'Chilling' psychological horror called 'one of the best of the 21st Century' streaming for free

Horror fans are in for a treat this Halloween as Netflix has just added one of the most iconic supernatural thrillers of the 21st Century so far.

Scoring rave reviews upon its initial release in 2014, this Australian chiller has been called one of the most “inventive” horrors of recent years that “genuinely freaked out” its audience.

It also holds an impressive 98 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and has inspired countless Halloween costumes.

Directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Kent, The Babadook is an essential addition to your spooky movie marathons this October.

Starring Essie Davis as troubled single mother Amelia, the thriller follows her struggling to cope with her son Samuel (played by Noah Wiseman) after a tragedy rips their family apart.

Samuel soon becomes obsessed with an evil presence he claims is lurking in their house which manifests as a terrifying creature from an eerie children’s book.

Upon its release 10 years ago, many top critics called The Babadook not only one of the best horror movies of the year but one of 2014’s best films full stop.

Cinemablend wrote: “With scares that will have audiences hiding behind their hands or shrieking for help, The Babadook is easily the best horror film of 2014.

“But bolstered by knockout performances, and a mind-bending narrative beautifully shot and colored, The Babadook is so much more. It's one of the best films of the year.”

RogerEbert.com called it: “The finest and most genuinely provocative horror movie to emerge in this still very-new century.”

While a 2022 retrospective in Parade explained why it was “still the best horror movie so far this century”.

The article went on to call it “uniquely terrifying and unnerving experience”, with “stunning psychological depth” and a “climb-the-walls, scare-the-peanuts-out-of-your-M&Ms-scary” monster design.

The Babadook also has a legion of devotees amongst general audiences, who have been screaming its praises for the past 10 years.

One fan said on X (formerly Twitter): “Long overdue, but watched THE BABADOOK for the first time & I can’t pull my jaw from the floor.

“Everyone talks about how scary this movie is but I am utterly flummoxed at how emotional & affective it is. One of the best horrors I’ve seen...ever? Jennifer Kent, you goddamn genius.”

While someone on Reddit said: “The Babadook (2014) is one of the best horror films I've ever seen.

“Having heard nothing but good things about The Babadook I went in with high expectations but it managed to meet my expectations and exceed them in multiple ways.

“I already knew that this was not a monster movie. This is a psychological horror and I'd easily put it up there with the likes of The Shining and Repulsion as one of the best psychological horrors ever made.”

Will you be braving The Babadook this Halloween?

The Babadook is available to stream on Netflix.