{
  "id": 15037319,
  "title": "The 3 Best Movies to Watch on HBO Max This Week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/the-3-best-movies-to-watch-on-hbo-max-this-week",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T19:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/best-movies-to-watch-on-hbo-max-this-week-october-16/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Halloween season reaches its peak, the streaming platforms are brimming with a plethora of movies to top off a spooky watchlist. Currently, HBO Max offers a children's horror film, a monster-filled musical, and one of the greatest ghost stories ever told, all ready to stream. Here are the three best movies currently available on HBO Max this week.\n\nThe first movie is \"Coraline\" (Credit: LAIKA/Universal). This movie left me shivering with fear for years after my first viewing. Henry Selick's \"Coraline\" is a magnificent film, featuring impressive stop-motion animation and stunning craft (similar to Laika's upcoming film \"Wildwood\"). If you're in search of a movie that will send shivers down the spines of children, \"Coraline\" should be at the top of your list.\n\nNext up is \"Little Shop of Horrors\" (Credit: Warner Bros.). If you prefer a Halloween-themed movie without venturing too deeply into the realm of horror, \"Little Shop of Horrors\" is an excellent option for your weekend streaming. Frank Oz's adaptation of the musical by Howard Ashman and the film by Roger Corman and Charles B. Griffith is a delightful treat, boasting extraordinary performances, particularly Rick Moranis' leading turn, and magical puppet work. This movie is a perfect embodiment of fun and charm, making it ideal for this season.\n\nLastly, \"Poltergeist\" (1982) (Credit: MGM/UA) is an all-time classic in the haunted house genre. With iconic moments and chilling imagery, Tobe Hooper's \"Poltergeist\" was written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor. Although the movie does not have the franchise legacy of many other 80s horror classics, it remains one of the purest and greatest ghost movies ever made. A must-watch during the Halloween season.",
  "summary": "Including a family horror favorite, a monstrous musical and one of the greatest ghost stories ever The post The 3 Best Movies to Watch on HBO Max This Week appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}