If you're in the mood for a classic haunted house tale with a fresh twist, look no further than Hokum, the critically acclaimed horror film starring Adam Scott. After a successful theatrical run earlier this year, the movie has now made its streaming debut on Hulu—and it's already taken the top spot on the platform's most-watched list.
Directed by Damian McCarthy, Hokum follows a writer who retreats to a remote Irish countryside hotel, only to discover that the creaky old building is teeming with supernatural activity. The film's atmospheric tension and well-timed scares have drawn comparisons to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, which is fitting given that both stories center on isolated writers and haunted accommodations.
Scott, best known for his role in Severance, has been on a roll lately. His Netflix thriller The Whisper Man, co-starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Monaghan, has racked up around 80 million views. However, that film received mixed reviews, while Hokum has been hailed as a modern horror gem. It premiered at South by Southwest in March and hit theaters in May, grossing a solid $25 million worldwide on a modest $5 million budget.
Critics have embraced Hokum with open arms. It currently holds a 90% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising McCarthy as "a modern master of horror." The film's success on Hulu is a testament to its staying power, as it jumped nearly 15 spots on the streaming chart to claim the number-one movie spot, surpassing holdover favorites like Hocus Pocus 2, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Coraline.
For fans of the genre, Hokum offers a perfect blend of psychological dread and supernatural chills. If you're looking for more spooky content this season, you might also enjoy our ranking of Buffy's Halloween episodes or check out HBO Max's early spooky season lineup.
Scott's next project, the dark comedy-thriller The Saviors, is slated for release in March 2027. Until then, you can catch him in Hokum on Hulu and The Whisper Man on Netflix.
With its eerie atmosphere and standout performance from Scott, Hokum is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and a clear winner for Hulu's streaming lineup.
