Horror movies have a unique ability to captivate us with their chilling stories, suspenseful moments, and often, a dash of the supernatural or the macabre. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best horror movies you can watch on HBO Max right now.

1. “The Shining” (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a masterpiece in psychological horror that continues to unsettle audiences with its story of a man’s descent into madness in an isolated hotel.

2. “Hereditary” (2018) – Ari Aster’s directorial debut is a horrifying tale about grief and family secrets that culminate in unrelenting terror and shocking visuals.

3. “It” (2017) – Based on Stephen King’s novel, this film adaptation has redefined the horror genre for a new generation with its story of childhood fears and the malevolent entity Pennywise.

4. “Get Out” (2017) – Jordan Peele’s thought-provoking thriller blends social commentary with horror elements as it follows a young African-American man’s increasingly disturbing visit to his white girlfriend’s family estate.

5. “A Nightmare On Elm Street” (1984) – Wes Craven’s iconic slasher flick introduces Freddy Krueger, a murderous figure who stalks the dreams of teenagers.

6. “The Conjuring” (2013) – Directed by James Wan, this film is based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren and is known for its intense atmosphere.

7. “Alien” (1979) – Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking sci-fi horror film is both claustrophobic and terrifying, with its story of a crew in space encountering a hostile alien creature.

8. “Psycho” (1960) – Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller shocked audiences with its twists and infamous shower scene; it remains one of the most influential films in the horror genre.

9. “Us” (2019) – Another entry from Jordan Peele, this movie combines doppelgänger terror with thought-provoking themes about identity and society.

10. “The Exorcist” (1973) – William Friedkin’s adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel is a legendary horror film about demonic possession that has terrified audiences for decades.

11. “Midsommar” (2019) – A disturbing folk horror film by Ari Aster that subverts traditional horror settings by taking place almost entirely in daylight, unraveling a tale of rituals and madness.

12. “Jaws” (1975) – Steven Spielberg’s classic suspense-filled thriller about a giant man-eating shark has made generations wary of stepping into the ocean.

13. “Doctor Sleep” (2019) – The sequel to “The Shining”, this movie navigates the life of Danny Torrance as an adult, grappling with his traumatic past while facing off against new malevolent forces.

14. “The Witch” (2015) – Robert Eggers’ directorial debut immerses you in the paranoia and superstition of 17th-century New England as one family confronts unspeakable evil lurking in the wilderness around them.

15. “It Follows” (2014) – An original concept brought to life by David Robert Mitchell, this indie horror introduces an invisible entity passed through sexual encounters that haunts its victims relentlessly.

These films are distinguished by their ability to not only scare but also to offer compelling storytelling and memorable cinematic experiences. Each one brings something unique to the table, ensuring that fans of all types of horror will find something to appreciate on HBO Max.