17 Movies On HBO Max That Will Actually Scare The Hell Out Of You

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Don't say I didn't warn you about BIG scares ahead.

It's officially the best time of the year: Spooky Season! And if you love horror films as much as I do, then you know a scary movie marathon is an absolute must as the countdown to Halloween kicks off. Here are 17 scary-as-hell titles worth adding to your HBO Max watchlist:

1. Final Destination 2 (2003)

A.J. Cook and Ali Larter in "Final Destination 2."

© New Line Cinema / Courtesy Everett Collection

This film unlocked a new fear of driving behind log trucks that I've never been able to shake, IYKYK.

Watch it on HBO Max.

2. Get Out (2017)

Daniel Kaluuya in "Get Out."

© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Jordan Peele's directorial debut left a lasting impression, proving he's a powerhouse in all things horror. 

Watch it on HBO Max.

3. Insidious (2010)

Patrick Wilson in "Insidious."

© FilmDistrict / Courtesy Everett Collection

From the journey to the Further to "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" serving as the creepy soundtrack, this is one of *the* scariest franchises in modern horror history.

Watch it on HBO Max.

4. IT (1990)

Tom Curry in "It."

ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection

If you're afraid of clowns, don't say I didn't warn you to turn back now. Tim Curry's chilling performance as Pennywise will give anyone nightmares for days, especially the scene where he's lurking in the storm drain.

Watch it on HBO Max.

5. It Follows (2014)

Jake Weary and Maika Monroe in "It Follows."

© RADiUS-TWC / Courtesy Everett Collection

The scare comes from second-guessing every character, detail, and scene because you never know quite what you're looking for until it's too late. 

Watch it on HBO Max.

6. Midsommar (2019)

Florence Pugh surrounded by other women in "Midsommar."

© A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

This A24 film from Ari Aster leaves audiences unsettled from start to finish, and the chilling story will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Watch it on HBO Max.

7. The Conjuring (2013)

Lili Taylor in "The Conjuring."

Michael Tackett / © Warner Bros. Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Inspired by the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring is the first film in this terrifying franchise. It's packed with tons of scares that'll leave you covering your eyes and maybe with a few nightmares, too.

Watch it on HBO Max.

8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Anthony Hopkins and two guards in "The Silence of the Lambs."

© Orion Pictures Corp. / Courtesy Everett Collection

The Silence of the Lambs sets the tone for suspenseful storytelling and psychological terror, with Hannibal Lecter behind every twist and turn. There's a reason it was the first horror movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 1992.

Watch it on HBO Max.

9. Misery (1990)

Kathy Bates in "Misery."

© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Stephen King is known for penning horrifying stories, and Misery is no exception. Kathy Bates takes fandom to a twisted level in this 1990 film adaptation.

Watch it on HBO Max.

10. Heretic (2024)

Sophie Thatcher in "Heretic."

Kimberley French / © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

Heretic creates an environment of unease and intensity as two missionaries get their faith tested after getting trapped in a house. Hugh Grant delivers a truly frightening performance alongside Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.

Watch it on HBO Max.

11. Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Alyssa Sutherland in "Evil Dead Rise."

© Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

From the gore to the shocking scares, Evil Dead Rise is a bloody good time that'll leave you on edge until the very end. And if that's not enough for you, this undead character will bring on all the chills. 

Watch it on HBO Max.

12. The Amityville Horror (2005)

Ryan Reynolds in "The Amityville Horror."

© MGM / Courtesy Everett Collection

If you're a sucker for a scary movie that's based on a true story, you're in luck. There are plenty of ghosts, jump scares, and lots of Ryan Reynolds waiting for you in this haunting film.

Watch it on HBO Max.

13. Split (2016)

James McAvoy in "Split."

© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

If you prefer psychological thrillers over gore or jump scares, Split is the movie you've been looking for. Plus, there's an unexpected connection to another film in the M. Night Shyamalan universe that fans will appreciate.

Watch it on HBO Max.

14. The Nun (2018)

Bonnie Aarons and Taissa Farmiga in "The Nun."

© Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

The Nun serves up an array of jump scares with a Romanian monastery serving as the spooky backdrop. If you love The Conjuring universe, there's no way you can skip this terrifying installment. 

Watch it on HBO Max.

15. Parasite (2019)

Cho Yeo-jeong in "Parasite."

© Neon / Courtesy Everett Collection

Parasite might not be your traditional horror movie, but it's a suspenseful slow burn that'll leave you unnerved throughout every minute. The film won four Oscars in 2020, including being the first non-English language title to be awarded Best Picture.

Watch it on HBO Max.

16. The Watchers (2024)

Dakota Fanning in "The Watchers."

© Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

Ever get the feeling that something is watching you? In this film, there is. Directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan (M. Night Shyamalan's daughter), audiences get a deep sense of dread as the characters try to unravel the mystery in the woods. 

Watch it on HBO Max.

17. Annabelle (2014)

A doll sitting on a shelf in "Annabelle."

© Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

A possessed porcelain doll awaits audiences in this eerie film from The Conjuring universe. From the supernatural jump scares to the creepy Annabelle storyline, this film will have you literally jumping out of your seat in fear.

Watch it on HBO Max.

What's the scariest movie you've ever watched? Share your thoughts in the comments! Or if you'd rather share anonymously, you can fill out the form below.

Stream all of these horror films on HBO Max.

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