Grisly Horror Films Available for Streaming on Max
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Streaming services are gearing up for spooky season by emulating the chills of Shudder, pushing their horror selections to the fore. Max, however, is stepping it up a notch with "No Sleep October," a horror movie buffet that consists of classics, hidden gems, and fresh releases. With dozens of titles catering to various sub-genres, fans of terror will be more than satisfied. Here are ten must-watch films, guaranteed to disrupt your beauty sleep:
Paranormal Activity
Before 2007, found-footage horror was already at the scene, with the Blair Witch Project paving the way. Yet it was Paranormal Activity that kickstarted a wave of copycats, few able to match its spine-tingling terror. This original horror tale perfected the marriage of low-fi technology and high-octane scares.
Pulse
Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Pulse, released in 1998, remains one of the scariest movies about internet ghosts ever made. Its mood of impending doom, which targeted the emerging technology for causing despair and existential dread, is unsettlingly prophetic in today's digital age. Be prepared to feel the chill as you watch this haunting masterpiece.
The Shining
The Overlook Hotel serves as the ultimate setting for terror, preying on the already troubled mind of the Torrance family - Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a literary masterpiece, offering a treasure trove of clever details with countless rewatches.
Sinister
Step into the world of true crime as Ethan Hawke's character unwittingly invites unspeakable evil into his family's newly-purchased home. Scott Derrickson's 2012 film, Sinister, will have you questioning the darkness that lurks within the internet's depths.
The Sixth Sense
Max has M. Night Shyamalan in the limelight this October with his upcoming movie, Trap, joining the roster on the 25th. But don't miss the chance to revisit his breakout film, The Sixth Sense. Even if you know the twist, there's still plenty of chills to be had - especially the infamous birthday party scene from Shyamalan's Signs, which is also available on Max.
Poltergeist
Sadly, the Poltergeist house didn't make it onto our watchlist – but we can still relive the terror from the 1982 Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg classic. Take a peek at the haunted suburban family tormented by malevolent static-dwelling spirits and prepare yourself for the eternal chill that the clown doll brings.
The Exorcist
The Exorcist deserves a spot in every decent horror list - so thankfully Max offers up Pazuzu for easy streaming. Will phenomena this frightening be within reach again?
Scream
With its sharp meta-commentary on slasher classics and its chilling storyline, Wes Craven's 1996 masterpiece is ageless. Sidney Prescott and crew remind us that even in a post-Slasher era, the true horror might be hidden in the intentions of friends and the cruelty of high school.
The Craft
Take a glimpse into 1996's dark side with this perennial favorite, where witchcraft isn't necessarily the source of fear - but rather the toxicity of friendship. The Craft offers a gripping exploration of teenage cruelty that hasn't lost its edge in the years since its release.
The Conjuring
Based on a real-life haunting investigation, The Conjuring follows Ed and Lorraine Warren as they take on the Rhode Island family haunted by an unseen presence. James Wan's clever mixture of jumpscares, tension, and creepy visuals redefined modern horror, making it the gold standard for supernatural thrills.
Don't miss your chance to catch the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, keep up with the future of Doctor Who, and much more with io9 news. Happy streaming, horror fans!
- Max's forthcoming horror series, "No Sleep October," will feature cosplaying fans portraying characters from the haunting movies showcased, adding an extra layer of terror.
- As technology advances, one can only imagine the future of horror movies, with filmmakers finding innovative ways to create even more realistic and haunting experiences.
- Blair, a dedicated horror enthusiast, will likely be cosplaying as Jack Nicholson's character from The Shining, given its widespread influence in the genre.
- In the future, streaming services might delve deeper into the exploration of true events, creating documentaries or movies based on real-life horror stories like The Conjuring.
