Whether you’re looking for a new movie that just premiered or you decide to rewatch one of the classics, HBO Max has plenty of horror movies that are sure to put you in a good mood. Whatever your mood, be it a slasher, a psychological horror or a monster film, HBO has it all.
Here are the stories you should make time for HBO Max. All of these films received generally positive reviews or better, according to Metacritic. This list is current as of March 24th.
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Anya Taylor-Joy shines in this horror satire about an elaborate dinner with a dark twist. It features a selection of guests gathering at Hawthorne, an exclusive island restaurant. Renowned chef Julian Slowik, played by a handsome Ralph Fiennes, has planned every detail of the evening except for the inclusion of Taylor-Joy’s Margot. With thrills and social commentary, The Menu will have you begging for seconds.
A young woman travels to Detroit for a job interview and discovers that her Airbnb has been double booked. That’s how this riveting horror movie might start out, but it soon descends into complete chaos. With twists in the story and excellent acting, Barbarian is freaky five-star horror fare.
A24
This is one not to see alone. Ari Aster’s directorial debut about what a family uncovers after the death of their matriarch might be the creepiest entry on this list. If you’re in the mood for a disturbing flick with great performances, venture cautiously on Hereditary.
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Do you love psychological horror movies? Wait for this movie to come knocking. The Night House follows a woman (Rebecca Hall) who mourns the death of her husband. When she uncovers a dark secret, she begins to question what she thought she knew about her marriage. This haunting film is a highlight in HBO Max’s horror portfolio.
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Jodie Foster interviews Anthony Hopkins’ evil Hannibal Lecter in this classic psychological thriller. Foster plays Clarice Starling, an FBI agent determined to bring a killer to justice. It’s the only horror film to ever win an Oscar for best pictureand also won for Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (Hopkins) and Best Actress (Foster) in 1992.
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This historical horror film guarantees nightmares. The disturbing flick follows a family in 1630s New England and marks Anya Taylor-Joy’s film debut. During the 90-minute flick, strange and shocking things happen to a farmer, his wife and their five children who have moved to a remote area on the edge of a forest.
Video screenshot by Bonnie Burton/CNET
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George Romero’s first horror film is an easy recommendation. A group of survivors take refuge in a house while members of the undead swarm live outside. The influential flick is often regarded as the first modern zombie film, and while it may not offer the terrifying feel of Freddy Krueger, you’ll be drawn to the characters at the heart of its story. You’re going to want to leave the door open for these (but in the event of an actual apocalypse, keep it very, very closed).
Libra Movies
David Lynch’s first feature film puts you in a bizarre nightmare. The 90-minute black-and-white horror film is packed with strange sounds and images, and the result is incredibly eerie. Don’t even get me started on the main character’s wacky, otherworldly-looking “baby” (that’s still kind of cute, weirdly?). There are messages here about men and parenting, but overall picture aside, the surreal world of Eraserhead is absolutely worth exploring.
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