Every October, I do the same frustrating dance with Netflix: Scroll endlessly through their basic horror category, see the same 15 movies I've already watched, and give up.
The homepage feeds me the same mainstream horror movies everyone's already seen, completely ignoring the weird, specific stuff I'm actually looking for. But Netflix isn't just hiding a few titles — it's hiding entire categories organized by secret numerical codes that bypass the algorithm entirely.
Once I found this code, my entire approach to building a Halloween watchlist changed. Suddenly, I had access to obscure thrillers, cult classics, and creepy gems that never appeared in my recommendations. Here's the code and exactly how to use it. Plus, if you're looking for more beyond Halloween, browse our roundup of the best Netflix shows across every genre.
What this Netflix code unlocks...
The code is 6998, and it unlocks a category called "Satanic Stories." This isn't just generic horror; it's specifically focused on devil-themed content, demonic possession, religious horror and occult narratives that Netflix's algorithm rarely surfaces.
The category includes everything from classic possession films to modern occult thrillers. You'll find titles like "Lucifer," "The Exorcist" franchise, "Night Stalker" and dozens of devil-themed movies and shows that get buried under Netflix's mainstream recommendations.
This is exactly the weird, specific stuff I'd been looking for every October but could never find through normal browsing.
How to access Netflix secret codes
1. Find Netflix category codes online
Navigate to code databases like What's On Netflix or Netflix-Codes which maintain updated lists of thousands of category codes. These sites organize codes alphabetically or by genre, making it easy to find specific types of content.
Next, search for codes by typing keywords like "horror," "thriller" or "Halloween" to find their relevant category numbers. Each code corresponds to a specific subset of Netflix's catalog, from broad genres to incredibly niche categories.
Since Netflix doesn't publish these codes officially, it's always a good shout to bookmark your favorite code sites for quick reference.
2. Using codes on your laptop or PC
Log into Netflix in your web browser as you normally would, then open a second tab to access the code database. Having both windows open simultaneously makes the process easier.
Next you're going to modify the Netflix URL by adding the category code. Change your address bar to read: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[CODE], where you replace [CODE] with the actual number you found (like 8985 for Martial Arts Movies), then press enter.
You'll be able to browse the resulting category page which will display all available titles in that specific genre. You can add items to your list, start watching immediately, or continue exploring related categories.
3. Install browser extensions for easier access
To make the code-browsing process easier, you can download extensions like All Netflix Categories. These tools add dropdown menus or browse options directly to your Netflix homepage.
Use the extension's built-in category browser to access categories without manually entering URLs. This eliminates the need to memorize code numbers or juggle multiple tabs.
Just make sure you're choosing extensions compatible with your browser. Extensions like FindFlix and Better Browse used to work well, but may no longer be available to install for some users.
4. Accessing hidden categories on your phone
To access category codes, open your phone's web browser instead of the Netflix app. You won't be able to use these codes on the regular Netflix app, but Netflix's website works the same way on your phone as it does on a computer.
In Chrome, Safari, or whatever browser you normally use, go to Netflix.com and log in like usual. Then use the same web address trick: type netflix.com/browse/genre/ followed by your code number.
While you're browsing, add a few movies or shows you want to watch to your list. After you've saved some titles, you can close the browser, open the regular Netflix app, and all your saved shows will be there waiting for you to watch.
Getting the most from these Netflix codes
Start with bigger categories first before getting into the really specific stuff. Try something general like "Halloween Comedies" to see how it works, then you can move on to ultra-specific ones like "Horror Reimagined."
Add several movies to your list each time instead of watching something right away. Think of it like filling up a shopping cart, you're building a collection of interesting finds that you can watch anytime from the regular Netflix app later.
This whole method basically frees you from Netflix's guessing game about what you want to watch. Instead of being stuck with whatever the algorithm thinks you'll like, you get to explore everything that's actually available and discover stuff you never would have found otherwise.
Try these Netflix codes for Halloween
- This Place is Evil (81476889)
- All the Scares, Light on the Gore (81725979)
- Zombies, Vampires and Ghouls (81613745)
- Teen Screams (52147)
- Horror Hidden Gems (81613739)
- Family Halloween Treats (81346195)
- Modern Horror Classics (81336552)
- Slashers and Serial Killers (81613750)
- Halloween Comedies (81510605)
- Horror Reimagined (81336549)
- Witchcraft and the Dark Arts (81552046)
- High Brow Horror (3261672)
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More from Tom's Guide
- Can't find anything good on Netflix? Try these secret codes
- 7 hidden Netflix features you need to know
- 5 smart TV settings that make watching much easier
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