Best Max Horror Movies

Through the various streaming services available nowadays, most people should have no trouble finding a few horror films to watch. Out of all the popular non-specialized platforms, Max has arguably the most impressive selection of horror projects.

The service formerly known as HBO Max has a fantastic line-up of scary movies, covering both classic and modern titles. In fact, there are so many great films on the platform that it can become difficult to select which fright fests to watch on any given night. To help make that process slightly easier, here is a rundown of Max's best horror movies​​​​​​.

Updated October 5, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Halloween is right around the corner, and Max subscribers will not struggle to find something scary to watch. From old-school favorites to modern delights, the best Max horror movies are brilliant.

Barbarian (2022)

2022 was a good year for horror. Sissy, X, Prey, Deadstream, and Terrifier 2 are all bone-chilling additions to the genre, and they are just the tip of the iceberg. Standing right alongside these projects, Barbarian was something of a sleeper hit, as the movie really picked up steam once it debuted on Max. Zach Cregger's directorial debut follows Tess Marshall, a woman who rolls into a sketchy Detroit neighborhood for a stay at an Airbnb. To her disappointment, Tess learns the location was double-booked, and she is left with no choice but to stay in the house with a stranger named Keith.

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Barbarian plays around with expectations, particularly during its first half. As decades of horror movies have taught audiences to fear the unknown, viewers share Tess' skepticism and discomfort as she tries to make small talk with Keith. The story takes quite a few surprising turns as it moves along, and horror fans should try to go into this movie as bling as possible.

The Testament Of Dr. Mabuse (1933)

Fritz Lang's sequel to Dr. Mabuse the Gambler is predominantly remembered for its hauntingly accurate prediction of Germany's development in the 1930s. Putting its historical significance to one side, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse holds up as an intelligent look into the nature of evil and the influence fear can have on society. While not "horror" in the traditional sense, this film is permeated by a thick air of depression that is horrific.

Although not reaching the heights of 1927's Metropolis or 1931's M, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse is nevertheless a standout release by one of the film industry's most revered directors.

Evil Dead Rise

All things considered, Evil Dead is pretty consistent. Even the most polarizing entry in the series, 2013's remake, is a fun gorefest that primarily suffers from failing to reach the 1981 movie's high standards. 2023's Evil Dead Rise wisely opted to set its own pace, telling an urban but still small-scale storyline about a family that finds their mother has caught a case of the deadites.

Intense and terrifying, Evil Dead Rise is the scariest entry in the franchise, even if it is not necessarily the most fun. Alyssa Sutherland turns in a chilling performance, and Lee Cronin's direction is on point.

The Exorcist (1973)

There are roughly a billion exorcist movies, but almost none of them come close to matching 1973's original. Aging shockingly well, The Exorcist's grimy aesthetic lends it an air of legitimacy that many horror films lack; Regan's violent demonic possession is effectively presented as a true battle for survival, one that benefits greatly from the use of limited practical effects.

The Exorcist was a cultural phenomenon during its initial release, and while attracting its share of controversy, the film still garnered mostly praise. Its reputation has only grown since then, and it is now rightfully hailed as a horror movie classic and a landmark release for the film industry in general.

The Menu (2022)

The Menu takes place at an elite restaurant set on a secluded island. A group of clients set out to have a fun night eating food prepared by the establishment's famous chef, only to learn this dinner might be their last. The Menu is a wild ride that makes expert use of its confined setting to create dread and anxiety. All the cast are on top of their game, but Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy are particularly fantastic. As the celebrity chef, the former is charismatic, chilling, and intense.

Along with being one of the best horror movies on Max, The Menu is also among the genre's funnier additions. If someone enjoys dark humor, they should get a kick out of the film's sharp dialogue and absurd reveals.

The Fly (1986)

A body horror masterpiece, The Fly brilliantly twists the Frankenstein formula to craft a narrative that stands fully on its own. Seth Brundle is on the verge of a scientific breakthrough as he puts the finishing touches on two teleportation pods. The last step is human testing, and the scientist is more than willing to put himself on the line. The experiment proves to be a success as Seth enters one pod and exits another; unfortunately, a fly also made the trip.

The Fly chronicles Seth's loss of humanity as he slowly and painfully transitions into something obscene and horrifying. The movie shows the process in detail, and the visuals are just as haunting today as they were in the mid-'80s.

The Witch (2015)

Set during the 17th century, The Witch follows a Puritan family that is targeted by witches. Rather than relying on jump scares, Robert Eggers' movie supplies its frights through its atmosphere and subtle tension. A slow-burn story with a gripping climax, The Witch immerses viewers in its world through an eye for detail, great and authentic performances, and a confident script that knows when to hold back on exposition.

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The Witch is not the most "Halloween" movie on Max, and the film can be quite divisive; however, fans of the genre should at least give this flick a try. It is one of the best horror movies of the 2010s.

Funny Games (1997)

Michael Haneke's filmography is filled with visceral and disconcerting projects, and 1997's Funny Games might be the director's most unsettling movie. Most people are likely more familiar with 2007's American remake, also directed by Haneke, but the original Austrian is a more effective and gritty production.

Unlike many horror Max movies, Funny Games has no intention of "entertaining" viewers with crowd-pleasing kills and jump scares. Slow-paced and realistic, the story depicts in painful detail a family's torture at the hands of two men. Funny Games shows the worst of humanity and strips away any cinematic hope or catharsis.

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978)

While most novels can barely manage one decent adaptation, Jack Finney's The Body Snatchers is fortunate enough to have two classics under its belt. Set in San Francisco, 1978's Invasion of the Body Snatchers finds humanity in the midst of an alien invasion, albeit by a species that prefers subtlety to explosions.

Suddenly, people begin to change; Not physically, but their personalities. Stripped of emotion or individuality, these folks resemble empty shells that are just going through the motions. In a city with millions of people, the protagonists suddenly start to feel very alone.

Green Room

Providing a rare villainous turn by Patrick Stewart, Green Room follows a punk rock band who play a show at a Neo-Nazi club, a decision they come to regret. When a band member witnesses what is clearly a murder, the band find themselves locked in a green room surrounded by a small army and with no means of escape.

Green Room is not necessarily terrifying, but the thriller-horror film knows how to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Tense from beginning to end, Saulnier's movie effectively establishes its characters and their ideologies, exploring both sides in equal measure. Stewart is fantastic as the manipulative Darcy, a Neo-Nazi leader who instills fear in everyone regardless of whether they are friends or foes.