Currently, the top trending movie on HBO Max is the 2025 horror film, <em>Undertone</em>. This choice is understandable as it captivates anyone with a subscription to the streaming service. You don’t even need to know the full details of the plot to want to watch it, as the simple premise is intriguing and horror films tend to attract viewers easily. Undertone also presents a unique approach to horror by focusing on minimalism.

Undertone follows a woman named Evy, who is part of a paranormal podcasting duo where she plays the skeptic while her partner is the believer. As they investigate a series of audio files related to a couple and a possession case, Evy begins to notice strange occurrences around her while she is mostly alone with her dying mother upstairs. The film skillfully employs sound design and negative space to create an unsettling atmosphere, rather than relying on traditional creepy monsters.

While Undertone utilizes a relatively unique concept, there are other horror films with similar themes that are worth exploring for more of what made Undertone successful on HBO Max.

Session 9 (2001)

The oldest film on this list is Session 9, which, like Undertone, was produced on a relatively low budget. It takes place at the abandoned Danvers State Psychiatric Hospital and follows an asbestos abatement crew assigned to clean it, only for unexplained events to begin occurring around them.

In addition to the crew’s experiences, a series of audio tape sessions with a former patient are presented to the audience, which connects this film with Undertone. Both films excel at using sound and recorded voices to create discomfort for viewers.

Sinister (2012)

Sinister is a horror film that should be watched even if you haven’t seen Undertone, as it stands out as one of the best in the genre. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film features Ethan Hawke as a true crime writer who relocates his family due to financial struggles.

Upon arriving at their new home, he discovers a collection of snuff films shot in the house featuring a demonic entity known as Bughuul. The videos he uncovers share a similar atmosphere with the audio files in Undertone, and at one point, Sinister was voted as the scariest film ever made.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

Osgood Perkins has emerged as one of the most captivating names in contemporary horror filmmaking thanks to works like Longlegs and The Monkey. However, his debut feature film, The Blackcoat’s Daughter, remains one of his finest achievements and shares production ties with A24, just like Undertone.

The movie revolves around girls stranded at their isolated prep school who face threats from a sinister presence while a troubled young woman embarks on a journey during winter. The strong cast featuring Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, and Emma Roberts contributes significantly to the film’s impact.

It Follows (2015)

A notable aspect of Undertone is its use of shots where the protagonist occupies one side of the screen while darkness fills the other side. This technique compels viewers to scrutinize every minor movement within their line of sight, which is also effectively utilized in It Follows.

This film narrates the story of a woman (Maika Monroe) who becomes pursued by a terrifying entity after an encounter brings upon a curse. Regardless of what transpires on screen, viewers are constantly scanning for threats lurking in the background, creating an atmosphere where danger seems ever-present.

The Autopsy Of Jane Doe (2016)

This same sense of lurking danger is prevalent in The Autopsy of Jane Doe. Set in a morgue, this film depicts a father-son coroner duo encountering supernatural events while examining a deceased body.

Similar to Undertone, this movie excels at maintaining an intimate setting. There are continuous sounds and unsettling occurrences happening off-screen in various parts of the morgue. It is concise yet impactful, showcasing quality performances from Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch.

Hereditary (2018)

The discussion around A24 horror films often begins with Hereditary. This film masterfully attends to intricate details and employs set design, camera movement, and other elements to tap into audience anxieties—similar to what Undertone achieves.

Hereditary, regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made, tells the haunting story of a family grappling with grief following multiple tragedies while revealing increasingly sinister secrets. Toni Collette delivers an outstanding performance that further elevates the film.

The Night House (2020)

A significant theme in Undertone involves grief, as protagonist Evy struggles with her mother’s impending death and unspoken words. Similarly, The Night House explores grief while incorporating supernatural elements.

This film follows a widow who uncovers dark secrets about her architect husband’s home after his death. It expertly builds tension through creaks and unexpected silences that evoke unease and paranoia.

Skinamarink (2022)

A few films resemble Skinamarink. This distinctive project centers on two young siblings who awaken in the night only to find their father missing and doors and windows inexplicably vanished from their home.

The movie immerses viewers in the children’s experience through muffled audio and darkness, often illuminated only by their TV. With minimal dialogue, every sound carries significance, making every shadow frightening.

Presence (2024)

The acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh has primarily worked outside the horror genre until he ventured into it in 2024 with Presence, which follows a family moving into a new home only to discover it is haunted by an enigmatic presence.

This formula has become classic for horror films because it proves effective. Soderbergh skillfully builds tension throughout this slow-burning narrative that culminates in an earned climax.

I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

A number of films listed here fall under the Lo-Fi category—characterized by low fidelity—which is an artistic style that maximizes limited budgets. This applies well to both Undertone, as well as for another acclaimed A24 release: I Saw The TV Glow.

This film revolves around two high school students who form a bond over their favorite TV show. As they delve deeper into its supernatural elements, their realities begin to fracture. The narrative serves as an allegory for being transgender, resonating strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences.