Nina Henderson
Summary
- Horror movies have become increasingly popular, with more people choosing to watch them from the comfort of their own homes on streaming platforms.
- HBO Max, Peacock, and DirecTV have the best selection of classic horror films, offering movies like The Exorcist, Psycho, and The Shining.
- For a mix of classic and modern horror, viewers can also check out films like Alien, Get Out, and Saw on platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and Prime Video.
Horror movies have been taking the world by storm, captivating audiences with their thrilling remakes, sequels, and original stories. Gone are the days of watching horror films only in theaters with friends. Now, thanks to the convenience of streaming platforms, more and more people are turning their own homes into cozy horror movie theaters.
While dedicated horror streaming platforms like Shudder cater to die-hard fans, casual viewers looking to get into the spooky season should know what movies are available on other popular platforms. HBO Max, Peacock, and DirecTV offer an impressive selection of all-time great horror films, including classics like Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. And if you’re looking for a mix of classic and modern horror, platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and Prime Video have films like Alien, Get Out, and Saw.
14 The Exorcist – HBO Max
The Exorcist is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time. Released in 1973, it caused controversy and critical outrage from the Catholic Church, yet it was also praised for its incredible screenplay and sound that created a truly horrifying experience. The film received multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The Exorcist tells the story of 12-year-old Regan, who becomes possessed by a demon, and the desperate attempts to exorcise her with the help of two priests. If you’re a horror fan, The Exorcist is a must-watch film currently available on HBO Max.
13 Psycho – Peacock
Psycho, based on the original novel by Robert Bloch, has been adapted multiple times, but none more famous or successful than Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film. When a young woman’s car breaks down on a quiet road, she finds refuge with the seemingly polite young hotel owner, Norman Bates. As the plot unfolds, the film becomes increasingly unsettling, culminating in one of the best twists in horror history. You can currently watch Psycho on Peacock.
12 The Shining – HBO Max & DirecTV
The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is adapted from the novel by famous horror writer Stephen King. Released in 1980, just three years after the book debuted and starred a young Jack Nicholson as a writer who takes his family along with him to care for a hotel in its off-season. Nicholson delivers an outstanding performance as a man slowly descending into madness and the story grows increasingly bizarre, tragic, and horrifying as events unfold. The Shining is now streaming on HBO Max and DirecTV.
11 Alien – Hulu
Alien, directed by Ridley Scott and starring a young Sigourney Weaver in the early days of her career, is another classic horror film that set the tone for what classic horror should be. Released in 1979, Alien expanded into a large franchise with many sequels and prequels, and still, more are being made now, the story of terrifying alien creatures that can infect and grow in the human body continues to be one of the most enduring and popular images in all of horror history. The first film in the franchise is currently available to watch on Hulu.
10 Halloween – Shudder, AMC+, FuboTV, Crackle, Redbox, Plex
Halloween was directed by the legendary John Carpenter who will appear on this list again. A deranged man in a mask sets out to commit violent murders around his hometown of Haddonfield and through this film and several sequels, the rampage only continues to get increasingly brutal and terrifying. The series also features Jamie Lee Curtis as possibly the most famous final girl of any horror franchise, Laurie Strode. HalloweenLooking to get into the Halloween spirit? Look no further than the classic slasher movie, available to watch on Shudder, AMC+, or FuboTV. And the best part? It’s free with ads on Crackle, Redbox, and Plex.
9 Get Out – Peacock, FuboTV, FX Now
Changing gears to a much more modern film for a moment, Get Out is a must-watch horror movie. With incredible direction and vision from Jordan Peele and an outstanding performance by Daniel Kaluuya, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat. Follow the story of a young black man who uncovers shocking secrets about his white girlfriend’s family. It’s a chilling exploration of race and acceptance. Catch Get Out on Peacock, FuboTV, or FX Now with a subscription.
8 The Thing – Peacock
Step back in time to 1982 with The Thing. Directed by John Carpenter, this film takes place in Antarctica where a group of researchers encounter a terrifying creature that can imitate other beings. Starring Kurt Russell, this sci-fi horror will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on The Thing, available on Peacock with a subscription.
7 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – Peacock
Step into the world of horror with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This 1974 film, inspired by the infamous Ed Gein, follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals. It’s a terrifying and gruesome tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, available on Peacock with a subscription.
Experience the chilling terror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as it returns with a bone-chilling remake and a series of spine-tingling sequels. Follow the story of a deranged killer who wields a chainsaw and dons the faces of his victims as masks. This first installment takes the classic slasher genre to new heights with a more powerful weapon and a small group of unsuspecting victims. Don’t miss out on the horrifying thrills, catch it now on Peacock with a subscription.
Delve into the twisted mind of a killer with The Silence of the Lambs, starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. Foster portrays a young FBI agent who seeks the help of the brilliant yet cannibalistic murderer, Hannibal Lecter, played by Hopkins. Prepare to be captivated by this creepy and unsettling masterpiece that takes you deep into the psyche of a psychopath. Watch The Silence of the Lambs on HBO Max and DirecTV with a subscription.
Prepare for a bone-chilling encounter with supernatural forces in The Conjuring. Join demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, as they face off against powerful demons and disturbing possessions. This dark and twisted tale will leave you questioning the hidden horrors that may lurk in the shadows. Stream The Conjuring on HBO Max and DirecTV with a subscription.
Enter a world of sadistic games and unimaginable horrors with Saw. Witness the terrifying traps and mind-bending puzzles created by a mysterious mastermind. Brace yourself for a suspenseful and gripping experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Catch Saw on Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi, Starz, and FuboTV.
1 X – Showtime, FuboTV, DirecTV
Prepare to be captivated by the chilling and mysterious world of X. This mind-bending thriller, starring Mia Goth, takes you on a journey through dark secrets and hidden truths. With its gripping storyline and stunning visuals, X will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Don’t miss out on this gripping cinematic experience, available to stream on Showtime, FuboTV, and DirecTV.
X starring Mia Goth is a gripping and unsettling film that takes place in rural Texas. It revolves around a group of young people who decide to film a pornographic movie. They rent a property from an elderly couple living nearby, and suspicion starts to grow. The tension builds throughout the film, with disturbing imagery and unexpected twists. Mia Goth’s dual role as the young actress and the older woman adds an intriguing layer to the story, creating unsettling moments. You can watch X on Showtime, FuboTV, and DirecTV if you have a subscription.
