While Netflix’s original horror lineup can be hit or miss, the streamer occasionally surprises us by adding truly worthwhile horror films. Often, it’s the licensed titles that deserve your attention. In fact, just this month, Netflix added three standout licensed horror movies, one of which was released earlier this year. They are Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Heart Eyes and Smile. These three horror flicks should definitely be added to your watchlist if you're looking for something really entertaining to watch.
Before we get into the details of each film, it's important to mention that these movies will not stay on Netflix forever. Since they're not Netflix originals and are licensed titles instead, they will eventually be removed from the platform once their licensing agreements expire. Unfortunately, it's unknown at the moment when exactly each film will depart Netflix. That being said, it's best to watch them sooner rather than later before you miss your chance to catch these chilling thrills. Don't worry! We'll get back to you with their departure dates once they're announced.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
The first horror movie to land on Netflix in May out of the three mentioned above was Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Netflix added this horror comedy to its platform on May 6, which came as a surprise because it wasn't part of the streamer's original May 2025 lineup. Released in theaters in 2024 by Warner Bros. Pictures, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was directed by Emmy winner Tim Burton from a screenplay written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.
It serves as a sequel to Burton's 1988 horror classic Beetlejuice, and centers around Lydia Deetz, now an adult hosting a paranormal talk show, who soon finds herself having to confront a supernatural crisis when her teenage daughter accidentally opens a portal to the afterlife in their family’s hometown. With her daughter in danger, Lydia must call on the mischievous demon Beetlejuice to help navigate the chaos and save her.
Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia from the first film, while Michael Keaton returns as the wild and unpredictable demon, Beetlejuice. Also returning from the first movie is Catherine O'Hara as Delia Deetz, Lydia's stepmother. Wednesday's Jenna Ortega joined the sequel as Lydia's estranged teenage daughter, Astrid.
Heart Eyes (2025)
The next big horror film to drop on Netflix this month was Sony's Heart Eyes. The streaming giant added this slasher to its platform on May 8, giving new viewers the chance to experience this darkly comedic and thrilling story about two co-workers who find themselves the new targets of a masked serial killer stalking couples on Valentine's Day. It hit theaters in February 2025, and now Netflix subscribers can catch the film from the comfort of their own homes.
Heart Eyes comes from Spyglass Media Group, the same team that did the latest Scream movies, Scream and Scream VI. Josh Ruben helmed the film with Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy working together on the script. Totally Killer's Olivia Holt played the role of Ally, one of the co-workers, while Scream's Mason Gooding took on the Jay character, the other co-worker. Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, Yoson An, Jordana Brewster, and others also joined them in the cast.
Smile (2022)
Smile is the most recent big horror movie to be released on Netflix in May. The streamer added this psychological horror film on May 14, and it's already secured a spot on the top 10 movies list on the platform. As of May 15, it's currently sitting at the No. 6 spot. It'll probably remain on the list for a while, seeing how its chilling story and eerie atmosphere continue to draw in curious horror fans and newcomers alike.
Parker Finn wrote and directed Smile. The movie is based on his 2020 horror short film Laura Hasn't Slept, and revolves around a psychiatrist named Dr. Rose Cotter who begins to experience terrifying and inexplicable events after witnessing the suicide of a patient. As the unsettling encounters escalate, Rose realizes she may be cursed by a malevolent force that feeds on trauma. Sosie Bacon, daughter of Kevin Bacon, stars as the main character, Rose Cotter. Also in the cast are Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Rob Morgan, and others.
All three of these horror movies are available to stream on Netflix right now.