The Best Horror Streaming Services for 2024

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You have more choices for horror movies and shows than ever—if you have the right video streaming service. However, that requires knowing what to look for in a horror streaming service before whipping out the plastic. After all, not all streaming services have the same horror content, and some offer better features and support higher-end technical specs. Fear not! The PCMag staff has the courage to thoroughly test these spooky streaming sites and pen independent reviews. We've covered streaming video services for more than a decade. Whether you want to check out the horror selection in a mainstream service like Netflix or dive into a dedicated horror subscription like Shudder, our expert opinions explain everything you need to know about the tested services below. Read on for our top picks and additional advice on streaming fright-filled flicks.

How to Choose the Best Horror Streaming Service

If you're looking for a terrifying viewing experience, you need to find an on-demand streaming service with the horror content you want to watch. Some services offer specialized fare for horror film junkies, while others have genre-straddling movies and shows that appeal to a wider audience.

If you're looking for well-known, blockbuster horror flicks, you should check out mainstream services, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Starz, or Tubi. The Criterion Channel also offers collections of horror content for fans of independent cinema and critically acclaimed movies.

On the other hand, you should subscribe to specialized streaming sites like Screambox or Shudder if you seek cult classics. If you're unsure which niche horror streaming service is best for you, check out our comparison between Screambox and Shudder.

Not sure where to begin? Check out our list of the best horror shows.

The Streaming Video Features You Need

You should compare the features of these streaming services before subscribing. For example, if you want to download movies and shows to watch offline, verify that the service you are considering supports that capability. Make sure that whatever service you pick supports all the media streaming devices you own. It's also important to note the number of simultaneous streams the service allows.

A final consideration is the streaming resolution and audio options that the services support. Amazon Prime and Netflix feature 4K content, while Shudder's original series cap out at 1080p. Higher-resolution streams produce crisp and clean images.

On the audio end, some services, such as Max, Netflix, and Prime Video, support HDR streaming (in the form of either HDR10 or Dolby Vision). Support for higher-end audio standards (5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos, or Dolby Digital Plus) is also usually available. Hulu, Max, Netflix, and Prime Video all support these standards.

Is The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Any Streaming Service?

Since 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has stood the test of time as the cult movie to end all cult movies. Traditionally, if you wanted to sing along with Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the gang, you had to visit a movie theater at midnight to act out your dark, campy rituals. However, you can now enjoy the hammy horror delight at home because Amazon Prime Video and Hulu currently have The Rocky Horror Picture Show available for rental and streaming, respectively.

Cable vs. Streaming for Horror Movies

Cable subscriptions offer premium movie channels such as Cinemax, Max, MGM+, Showtime, Starz, and The Movie Channel. A cable plan costs more money than one or several on-demand video streaming alternatives, but it's ideal for people who want to watch a number of cable TV networks for one price. If you have a digital antenna, keep an eye on your local television schedule for edited versions of popular horror movies.

You may not always be in the mood for scary movies, and many of the services in this roundup offer programming outside of the horror realm. Netflix is home to Emmy-award-winning prestige series, such as The Crown and The Queen's Gambit. Max is where you can watch HBO hits Game of Thrones and Succession. Amazon Prime Video is the place to find stunning and dramatic series, such as Bosch and The Underground Railroad.

For more on streaming, check out five reasons to ditch your video subscription and keep cable. Learn how to pick streaming services that fit your budget, and enjoy all sorts of reality show trash. All movies, even cheap horror movies, have a right to exist, so companies must preserve them.

For spooky, heady sci-fi anthologies, check out how to stream The Twilight Zone. For something more lighthearted, learn where to stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Finally, check out our recommended streaming video guides if you don't know what to watch.