Netflix’s horror library has its ups and downs in terms of quality. While there are some standout titles, the streaming service struggles to compete with genre-specific platforms like Shudder. It seems that Netflix’s horror offerings have become increasingly reliant on Netflix Originals, as its library is constantly rotating new additions while classics come and go.
In the past year, Netflix has showcased popular films like The Shining, Scream, Jaws, The Silence of the Lambs, and Young Frankenstein, alongside newer indie hits such as The Witch, The Descent, and The Babadook. Unfortunately, these movies have been replaced by low-budget, direct-to-VOD films with one-word titles like Demonic, Desolate, and Incarnate.
That said, Netflix does offer a variety of modern horror films worth checking out. These range from comedic horror like The Babysitter to more obscure, unsettling titles such as Creep, Raw, His House, and the Fear Street trilogy. While there aren’t many iconic franchise staples like Halloween or Friday the 13th, The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass stand out as must-see series.
If you’re looking for a guide to navigate through Netflix’s horror library, our ranking system categorizes movies from “fun-bad” to essential. While the lowest-ranked films may have their flaws, they’re still enjoyable in some way. On the other hand, the highest-ranked films are must-watch essentials that horror fans should not miss.
1-The Invitation
In 2022, director Jessica M. Thompson took on the challenging task of remixing Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula, which has been reinterpreted countless times in various forms of media. Her film, The Invitation, attempts to approach the story from a fresh perspective by adding a female lens, and she’s joined by writer Blair Butler and actress Nathalie Emmanuel. While the team successfully brings some new angles to the table, the movie takes a while to get to its most intriguing concepts, and by the time it does, it’s almost too late.
The cast of The Invitation is led by Nathalie Emmanuel, who’s joined by Thomas Doherty, Stephanie Corneliussen, Alana Boden, Hugh Skinner, and Sean Pertwee. The film is rated PG-13 and runs for a total of 104 minutes.
Remixing Dracula is no easy feat, but The Invitation’s creative team deserves credit for their effort to add some fresh perspectives to the story. Thompson, Butler, and Emmanuel make some unexpected choices that slightly subvert the traditional gothic approach to the material. However, while the movie has its moments, it takes too long to get to its most intriguing ideas. By the time the story reaches its climax, it feels like it’s too little, too late.
Despite its flaws, The Invitation is still worth checking out for fans of Dracula and horror movies. The film’s female perspective adds an interesting layer to the story, and the talented cast delivers solid performances. While it may not be the best interpretation of Dracula out there, it’s a valiant effort that offers some fresh ideas to an age-old tale.
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