Unearth the Scariest Netflix Originals You Probably Overlooked
When it comes to horror on Netflix, everyone knows the usual suspects—Bird Box, The Conjuring, Fear Street. But hidden beneath the trending titles and top 10 lists are lesser-known horror films that offer just as many chills, scares, and smart storytelling.
These hidden horror gems didn’t get blockbuster marketing or viral fame, but they’ve quietly earned cult followings among true genre fans. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological tension, supernatural dread, or creature-feature thrills, the following five underrated horror films on Netflix deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. His House (2020)
Directed by: Remi Weekes
Country: United Kingdom
His House is a haunting, emotionally charged horror film that takes a supernatural approach to real-world trauma. The story follows Bol and Rial, two South Sudanese refugees who flee civil war and resettle in a small town in England. But the government-assigned home they move into is anything but safe—it’s haunted by something deeply connected to their past.
What makes His House unique is how it weaves horror with themes of grief, guilt, and cultural displacement. The ghosts are terrifying, but the film’s real power lies in its psychological depth. Instead of cheap jump scares, it delivers slow-building dread layered with social commentary. Remi Weekes’ direction is confident and unsettling, and the performances by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Wunmi Mosaku are outstanding.
If you’re looking for horror that makes you think as much as it makes you jump, this film is essential viewing.
2. The Ritual (2017)
Directed by: David Bruckner
Country: United Kingdom
Four friends hike into a remote Scandinavian forest to honor a fallen friend—but what starts as a quiet journey becomes a descent into madness. The Ritual feels like a mix of The Blair Witch Project and The Wicker Man, blending psychological horror with folklore-inspired monstrosities.
The forest itself becomes a character—twisted, vast, and disorienting. As night falls and paranoia rises, the group is stalked by a mysterious presence that ties into Norse mythology. Without spoiling too much, the creature design in this film is one of the most original and eerie in recent horror history.
Director David Bruckner builds suspense through atmosphere, tension, and emotional trauma rather than over-the-top gore. The film explores grief, guilt, and masculinity in a subtle but impactful way, all while keeping the audience firmly on edge.
3. Cam (2018)
Directed by: Daniel Goldhaber
Country: United States
Cam is a techno-horror film that’s unnervingly relevant in today’s digital age. Madeline Brewer stars as Alice, a camgirl whose identity is stolen by an online doppelgänger. What follows is a mind-bending descent into a world where the lines between real and virtual begin to dissolve.
What sets Cam apart is its authenticity—the screenplay was written by Isa Mazzei, a former camgirl, which adds a unique perspective. This isn’t exploitative horror; it’s a sharp, feminist take on autonomy, privacy, and the dangers of commodifying one’s identity online.
It’s not your typical horror flick with demons or haunted houses. Instead, the fear comes from losing control in a hyper-connected, voyeuristic society. Cam feels like a modern update to Black Mirror—slick, cerebral, and deeply unsettling.
4. Apostle (2018)
Directed by: Gareth Evans
Country: United Kingdom
From Gareth Evans, the director of The Raid, comes a completely different beast: a slow-burning folk horror epic. Apostle is set in 1905 and follows a drifter who travels to a remote island to rescue his sister from a mysterious cult. What starts as a rescue mission spirals into a violent, hallucinatory nightmare filled with occult rituals and ancient horrors.
Visually, Apostle is stunning—rich in period detail, drenched in atmosphere, and filled with haunting imagery. The violence, when it comes, is brutal and unflinching, but never gratuitous. It draws on influences from The Wicker Man and The Witch, yet carves its own path with originality and flair.
This is a film that rewards patience. The slow pacing allows for a gradual buildup of dread, and when it finally explodes into chaos, the impact is unforgettable.
5. Sweetheart (2019)
Directed by: J.D. Dillard
Country: United States
Sometimes the most terrifying horror comes from simplicity. Sweetheart begins with a shipwrecked woman (played by Kiersey Clemons) washing up on a deserted island. As she tries to survive, she discovers that she’s not alone—something monstrous lurks in the jungle, and it only comes out at night.
The film is nearly dialogue-free, relying on performance, sound design, and visual storytelling. Clemons carries the entire movie with her powerful physical acting and emotional presence. The creature is shown sparingly, which adds to the suspense and dread. When the monster finally appears, it’s worth the wait.
Sweetheart is a stripped-down, high-tension thriller that proves you don’t need a large cast or complex mythology to deliver genuine horror. It’s an overlooked gem that keeps you guessing and rooting for its resilient heroine.
Why These Films Stand Out
What these hidden gems have in common is a commitment to smart storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and thematic depth. They don’t rely on cheap thrills or tired tropes—instead, they innovate within the genre and often reflect deeper social or psychological issues. From supernatural hauntings to technological terror and folk horror, these films offer a range of scares that linger long after viewing.
They also remind us that some of the best horror movies aren’t always the most advertised. Sometimes, it’s the quietest films—the ones you stumble upon late at night on Netflix—that leave the biggest impact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of formulaic slasher flicks or predictable ghost stories, these hidden horror gems will shake up your watchlist. Each of them takes a unique approach to fear, blending genre elements with bold themes and memorable characters.
So next time you open Netflix and scroll past the usual titles, take a chance on one of these overlooked horror films. You might just find a new favorite—and lose some sleep in the process.