16 Must-Watch Sci-Fi Horror Movies on Shudder That Will Keep You Up All Night

1. Hell House LLC 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 26095, ID: 4267026
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Hell House LLC is a spine-chilling found footage film that expertly builds suspense through its eerie atmosphere and subtle scares, following a documentary crew investigating a haunted house where a tragic event occurred, keeping viewers on edge with its realistic approach. Despite some overacting and unclear shots, the movie’s unique premise and effective use of old-school scares make it a standout in the genre, offering a genuinely creepy experience for fans of found footage horror.
2. Late Night with the Devil 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 69717, ID: 14966898
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Late Night with the Devil is a clever blend of TV satire and horror, set in the 1970s. The film follows a talk show host who, in a bid to boost ratings, invites guests with supernatural connections, leading to chaotic and terrifying events. The movie’s unique premise and engaging storytelling make it a standout, despite some unrealistic elements. It’s a must-watch for fans of found footage horror, offering a genuinely creepy experience.
3. V/H/S/85 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 7271, ID: 22640398
Photo by en.wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
V/H/S/85 is a thrilling addition to the found footage horror anthology series, offering a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s. The film features a collection of spine-chilling tales captured on VHS tapes, each exploring unique horror themes. Despite some segments feeling incomplete, the movie’s creative storytelling and impressive special effects make it a must-watch for horror fans. It’s a fun and terrifying experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
4. Color Out of Space 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 57619, ID: 5073642
Photo by deepestdream.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
Color Out of Space is a visually stunning adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s story, seamlessly blending sci-fi and horror elements as it follows a family dealing with the aftermath of a meteorite crash that brings a mysterious and otherworldly force. Nicolas Cage’s performance and the film’s striking visuals make it a memorable experience, despite some over-the-top moments, offering a unique and unsettling journey for fans of Lovecraftian horror.
5. The Void 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 42386, ID: 4255304
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
The Void is a chilling cosmic horror film that masterfully blends Lovecraftian elements with practical effects to create a nightmarish experience, following a group of people trapped in a hospital by hooded cultists and grotesque creatures, evoking a sense of imminent danger and dread. Despite its low budget, the film’s visuals and special effects are impressive, immersing viewers in its dark and twisted world, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the genre for fans of sci-fi horror.
6. Mandy 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 91489, ID: 6998518
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Mandy is a visually stunning and emotionally intense film that takes viewers on a surreal journey of vengeance and madness. Nicolas Cage delivers a gripping performance as Red Miller, a man seeking revenge against a cult that destroyed his life. The film’s unique blend of horror, fantasy, and heavy metal aesthetics creates a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. Mandy is a bold and untraditional horror movie that stands out for its artistic vision and raw emotional power.
7. The Endless 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 50253, ID: 3986820
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The Endless is a captivating and eerie film that delves into the mysteries of a UFO cult and the nature of reality. Directed by and starring Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, the film follows two brothers who return to the cult they escaped from years ago. The film’s clever use of low-budget effects and its intriguing narrative make it a compelling watch. The Endless is a thought-provoking and atmospheric sci-fi horror movie that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
8. Psycho Goreman 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 15367, ID: 11252440
Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
Psycho Goreman is a delightful blend of horror and comedy, featuring a resurrected alien overlord controlled by two mischievous siblings, with over-the-top gore and absurd humor making it a unique and entertaining watch. The practical effects and nostalgic nods to 80s and 90s sci-fi and horror are a treat for fans of the genre, delivering a fun and memorable experience despite its low budget.
9. Blood Quantum 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 5473, ID: 7394674
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Blood Quantum offers a fresh take on the zombie genre by focusing on an Indigenous community immune to a zombie virus, with the film’s sociopolitical subtext adding depth to the horror, making it both thought-provoking and thrilling. The performances are strong, and the gore is satisfyingly gruesome, combining horror with a powerful message about resilience and survival, making Blood Quantum a standout film.
10. Event Horizon 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 199258, ID: 0119081
Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
Event Horizon is a visually stunning and terrifying journey into the unknown, blending sci-fi and horror with a haunting atmosphere and disturbing imagery that make it a memorable experience. While the plot may have its flaws, the performances by Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill, along with the film’s ambitious vision, ensure that Event Horizon remains a cult favorite.
11. The Thing 1982，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 472776, ID: 0084787
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’ is a masterclass in tension and paranoia, set against the icy backdrop of Antarctica. The film’s practical effects, particularly the grotesque creature designs, are both horrifying and mesmerizing. Kurt Russell leads a stellar cast, but it’s the atmosphere of distrust and isolation that truly makes this a standout in the sci-fi horror genre. A must-watch for fans of classic horror.
12. In the Mouth of Madness 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 80330, ID: 0113409
Photo by reelscary.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
John Carpenter’s ‘In the Mouth of Madness’ is a chilling exploration of reality and fiction, blending Lovecraftian horror with psychological thrills. Sam Neill delivers a compelling performance as an insurance investigator unraveling the mystery of a missing horror writer. The film’s eerie atmosphere and mind-bending plot make it a unique and unsettling experience. A hidden gem for horror aficionados.
13. The Fly 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 204422, ID: 0091064
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
David Cronenberg’s ‘The Fly’ is a tragic tale of transformation, blending body horror with a poignant love story. Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of a scientist’s descent into monstrosity is both heartbreaking and terrifying. The film’s practical effects are gruesome yet captivating, making it a standout in the genre. A haunting exploration of human ambition and its consequences.
14. Annihilation 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 366337, ID: 2798920
Photo by reelscary.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
Alex Garland’s ‘Annihilation’ is a visually stunning and intellectually challenging sci-fi horror film. Natalie Portman leads a strong cast in a story that delves into themes of self-destruction and transformation. The film’s surreal visuals and haunting score create an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. A thought-provoking journey into the unknown.
15. Underwater 2020，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 99104, ID: 5774060
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
‘Underwater’ is a gripping blend of disaster and monster movie, set miles beneath the ocean’s surface. Kristen Stewart shines as the resilient protagonist, leading a strong ensemble cast. The film’s claustrophobic setting and relentless pace keep viewers on the edge of their seats. A thrilling ride that combines suspense with sci-fi horror elements.
16. The Invisible Man 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 259495, ID: 1051906
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Leigh Whannell’s ‘The Invisible Man’ is a masterful blend of sci-fi and horror, exploring themes of gaslighting and abuse with chilling precision, with Elisabeth Moss delivering a riveting performance as Cecilia, a woman tormented by her invisible ex. The film’s tension is palpable, making it a standout in the genre and a must-watch for those who appreciate psychological horror.