Ever wonder what’s trending on Netflix; what people are watching that sets their algorithm on fire? It’s probably not what you would expect. With nearly 4K movies currently in their catalog, it’s surprising what rises to the top, especially on the horror tab.
These trending movies are aggregated by a lot of precise criteria that range from the time of day to the time of week. It also takes into account the real-time interest of subscribers. That means if there is an award show happening or a special event or holiday, members are more likely to search for a specific movie trending in that timeframe. One wonders if the Monkeypox outbreak has anything to do with why It Follows is getting so many views.
Add in a pinch of data processing, or how many times a movie was viewed, and voila you have a trending title. The science is probably more complicated than that, but you get the idea. Since Netflix is a data-driven platform these titles aren’t just randomly selected.
We pulled 10 movies that Netflix has marked as “trending” for our FOMO readers and those who just want in on the “secret.” Below are 10 horror movies in no particular order that are being watched the most on Netflix.
It Follows (2014)
This is a modern masterpiece of storytelling. Even though it was released seven years ago it’s even more timely today. Director David Robert Mitchell tells the tale of a supernatural STD that can only be cured one way. When it was released this was critically praised. In fact, it still holds a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
With its cautionary tale about casual sex and the consequences that can happen if you decide to indulge, It Follows is terrifying in an original way.
Blood Red Sky (2021)
What will a mother do if her child is in danger? Anything. Blood Red Sky is an action-packed thrill ride at 30,000 feet with plenty of gore to appease genre fans. It’s nice to see the vampire trend making a comeback in such an original way.
Synopsis: A woman with a mysterious illness is forced into action when a group of terrorists attempts to hijack a transatlantic overnight flight.
Fear Street Part I & II (2021)
You may have questions about this title. Not about the plot, but why only parts one and two are trending; there are three. Depending on who you ask, the third part isn’t as good as the second which only makes sense if you watch the first.
Still, this is a great series that should be enjoyed in all three chapters. It’s a great homage to the slasher genre with just enough supernatural surprises to make it an interesting crossover. It said they are working on more chapters to the R.L. Stein adapted work, and we can’t wait to return to Shadyside.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
One of the most polarizing films of the year, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (’22) spiked in genre conversation all over social media back in February. Some loved its brazen attempt at a requel, while others deemed it a hubristic punchdown to the classic Tobe Hooper original.
Nevertheless, it’s trending now which means it still holds interest in the community, and it left enough room for a sequel.
Apostle (2018)
This slow descent into madness has a two-hour runtime, but it’s filled with enough tension and dread to make you squirm throughout. As cult/folk horror goes this is a good one to watch if you’re thinking of joining an organized religion or know someone who has.
Synopsis: In 1905, a drifter on a dangerous mission to rescue his kidnapped sister tangles with a sinister religious cult on an isolated island.
The Old Ways (2020)
Does being a journalist mean selling yourself to the devil? No, not at first. But in The Old Ways a young journalist is accused of harboring Satan inside her which leads to a spiritual battle with a witch doctor in the middle of the Veracruz jungle.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
This classic slasher will probably never stop trending on Netflix. Wes Craven’s masterwork still holds up even beyond the insipid remake released in 2010. The original is a powerhouse of 80’s practical effects, memorable monster-making, and teen angst.
For those who don’t know about the plot, A Nightmare on Elm Street follows teenager Nancy Thompson who is having bad dreams about a scar-faced man with knives for fingers. Turns out her friends are having the same dreams which are incredibly lucid. The dream world crosses into reality as those who die in their dreams are killed in real life. But why? Who is this fedora crowned phantom? Perhaps their parents know.
Eli (2019)
This is a surprisingly effective film. My first thought is that nobody has ever heard of it, but Netflix seems to think otherwise. It might be because the film stars Sadie Sink, the Kate Bush-loving teen of Stranger Thingsfame. She plays Max in that series.
In this movie, a young boy is undergoing treatment for a deadly disease, but nothing seems to be working. His parents move into an old mansion that now serves as a medical facility. Visions of ghosts and phantom writings leadElito certain truths for which there is no cure.
If you like supernatural mysteries with twists and turns then Eli should be on your watchlist.
No One Gets Out Alive (2021)
This one has been getting great word of mouth. Director Santiago Menghini takes us on a creepy journey following a female immigrant forced to live in a boardinghouse while she pursues her American dream. Her new dwellings are dark and she is often visited by spirits.
Even though the material is derivative, there’s enough here to satiate the genre fans looking for a supernatural mystery.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)
This comedy from India has everything you need for a good time: ghosts, creepy mansions, and vibrant dance numbers. This is Bollywood after all. This is a stand-alone sequel to the 2007 original which has become a cult favorite.
Synopsis: When strangers Reet and Ruhan cross paths, their journey leads to an abandoned mansion and a dreaded spirit who has been trapped for 18 years.
There you have it; 10 horror movies trending on Netflix right now. Have you seen any of these recently and what do you think of the trending titles? Let us know.
