HBO Max subscribers have two exciting horror movies to watch this Halloween weekend on the streamer, along with a mystery hit from a director who is having a massive year in 2026. Last weekend’s HBO Max movie recommendations included the classic horror crossover Freddy vs. Jason, the sensual dramedy The Invite, and the R-rated rom-com Anyone but You.
At the time of writing, all three of those movies continue to trend on HBO Max’s Top 10 Movies chart in the United States. Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s rom-com, Anyone But You, is currently at 8th place. Just above it is last weekend’s only horror movie on HBO Max, Freddy vs. Jason, ranking as the streamer’s 7th biggest film.
The most-watched movie on HBO Max in the US right now is Olivia Wilde’s The Invite. I reviewed the chart to select an exciting horror movie for HBO Max subscribers looking to celebrate Halloween in style with a thrilling release this weekend. It is not alone when it comes to genre releases.
Another horror movie features in our new HBO Max weekend recommendations, timely due to its release coinciding with Halloween and its status as a fan-favorite classic slasher franchise. The only non-horror movie on the list is a detective action film directed by a genre master. Here are the best movies to watch on HBO Max this weekend:
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Evil Dead Burn (2026)
Evil Dead Burn is currently trending on HBO Max in the United States, being the 10th most popular film on the streaming service. Burn was released in theaters on July 10, marking the latest addition to the horror franchise created by prolific director and producer Sam Raimi. However, it was directed by up-and-coming director Sébastien Vaniček.
Evil Dead Burn follows Souheila Yacoub’s character Alice as she attempts to heal from her husband’s death during a family reunion. Unfortunately, family members of the Price family slowly begin turning into Deadites, which is the term used for beings possessed by demons in this horror franchise.
Evil Dead Burn also stars Netflix fan-favorites Hunter Doohan (Wednesday) and Luciane Buchanan (The Night Agent).
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Scream (1996)
The final horror movie on our HBO Max recommendations this Halloween weekend is the original Scream. Few horror films can match the iconic status of this slasher as it marks the first entry in one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, particularly within the horror genre. Scream introduces the Ghostface killer and features stars like Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, and more.
Scream is among many movies set to be released on HBO Max in November. This smash hit slasher will arrive on HBO Max on Sunday, November 1. Anyone seeking a mysterious horror film filled with stars, an intriguing concept, and plenty of blood will find one of the most entertaining horror films in 1996’s Scream.
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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Finally, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is the only non-horror movie featured in our HBO Max weekend recommendations. For those seeking a different type of project this Halloween, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows provides an action-packed adventure with the most popular detective ever, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock and Jude Law as John Watson. Guy Ritchie directed this sequel to 2009’s Sherlock Holmes.
There are several reasons why this film, which sees Holmes and Watson attempting to thwart Jared Harris’ Professor Moriarty across Europe, is a timely choice. Firstly, like Scream, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows will be available on HBO Max starting November 1. Additionally, Downey will make a significant return as Doctor Doom in December’s Avengers: Doomsday, making this film a great way to pass the time while waiting for that release. Lastly, Ritchie was one of the key creatives behind Prime Video’s Young Sherlock series this year, continuing his connection with Sherlock Holmes on HBO Max.
