10 Must-See Horror & Halloween Movies Streaming on Max
1. Trick 'r Treat
A must-watch anthology of horrors, "Trick 'r Treat" entwines four spine-chilling tales that each unfold on Halloween night. The film opens with a seemingly mundane high school principal harboring a lethal secret and smoothly transitions into a thrilling narrative of college romance with a deadly twist. Simultaneously, mischievous kids pull a prank with horrifying repercussions, and a lonely old man's night takes an unexpected turn with an unwelcome visitor. Released in 2007, this cult classic has a high average rating of 4.9, reflecting its eerie charm and storytelling finesse. Watch now
2. The Shining
Few films have managed to sow seeds of dread quite like "The Shining." Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's novel, this 1980 classic follows Jack Torrance, who takes a caretaker job at the desolate Overlook Hotel. As snow descends, Jack, his wife Wendy, and their son Danny face the sinister forces within its walls. Riveting performances and chilling visuals earn it an average rating of 4.3. Watch now
3. Night of the Living Dead
The film that revived the zombie genre, "Night of the Living Dead," stands timeless in its portrayal of a group of strangers fending off flesh-eating ghouls. Released in 1968, its raw, visceral imagery and social commentary have earned it enduring popularity and a solid average rating of 4. Watch now
4. The Exorcist
Known as one of the scariest movies ever made, "The Exorcist" introduces us to a possessed twelve-year-old girl and the desperate fight by her mother and two priests to save her soul through an ancient exorcism rite. The 1973 film's average rating of 3.8 underscores its influence and mastery in horror. Watch now
5. Scream
"Scream," released in 1996, reinvented the slasher flick with its meta-commentary on horror tropes. It follows Sidney Prescott, who is targeted by a masked killer. As the body count rises, the film's clever twists and haunting suspense have secured it an average rating of 3.7. Watch now
6. Saw
A brutal game of cat and mouse, "Saw" shocked audiences with its intense plot and gruesome traps. Two men awaken in a bathroom with a sinister tape recording dictating their fate, creating a legacy that began in 2004 and continues, earning a loyal fan base and an average rating of 3.7. Watch now
7. The Conjuring
Based on true events, "The Conjuring" catapults viewers into the terrifying experiences of the Perron family and paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This 2013 film combines supernatural horror with emotional depth, earning an average rating of 3.6. Watch now
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street
Known for spawning a slasher icon, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" is where Freddie Krueger, the infamous dream-stalker, made his debut in 1984. Teenagers in a small town are haunted in their dreams, leading to tragic real-world consequences. This compelling premise holds an average rating of 3.6. Watch now
9. Doctor Sleep
"Doctor Sleep" follows an adult Dan Torrance as he faces his traumatic past at the Overlook Hotel. Released in 2019, this sequel to "The Shining" introduces Abra, a courageous teen with a remarkable ability known as the "shine," and features powerful storytelling that earned it a 3.6 rating. Watch now
10. Poltergeist
Delving into the paranormal, "Poltergeist" introduces us to the Freeling family who are confronted by malevolent spirits in their suburban home. Released in 1982, this horror classic captivates with its supernatural thrills and iconic lines, holding an average rating of 3.5. Watch now
Whether you are a die-hard horror fan or just looking to get into the Halloween mood, these ten titles offer a captivating preview into the macabre and supernatural world of horror cinema. Each film brings something unique to the table, from chilling narratives and unexpected twists to some of the most iconic horror figures. Happy watching!