The 10 Best Horror Movies to Watch on Peacock

Peacock, an NBCUniversal-owned streaming service, is a treasure trove for horror movies. While Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu are still the top picks for movie fans, Peacock has quickly gained attention for its diverse content library since its inception in July 2020.

One of Peacock’s standout features is its tiered subscription model, offering both free and premium subscription options. The free tier provides users with access to a selection of movies, TV shows, news clips, and curated channels supported by ads. Meanwhile, the premium tiers, Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus, offer an ad-supported and ad-free experience respectively, with access to a larger content library, including exclusive originals and next-day access to current NBC shows.

While the original programming by Peacock is far from impressive, one cannot deny that horror movies, both classic and contemporary, are worth getting that subscription. In the following list, we will take a look at some of the top horror movies you can stream on Peacock. Please be aware that these titles are currently streaming only in the US; they may or may not be available on your country’s must-watch horror movies catalog on Peacock.

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Night of the Living Dead is a seminal horror film directed by George A. Romero. Renowned for its groundbreaking narrative and atmospheric tension, the movie is revered as a classic of the genre. Its portrayal of a group of people trapped in a rural farmhouse while besieged by flesh-eating zombies has become iconic in horror cinema.

The film’s low-budget production adds to its raw authenticity and gritty realism, enhancing the sense of dread and unease throughout. Its black-and-white cinematography lends a timeless quality to the story, emphasizing the bleakness of the characters’ predicament. Additionally, the social commentary that touches on themes of race, class, and societal breakdown, coupled with Romero’s direction and screenplay (co-written with John A. Russo), skillfully weave these elements into the fabric of the film. On Peacock, Night of the Living Dead is one of the highest-rated horror movies that audiences still cherish even decades after its release.

2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Directed by Tobe Hooper, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best horror movies of the 70s and still pretty unforgettable. Its raw intensity and influence on the horror genre solidify its reputation as one of the most terrifying movies to watch on Peacock.

Following a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals in rural Texas, with Leatherface wielding his iconic chainsaw, the film creates a terrifying atmosphere thanks to its visceral violence and groundbreaking cinematography. One cannot mention the film without taking into consideration the handheld camera work that Hooper uses to give the film a documentary-like aesthetic, which makes it all the more horrific.

Additionally, central to the film’s  horror is Leatherface, a hulking, chainsaw-wielding killer who wears a mask made of human skin. His appearance and actions have become emblematic of the slasher genre, influencing countless horror villains that followed.

3. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Release in 1980, Ruggero Deodato’s Italian horror movie Cannibal Holocaust is a notorious and controversial film often cited as one of the most disturbing movies ever made. Using the found footage style, the film follows a group of documentary filmmakers who venture into the Amazon rainforest to make a film about indigenous tribes. However, their expedition takes a dark turn as they encounter violence, cannibalism, and brutality.

The film is infamous for its graphic and explicit scenes of violence, including the real killing of animals on-screen, which has sparked widespread condemnation and censorship. It was banned in several countries upon its release due to its extreme content, and Deodato faced legal trouble, with authorities even suspecting him of creating a genuine snuff film.

If you are looking for a creepy film to watch on Peacock, there’s nothing more extreme than this film.

4. The Changeling (1980)

As far as classic horror movies available on Peacock are concerned, one cannot skip The Changeling by Peter Medak. Starring George C. Scott, this chilling tale intertwines elements of psychological horror and supernatural mystery to create an atmosphere of dread and suspense.

While the film’s more dramatic elements may feel dated now, the story follows John Russell (played by Scott), a grief-stricken composer who moves into a historic mansion in Seattle following the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. As he settles into his new home, strange and inexplicable occurrences begin to unfold.

From mysterious noises echoing through the empty halls to eerie apparitions that seem to materialize out of thin air, John soon realizes that the house holds dark secrets of its own. Driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind these haunting manifestations, John delves into the history of the mansion and discovers a disturbing connection to a decades-old unsolved murder. With the help of Claire Norman (Trish Van Devere), a local historical researcher, John embarks on a harrowing journey to unravel the mystery and put the restless spirits of the past to rest.

Universally lauded for its masterful storytelling, atmospheric tension, and nuanced performances, the film’s slow-burning suspense and skillful use of sound and imagery may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate why such films eventually get cult status would appreciate the first citations of many elements that have thus cemented into the horror genre.

5. The Beyond (1981)

Among Peacock’s horror movie collection is The Beyond, part of director Lucio Fulci’s “Gates of Hell” trilogy, which also includes City of the Living Dead and The House by the Cemetery. The Italian cult classic horror movie features a surreal atmosphere, graphic violence, and a dreamlike narrative that can be a little unusual for mainstream horror movie fans.

Set in Louisiana, the film follows Liza (played by Catriona MacColl), who inherits a run-down hotel that is believed to be built on one of the seven gateways to Hell. As Liza attempts to renovate the hotel, she discovers a series of horrifying events and encounters malevolent forces beyond human comprehension.

Now, The Beyond may not be a straightforward horror movie recommendation for viewers going through Peacock’s catalog because it emphasizes atmosphere and imagery over a coherent plot, but this is a nightmarish world that Fulci has created. The grotesque imagery, eerie locations, and relentless gore push the boundaries of what the horror genre can offer, thus making this one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

6. Ginger Snaps (2000)

Ginger Snaps has now gained cult status for its fresh approach and feminist undertone. However, for me, the Canadian horror movie directed by John Fawcett is a smart reworking of the werewolf genre, blending elements of horror, dark comedy, and teenage drama.

The story revolves around two teenage sisters, Ginger and Brigitte Fitzgerald, who are outcasts in their suburban town. They have a fascination with death and share a pact to die together. However, their lives take a dark turn when Ginger is attacked by a werewolf on the night of her first period. As Ginger begins to undergo physical and behavioral changes, the sisters must confront the horrifying reality of lycanthropy while dealing with their own complex relationship.

What sets Ginger Snaps apart from typical horror fare is its exploration of adolescence, sisterhood, and female sexuality. The film cleverly uses the werewolf transformation as a metaphor for puberty and the challenges of growing up.

7. The House of the Devil (2009)

Ti West, who is now renowned for his X trilogy (X, Pearl, and the upcoming Maxxxine), paid his first homage to the horror classics of the late 1970s and early 1980s in his 2009 film The House of the Devil.

The story follows a college student named Samantha Hughes (Jocelin Donahue) who takes a babysitting job in a remote mansion. However, things quickly take a sinister turn as Samantha realizes that the job isn’t what it seems and that the house holds dark secrets.

One of the notable aspects of The House of the Devil is its deliberate pacing and atmospheric tension-building. Director Ti West masterfully creates a sense of dread and foreboding throughout the film, relying more on suspense and psychological terror than overt violence or jump scares

If you are looking for a contemporary movie that uses its authentic 80s aesthetic and soundtrack to enhance its horrific impact, you need to check out The House of the Devil on Peacock.

8. We Are Still Here (2015)

Ted Geoghegan’s 2015 film We Are Still Here may sound like just another haunted house film, and to some extent, it is. However, its blend of atmospheric tension, supernatural elements, and nods to classic horror tropes make it smarter than most of the films out there.

Set in a remote New England town in the 1970s, the movie follows a couple, Anne and Paul Sacchetti, who move into an old farmhouse following the tragic death of their son. As they settle into their new home, strange and terrifying occurrences begin to unfold, leading them to believe that the house is haunted.

Drawing inspiration from films like The Amityville Horror and The House of the Devil, Geoghegan creates a sense of dread and unease with its eerie cinematography, haunting score, and slow build-up.

9. Marrowbone (2017)

Sergio G. Sánchez’s Marrowbone tilts more towards psychological thriller than horror, but its haunting atmosphere, which blends real-life horror, mystery, and drama, is enough for me to recommend it for horror movie fans looking for their next binge on Peacock.

Set in 1969 in rural America, the film tells the story of four siblings who seek refuge in an old, secluded house following the death of their mother. As they try to build a new life for themselves, they must confront both the secrets of their past and the sinister forces that threaten their present.

The siblings’ isolation in the dilapidated mansion adds to the sense of foreboding, while the mysteries surrounding their family’s history keep viewers on edge throughout. The cast, which includes George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Mia Goth, and Matthew Stagg—all of whom are not as lesser known as they used to be —add depth to the haunting nature of this story.

10. 1BR (2019)

1BR, the 2019 film directed by David Marmor, is an ingenious horror-thriller that revolves around Sarah, a young woman who moves to Los Angeles to start a new life. She finds what seems to be the perfect apartment in a seemingly friendly community. However, as she settles in, she discovers that her neighbors are part of a cult-like group led by the charismatic landlord, Jerry. As Sarah becomes increasingly entangled in the community’s disturbing rituals and practices, she realizes that escaping may not be as simple as she thought.

Among one of the newest horror releases on Peacock, the film explores themes of manipulation, control, and the darker aspects of communal living. It builds tension through a combination of atmospheric cinematography, nuanced performances, and a slowly unraveling plot that keeps viewers on edge. Nicole Brydon Bloom, who plays Sarah, is a clear standout and the soul of this smart horror chiller.

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