Many of us spend way too much time browsing Netflix. The process of picking something to watch can take longer than the time you actually spend taking it in. But there’s a secret code that can make finding your next Netflix movie a breeze.
We’ve told you before about secret codes you can enter when searching Netflix in an internet browser that let you look for movies in very specific categories. This trick is particularly useful during horror movie season.
We’ve rounded up some of the best picks that you may miss unless you’re searching using Netflix’s secret genre codes. To use these codes, take the number given in parentheses and insert it into this URL following the last slash: http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/.
‘Death Note’ (2006)
Secret Category: Anime Horror (10695)
This Japanese anime series is one of the highest-rated titles on this list, holding down an impressive 9.0 viewer rating at IMDB. Its plot follows a high school student who finds a mysterious notebook that will kill anyone whose name is written into it. One full season of episodes is currently on Netflix if you like your scares animated.
‘Mad Ron’s Prevues from Hell’ (1987)
Secret Category: B-Horror (8195)
If you like over-the-top gory horror from the old days, you might like this offbeat bit of B-horror history. Not unlike “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” this comedic documentary features a deranged projectionist named Mad Ron as he looks at cheesy horror trailers and comments on them with his friends. The collection of classic trailers include movies like “Bay of Blood” and “The Blood Spattered Bride.” Coming out in 1987, it was a bit ahead of its time, very much pre-dating the current YouTube phenomenon of reacting to trailers on film.
‘Patchwork’ (2015)
Secret Category: B-Horror (8195)
This bawdy screamer is a throwback to horror’s exploitation days. It’s about three women who try to get revenge on the man who dismembered them and stitched their parts into the “perfect” woman. It’s like a campier, feminist version of “Frankenstein.”
‘It Follows’ (2015)
Secret Category: Creature Features (6895)
This buzzed-about flick is one of the most acclaimed recent horror movies on Netflix. It’s about a woman who is followed by a supernatural force after a sexual encounter, which she can only shake by sleeping with someone else and passing it to them. It’s been called a parable about sexually transmitted diseases, making it a great cautionary tale about safe sex!
‘The Shining’ (1980)
Secret Category: Cult Horror (10944)
It doesn’t get a whole lot more legendary in horror than Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” The landmark movie follows the members of a family who act as caretakers for a creepy hotel during the winter, while their patriarch slowly loses his mind. It’s widely regarded as one of the scariest and most well-produced horror movies of all time, even if it’s nothing like the book it’s based on.
’47 Meters Down’ (2016)
Secret Category: Deep Sea Horror (45028)
A surprise box-office hit from 2016, this horror flick stars Mandy Moore of “This Is Us” and Claire Holt of “The Vampire Diaries.” It follows two sisters who get trapped inside a shark cage surrounded by great whites while on vacation. “47 Meters Down” was nominated for best horror film at the 2018 Saturn Awards.
‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)
Secret Category: Deep Sea Horror (45028)
If you like scary movies where massive sharks are the killers, “Deep Blue Sea” is a must watch. It’s about a group of scientists who get hunted by intelligent sharks while trapped inside an isolated lab. The visual effects may look cheesy today but the awesome cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J and Stellan Skarsgard.
‘Raw’ (2016)
Secret Category: Foreign Horror (8654)
If you don’t mind subtitles, this creepy French film has solid ratings. It’s about a young vegetarian who tastes meat for the first time during a hazing ritual and develops a craving for human flesh. Some viewers who saw “Raw” at a Toronto film festival reportedly fainted because of the movie’s graphic scenes of cannibalism.
‘The Promise’ (2017)
Secret Category: Foreign Horror (8654)
Another one for foreign-film lovers, this horror film comes from Thailand. Its story follows a pair of friends who make a suicide pact as girls — but one later haunts the other when she decides to back out. If you like ghost stories, add this to your watch list.
‘Sharknado’ Series (2013)
Secret Category: Horror Comedy (89585)
The “Sharknado” franchise has become a legitimate phenomenon in the horror-comedy genre. The series, which includes five films now on Netflix, is about people trying to survive freak weather that hurls man-eating sharks like projectiles. The tongue-in-cheek series is best watched with drinks and friends!
‘Chernobyl Diaries’ (2012)
Secret Category: Monster Movies (947)
Who doesn’t find mutations caused by nuclear meltdowns to be unsettling? This movie is about a group of tourists who decide to tour an abandoned city near Ukraine’s old Chernobyl nuclear site — but realize it isn’t so abandoned after all. It was produced and co-written by the creator of the “Paranormal Activity” franchise.
‘The Devil’s Advocate’ (1997)
Secret Category: Satanic Stories (6998)
This one may have the best cast of any horror movie on Netflix this fall. “The Devil’s Advocate” is about a lawyer who is hired at a big firm that has a creepy secret. Oscar winners Al Pacino and Charlize Theron are joined by Keanu Reeves and Craig T. Nelson in a stellar cast.
‘Hellraiser’ (1987)
Secret Category: Satanic Stories (6998)
If you get freaked out by demons and bondage, you might want to steer clear of “Hellraiser.” This inventive and intense ’80s classic follows a family that moves into a new home and is soon dogged by a zombie and the relentless demons who pursue him. “Hellraiser II: Hellbound” is also currently on Netflix.
‘Cube’ Series (1997)
Secret Category: Sci-Fi Horror (1694)
Netflix currently has all three “Cube” movies streaming if you like your horror mind-blowing. These creative films are like something out of “The Twilight Zone,” following strangers who find themselves trapped in a seemingly endless maze packed with deadly traps. Fans of the “Saw” series will also enjoy the inventive ways characters can be killed.
‘Dreamcatcher’ (2003)
Secret Category: Sci-Fi Horror (1694)
Fans of Stephen King will want to check out this solid adaptation of his epic novel “Dreamcatcher.” It’s about a group of lifelong friends who go camping as adults and find themselves caught in the middle of an alien phenomenon. Morgan Freeman, Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant and Jason Lee lead the all-star cast.
‘Hush’ (2016)
Secret Category: Slashers and Serial Killers (8646)
Another acclaimed recent horror film, “Hush” comes from the studio behind favorites like “Get Out” and “The Purge.” This one follows a deaf writer who finds herself trying to outwit a masked killer who is hunting her within her isolated home. The movie stars Kate Siegel, who also co-wrote the movie.
‘The Collection’ (2012)
Secret Category: Slashers and Serial Killers (8646)
If you were freaked out by 2009’s serial-killer film “The Collector,” you’ll want to check out this sequel. It’s about a survivor of the first film’s killer who works to rescue a woman from his clutches. It’s a little like “Saw” in that the hero must get through a series of traps to make it out alive.
‘The Witch’ (2015)
Secret Category: Supernatural Horror (42023)
This super-creepy period movie will make you terrified of goats. It’s set in 1600s New England and follows a religious family that believes their daughter to be involved with witchcraft. It earned critical praise and has a very memorable ending if you don’t mind a slow burn.
‘Cult of Chucky’ (2017)
Secret Category: Supernatural Horror (42023)
If you like classic horror villains who bring dark laughs, Chucky is hard to beat. This seventh entry into the “Child’s Play” series follows the killer doll as he gets revenge on old enemies while calling on the help of old friends. “Cult of Chucky” was praised by some critics for taking the franchise’s story in new directions and being full of entertaining moments.
‘Teeth’ (2007)
Secret Category: Teen Screams (52147)
If you don’t mind bizarre plots, you might enjoy “Teeth.” This one is about a high school girl who finds out she has a natural way to fend off boys who try to take advantage of her. I could probably be more specific than that but this is a family website!
‘Interview With The Vampire’ (1994)
Secret Category: Vampire Horror (75804)
This is another great one for people who like A-list casts. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Christian Slater and little Kirsten Dunst star in this lush vampire flick. It follows a vampire’s lengthy life story and has plenty of great costumes and makeup effects.
‘Van Helsing’ (2004)
Secret Category: Vampire Horror (75804)
People who like a little more action with their scares will want to add this one to their watch list. It’s about Van Helsing, the legendary monster hunter, as he takes on Count Dracula, a werewolf and the work of Dr. Frankenstein. Obviously, it’s a great choice for classic horror nerds — but if you just want to watch Hugh Jackman kick butt, nobody will judge you.
‘When Animals Dream’ (2014)
Secret Category: Werewolf Horror (75930)
If werewolves are your jam, you’ll like this Danish horror flick. It’s about a shy teen girl who realizes she’s turning into a werewolf. It was compared positively by some critics to the creepy Swedish favorite “Let the Right One In.”
‘Cargo’ (2018)
Secret Category: Zombie Horror (75405)
Fans of “The Road” will probably dig this Australian horror film. It’s about a man who must care for his 1-year-old daughter as he escapes a growing zombie epidemic. The film stars the always-dependable Martin Freeman as the frantic father.
‘Train to Busan’ (2016)
Secret Category: Zombie Horror (75405)
This Korean movie has earned praise from critics and horror lovers, evidenced by its 7.5 rating at IMDB. Its tense plot is about a zombie virus that breaks out on a passenger train. If that sounds like a nightmare you never knew you had — you’re welcome!
