On those special October nights, you don’t need to watch a horror movie or a ghost story. What you really want is to see a monster. One that has large teeth, a frightening roar, and many individuals who make foolish choices in front of it.
The good news is that Netflix has an abundance of options for horror fans this October. With its new horror-themed content (Halloween) and the existing collection of horror films available through its streaming service, there’s a wide variety of scary creatures: giant kaiju, a gothic creature, a shark, a xenomorph, and something waiting to pounce from the shadows.
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Godzilla Minus One (2023)
If you only watch one film from this list, make it this one.
I was hoping for a good giant monster movie going into Godzilla Minus One. When I left, I felt as if I had watched what was essentially a war film with a massive lizard. This is set in Japan during the immediate post-World War II period, and the characters in this film were already damaged emotionally and physically prior to Godzilla’s arrival.
The secret sauce to the movie’s success is that while the monster is indeed scary, the film actually explores themes such as guilt and survival, as well as whether an individual who feels they should no longer exist can discover a purpose to continue living. The main character, a former pilot still tormented by his actions and inaction during the war, is among the most relatable human characters in all monster films.
The visual aspect of this movie has been praised by many as well. For example, one reviewer stated that Godzilla was just as destructive and loud as his U.S. version, but with a lot less money spent. Rotten Tomatoes gives this film a 99 percent rating, and critics say that the human aspects of the story help provide context for all of the destruction.
You should watch this movie if you enjoy monster movies that have some emotion in them, and you can handle feeling a bit sentimental.
Frankenstein (2025)
For years, it seemed as if Guillermo del Toro would never make the movie he had talked about in many interviews over the course of those years. Finally, we have the film. A review of several articles about the film states that del Toro has found his monster, and that it is the film he has discussed in interviews for 20 years.
Oscar Isaac is cast as Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi plays the Creature, and Mia Goth also appears in the movie. When it comes to del Toro’s films, you have a good idea of what to expect: stunningly designed sets, beautifully textured gothic environments, and a creature that you can’t help but feel bad for.
This is where the entire focus lies. In Mary Shelley’s novel, the creature is not a villain. It is an individual created and then left behind by its creator. Del Toro has always had a greater interest in the monster rather than the individuals attempting to destroy it; this may be the best example of this interest that he has ever produced.
This movie is less upbeat and more somber than a traditional horror flick about monsters. You will spend time getting to know the characters. However, if you are looking for a visually stunning, emotionally moving, and aesthetically pleasing experience, then this is one of a kind among all the films listed.
Watch this film if you enjoy visually stunning, slower-paced monster movies.
Jaws (1975)
Yes, you have heard of it. Yes, it is older than many who are reading this. And no, do not skip over it.
Why would Jaws belong on a list of great horror films in 2026? Because it established the rule of the horror genre that what you can’t see is more terrifying than what you can.
Spielberg had to use this technique when his mechanical shark continued to break down while filming. As a result, Spielberg was forced to hide the shark for most of the film and created one of the greatest suspense machines ever.
This is how you open a movie: with a thin swimmer eaten alive by a hidden creature. And that’s how you keep your audience hooked as long as possible on Amity Island. In fact, this is how you teach your students patience. When the great white shark actually appears at the end of the film, you will have spent the last hour thinking about what it’s going to look like.
What I find most enjoyable when I re-watch this film is that a large part of the film is people talking to each other. Three very different men on a boat, a mayor that does not want to affect the tourist season, a city that is in denial about their situation. The shark represents the danger. However, human stupidity is the other half of the horror. And John Williams’ two-note theme is still today one of the most recognizable musical themes in film history.
Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s movie, Alien, is essentially a story set in space. The crew of the USCSS Nostromo, an average group of weary space haulers, respond to a distress call from an unknown planet. They bring back with them an unwanted guest who proceeds to hunt down each member of the crew one by one within the dark, labyrinthine confines of their ship. There are no large armies to fight, no heroic speeches to deliver, and it appears as if there may be no possible escape from the creature.
The reason why this movie will last forever is because of the way it was made. There was never anything like the monster design (based on H.R. Giger’s art) in movies before, and there are many modern monsters designed with elements from Giger’s work.
Additionally, Sigourney Weaver’s character, Ripley, is one of the greatest heroes of all time. Ripley has achieved hero status through intelligence and determination, not through size.
A special bonus is coming your way in October. Ridley Scott’s haunted house set in space is being paired up with Aliens, and therefore both of the top-rated entries into the Alien series will be available as a double feature. According to critics at Rotten Tomatoes, Aliens uses a more fast-paced style of storytelling compared to the deliberate and slow-burning suspense found in the first installment.
The critics believe that Aliens offers viewers a combination of action and suspense, and also is filled with many jump scares. This provides a great opportunity to explore the various ways that one specific creature can inspire two dramatically different types of movies.
Slow burn dread can be experienced if you are willing to wait. Turn off all lights, and turn up the volume.
The Boogeyman (2023)
The smallest film of all the films that are on this list, and perhaps the film that will surprise you the most.
Stephen King wrote The Boogeyman as a short story. It is being released on Netflix this month. Sophie Thatcher and Chris Messina star in the film. The film is about how we deal with grief when we are confronted with the fear that there are monsters hiding in the dark.
I recommend this movie because it’s a family horror film. That means it deals with how a family falls apart when someone dies, and the monster in the movie is what thrives on their grief. The most effective parts of the movie are the quieter moments such as a door that is cracked open, a hallway light that blinks, or a child who says there’s something in their bedroom. This movie relies upon fears we had as children to scare us, but doesn’t need to use a lot of blood and guts to do so.
The film is far from perfect, and many of its scares use well-known techniques. However, the film understands that the creature is at its most effective when it can barely be seen. If you’re looking for a film that will cause you to check the dark areas around you as you go to grab a drink of water, then this is the film for you.
