Spine-Chilling Horrifying Movies on HBO Max You Can't Miss
Horrifying movies on HBO Max delve into the depths of fear, tapping into the primal anxieties that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This genre explores a broad spectrum of horror, from supernatural hauntings and psychological thrillers to grotesque monsters and apocalyptic scenarios. Each plot is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of dread, often featuring unexpected twists and turns that challenge viewers' courage. These movies are designed to play on the fear of the unknown, the unseen, and the unimaginable, leaving lasting impressions that linger long after the credits roll. The characters in horrifying movies on HBO Max are often relatable individuals placed in extraordinary, terrifying situations. Whether they are everyday people facing menacing forces, skeptical scientists unearthing ancient evils, or innocent children seeing what adults cannot, their journeys are a critical component in building suspense and delivering scares.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (HBO)
Supernatural forces haunt marked Latino teenagers
Released: 2014
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Jorge Diaz, Andrew Jacobs, Gabrielle Walsh, Richard Cabral, Noemi Gonzalez, Carlos Pratts, David Saucedo, Renee Victor, Micah Sloat, Katie Featherston
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is a gripping entry in the iconic found footage horror series, offering a fresh spin by focusing on a Latino community. Directed by Christopher Landon, this 2014 film masterfully blends supernatural terror with cultural richness. Andrew Jacobs stars as Jesse Arista, whose seemingly ordinary life spirals into a nightmare of demonic possession and cult conspiracies. Supported by compelling performances from Jorge Diaz and Gabrielle Walsh, the film delivers a haunting portrayal of friendship and fear. Produced by Jason Blum and Oren Peli, the movie amplifies the terror through its intimate, documentary-like style, pulling viewers into its eerie, authentic atmosphere. Fans of the Paranormal Activity series will appreciate the film's intriguing ties to the original storyline. Despite not winning awards, its innovative approach and suspenseful narrative make The Marked Ones a must-watch for horror enthusiasts eager for a chilling, culturally nuanced experience.
More about Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (HBO)Midsommar (HBO)
Swedish midsummer festival turns into horrifying nightmare
Released: 2019
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Vilhelm Blomgren, William Jackson Harper, Will Poulter, Ellora Torchia, Archie Madekwe, Henrik Norlén
Midsommar, a 2019 folk horror film by Ari Aster, offers a unique cinematic experience that combines intense psychological drama with eerie folklore. Following the harrowing journey of Dani Ardor (Florence Pugh) and her emotionally distant boyfriend Christian Hughes (Jack Reynor) to a secluded Swedish festival, the film masterfully transforms a picturesque retreat into a hauntingly bizarre nightmare. Known for its stunning visuals, intricate set designs, and compelling performances—especially by Pugh—Midsommar explores deep themes of grief, relationships, and cultural isolation. The film was shot in Budapest, reflecting meticulous attention to detail, and features a soundtrack that enhances its chilling atmosphere. Rich in Scandinavian folklore and psychological tension, Midsommar is a must-watch for those intrigued by innovative horror and profound storytelling.
More about Midsommar (HBO)It Comes at Night (HBO)
Mysterious plague triggers paranoia in secluded family
Released: 2017
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Riley Keough, Kelvin Harrison, Griffin Robert Faulkner
It Comes at Night (HBO) is a suspenseful thriller that delves deep into the human psyche in the face of an unrelenting apocalypse. Directed by Trey Edward Shults and produced by A24, this film uniquely balances horror elements with intense drama, making it a standout in the genre. Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Riley Keough deliver compelling performances that explore themes of fear, trust, and survival when an isolated family must deal with external threats and internal paranoia. Shot with a single Panavision 35mm lens, the films atmospheric dread is palpable, complemented by Brian McOmbers eerie score. While it wasnt recognized by major awards, the movie has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated cult following. If you appreciate psychological thrillers that challenge the boundary between fear and reality, It Comes at Night is a must-watch.
More about It Comes at Night (HBO)Aliens (HBO)
Space marines battle extraterrestrial creatures.
Released: 1986
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Reiser
Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron, is a masterful sequel to the iconic Alien and a must-watch for any science-fiction enthusiast. Set 57 years after the original, it follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the first Alien encounter, who returns as an advisor to a team of space marines on a mission to a now-colonized moon swarming with Alien creatures. The film boasts impressive special effects, created through extensive use of miniatures and matte paintings, and the creature design by Stan Winston is nothing short of legendary. Featuring intense performances, especially by Sigourney Weaver, who was nominated for an Academy Award, and an eerie soundtrack by James Horner, Aliens is both thrilling and visually stunning. Its realistic depiction of future military technology and unforgettable quotes make it not just a movie but a cultural milestone that continues to influence the genre.
More about Aliens (HBO)Paranormal Activity (HBO)
Eerie supernatural events captured in home footage
Released: 2009
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Mark Fredrichs, Amber Armstrong, Ashley Palmer
Paranormal Activity, released in 2009 and produced by Oren Peli, is a groundbreaking horror movie that redefined the genre with its found footage style. The film follows Katie and Micah, a young couple who, after sensing a malevolent presence in their suburban home, set up cameras to record the chilling events. Shot on a modest budget of $15,000, much of it in Pelis own home, the movies raw and authentic feel elevates the fear factor. With natural improvisation by actors Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, viewers are drawn into an escalating nightmare that feels disturbingly real. Its innovative storytelling and suspenseful narrative not only captivated audiences but also grossed an astounding $193 million, making it one of the most profitable films ever made. For fans of horror and psychological thrills, Paranormal Activity is a must-watch for its realistic portrayal of terror and its significant impact on modern horror cinema.
More about Paranormal Activity (HBO)Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (HBO)
Jason wreaks havoc in Manhattan, unstoppable horror
Released: 1989
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Kane Hodder, Jensen Daggett, Scott Reeves, Barbara Bingham, Martin Cummins, Gordon Currie, Sharlene Martin, Warren Munson, Todd Caldecott, Peter Mark Richman, Saffron Henderson, Kelly Hu
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan is an iconic thriller that marks Jason Voorhees menacing move from Crystal Lake to the bustling streets of New York City. Directed by Rob Hedden, this 1989 slasher film ingeniously shifts the horror from the usual campgrounds to a claustrophobic ship and eventually the vibrant urban landscape, delivering fresh terror to high school graduates on a nightmare voyage. The film’s compelling performances, particularly Jensen Daggett’s portrayal of the resilient Rennie Wickham and Kane Hodder's embodiment of the relentless Jason, make it an engaging watch. While most of the action unfolds aboard a ship, adding a unique twist to the franchise, the eventual Manhattan scenes provide thrilling, iconic moments. Enhanced by Fred Mollin’s eerie score and Metropolis's haunting theme song, the film captivates with its innovative setting and relentless suspense, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
More about Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (HBO)Evil Dead Rise (HBO)
Urban set horror with relentless supernatural terror
Released: 2023
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher, Mirabai Pease, Richard Crouchley, Anna-Maree Thomas
Evil Dead Rise (HBO), released in 2023 and directed by Lee Cronin, revitalizes the iconic horror franchise by shifting the eerie, supernatural terror from an isolated cabin in the woods to a bustling city skyscraper. The film focuses on two estranged sisters whose reunion spirals into a nightmarish fight for survival against malevolent forces. With powerful performances by Alyssa Sutherland and Lily Sullivan, the movie masterfully blends fear and courage, making the characters journey relatable and gripping. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the dedication to practical effects, preserving its gritty essence while delivering fresh thrills. Additionally, the metropolitan setting and strong female leads mark a significant evolution in the series. The atmospheric soundtrack, featuring tracks like Creeping Shadows and Chainsaw Symphony, further enhances the chilling experience. Evil Dead Rise is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking both nostalgia and innovation in a spine-tingling story of bravery and survival.
More about Evil Dead Rise (HBO)The Amityville Horror (HBO)
Haunted house terrorizes newly moved-in family
Released: 2005
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Chloe Grace Moretz, Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Philip Baker Hall, Rachel Nichols, Jesse James
The Amityville Horror (2005) on HBO is a riveting horror film that masterfully revives the chilling legend of the Amityville house. Based on Jay Ansons 1977 novel, this remake intensifies the original 1979 films terror and suspense. Directed by Andrew Douglas with a screenplay by Scott Kosar, the movie follows the Lutz family as they unknowingly move into a home with a horrific past. Ryan Reynolds delivers a chilling performance as George Lutz, who descends into madness, complimented by Melissa Georges desperate portrayal of Kathy Lutz, a mother fighting to protect her children. Despite taking some creative liberties to ramp up the fear factor, the film stays true to the core of the haunting story. Filmed in the actual Amityville house, this movie adds a layer of authenticity to the spine-tingling events. With a score by Steve Jablonsky and contributions from artists like Cheap Trick, the atmospheric soundtrack heightens the tension. For fans of supernatural horror, The Amityville Horror offers a gripping and terrifying viewing experience.
More about The Amityville Horror (HBO)Friday The 13th: A New Beginning (HBO)
Vengeful killer returns to terrorize summer camp
Released: 1985
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
John Shepherd, Melanie Kinnaman, Shavar Ross, Richard Young, Carol Locatell, Corey Parker, Corey Feldman, Dick Wieand
About This Collection
Chilling horror films streaming on HBO Max.
Horrifying movies on HBO Max deliver spine-chilling thrills and suspense. From classic horror films to modern-day nightmares, the selection keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Dive into horrifying movies on HBO Max for an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience that caters to all horror enthusiasts.
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