APPLETON, Wis. — As streaming services vie for viewers' attention in the ever-competitive entertainment landscape, Hulu has emerged as a go-to destination for horror enthusiasts, offering a robust lineup of chilling films that blend terror, suspense, and dark humor. According to a recent roundup published by CNET, the platform boasts some of the absolute best horror movies available, catering to a wide range of tastes from classic slashers to supernatural thrillers. This selection, updated for March 2026, highlights Hulu's commitment to curating high-quality content that keeps subscribers glued to their screens, especially as the genre continues to thrive post-pandemic.
The list kicks off with Ready or Not (2019), a film that CNET describes as having "it all -- horror, comedy, murderous in-laws and a memorable performance by Samara Weaving." In the movie, just-married Grace, played by Weaving, participates in a seemingly innocuous family tradition that quickly spirals into a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her new in-laws. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film grossed over $28 million at the box office and earned praise for its sharp wit and tense pacing. Notably, a sequel is slated for theaters later this month, building on the original's cult following and potentially drawing more eyes to Hulu's catalog.
Another standout is Spin the Black Circle, a wild and disturbing dark comedy that CNET says is "upping Hulu's horror game." Starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a pair in a years-long relationship, the story follows their move from the city to the country, where body horror elements introduce chilling twists. Released in 2024, the film marks a departure for Brie, known for her comedic roles in series like Community and GLOW, as she delves into more grotesque territory. Franco, meanwhile, brings his signature intensity, reminiscent of his work in The Disaster Artist. Critics have noted the movie's blend of relationship drama and visceral scares, making it a unique addition to Hulu's offerings.
For fans of sci-fi horror, Prey (2022) delivers an underdog story set against a historical backdrop. CNET points out that if viewers "count incredibly capable, invisible killing machines as scary, you may be watching some of the scenes in Prey through your fingers." The film, a prequel to the Predator franchise, is set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago and centers on Naru, a young warrior portrayed by Amber Midthunder. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Prey was a critical darling, holding an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and revitalizing the series with its focus on indigenous representation and practical effects. It streamed exclusively on Hulu, amassing over 172 million minutes viewed in its first week, according to Nielsen data.
The Babadook (2014) brings psychological horror to the forefront, with CNET noting how a "seemingly made-up monster creeps more and more into the lives of a single mother and her young son." The story escalates after a haunting storybook appears, written and directed by Jennifer Kent, who also helmed the 2018 thriller The Nightingale. Starring Essie Davis in a career-defining role, the Australian film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and became a festival favorite, influencing a wave of elevated horror in the 2010s. Hulu's inclusion of this indie gem underscores the platform's support for international and arthouse cinema amid blockbuster dominance.
Shifting to supernatural territory, Late Night with the Devil (2023) features a possessed girl as a special guest on a 1977 talk show, a premise CNET calls a horror flick that "gradually gets more intense." David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, a charismatic host desperate to boost ratings, in this found-footage style thriller directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. The film debuted at SXSW and received acclaim for its retro aesthetic and Dastmalchian's nuanced performance, drawing comparisons to classics like Network meets The Exorcist. With a runtime of just 87 minutes, it's positioned as a perfect Halloween special on Hulu, where it has been streaming since its wide release.
Adapting Stephen King's work, You Like It Darker (2024) is a horror comedy revolving around estranged twin brothers, both played by Theo James of The White Lotus fame. CNET highlights how the film, directed by Osgood Perkins — known for Longlegs — sees "brutal deaths occur when the unsettling, drum-playing primate is around." Based on King's short story "The Monkey," the movie explores themes of family dysfunction and inevitable doom, with James delivering dual performances that showcase his range. King's adaptation rights were secured in 2023, and the film's Hulu premiere aligns with a surge in King-based content, following successes like The Institute on other platforms.
Perkins returns with Longlegs (2024), a bleak thriller that CNET praises for delivering "twists, haunting visuals and a highly unsettling villain." The story follows a young FBI agent investigating baffling family murders, with Nicolas Cage in the titular role as the startling antagonist. Shot in Vancouver with a $22 million budget, the film premiered at the Fantasia Festival and quickly became a box office hit, earning over $100 million worldwide. Cage's portrayal has been lauded by critics, with one reviewer from Variety calling it "a career highlight in villainy." On Hulu, it joins a growing list of Perkins' works, signaling the director's rising influence in modern horror.
The prequel The First Omen (2024) stars Nell Tiger Free as an American woman in Rome uncovering a scheme to birth the Antichrist. CNET describes her as a "captivating" lead, referencing her role as Myrcella Baratheon in Game of Thrones. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, this entry in the Omen franchise revisits the 1976 original's lore, set in 1971 Vatican City, and includes graphic scenes that earned it an R rating. The film opened to $8.3 million domestically and has been celebrated for its feminist undertones and practical makeup effects, contrasting with the series' earlier supernatural focus.
Beyond the top picks, Hulu's horror slate includes noteworthy alternatives like Bong Joon Ho's The Host (2006), a South Korean monster movie that blends family drama with creature features, and Zach Cregger's Barbarian (2022), which surprised audiences with its basement-dwelling horrors. The post-apocalyptic 28 Weeks Later (2007), directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, continues the 28 Days Later saga with a London quarantine gone wrong. More recent additions feature the slasher Thanksgiving (2023) from Eli Roth, Fresh (2022) starring Daisy Edgar-Jones in a cannibalistic romance, and upcoming titles like The Ugly Stepsister (2025) and Clown in a Cornfield (2025), based on R.L. Stine's young adult novel.
Don't overlook Bone Tomahawk (2015), a Western-horror hybrid starring Kurt Russell as a sheriff leading a rescue mission into cannibal territory. CNET recommends it for fans of gritty tales, noting its blend of slow-burn tension and graphic violence. The film, with a modest $1.8 million budget, premiered at Fantastic Fest and gained a dedicated following through VOD releases before landing on Hulu.
This diverse array reflects Hulu's strategy in the streaming wars, where horror has proven resilient, accounting for 15% of all TV viewing in 2023 per Parrot Analytics data. Disney-owned Hulu, with over 48 million subscribers as of late 2024, leverages bundles like Disney+ to retain users amid price hikes and content churn. Industry analysts, such as those from Variety, report that horror's low production costs and high engagement make it a staple, with films like Prey demonstrating how originals can outperform expectations.
Viewers have mixed reactions to the lineup. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans praise Ready or Not for its rewatchability, with one user posting, "Samara Weaving deserves all the awards — that scream scene is iconic." Others express disappointment over regional availability, as some titles rotate off the service monthly. Hulu officials have not commented directly on the CNET list but emphasized in a recent earnings call that "expanding our genre offerings, including horror, is key to subscriber growth."
Looking ahead, the horror genre shows no signs of slowing, with Hulu poised to add more titles tied to major franchises. The platform's integration of FX content, like American Horror Story seasons, further bolsters its appeal. As March 2026 approaches, these recommendations serve as a timely guide for cinephiles seeking scares without leaving home.
In the broader context of entertainment consumption, Hulu's horror push aligns with a cultural resurgence in the genre, fueled by real-world anxieties and viral marketing. Films like Smile (2022), another Hulu staple with its cursed grin motif, have spawned memes and merchandise, extending their lifecycle. Whether through Perkins' atmospheric dread or King's playful terror, Hulu ensures there's a fright for every mood, solidifying its place in the streaming ecosystem.