As a rule, studios do attempt to make films that appeal to the widest audience possible. But when it comes to horror, it’s usually best to aim for a decidedly mature audience. It’s no surprise, then, that the most popular, successful, and groundbreaking horror movies are usually the R-rated ones.Amazon Prime Video, to their credit, has a sizable collection of films that fit that description, ranging from classic cinematic masterpieces to more modern works of elevated horror. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or a casual viewer, there’s certainly plenty to choose from, which is why we’ve put together this handpicked list of the very best R-rated scares that the streaming service has in its catalog. Read on to discover what we believe are the best R-rated scary movies on Prime Video right now.
For more recommendations, be sure to check out our lists of thebest movies on Prime Video, thebest shows on Prime Video, and thebest horror movies on Prime Videoin general.
Editor note: This article was updated February 2025 to include Abigail and Synchronic.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Prime Video.
‘Synchronic’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Synchronic
Directed and produced byJustin BensonandAaron Moorhead,Synchronicis a sci-fi horror thriller that’s set in the same continuity as the duo’s previous filmsResolutionandThe Endless. StarringAnthony MackieandJamie Dornan, the film follows a pair of paramedics who come across a series of inexplicable deaths, all connected to a new designer drug. When one of them is accidentally infected with the substance, it sets off a strange, mind-bending journey that tests their bond and threatens their very lives.
Synchronicpremiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in theaters in October 2020. The movie received largely favorable reviews from critics and fans, with praise for its visual style, screenplay, and powerful performances, especially by Anthony Mackie. A deeply intriguing film that features both complex concepts and a compelling emotional narrative,Synchronicisn’t without its flaws, but it does deliver a fascinating experience nonetheless.
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‘Abigail’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Directed byMatt Bettinelli-OlpinandTyler Gillett(and not to be confused with the 2023 horror of the same name),Abigailfollows the titular 12-year-old ballerina (Alisha Weir) after she is kidnapped by a group of criminals. However, when held captive over a single night, Abigail starts to claim her revenge. In a year of incredible horror,Abigailmanaged to stand out thanks to a fantastic style and immersive central performances. A thrilling, pulse-pounding story in the spirit ofReady or Not,Abigailis a bloody romp. -Jake Hodges
‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 7.5/10
We Need To Talk About Kevin
Based on the novel of the same name byLionel Shriver,We Need to Talk About Kevinis a psychological thriller film directed byLynne Ramsay, who also co-wrote the film withRory Stewart Kinnear. The movie follows the experiences of Eva, the single mother of a troubled teenage boy, Kevin, who went on a high school killing spree, as she tries to cope with her grief and her responsibility for her son’s actions following their strained relationship since Kevin’s childhood.Tilda Swintonleads the cast as Eva Khatchadourian in a brilliant performance as a mother struggling to deal with the horrifying actions of her son, which earned the iconic actor Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.We Need to Talk About Kevinalso starsEzra Milleras Kevin, withJohn C. Reilly,Siobhan Fallon Hogan, andAshley Gerasimovichin supporting roles.We Need to Talk About Kevinpremiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and was highly acclaimed by critics for its masterful storytelling that blends drama, tragedy, and horror.
‘Hellraiser’ (1987)
Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Hellraiser
Written and directed byClive Barkerin his directorial debut,Hellraiseris a legendary 1987 British supernatural horror film based on Barker’s 1986 novellaThe Hellbound Heart. The film is centered on a mystical puzzle box that, when completed, summons a group of sadomasochistic demons called Cenobites. The movie starsAndrew Robinson,Clare Higgins, andAshley Laurence, withDoug Bradleyas Cenobites’ iconic leader, retroactively called “Pinhead.” Though critical reception at the time of its release was quite polarized,Hellraiserproved to be a huge hit with audiences and has since been re-evaluated as a horror classic. The success of the original movie has led to the creation of nine sequels and afranchise reboot, also titledHellraiser, which was released in 2022. However, despite how much the franchise has evolved over the years, the originalHellraiserremains a gold standard, acclaimed by generations of fans for its intense, disturbing, and atmospheric narrative, as well as the beautifully crafted set pieces that bring it to life.
‘Nanny’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 5.3/10
Written and directed byNikyatu Jusuin her feature film debut,Nannyis a psychological horror film that follows an undocumented immigrant working as a nanny for a wealthy New York family who finds her already difficult life further complicated by seemingly supernatural forces. The film starsAnna Diopin the lead, withMichelle Monaghan,Sinqua Walls,Morgan Spector,Rose Decker,Leslie Uggams,Zephani Idoko, and more in supporting roles.Nannypremiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it became the first horror film to win the Grand Jury Prize in the US Dramatic Competition. Nikyatu Jusu is also the second Black female filmmaker ever to win the award. The movie has received widespread critical acclaim, with special praise for Anna Diop’s moving performance and Jusu’s masterful direction. A feverish horror story with a deep emotional core,Nannyis an unsettling, intelligent, and exceptionally well-made film that’s arguably one of the best works released in its genre in recent years.
‘The Taking of Deborah Logan’ (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 6.0/10
The Taking of Deborah Logan
The Taking of Deborah Loganis a found-footage supernatural horror film directed byAdam Robitelin his directorial debut, with a screenplay co-written by Robitel andGavin Heffernen. Set in Virginia, the film follows the story of three students making a documentary on Alzheimer’s patients, including an elderly patient named Deborah Logan, who lives with her daughter Sarah. While documenting their daily lives, one of the film crew, Mia, discovers something sinister lurking around that seems to take control of Deborah.Jill Larsonplays the role of Deborah, withAnne Ramsayas Sarah andMichelle Angas Mia. Though it’s treated as a found footage film,The Taking of Deborah Loganwisely utilizes the standard tropes of the genre to explore the protagonist’s mental state, making this film stand out from others in the genre. Coupled with disturbing but well-written characters and an affecting performance by Larson,The Taking of Deborah Loganpresents a spooky possession horror story that puts a fresh spin on the genre.
‘Saint Maud’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Saint Maud
Written and directed byRose Glassin her feature directorial debut,Saint Maudis a psychological horror film with elements of religious horror. The film follows the story of a devout hospice nurse who becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her dying patient, her unrelenting faith pushing her behavior to increasingly erratic extremes that blur the line between belief and madness. The movie starsMorfydd Clarkas the titular nurse, Maud, andJennifer Ehleas the patient, Amanda, withLily Frazer,Lily Knight,Marcus Hutton,Turlough Convery, andRosie Sansomin supporting roles.Saint Maudhad its world premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received near-universal acclaim from critics. A deeply unsettling and fascinating film that explores the concept of faith in a truly terrifying way, the movie is further elevated by Morfydd Clark’s powerful performance in the lead role. The film has also received several accolades, including two nominations for British Academy Film Awards and a record 17 nominations at the 2020 British Independent Film Awards.
‘The Wicker Man’ (1973)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.5/10
The Wicker Man
Directed byRobin Hardyand written byAnthony Shaffer,The Wicker Manis a British folk horror film inspired byDavid Pinner’s 1967 novelRitual. The movie follows a police officer searching for a missing girl on a Scottish island where the inhabitants have abandoned Christianity and returned to dark pagan practices. The film starsEdward Woodward,Britt Ekland,Diane Cilento,Ingrid Pitt,andChristopher Lee. Often hailed as “theCitizen Kaneof horror movies,“The Wicker Manhas had a lasting impact on the genre. The movie received critical acclaim and won a number of accolades in its time but has sadly become less talked about in the years since. However, while it may not exactly be a household name anymore,The Wicker Manis stillone of the greatest works of horror cinema ever produced, with brilliant writing, performances, and direction, as well as a thrilling story that culminates in one of the genre’s most memorable final scenes ever.
