Disney+ may be known for its family-friendly content, but the platform also features some genuinely chilling horror films that cater to fans of the genre. While Disney's traditional animated features focus on fantasy and adventure, their streaming service includes a variety of films that deliver suspense, thrills, and scares. From classic supernatural horrors to sci-fi thrillers, here are some of the most terrifying movies available on Disney+.
One of the most iconic horror films available on Disney+ is Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott. This groundbreaking sci-fi horror film follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo as they respond to a distress signal and unwittingly bring a deadly extraterrestrial creature aboard. The film’s slow-building tension, eerie atmosphere, and horrifying alien design make it a must-watch for horror fans.
Sigourney Weaver's performance as Ellen Ripley adds emotional depth and strength to the narrative, making Alien more than just a monster movie. Its blend of isolation, fear of the unknown, and claustrophobic tension cements its reputation as one of the most terrifying films available on Disney+.
For fans of supernatural horror, The Omen (1976) offers a chilling experience. Directed by Richard Donner, the film explores the dark and unsettling story of Damien, a young boy believed to be the Antichrist. As eerie events unfold around him, his adoptive father begins to suspect that sinister forces are at play.
The film masterfully uses suspense, religious symbolism, and psychological horror to build a gripping narrative. Its ominous atmosphere and memorable score contribute to an eerie sense of doom that lingers long after the credits roll.
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense is another spine-chilling horror film available on Disney+. The psychological thriller follows a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead, leading to eerie and unsettling encounters. Bruce Willis stars as the troubled psychologist trying to help him, only to uncover a shocking truth.
The film’s slow-burn suspense, atmospheric cinematography, and emotional depth make it an unforgettable horror experience. The famous twist ending has solidified its place in horror movie history and keeps viewers on edge throughout.
David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986) brings body horror to new heights with its disturbing exploration of transformation and obsession. Jeff Goldblum plays a scientist who accidentally merges his DNA with a fly during an experiment, resulting in a horrifying and tragic metamorphosis.
The film’s grotesque special effects and emotionally driven narrative make it a deeply unsettling experience. The Fly effectively combines horror with a tragic love story, making it both terrifying and emotionally resonant.
Another M. Night Shyamalan horror film on Disney+ that delivers suspense and psychological thrills is Signs (2002). The film follows a former priest, played by Mel Gibson, who discovers mysterious crop circles on his farm, hinting at an impending alien invasion.
What sets Signs apart is its slow-building tension and focus on the characters’ emotional struggles in the face of unknown terror. The eerie atmosphere, suspenseful pacing, and unexpected scares create a horror experience that is both intimate and terrifying.
Though Edward Scissorhands (1990) may not be a traditional horror film, Tim Burton’s gothic fantasy contains enough eerie elements to give it a haunting quality. Johnny Depp plays Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands, who struggles to find his place in a suburban community.
The film's dark, fairy-tale-like atmosphere, combined with haunting visuals and an underlying sense of loneliness and alienation, provides a unique blend of horror and heart. Its gothic aesthetic and eerie undertones make it a standout choice for those who enjoy horror with a touch of whimsy.
For those looking for a lighter, more family-friendly horror experience, Hocus Pocus (1993) offers a fun yet spooky adventure. The film follows three resurrected witches in Salem, Massachusetts, as they attempt to steal the souls of children to remain young forever.
Despite its comedic elements, the film features creepy moments, spellbinding performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and a dark premise that keeps the spooky atmosphere alive. It's a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy Halloween-themed horror without excessive scares.
Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie (2012) is a stop-motion horror film that serves as a loving homage to classic monster movies. The story follows a young boy who brings his beloved dog back to life with unintended and eerie consequences.
With its black-and-white cinematography, gothic aesthetic, and references to Frankenstein, the film creates a spooky yet heartwarming atmosphere. It’s an excellent horror film for audiences of all ages who appreciate Burton’s signature style of blending horror with emotional storytelling.
One of Disney’s most underrated and darkest animated films is The Black Cauldron (1985). Based on the classic fantasy novels by Lloyd Alexander, the film follows a young pig-keeper who must prevent an evil warlord from gaining ultimate power.
With its eerie atmosphere, dark villain known as the Horned King, and ominous soundtrack, The Black Cauldron stands out as one of Disney’s scariest animated films. Its haunting visuals and mature themes make it a unique horror experience within Disney’s animated catalog.
A lesser-known but genuinely unsettling Disney horror movie is Don't Look Under the Bed (1999). This made-for-TV movie follows a teenager who discovers that the Boogeyman is real and terrorizing her town.
The film’s eerie visuals, suspenseful moments, and psychological horror elements make it surprisingly creepy for a children's film. It touches on themes of childhood fears and growing up, making it a nostalgic yet chilling watch for older viewers.
Disney+ offers a surprisingly diverse selection of horror films, ranging from psychological thrillers and supernatural mysteries to gothic fairy tales and family-friendly spooks. Whether you're in the mood for the sci-fi horror of Alien, the suspense of The Sixth Sense, or the eerie nostalgia of Don't Look Under the Bed, there's something for every horror fan to enjoy.