35 Best Horror Movies To Watch On HBO Max

For diehard horror fans or casual thriller seekers, HBO Max has a wide selection of scary movies to stream. From classic scary movies that defined the genre to recent blockbuster hits to horror mystery movies, HBO Max offers acclaimed horror movies spanning eras and subgenres.

In this comprehensive list, we cover the top-rated and most popular horror movies available on HBO Max. Whether you're looking for slashers, paranormal tales, psychological thrillers and creature features, you'll find scary movies that suit your taste. Read on for our picks of the best horror movies on HBO Max for your next fright night.

1 - The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

• All Cast: Jodie Foster (Clarice Starling), Anthony Hopkins (Dr. Hannibal Lecter), Scott Glenn (Jack Crawford), Ted Levine (Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb), Anthony Heald (Dr. Frederick Chilton), Kasi Lemmons (Ardelia Mapp), Frankie Faison (Barney Matthews), Charles Napier (Lt. Boyle), Tracey Walter (Lamar)
• Director: Jonathan Demme
• Network: Orion Pictures
• Release Date: February 14, 1991
• IMDb Rating: 8.6
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $19 million
• Revenue: $272.7 million
• Run Time: 118 minutes

The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological horror film adapted from Thomas Harris' 1988 novel. It follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling who enlists the help of Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, to catch another serial killer nicknamed Buffalo Bill.

Hopkins' legendary performance as the charming yet terrifying Lecter brought the iconic villain to life. The Silence of the Lambs was met with widespread critical acclaim for its psychological suspense and masterful performances. It became one of the most acclaimed horror films ever made sweeping the top five Oscars including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Adapted Screenplay.

2 - The Exorcist (1973)

• All Cast: Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil), Max von Sydow (Father Merrin), Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil), Lee J. Cobb (Lt. William F. Kinderman), Kitty Winn (Sharon Spencer), Jack MacGowran (Burke Dennings), Jason Miller (Father Damien Karras), William O'Malley (Father Joseph Dyer)
• Director: William Friedkin
• Network: Warner Bros., Hoya Productions
• Release Date: December 26, 1973
• IMDb Rating: 8.1
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $12 million
• Revenue: $441.3 million
• Run Time: 122 minutes

The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film based on his 1971 novel. It revolves around the demonic possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil and her mother's desperate attempts to win back her daughter through an exorcism conducted by two priests.

The Exorcist had moviegoers fainting in theaters upon its release with its disturbing visual effects, chilling score and Regan's shocking transformation. It remained one of the most influential and iconic horror films ever made. The Exorcist was the first horror film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars cementing its status as a genre masterpiece.

3 - Young Frankenstein (1974)

• All Cast: Gene Wilder (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein), Peter Boyle (The Monster), Teri Garr (Inga), Marty Feldman (Igor), Madeline Kahn (Elizabeth), Cloris Leachman (Frau Blücher), Kenneth Mars (Inspector Kemp), Richard Haydn (Herr Falkstein), Liam Dunn (Mr. Hilltop), Danny Goldman (Medical Student)
• Director: Mel Brooks
• Network: 20th Century Fox
• Release Date: December 15, 1974
• IMDb Rating: 8.0
• Country: USA
• Audience: PG
• Budget: $2.8 million
• Revenue: $86.3 million
• Run Time: 106 minutes

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 horror comedy film spoofing the classic horror genre. It follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein as he attempts to continue his grandfather's experiments in reanimating dead tissue.

Wilder stars alongside Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn and Peter Boyle as the Monster. Young Frankenstein affectionately parodies the 1930s Frankenstein films  with hilarious send-ups and Brooks signature absurd humor and remains one of the most beloved comedies of all time.

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4 - Night of the Living Dead (1968)

• All Cast: Duane Jones (Ben), Judith O'Dea (Barbra), Karl Hardman (Harry Cooper), Marilyn Eastman (Helen Cooper), Keith Wayne (Tom), Judith Ridley (Judy), Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper)
• Director: George A. Romero
• Network: Image Ten, Laurel Group
• Release Date: October 1, 1968
• IMDb Rating: 7.9
• Country: USA
• Audience: Unrated
• Budget: $114K
• Revenue: $30 million
• Run Time: 96 minutes

Night of the Living Dead is a 1968 American independent horror film written, directed, photographed and edited by George A. Romero. It follows seven people trapped in a rural farmhouse who are attacked by mysteriously reanimated dead bodies or ghouls. It was shot on a low budget in black-and-white. 

Night of the Living Dead pioneered the modern zombie horror genre and used gore for visceral impact. It broke social barriers in its portrayal of a black man as the protagonist with Duane Jones as the heroic lead. Night of the Living Dead spawned the Living Dead franchise and eternally impacted horror cinema earning critical acclaim and commercial success

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5 - Godzilla (1954)

• All Cast: Akira Takarada (Hideto Ogata), Momoko Kōchi (Emiko Yamane), Akihiko Hirata (Daisuke Serizawa), Takashi Shimura (Dr. Kyohei Yamane), Fuyuki Murakami (Dr. Tanabe), Saharu Tsuburaya (Godzilla)
• Director: Ishirō Honda
• Network: Toho
• Release Date: November 3, 1954
• IMDb Rating: 7.5
• Country: Japan
• Audience: PG
• Budget: ¥64 million
• Revenue: ¥152 million
• Run Time: 96 minutes

Godzilla is a 1954 Japanese kaiju monster film directed by Ishirō Honda and produced by Toho Studios. It initially received limited distribution due to its dark tone but became an international pop culture icon. Godzilla follows the enormous radioactive creature created by nuclear radiation as it ravages Japan, a metaphor for nuclear devastation.

Godzilla launched the giant monster genre and spawned over 30 sequels with its landmark suitmotion special effects, allegorical storytelling and underlying message about atomic weapons. It remains one of Japan's most influential films and the defining kaiju movie.

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6 - The Conjuring (2013)

• All Cast: Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren), ‎Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren), Lili Taylor (Carolyn Perron), Ron Livingston (Roger Perron), Shanley Caswell (Andrea Perron), Hayley McFarland (Nancy Perron), Joey King (Christine Perron), Mackenzie Foy (Cindy Perron), Kyla Deaver (April Perron), Shannon Kook (Drew Thomas)
• Director: James Wan
• Network: New Line Cinema, The Safran Company
• Release Date: ‎July 19, 2013
• IMDb Rating: 7.5
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $20 million
• Revenue: $319.5 million
• Run Time: ‎112 minutes

The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan, based on the alleged paranormal experiences of the Perron family in 1971. It focuses on paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who come to the family's aid.

Part of the massively successful Conjuring Universe franchise, the eerie haunted house thriller terrified audiences with creepy imagery, jump scares and a compelling story. With strong performances and direction, The Conjuring received acclaim for reinvigorating the horror genre by focusing on atmosphere and character development.

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7 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

• All Cast: Donald Sutherland (Matthew Bennell), Brooke Adams (Elizabeth Driscoll), Jeff Goldblum (Jack Bellicec), Veronica Cartwright (Nancy Bellicec), Leonard Nimoy (Dr. David Kibner), Art Hindle (Geoffrey Howell), Lelia Goldoni (Katherine Hendley)
• Director: Philip Kaufman
• Network: Solofilm
• Release Date: December 22, 1978
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $3.5 million
• Revenue: $24.9 million
• Run Time: 115 minutes

Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a 1978 science fiction horror film directed by Philip Kaufman, reinventing the premise of the 1956 film. It follows health inspector Matthew Bennell (Donald Sutherland) who discovers that humans are being replaced with drone replicas, grown from plant-like pods.

With paranoia-fueled tension and grotesque practical effects, this remake remains one of the greatest sci-fi horror films of all time. Invasion of the Body Snatchers earned acclaim for its allegorical exploration of alienation and conformity in modern society through an intricate remake with its own unique style.

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8 - A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

• All Cast: Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), Heather Langenkamp (Nancy Thompson), Johnny Depp (Glen Lantz), John Saxon (Lt. Donald Thompson), Ronee Blakley (Marge Thompson), Amanda Wyss (Tina Gray), Jsu Garcia (Rod Lane), Charles Fleischer (Dr. King)
• Director: Wes Craven
• Network: New Line Cinema
• Release Date: November 9, 1984
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $1.8 million
• Revenue: $57 million
• Run Time: 91 minutes

A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 American slasher horror film written and directed by Wes Craven and starring Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger. It focuses on teenagers terrorized in their dreams by the disfigured ghost of a child murderer with disturbing consequences in the waking world.

Johnny Depp made his film debut in the movie as Glen. With its imaginative dream sequences, Englund's iconic performance and Craven's scary premise, A Nightmare on Elm Street spawned a hit horror franchise and Freddy Krueger entered the pop culture lexicon as a horror icon.

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9 - Carrie (1976)

• All Cast: Sissy Spacek (Carrie White), Piper Laurie (Margaret White), Amy Irving (Sue Snell), William Katt (Tommy Ross), Nancy Allen (Chris Hargensen), John Travolta (Billy Nolan), Betty Buckley (Miss Collins), P.J. Soles (Norma Watson), Sydney Lassick (Mr. Fromm)
• Director: Brian De Palma
• Network: United Artists
• Release Date: November 3, 1976
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $1.8 million
• Revenue: $33.8 million
• Run Time: 98 minutes

Carrie is a 1976 American supernatural horror film directed by Brian De Palma, based on the 1974 Stephen King novel. Sissy Spacek plays the titular Carrie, a shy high school girl who uses her newly discovered telekinetic powers to exact revenge on bullies. Piper Laurie co-stars as her abusive religious fanatic mother.

With its themes of bullying, female adolescence and revenge fantastically brought to life, Carrie became one of the most influential horror films and an incisive Stephen King adaptation. Spacek and Laurie's performances were praised, as was De Palma's stylish direction of telekinetic horror that made Carrie a legendary genre movie.

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10 - Eraserhead (1977)

• All Cast: Jack Nance (Henry Spencer), Charlotte Stewart (Mary X), Jeanne Bates (Mrs. X), Judith Anna Roberts (The Beautiful Girl Across the Hall), Laurel Near (Lady in the Radiator)
• Director: David Lynch
• Network: American Film Institute, Libra Films International
• Release Date: March 19, 1977
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $10K
• Revenue: $7 million
• Run Time: 89 minutes

Eraserhead is an American body horror film written, produced and directed by David Lynch. It follows a print factory worker named Henry Spencer (Jack Nance) as he discovers he's become the father to a bizarre deformed baby. The surrealist film builds an unsettling industrial landscape with unique soundtrack and imagery.

As Lynch's first feature, Eraserhead set his style with a nightmarish industrial wasteland reflecting inner turmoil. With its morbid tone and experimental effects, the cult horror film became a landmark of surrealist cinema despite initial mixed reviews. Eraserhead foreshadowed Lynch's provocative vision.

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11 - House (1977)

• All Cast: William Katt (Roger Cobb), George Wendt (Harold Gorton), Richard Moll (Big Ben), Kay Lenz (Sandy Sinclair), Susan French (Aunt Elizabeth), Michael Ensign (Dr. Lesh), Peter Medak (The Tall Man)
• Director: Steve Miner
• Network: New World Pictures, Sean S. Cunningham Films
• Release Date: February 18, 1977
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $2.5 million
• Revenue: $8.9 million
• Run Time: 93 minutes

House is a 1977 American haunted house comedy horror film directed by Steve Miner. It follows Roger Cobb (William Katt), a troubled author who inherits his late aunt's old mansion where he is tormented by supernatural forces and haunted memories.

Co-starring George Wendt, Richard Moll and Kay Lenz, House blended horror and humor as Roger combats monstrous beings. With imaginative creatures and thrills balanced with comedy, House became a cult classic exemplifying horror films of the 1970s that daringly mixed genres. Critics praised its originality and direction making House a one-of-a-kind supernatural experience.

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12 - Doctor Sleep (2019)

• All Cast: Ewan McGregor (Danny Torrance), Rebecca Ferguson (Rose the Hat), Kyliegh Curran (Abra Stone), Carl Lumbly (Dick Hallorann), Zahn McClarnon (Crow Daddy), Emily Alyn Lind (Snakebite Andi), Bruce Greenwood (Dr. John Dalton), Jocelin Donahue (Lucy Stone), Alex Essoe (Wendy Torrance), Cliff Curtis (Billy Freeman)
• Director: Mike Flanagan
• Network: Warner Bros., Vertigo Entertainment, Intrepid Pictures
• Release Date: ‎November 8, 2019
• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Country: USA, Canada
• Audience: R
• Budget: $55 million
• Revenue: $72 million
• Run Time: ‎151 minutes

Doctor Sleep is a 2019 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Mike Flanagan, based on Stephen King's 2013 novel. It serves as a sequel to Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film The Shining. Ewan McGregor stars as adult Danny Torrance who helps protect a young girl from a cult known as The True Knot who prey on children with psychic powers.

With its connections to The Shining and deeper dive into the dark world King created, Flanagan successfully adapted the bestselling novel while crafting a compelling continuation. Doctor Sleep received praise for doing justice to both Kubrick's style and King's story.

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13 - Hereditary (2018)

• All Cast: Toni Collette (Annie Graham), Milly Shapiro (Charlie Graham), Alex Wolff (Peter Graham), Gabriel Byrne (Steve Graham), Ann Dowd (Joan), Mallory Bechtel (Bridget)
• Director: Ari Aster
• Network: A24, PalmStar Media
• Release Date: June 8, 2018
• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $10 million
• Revenue: $80.2 million
• Run Time: 127 minutes

Hereditary is a 2018 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster in his feature directorial debut. It follows a family haunted after the death of their secretive grandmother, as they discover terrifying secrets about their ancestry.

Toni Collette stars as Annie Graham, the mother of the unraveling family. Hereditary terrified audiences with its slow-burn dread, emotional trauma, shocking imagery and bravura performances. Lauded as an instant classic, it became A24's highest grossing film worldwide for its masterful descent into darkness.

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14 - The Descent (2005)

• All Cast: Shauna Macdonald (Sarah), Natalie Jackson Mendoza (Juno), Alex Reid (Beth), Saskia Mulder (Rebecca), MyAnna Buring (Sam), Nora-Jane Noone (Holly), Oliver Milburn (Paul), Molly Kayll (Jessica)
• Director: Neil Marshall
• Network: Pathé, Celador Films, Northmen Productions
• Release Date: July 8, 2005
• IMDb Rating: 7.2
• Country: UK
• Audience: R
• Budget: $3.5 million
• Revenue: $57.1 million
• Run Time: 99 minutes

The Descent is a 2005 British adventure horror film written and directed by Neil Marshall. It follows six women who go cave diving and become trapped with murderous underground creatures. Shauna Macdonald stars as Sarah who is pushed to extremes to survive the claustrophobic setting.

With its all-female ensemble, creature effects, tightly-wound thrills and stark violence, The Descent was acclaimed as one of the scariest films of the 2000s. Grounded by Sarah's emotional journey, this terrifying creature feature remains a nerve-shredding triumph combining psychological drama with brash horror.

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15 - Let Me In (2010)

• All Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee (Owen), Chloë Grace Moretz (Abby), Richard Jenkins (The Father), Cara Buono (Owen's Mother), Elias Koteas (The Policeman), Sasha Barrese (Virginia), Dylan Minnette (Kenny), Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak (Mark), Nicolai Dorian (Donald)
• Director: Matt Reeves
• Network: Hammer Film Productions, Overture Films
• Release Date: October 1, 2010
• IMDb Rating: 7.1
• Country: USA, UK
• Audience: R
• Budget: $20 million
• Revenue: $24.1 million
• Run Time: 116 minutes

Let Me In is a 2010 American-British romantic horror film written and directed by Matt Reeves, based on the 2004 Swedish film Let the Right One In. Set in 1980s New Mexico, it centers on the bond between Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a bullied 12-year-old and his mysterious neighbor Abby (Chloë Grace Moretz), a vampire centuries old in a young girl's body.

Though initially met with skepticism over its remake status, Let Me In earned critical acclaim for Reeves' absorbing take retaining the heart of the original. Moretz and Smit-McPhee's performances were also praised. The evocative indie vampire film remains one of the genre's most thought-provoking entries.

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16 - Carnival of Souls (1962)

• All Cast: Candace Hilligoss (Mary Henry), Frances Feist (Mrs. Thomas), Sidney Berger (John Linden), Stan Levitt (Minister), Herk Harvey (The Man), Art Ellison (Gas Station Attendant)
• Director: Herk Harvey
• Network: Herts-Lion International Corp.
• Release Date: September 1962
• IMDb Rating: 7.1
• Country: USA
• Audience: PG-13
• Budget: $33K
• Revenue: $2 million
• Run Time: 80 minutes

Carnival of Souls is a 1962 American independent horror film directed by Herk Harvey, starring Candace Hilligoss. She plays Mary Henry, a woman haunted by a strange, ghoulish figure after surviving a car accident. Produced on a small budget, Carnival of Souls became a cult classic for its nightmarish atmosphere and twist ending.

With its haunting organ score and startling imagery, the surreal psychological horror worked around its limitations to generate palpable chills. It influenced many filmmakers like George A. Romero with its creative use of shadows and mood. Carnival of Souls gained recognition over time as an eerie low-budget triumph.

17 - The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

• All Cast: Kristen Connolly (Dana), Chris Hemsworth (Curt), Anna Hutchison (Jules), Fran Kranz (Marty), Jesse Williams (Holden), Richard Jenkins (Sitterson), ‎Bradley Whitford (Hadley), Brian J. White (Truman), Amy Acker (Lin), ‎Tim de Zarn (Mordecai)
• Director: Drew Goddard
• Network: Lionsgate
• Release Date: April 13, 2012
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $30 million
• Revenue: $66.5 million
• Run Time: ‎95 minutes

The Cabin in the Woods is a 2012 American horror comedy film directed by Drew Goddard in his directorial debut, also co-written with Joss Whedon. It follows a group of college students spending a weekend in a remote cabin when they fall victim to backwoods zombies and sinister technicians manipulating their fate.

Chris Hemsworth and Kristen Connolly star in the clever meta film that plays with horror conventions. The Cabin in the Woods was praised for its original take on the slasher genre with fresh humor and twists.

18 - Green Room (2016)

• All Cast: Anton Yelchin (Pat), Imogen Poots (Amber), Alia Shawkat (Sam), Joe Cole (Reece), Callum Turner (Tiger), Mark Webber (Daniel), Eric Edelstein (Big Justin), Macon Blair (Gabe), Brent Werzner (Werm)
• Director: Jeremy Saulnier
• Network: A24, Film Science
• Release Date: April 29, 2016
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $3–5 million
• Revenue: $3.2 million
• Run Time: ‎95 minutes

Green Room is an American survival horror thriller film written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier. It stars Anton Yelchin as punk rock band member Pat who becomes trapped in a neo-Nazi club after witnessing a murder. The tense siege situation erupts in extreme violence as the band fights to escape.

With its DIY punk aesthetics and gory, realistic carnage, Green Room terrified audiences with its claustrophobic thrills. Saulnier earned acclaim for crafting an ingeniously simple concept into a slick, stomach-churning horror-thriller carried by Yelchin's gripping lead performance.

19 - Orphan (2009)

• All Cast: Vera Farmiga (Kate Coleman), Peter Sarsgaard (John Coleman), Isabelle Fuhrman (Esther), CCH Pounder (Sister Abigail), Jimmy Bennett (Daniel Coleman), Margo Martindale (Dr. Browning), Aryana Engineer (Max Coleman), Rosemary Dunsmore (Grandma Barbara), Jamie Young (Brenda)
• Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
• Network: Dark Castle Entertainment, Studio Babelsberg, Leonine Studios
• Release Date: July 24, 2009
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Country: USA, Canada, Germany, France
• Audience: R
• Budget: $20 million
• Revenue: $78.3 million
• Run Time: 123 minutes

Orphan is a 2009 American psychological horror film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. It centers on Kate and John Coleman (Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard) who adopt a mysterious 9-year-old Russian girl named Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) whose angelic exterior hides a disturbing secret.

With its shocking twist, Esther's creepily convincing performance from Fuhrman and dreadful atmosphere, Orphan brings visceral scares as the ultimate evil child thriller. Though divisive with critics, its horrifying story of a family deteriorating at the hands of a dangerous adopted child left audiences chilled and unsettled.

20 - Insidious (2011)

• All Cast: Patrick Wilson (Josh Lambert), Rose Byrne (Renai Lambert), Ty Simpkins (Dalton Lambert), Lin Shaye (Elise Rainier), Leigh Whannell (Specs), Angus Sampson (Tucker) andrew Astor (Foster), Barbara Hershey (Lorraine Lambert), Heather Tocquigny (Nurse Kelly Driscoll), Corbett Tuck (Young Josh)
• Director: James Wan
• Network: FilmDistrict, Stage 6 Films, Alliance Films
• Release Date: September 13, 2011
• IMDb Rating: 6.9
• Country: USA, Canada
• Audience: PG-13
• Budget: $1.5 million
• Revenue: $97 million
• Run Time: 103 minutes

Insidious is a 2011 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan, starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne as Josh and Renai Lambert, parents whose son mysteriously enters a coma. They discover a haunting targeting their family and seek help from a parapsychologist played by Lin Shaye.

With terrifying demons, chilling music and masterful tension building, Insidious took the haunted house premise to frightening new heights that paid homage to classic horror. It was acclaimed for Wan's eerie atmosphere and artful scares. The breakout indie hit spawned a high-grossing franchise.

21 - Sisters (1972)

• All Cast: Margot Kidder (Danielle Breton/Dominique Blanchion), Jennifer Salt (Grace Collier), Charles Durning (Joseph Larch), William Finley (Emile Breton), Lisle Wilson (Philip Woode), Barnard Hughes (Frank Badalato), Mary Davenport (Mrs. Gerard), Dolph Sweet (Mr. Gerard)
• Director: Brian De Palma
• Network: American International Pictures
• Release Date: November 18, 1972
• IMDb Rating: 6.9
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $1.7 million
• Revenue: $17 million
• Run Time: 93 minutes

Sisters is a 1972 American psychological horror film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Margot Kidder as conjoined twins, one of whom commits a brutal murder. A reporter played by Jennifer Salt teams up with a private detective to investigate the crime and the twins' mysterious past.

De Palma deftly balances slasher horror with Hitchockian thrills. With its shocking violence, Freudian themes, Bernard Herrmann score and Kidder's dual performance, Sisters pioneered De Palma's provocative style. It remains a cult classic for achieving scares through emotional trauma and stylistic experimentation.

22 - The Witch (2015)

• All Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy (Thomasin), Ralph Ineson (William), Kate Dickie (Katherine), Harvey Scrimshaw (Caleb), Ellie Grainger (Mercy), Lucas Dawson (Jonas), Julian Richings (Governor), Wahab Chaudhry (Black Phillip)
• Director: Robert Eggers
• Network: A24, Parts and Labor, RT Features
• Release Date: September 2015
• IMDb Rating: 6.9
• Country: USA, Canada, Brazil
• Audience: R
• Budget: $3–4 million
• Revenue: $40.4 million
• Run Time: 92 minutes

The Witch is a 2015 American historical psychological folk horror written and directed by Robert Eggers in his feature debut. Set in 1630s Colonial New England, it follows a Puritan family tormented by paranormal forces in the woods beyond their farm. The Period horror starred Anya Taylor-Joy in her breakout role.

The Witch terrified audiences with its gloomy depiction of religious paranoia and supernatural threats. Eggers was praised for his meticulously researched period detail and descent into horror using authentic historical fears. With its unsettling ambiguity and claustrophobic freak-folklore, The Witch announced Eggers as a visionary horror auteur.

23 - Signs (2002)

• All Cast: Mel Gibson (Graham Hess), Joaquin Phoenix (Merrill Hess), Rory Culkin (Morgan Hess), Abigail Breslin (Bo Hess), Cherry Jones (Caroline Paski), M. Night Shyamalan (Ray Reddy), Patricia Kalember (Colleen Hess), Ted Sutton (SFC Cunningham), Merritt Wever (Tracey Abernathy)
• Director: M. Night Shyamalan
• Network: Touchstone Pictures, Blinding Edge Pictures, The Kennedy/Marshall Company
• Release Date: August 2, 2002
• IMDb Rating: 6.8
• Country: USA
• Audience: PG-13
• Budget: $72 million
• Revenue: $408 million
• Run Time: 106 minutes

Signs is a 2002 American science fiction horror film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Mel Gibson stars as Graham Hess, a former priest who discovers crop circles and other strange events happening near his Pennsylvania farm. He comes to believe his family is besieged by extraterrestrial forces.

Combining alien invasion thrillers with supernatural horror, Signs terrified audiences by suggesting cosmic evil targeting an ordinary family. Despite some plot holes, Shyamalan's suspenseful storytelling and focus on faith resonated with audiences, making Signs a major box office hit. Its atmosphere, performances and emotional core earned the alien horror wide critical acclaim.

24 - The Brood (1979)

• All Cast: Oliver Reed (Dr. Hal Raglan), Samantha Eggar (Nola Carveth), Art Hindle (Frank Carveth), Henry Beckman (Barton Kelly), Nuala Fitzgerald (Juliana Kelly), Cindy Hinds (Candice Carveth), Susan Hogan (Ruth Mayer)
• Director: David Cronenberg
• Network: Canadian Film Development Corporation, Mutual Productions
• Release Date: May 25, 1979
• IMDb Rating: 6.8
• Country: Canada
• Audience: R
• Budget: $1.5 million
• Revenue: $2.4 million
• Run Time: 92 minutes

The Brood is a 1979 Canadian science fiction horror film written and directed by David Cronenberg, starring Oliver Reed and Samantha Eggar. It centers on a woman who gives birth to mutant children who carry out violent revenge against the woman's critics, at the direction of her controversial psychiatrist.

Known for its disturbing body horror and a disorienting, clinical style, The Brood established Cronenberg as a master of vengeful horror. While initially getting mixed reviews, the cult favorite was praised for its shocking imagery symbolic of repression and abuse. The Brood cemented Cronenberg's reputation for unforgettable biological horror.

25 - Scanners (1981)

• All Cast: Stephen Lack (Cameron Vale), Jennifer O'Neill (Kim Obrist), Patrick McGoohan (Dr. Paul Ruth), Lawrence Dane (Darryl Revok), Michael Ironside (Kellum), Robert Silverman (Benjamin Pierce), Nicholas Campbell (Michael)
• Director: David Cronenberg
• Network: Canadian Film Development Corporation
• Release Date: January 14, 1981
• IMDb Rating: 6.7
• Country: Canada
• Audience: R
• Budget: $4.1 million
• Revenue: $14 million
• Run Time: 103 minutes

Scanners is a 1981 Canadian science-fiction horror film written and directed by David Cronenberg and starring Stephen Lack, Jennifer O'Neill and Patrick McGoohan. It involves powerful telepaths known as scanners who wage war against each other. The film created iconic scenes of exploding heads using practical effects.

Despite mixed reviews, Scanners cemented ideas of psychic powers and body horror that became key Cronenberg themes. Its far-out premise and gore made it a commercial success. Over time, Scanners found appreciation as a cult sci-fi/horror flick due to its lavishly gross style.

26 - Final Destination (2000)

• All Cast: Devon Sawa (Alex Browning), Ali Larter (Clear Rivers), Kerr Smith (Carter Horton), Kristen Cloke (Valerie Lewton), Daniel Roebuck (Agent Schreck), Roger Guenveur Smith (Agent Weine), Chad E. Donella (Tod Waggner), Seann William Scott (Billy Hitchcock), Tony Todd (William Bludworth), Amanda Detmer (Terry Chaney)
• Director: James Wong
• Network: New Line Cinema
• Release Date: March 17, 2000
• IMDb Rating: 6.7
• Country: USA, Canada
• Audience: R
• Budget: $23 million
• Revenue: $112.9 million
• Run Time: 98 minutes

Final Destination is a 2000 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wong and written by Wong, Glen Morgan and Jeffrey Reddick. It follows a group of teens who narrowly avoid a deadly plane crash after Alex (Devon Sawa) has a premonition, only to find themselves stalked by death itself.

With elaborate death sequences and shocking twists, Final Destination injected new thrills into the slasher genre while impacting pop culture with its terrifying ideas of fatalism and elaborate accidents. Despite mixed reviews initially, the film launched a successful franchise with its truly scary concept.

27 - Child's Play (1988)

• All Cast: Catherine Hicks (Karen Barclay), Chris Sarandon (Mike Norris), Alex Vincent (Andy Barclay), Brad Dourif (Charles Lee Ray/Voice of Chucky), Dinah Manoff (Maggie Peterson), Tommy Swerdlow (Jack Santos), Jack Colvin (Dr. Ardmore), Neil Giuntoli (Eddie Caputo), Alan Wilder (Mr. Criswell)
• Director: Tom Holland
• Network: United Artists
• Release Date: November 9, 1988
• IMDb Rating: 6.7
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $9 million
• Revenue: $44.2 million
• Run Time: 87 minutes

Child's Play is a 1988 American slasher film directed by Tom Holland and produced by Don Mancini. It follows a mother (Catherine Hicks) who gives her son Andy (Alex Vincent) a Good Guys doll, unaware it is possessed by the soul of a serial killer (Brad Dourif).

With its scary take on a children's toy, Child's Play kickstarted the iconic Chucky horror franchise. Despite initial mixed reviews, it went on to be considered a classic 80s slasher that blended horror with dark comedy through Chucky's murderous antics. Child's Play launched the prolific evil doll subgenre.

28 - Cronos (1993)

• All Cast: Federico Luppi (Jesús Gris), Ron Perlman (Angel de la Guardia), Claudio Brook (Dieter de la Guardia), Margarita Isabel (Mercedes Gris), Tamara Shanath (Aurora Gris), Daniel Giménez Cacho (Ángel)
• Director: Guillermo del Toro
• Network: Iguana Producciones
• Release Date: March 5, 1993
• IMDb Rating: 6.7
• Country: Mexico
• Audience: R
• Budget: $2 million
• Revenue: $621,392
• Run Time: 94 minutes

Cronos is a 1993 Mexican vampire body horror film directed by Guillermo del Toro in his feature debut. It follows an antiques dealer who discovers a mysterious device that provides eternal life but also comes with bloodthirsty cravings.

The low-budget film introduced del Toro's fascination with monsters and dark fantasy. It garnered acclaim for its intelligent revision of classic vampire mythology, visual style and emotional depth. Cronos won numerous awards and established del Toro as an artistic force in the horror genre.

29 - Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

• All Cast: Patrick Wilson (Josh Lambert), Rose Byrne (Renai Lambert), Ty Simpkins (Dalton Lambert), Lin Shaye (Elise Rainier), Barbara Hershey (Lorraine Lambert), Leigh Whannell (Spec), Steve Coulter (Carl), Michael Beach (Paramedic), Jocelin Donahue (Young Lorraine)
• Director: James Wan
• Network: Entertainment One, Stage 6 Films, Alliance Films
• Release Date: September 13, 2013
• IMDb Rating: 6.6
• Country: USA, Canada
• Audience: PG-13
• Budget: $5 million
• Revenue: $161.9 million
• Run Time: 106 minutes

Insidious: Chapter 2 is a 2013 American supernatural horror film and the direct sequel to 2010's Insidious, both directed by James Wan. Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne return as married couple Josh and Renai Lambert who take drastic measures to uncover the sinister secrets of their family's past.

Picking up right where the first left off, Chapter 2 continued expanding the unnerving spirit world established in the original. Despite some plot holes, Wan maintained suspense and dread through atmospheric horror. Insidious: Chapter 2 met with a mixed response but continued the story's commercial success.

30 - A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

• All Cast: Heather Langenkamp (Nancy Thompson), Patricia Arquette (Kristen Parker), Larry Fishburne (Max Daniels), Priscilla Pointer (Dr. Elizabeth Simms), Craig Wasson (Neil Gordon), John Saxon (Lt. Donald Thompson), Rodney Eastman (Joey), Jennifer Rubin (Taryn), Ken Sagoes (Kincaid), Penelope Sudrow (Jennifer)
• Director: Chuck Russell
• Network: New Line Cinema
• Release Date: February 27, 1987
• IMDb Rating: 6.6
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $4.7 million
• Revenue: $44.8 million
• Run Time: 96 minutes

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is the third film in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, directed by Chuck Russell. Heather Langenkamp returns as Nancy Thompson, teaming up with dream researchers to help teenagers tormented in their sleep by Springwood Slasher Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund).

Dream Warriors is considered one of the best Nightmare sequels for blending fantasy, humor and horror in Freddy's deadly dreamscapes. With imaginative dream sequences, strong performances, a metal soundtrack and emotional depth, it became the highest-grossing film in the series.

31 - You're Next (2011)

• All Cast: Sharni Vinson (Erin Harson), Nicholas Tucci (Felix Davison), Wendy Glenn (Zee), A. J. Bowen (Crispian Davison), Joe Swanberg (Drake Davison), Barbara Crampton (Aubrey Davison), Rob Moran (Paul Davison), Margaret Laney (Kelly), Amy Seimetz (Aimee Davison), Ti West (Tariq)
• Director: Adam Wingard
• Network: HanWay Films, Snoot Entertainment
• Release Date: August 23, 2013
• IMDb Rating: 6.5
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $1 million
• Revenue: $26.1 million
• Run Time: 94 minutes

You're Next is a 2011 American slasher film directed by Adam Wingard, starring Sharni Vinson as a woman who must protect her boyfriend's family from masked assailants during their wedding anniversary getaway. The home invasion horror mocks and subverts genre clichés with gore and dark humor.

Despite a delayed release, You're Next garnered acclaim for its strong heroine, clever twists and blend of satire with savage violence. Vinson's ferocious performance and the film's upending of sexist tropes made it a feminist favorite. You're Next remains one of the most thrilling slasher films of recent years.

32 - Friday the 13th (1980)

• All Cast: Betsy Palmer (Mrs. Voorhees), Adrienne King (Alice), Harry Crosby (Bill), Laurie Bartram (Brenda), Jeannine Taylor (Marcie), Mark Nelson (Ned), Robbi Morgan (Annie), Rex Everhart (Enos), Ronn Carroll (Claudette), Peter Brouwer (Steve Christy)
• Director: Sean S. Cunningham
• Network: Paramount Pictures, Georgetown Productions Inc.
• Release Date: May 9, 1980
• IMDb Rating: 6.4
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $550K
• Revenue: $59.8 million
• Run Time: 95 minutes

Friday the 13th is a 1980 American slasher film directed by Sean S. Cunningham, setting the template for the Friday the 13th horror franchise. After the mysterious deaths of teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake, more counselors arrive only to encounter the murderous Mrs. Voorhees (Betsy Palmer).

With Tom Savini's gory makeup effects, Harry Manfredini's chilling score and a twist ending, Friday the 13th created the definitive 1980s slasher template. Despite initial mixed reviews for its violence, it launched one of horror's most prolific series and turned Jason into an icon.

33 - Under the Skin (2014)

• All Cast: Scarlett Johansson (The Female), Jeremy McWilliams (The Male), Lynsey Taylor Mackay (TheFemale on Street), Dougie McConnell (The Surfer), Kevin McAlinden (The Forestry Worker), D. Meade (The Lorry Driver), Dave Acton (The Refugee 1)
• Director: Jonathan Glazer
• Network: Film4, British Film Institute, Creative Scotland, Nick Wechsler Productions, Silver Reel
• Release Date: March 14, 2014
• IMDb Rating: 6.3
• Country: UK, USA, Switzerland
• Audience: R
• Budget: $13.3 million
• Revenue: $5.2 million
• Run Time: 108 minutes

Under the Skin is a 2014 science fiction horror film directed by Jonathan Glazer, loosely based on Michael Faber's 2000 novel. Scarlett Johansson stars as an otherworldly woman who preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland. With its enigmatic narrative, eerie score and sepia-soaked visuals, Under the Skin creates an interpretative feminist fable entrenched in alien horror.

Though it received a polarized response, Under the Skin found critical acclaim for its original meditative premise and Johansson's performance. Its unconventional approach to sci-fi and horror remains mesmerizing, haunting and hard to classify.

34 - Malignant (2021)

• All Cast: Annabelle Wallis (Maddie Mitchell), Maddie Hasson (Sydney Lake), George Young (Kekoa Shaw), Michole Briana White (Detective Kekoa), Jacqueline McKenzie (Dr. Florence Weaver), Jake Abel (Derek Mitchell), Tricia Lee (Karen), Susanna Thompson (Jeanne)
• Director: James Wan
• Network: New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster Productions, Starlight Media
• Release Date: September 10, 2021
• IMDb Rating: 6.3
• Country: USA, China
• Audience: R
• Budget: $40 million
• Revenue: $50.2 million
• Run Time: 111 minutes

Malignant is a 2021 American supernatural slasher film directed by James Wan. Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) begins having visions of grisly murders and discovers shocking truths about her childhood imaginary friend Gabriel who has malevolent plans.

With its grim imagery and surreal twists, Malignant upends expectations and showcases Wan's command of horror styles from Giallo to J-Horror. Despite dividing audiences, its gonzo ending cemented the film as a contemporary cult favorite for taking big narrative risks.

35 - The Nun (2018)

• All Cast: Demián Bichir (Father Burke), Taissa Farmiga (Sister Irene), Jonas Bloquet (Frenchie), Bonnie Aarons (Valak), Ingrid Bisu (Sister Oana), Charlotte Hope (Sister Victoria), Sandra Teles (Sister Ruth)
• Director: Corin Hardy
• Network: New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster Productions, Safran Company
• Release Date: September 7, 2018
• IMDb Rating: 5.3
• Country: USA
• Audience: R
• Budget: $22 million
• Revenue: $365 million
• Run Time: 96 minutes
• Release Platform: Theatrical
• Where to Watch: HBO Max

The Nun is a 2018 American gothic supernatural horror film directed by Corin Hardy. It is a spin-off of 2016's The Conjuring 2 and the fifth installment in The Conjuring Universe series. When a young nun commits suicide, a priest and novitiate are sent to investigate the Romania monastery that harbors a dangerous demonic nun.

Despite negative reviews criticizing its weak narrative, The Nun was a major box office success and features some chilling imagery brought to life. While not matching the quality of the Conjuring films, it expanded the franchise's sinister mythology.

DPM Top Picks

Here are our top 5 favorite horror movies on HBO Max:

1. The Exorcist (1973) - Still terrifying after all these years, this is the ultimate classic horror film with superb performances, effects and emotional impact.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - Freddy Krueger instantly became a horror icon thanks to Wes Craven's masterful genre-defining slasher.
3. The Descent (2005) - An intensely claustrophobic and frightening creature-feature with an all-female ensemble cast.
4. Let Me In (2010) - An artful and haunting vampire film that achieves the emotional depth of the original Swedish film.
5. The Conjuring (2013) - James Wan's classically-styled haunted house thriller achieves nail-biting terror through expert suspense.

Final Verdict

With its extensive library encompassing classics and new releases, HBO Max is a superb destination for horror fans. From iconic slashers like Friday the 13th to recent critical darlings like Hereditary, HBO Max has the variety and quality to satisfy scary movie cravings. For those seeking frights from the comfort of home, it offers an easily accessible trove of terror across decades, styles and subgenres. Whether you're looking for gory shocks, psychological chills, or campy monsters, HBO Max delivers the screams. So turn off the lights and delve into the best horror movies HBO Max has to offer for your next scream-filled movie marathon.

FAQs

Q: What is the scariest movie on HBO Max?

There are several very scary movies on HBO Max, but some of the most terrifying and well-reviewed are The Exorcist, Hereditary, The Descent, Let Me In and The Conjuring. The Exorcist stands out as one of the scariest and most influential horror movies ever made.

Q: What is the #1 rated horror movie?

The #1 top-rated horror movie is a debated topic, but films often cited among the best and top-rated horror movies include The Exorcist, Alien, The Shining, Psycho, Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Jaws, Rosemary's Baby, A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Silence of the Lambs.

Q: What are some good horror movies on HBO Max?

Some of the best, most acclaimed horror movies available on HBO Max include:

• The Exorcist (1973)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
• 28 Days Later (2002)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• It (2017)
• Get Out (2017)
• The Invisible Man (2020)
• Evil Dead 2 (1987)
• Poltergeist (1982)
• Saw (2004)
• Final Destination (2000)
• Child's Play (1988)
• The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Q: What are the best classic horror movies on HBO Max?

Some of the top classic and old horror movies available on HBO Max include Psycho, Night of the Living Dead, Horror of Dracula, Carnival of Souls, The Birds, Rosemary's Baby and many Hammer Horror films.

Q: What are the best modern horror movies from 2020 and beyond on HBO Max?

Some highly rated recent 2020s horror movies on HBO Max include Doctor Sleep, The Invisible Man, Freaky, The Curse of La Llorona, It Chapter Two and Malignant.