her troubled son whose lives are upended by a pop-up book featuring Mister Babadook. The film explores the difficulty of ridding oneself of the titular monster, creating a profoundly unsettling experience that one EW critic compared to The Exorcist, suggesting The Babadook makes the latter look like a “triumph of the human spirit.” Directed by Jennifer Kent and starring Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman, it holds an EW grade of B+.

Another highly recommended film is Zach Cregger’s directorial debut, Barbarian (2022). What begins as a simple double-booking at an Airbnb quickly escalates into something far more sinister. Georgina Campbell plays Tess, who finds a mysterious man, Keith (Bill Skarsgård), already occupying her rental. Their accidental discovery of a frightening secret in the basement promises to leave viewers both disturbed and exhilarated. The film also features Justin Long, Richard Brake, and Matthew Patrick Davis.

For a unique blend of horror and social commentary, Fresh (2022) offers a nuanced look at the perils of modern dating. Directed by Mimi Cave, it follows Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) as her meet-cute with Steve (Sebastian Stan) takes an unappetizing turn when he reveals a Hannibal Lecter-esque side. This horror-comedy, which has been described as having elements of American Psycho and Blood Diner with a dash of When Harry Met Sally, is propelled by the strong chemistry between its leads. Edgar-Jones portrays Noa with quiet strength, while Stan imbues Steve with a disarming goofiness that prevents him from being a one-note villain. Fresh earned an EW grade of B.

Here is a selection of top-rated horror movies currently available on Hulu:

Critically Acclaimed and Award-Winning Horror

Hulu’s horror selection also includes critically acclaimed films that transcend typical genre boundaries, offering substance alongside scares. Black Swan (2010), directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a prime example. This film delves into the psychological breakdown of Nina (Natalie Portman), a sheltered ballerina whose intense dedication to playing the lead in Swan Lake leads her to erratic behavior, hallucinations, and the awakening of a darker self. EW’s critic described Black Swan as “lurid and voluptuous pulp fun, with a sensationalistic fairy-tale allure,” noting its captivating blend of gothic horror and high art. Natalie Portman’s performance earned her an Oscar, and the film holds an EW grade of B+. The cast also includes Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder.

These films are recognized not just for their ability to deliver frights, but also for their artistic merit and lasting impact on audiences. They often explore deeper themes, making them linger in the mind long after the credits roll.

New and Noteworthy Horror on Hulu

Hulu consistently updates its horror catalog with new and grotesque discoveries, ensuring there’s always something fresh for horror enthusiasts. Among the newer additions, The First Omen (2024) stands out as a well-received prequel to the classic 1976 film The Omen. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, it stars Nell Tiger Free as a young novice at a Catholic orphanage who uncovers a plot to bring about the Antichrist. The film is noted for its artful direction and gruesome deaths, making it a rare horror prequel deemed worthy of its iconic predecessor. Other cast members include Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy.

Another recent offering that promises a unique viewing experience is The Ugly Stepsister (2025), which is categorized as horror-comedy. While specific details about its plot are not yet widely available, its inclusion on Entertainment Weekly’s list of recommended films suggests it offers a fresh take on the genre. These newer films demonstrate Hulu’s commitment to providing a mix of established classics and innovative new horror content.

Hulu’s collection also includes a range of other recent horror titles that cater to various tastes, current as of November 2026. These include:

This list highlights that Hulu is consistently adding new horror content, including sequels, prequels, and original stories, ensuring a fresh rotation of options for subscribers.

FAQ

What are some of the best psychological horror movies on Hulu? The Babadook (2014) and Black Swan (2010) are excellent psychological horror movies available on Hulu. The Babadook explores grief and mental health through a supernatural entity, while Black Swan delves into a ballerina’s psychological breakdown.

Are there any new horror movies on Hulu worth watching? Yes, The First Omen (2024) is a well-received prequel to the classic The Omen and is noted for its artful direction and gruesome deaths. The Ugly Stepsister (2025) is also listed as a new horror-comedy discovery.

Does Hulu have any horror-comedies? Yes, Fresh (2022) is a horror-comedy that examines modern dating with a dark, cannibalistic twist. The Ugly Stepsister (2025) and Clown in a Cornfield (2025) are also categorized as horror-comedies available on Hulu.

What is the EW grade for The Babadook? The Babadook (2014) received an EW grade of B+.

What is the EW grade for Fresh? Fresh (2022) received an EW grade of B.