30 Scary Horror Movies to Watch on Max
Barbarian (2022)
EverettIf you've ever felt a little creeped out by the AirBnB you're staying in, then Barbarian is likely to give you chills. After finding out that her rental property has been double-booked with some random guy, Tess is forced to get to know her new roommate. Things turn really creepy when they investigate the basement, and discover that they're most definitely not alone.
The Menu (2022)
EverettChef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) prepares an extra special feast for a group of self-proclaimed foodies at his private island restaurant. Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) isn't meant to be there, but she's quickly drawn into an intricately planned event, which is likely to result in a few fatalities along the way. Simply flawless.
Under the Skin (2013)
Courtesy Everett CollectionScarlett Johansson stars as an extraterrestrial being who is on the hunt for human men. On a road trip around Scotland, she finds and seduces her unwitting victims, who get sent to another dimension in which they are simply meat. Haunting and beautifully crafted, Under the Skin lets us see Johansson in a different light.
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The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630 New England, The Witch is a terrifying depiction of the panic that spurred on the witchcraft trials. When a young boy disappears, suspicion is placed on to his sister, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), who was supposed to be caring for him at the time. A stark and dreamy evocation inspired by a fascinating part of history.
The Conjuring (2013)
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett CollectionThe Conjuring introduced the world to Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life paranormal investigators whose exorcisms and study of the occult inspired this growing series. In the first instalment, Ed and Lorraine try to help a family whose new house appears to be haunted by a violent history. Meanwhile, The Conjuring 2 is based on a real-life case that took place in England in the '70s, and widely became known as the Enfield Haunting.
Child's Play (1988)
©United Artists/Courtesy Everett CollectionChucky is one of horror's most famous figures, and 1988's Child's Play started it all. The spirit of murderer Charles Lee Ray is transported into a doll, which is accidentally purchased by a mother for her young son. Andy Barclay soon discovers that his Chucky doll isn't all that he seems when scary things start happening around the house.
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The Crazies (2010)
Overture Films/Courtesy Everett CollectionA plane crash causes a dangerous toxic biological agent to be released into a small farming town, infecting its inhabitants. The virus causes its hosts to become extremely dangerous and violent, forcing the uninfected to fight for their lives against all odds.
The Lodge (2013)
EverettA winter vacation goes awry when a young woman is left with her partner's children when he leaves for work. When the family is trapped inside by a blizzard, Grace (Riley Keough) finds herself haunted by her own past and strange things start to occur.
Sinister (2012)
Summit Entertainment/courtesy Everett CollectionTrue crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke) is in desperate need of inspiration so he moves his family into a house in which some awful murders occurred. After discovering the existence of several graphic snuff movies, Ellison is drawn deeper into a terrifying mystery, putting everyone at risk in the process.
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Hereditary (2018)
EverettAri Aster's Hereditary follows a family recovering from the loss of their matriarch, and subsequently haunted by a demonic entity. When Peter takes his little sister Charlie to a party, he has no idea of the devastating events that will occur. From there, the family spirals out of control, falling deeper into the abyss. Not for the faint of heart.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
©Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy Everett CollectionAnthony Hopkins put his own stamp on Dr. Hannibal Lecter in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is on the hunt for Buffalo Bill, a serial killer known for kidnapping women and holding them hostage. Clarice hopes that Hannibal can help her finally capture her target.
Sorority Row (2009)
Summit Entertainment/courtesy Everett CollectionWhen a woman accidentally dies in a prank gone wrong, her sorority sisters decide to cover it up. A year later, videos of their friend's death emerge, and the sorority sisters find themselves stalked by someone avenging the death. Starring Audrina Partridge (!) and Rumer Willis.
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The Fly (1986)
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett CollectionScientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) creates a device capable of teleportation. During a test, a housefly enters the machine alongside Seth, leading to their DNA being mixed. Seth subsequently finds himself taking on attributes of the insect, slowly morphing into a monster, and grappling with his own choices.
Cujo (1983)
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett CollectionBased on Stephen King's novel of the same name, 1983's Cujo focuses on a St. Bernard dog who gets bitten by a bat, transforming the once cute creature into a rabid beast. A mother and son find themselves trapped by Cujo as it terrorizes their town, and they attempt to fight off the monster.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
EverettIn the fifth instalment in the Evil Dead series, two sisters find themselves fighting against supernatural entities brought into their lives by The Book of the Dead. An apartment block becomes the location of a terrifying and gruesome showdown, as a young family is trapped by the deadites.
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Jennifer's Body (2009)
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett CollectionAfter being possessed by a demon, Jennifer (Megan Fox) is just killing boys. However, her friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) is starting to question Jennifer's hobby, and decides that it needs to end. Written by Oscar-winner Diablo Cody, and containing some of your favorite GIFs.
You're Next (2011)
©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett CollectionMembers of the Davison family are celebrating their parents' anniversary, but the reunion goes very wrong when a group of intruders, all wearing animal masks, threaten to kill them all. Luckily, one person in the group has some secret skills that prove useful when fighting back against the killers.
Knock Knock (2015)
AJ Pics / Alamy Stock PhotoEvan (Keanu Reeves) has the house to himself for the weekend while his family is away. When two women arrive at his house asking for help, Evan reluctantly lets them in, but struggles to get them to leave again. What starts as a casual night of debauchery ends in some shocking violence. Co-starring Ana de Armas.
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Compliance (2012)
©Magnolia Pictures/Courtesy Everett CollectionBased on true events, Compliance follows the staff at a fast food restaurant who receive a strange phone call purporting to be from the police. One staff member is accused of stealing money from a customer, and the tense phone exchange results in a horrifying strip search and questionable behavior by all.
The Nun (2018)
Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesFollowing orders from the Vatican, a young priest and a nun-in-training investigate the mysterious death of a nun at an abbey in Romania. They soon realize that a dangerous force is threatening the holy order, with a horrifying demonic nun haunting the entire venue and those in it. Part of The Conjuring Universe.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
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