Halloween may be in the rearview mirror, but the appetite for frights hasn't cooled off on streaming. This November, one of the most influential horror films of the past decade is dominating the charts on HBO Max. James Wan's The Conjuring, which first terrified audiences in 2013, has clawed its way into the platform's top ten most-watched movies in the U.S., proving that a good ghost story never really dies.
The film, which introduced the world to paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren—played with gravitas by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson—was a massive hit upon release. Produced on a reported budget of just $20 million, it went on to gross a staggering $316 million globally. Critics were equally impressed, with the movie earning a certified fresh 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its blend of old-school scares, grounded performances, and atmospheric dread set a new standard for modern horror and spawned a sprawling franchise that now includes nine films.
While The Conjuring enjoys its streaming resurgence, another horror title is gearing up for a Netflix debut later this month. Obsession, the breakout indie sensation from Curry Barker, arrives on the platform on November 17. That film turned a sub-$1 million budget into more than $500 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing original horror movie of the century and the fifth highest-grossing horror film ever. Critics have heaped praise on it, with Collider's Hannah Hunt lauding its "phenomenal performances, disciplined storytelling, excellent sound design, and an atmosphere of constant emotional suffocation." But for now, it's Wan's classic that's holding the spotlight on HBO Max.
The enduring popularity of The Conjuring comes as no surprise to horror fans, who have long considered it a modern masterpiece. Its success on streaming also highlights the lasting appeal of the Warrens' real-life investigations, which have inspired a whole cinematic universe. For those who haven't revisited it in a while—or are discovering it for the first time—this is the perfect opportunity to see why it remains a touchstone of the genre.
Looking ahead, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The Conjuring: First Communion, the tenth installment, is set to hit theaters on September 10, 2027, just in time for Halloween. Directed by Rodrigue Huart, with a script from Richard Naing, Ian Goldberg, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, the film promises to continue the Warrens' terrifying legacy. Fans can also explore other chilling corners of the streaming world, such as Mike Flanagan's masterful miniseries or the MGM+ hit that's now on Netflix.
As The Conjuring continues to haunt HBO Max's top ten, it's clear that James Wan's vision has left an indelible mark on horror. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a film that demands to be watched—preferably with the lights on.
