There’s nothing better than curling up under your favorite blanket and watching a scary movie, but not all scary movies are created equal. Some are silly and contrived, some are shocking, and some are downright scary because the moral of the story is ultimately that humans suck as a race. (Looking at you, fog.) But my personal favorite genre is cozy horror movies. These cozy horror movies are still creepy, don’t get me wrong, but the setting of the movie, the storyline itself, and even the way you feel scared throughout, give it a warm and fuzzy vibe. (Trust me on this.)
I have a few theories as to why these horror movies feel so cozy, and one of them is that they take place in cozy environments: loving parents and happy families, a cozy house and lots of great sweaters. I mean, gosh, Laurie Strode tried to kill Michael Myers with her knitting needle at one point. It doesn’t get more comfortable than this.
Another cozy horror movie theory? Slow burn. These movies are filled with jump scares that you don’t expect at all because you’re so invested in the slow, steady scene in front of you. They pull you in and there’s a lot less screaming and running than other horror movies. It’s more of a psychological horror and a gradual build-up that just draws you completely into the plot of the movie.
Of course, there are screaming scenes and some big moves (like Kathy Bates smacking James Caan on the ankle with a sledgehammer) suffering), but overall, these are the kind of scary movies you need on a dreary day — or when your kids are at school and you want to watch something spooky and have a tasty snack. Many of the films on this list also have major elements of pure sadness and heartbreak intertwined with horrific moments. The loss of a parent, the love of a sibling, the heartbreak of a child… it’s the kind of melancholy movie moment that does bring some comfort.
So pick your favorite date night or watch a movie alone and get ready to feel cute, warm, and legitimately scared.
children’s games
A cute doll is possessed by the ghost of a murderer and seeks revenge. Comfortable? Well, yes. kind of. look, children’s games This is a cozy horror movie for a few reasons. One, it never happens (*throws salt over shoulders*), so it always feels contrived and silly, even if a little creepy. Second, it’s delightfully 80s, and that alone lends a cozy vibe to all of its set decorations and costumes. Third, this is another movie starring a single mom and her kids, a dynamic that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling and a little bit of fear at the same time.
You can stream children’s games Streaming on Peacock, MGM+, Prime Video, Apple TV and Tubi.
Craftsmanship
If you were a teenager in the 90s, this movie might scare you and make you feel invisible. It’s an old trope of outcasts taking over, but it works very well in reality. CraftsmanshipI think this kind of teenage angst brought a sense of nostalgia to the film. (“We’re the weirdos, sir.”) The girl power feels comfortable — at least a little bit — and, even during some of the film’s scariest moments, there’s a lot of great old houses and beautiful locations here. Also, how comfortable is witchcraft?
You can stream Craftsmanship On Prime Video, Apple TV and Max.
suffering
A snowstorm, a book author, a perfect little house filled with cute knick-knacks, and an old typewriter? hurry up. suffering This is a horror movie you can watch while preparing dinner (maybe without the kids) because it feels soft and delightful in the creepiest way. No one is as creepy as Kathy Bates, so you might as well step into Annie Wilkes’ adorable little home. Just don’t look through her scrapbook.
You can stream suffering On Prime Video and Apple TV.
halloween
This is the only “horror movie” on the list, but halloween Just gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. (AKA the 1978 original.) I think part of it is the tradition of watching this movie every year, so a lot of people feel a sense of sweet nostalgia, but it also has a classic soundtrack and old-school movie magic that makes you want to Sure, there are a lot of jump scares, but the classic jack-o’-lantern glowing on the gorgeous porch as Michael Myers crawls behind you is worth every breath you take.
You can stream halloween Streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV and AMC+.
Haunted
1999 horror gem Haunted is based on Hill House is Haunted Directed by Shirley Jackson, it’s one of the iconic horror movies of the ’90s that people just can’t get enough of. Maybe it’s the spooky elements or the truly nostalgic cast (Catherine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson, Liam Neeson, I mean, come on), but about Haunted Will make you feel warm and fuzzy. (Perhaps to save a child?) It doesn’t hurt that the horror scenes take place in an absolutely gorgeous house. Honestly, it’s worth being scared a few times just to live there.
You can stream Haunted Streaming on MGM+, Prime Video, Apple TV and Paramount+.
sixth sense
This is probably one of the scariest on the list, but sixth sense Just one of those horror movies that still has a heartwarming feel. I blame this on the fact that the movie is filled with ghosts, but Toni Collette’s performance as Cole Seale’s single mother, Lynne Seale, is truly heartbreaking and heartwarming. (Plus, she’s wearing some pretty incredible, comfy sweaters.) Her love for this little boy is so hopeless that the torture he endures makes her miserable, especially since she can’t fix anything. The movie is set in Philadelphia, so there are some gorgeous old houses to drool over, including the school where Cole sees some pretty creepy ghosts.
You can stream sixth sense On Max, Prime Video and Apple TV.
Hill House is Haunted
This Netflix series is truly the most cozy of all the cozy horror movies. It is also a tribute to the original text Hill House is Haunted Written by Shirley Jackson, this Mike Flanagan Netflix series features lots of brotherly love, heartwarming parents, and creepy psychology that will leave you feeling warm and… Feeling creepy. There are some very intense episodes and moments, but in the end, you’ll probably cry from some of the sweeter moments rather than just the sheer horror.
You can stream Hill House is Haunted on Netflix.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
Another Mike Flanagan series, The Haunting of Bly Manor Absolutely gorgeous and will make your heart ache and quicken at the same time. Set in a beautiful manor in England, where children are in desperate need of love and guidance, plenty of creepy stuff happens, but it also feels soft and endearing in the strangest way. It’s hard to describe, but this is a series that satisfies the part of you that likes to be scared and the part of you that likes a good love story.
You can stream The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix.
Ghosts and children seem to be the main themes here, so lean in. Casper This way you can fall asleep.
