The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (2023)

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Written by Sarah Saril; edited by Steven Cohen

2022-10-27T21:42:12Z

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (1)

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HBO Max is home to tons of horror films that are perfect for the spooky season.
Some of the service's best horror flicks include classics like "The Shining" and newer hits like "The Witch."
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HBO Max is one of the best streaming services on the market with hit series like "House of the Dragon" and popular movies from Warner Brothers. With Halloween right around the corner, it's also home to tons of excellent horror films perfect for watching this spooky season.

Below, we've highlighted some of the best ones the service offers, from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" to "The Witch." We've limited our selection to films rated "Fresh" by review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which means they have a 60% or higher score.

If you're looking for even more scary flicks to watch on Halloween, you can also check out our Hulu horror movie and Amazon Prime Video horror movie roundups.

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'28 Days Later'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (3)

When a bicycle courier wakes up from a coma to discover humanity has been ravaged by a deadly virus, he and a handful of other survivors are forced to fight for their lives. The virus transforms its hosts into violent zombies, turning the world into a post-apocalyptic nightmare.

"28 Days Later" is directed by Danny Boyle, whose other film credits include "Sunshine," "Slumdog Millionaire," and "Steve Jobs." The movie stars Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson.

The 2002 film is critically acclaimed, with reviewers praising its terrifying thrills and political commentary. It holds an "87% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'A Nightmare on Elm Street'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (4)

This scary movie classic from 1984 follows a group of teenagers who are being terrorized by Freddy Krueger, an otherworldly killer that enters their dreams. The supernatural slasher ventures between reality and nightmares, playing with the viewer's perception of what is real.

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" was written and directed by prolific horror creator Wes Craven, who is known for other famous films like "The Hills Have Eyes," "Scream," and "Red Eye." It stars Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund as the horrific Freddy Krueger.

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" is a timeless horror classic that is praised for its horrifying visuals and clever premise. The film was so successful, it spawned six sequels, a crossover with "Friday the 13th," and a 2010 remake. It holds an "95% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'American Psycho'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (5)

Based on a novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, "American Psycho" follows Patrick Bateman, an investment banker who's an elite New York socialite by day and a serial killer by night. A blend of horror and satirical black comedy, this memorable film will leave you wondering, "what just happened?"

Directed by Mary Harron, the movie stars Christian Bale as the seemingly charming Patrick Bateman. Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Josh Lucas, Chloë Sevigny, Samantha Mathis, Cara Seymour, Justin Theroux, and Reese Witherspoon also star.

"American Psycho" has grown a cult following and powerful reputation in meme culture since its release, despite its somewhat mixed critical reviews. It has a "68% Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'Beetlejuice'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (6)

A horror comedy for the whole family, "Beetlejuice" follows a recently-deceased couple's quest to evict their home's new living inhabitants. They contact Beetlejuice, an over-the-top "bio-exorcist" from the netherworld to aid them in their mission.

This film is directed by fantasy horror icon Tim Burton, whose work includes "Edward Scissorhands," "Batman," and "Big Fish." It stars Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton.

"Beetlejuice" is a spooky movie classic beloved by many for its bizarre premise and brilliant visuals. It holds an "85% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'Cronos'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (7)

When an antiques dealer finds an ancient device that can grant eternal life, he soon discovers that his newfound gifts come with a heavy cost.

This film is Guillermo del Toro's directorial debut. The Oscar winner would go on to direct "Hellboy," "Pan's Labyrinth," "Pacific Rim," and "The Shape of Water." "Cronos" stars Federico Luppi and Ron Perlman.

Praised for its bloody horror, atmospheric style, and intelligent writing, "Cronos" is critically acclaimed. It holds an "89% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'Eraserhead'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (8)

This cult classic is both surreal and creepy. The story follows Henry Spencer, a man with big hair not unlike an eraser. When he finds out his ex has given birth to a horrifyingly deformed baby, his world is turned upside down.

David Lynch directed "Eraserhead" before going on to helm other cult classics like "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet." The film stars Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates, and Judith Roberts.

"Eraserhead" is known for being an atmospheric horror movie that combines memorable visuals and a creepy soundtrack to convey its message. It has a "90% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'It' (Chapters One and Two)

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (9)

A supernatural horror movie based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, "It" is set in Derry, Maine, a city where children have been disappearing. The film follows seven kids who are social outcasts and are now being terrorized by a supernatural being that lives in the sewers.

This 2017 movie is directed by Andy Muschietti who also directs "It: Chapter Two," which concludes the story. Bill Skarsgård plays the horrifying clown Pennywise alongside Finn Wolfhard, Jaeden Martell, Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Jack Grazer, and Chosen Jacobs.

Critics praise "It" for being truly terrifying with its stellar acting and emotionally compelling story. Part one has an "86% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and part two holds a "62% Fresh" rating.

'Last Night in Soho'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (10)

Ellie Turner is an aspiring fashion designer who moves to London to study. But her life takes a dangerous turn when she begins having mysteriously vivid dreams of a woman living in the 1960s.

This psychological thriller is directed by Edgar Wright, whose previous directorial works include "Shaun of the Dead," "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World," and "Baby Driver." "Last Night in Soho" stars Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Matt Smith.

Critics praise "Last Night in Soho" for maintaining Wright's signature flashy style through its thrilling visuals, immersive soundtrack, and unpredictable plotline. It holds a "76% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'Malignant'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (11)

"Malignant" follows one woman with a troubled childhood. She begins having vivid nightmares and visions of brutal murders in her sleep, but is shocked to discover they are actually coming true. A unique horror film with stunning visuals, "Malignant" goes down some strange and unpredictable paths with a major plot twist you probably won't see coming.

It's directed by James Wan, who is the filmmaker behind "Saw," "Insidious," and "The Conjuring." The cast features Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young, and Michole Briana White.

Though most critics agree that "Malignant" isn't all that scary, the film is praised for its gory action and outrageous plot twist. It has a "76% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'The Exorcist'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (12)

Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, "The Exorcist" is one of the most influential horror movies ever made. After a young girl is possessed by demons, her mother desperately tries to rescue her by enlisting a pair of Catholic priests to perform an exorcism.

The film is directed by William Friedkin, whose other works include "The French Connection" and "Rules of Engagement." The cast features Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair.

"The Exorcist" is known amongst critics and audiences for being one of the scariest films of all time. It has an "84% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'The Eyes of My Mother'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (13)

Francisca is a young girl living a peaceful life on a secluded farm with her parents when her mother's tragic murder shatters her reality.

"The Eyes of My Mother" is Nicolas Pesce's directorial debut. He would later go on to direct "Piercing" and "The Grudge." This film stars Kika Magalhães, Olivia Bond, Diana Agostini, and Paul Nazak.

A black-and-white horror film with startling visuals, this movie is praised by critics for its lasting scares. It holds a "78% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'The Night House'

The 14 best horror movies on HBO Max, from 'The Shining' to 'The Witch' (14)

When a widow starts receiving haunting visions while living at the lake house designed by her late husband, she begins discovering dark secrets tied to the home.

This film is directed by David Brucker, whose other directorial works include "V/H/S," "The Ritual," and the 2022 "Hellraiser." It stars Rebecca Hall, Sarah Goldberg, Evan Jonigkeit, Stacy Martin, and Vondie Curtis-Hall.

Critics praise lead actress Rebecca Hall for delivering a striking performance. An emotional and atmospheric journey, "The Night House" holds an "87% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'The Shining'

Perhaps the most famous Stephen King film adaptation, "The Shining" is a horror movie classic. It follows Jack Torrance, a writer who takes up a job looking after an isolated hotel with his family. Bizarre occurrences begin happening and supernatural premonitions begin plaguing his son, Danny, testing the family's bonds and sanity.

"The Shining" is directed by legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, and Danny Lloyd. Thanks in part to compelling performances and striking visuals, the movie holds an "82% Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes.

A sequel, called "Doctor Sleep," is also available on HBO Max. It stars Ewan McGregor as an adult Danny dealing with the traumas of his childhood. Though "Doctor Sleep" had big shoes to fill, it's praised for going in a different direction and holds a "78% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'The Witch'

When an isolated Puritan family begins to suspect witchcraft is affecting their lives, their relationships begin to unravel and they turn against each other.

This folk horror film is the first movie directed by Robert Eggers, who would later direct hits like "The Lighthouse" and "The Northman." It stars Anya Taylor-Joy in her first film appearance alongside Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, and Lucas Dawson.

"The Witch" is critically acclaimed for being an unsettling period piece that builds gradually. It holds a "90% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sarah Saril

As a Tech Deals and Streaming Reporter for Insider's Reviews team, Sarah covers the latest movie and series releases along with the best sales on products we recommend. Prior to joining Insider Inc., she was a Deals Writer at Wirecutter, a New York Times company. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Marketing, Sarah started out as a Freelance Deals Writer at Wirecutter; there she focused on newsletter creation, social media promotion, and syndication in addition to deals writing before stepping into a full-time role. Her accomplishments from this position, in addition to the countless deals she's written, include implementing multiple social media marketing campaigns and launching a Deals Facebook group for the company. Say hi (or send a picture of your pet) to Sarah at ssaril@insider.com, or reach her on Twitter at @sarahhahr or on Instagram at @lord_ponty. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we research deals.