Jordan Peele has built a reputation as one of horror's most innovative voices, but even a visionary producer can have a miss. His 2026 film HIM, directed by Justin Tipping, earned the dubious distinction of being the lowest-rated movie Peele has ever produced. Yet in a twist worthy of one of his own thrillers, the film has found a second life on streaming—specifically on HBO Max, where it's now one of the platform's most-watched titles.
Peele, who rose to fame with Key & Peele before directing modern classics like Get Out, Us, and Nope, produced HIM under his Monkey Paw banner. The film stars Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, with Julia Fox in a supporting role. Despite its pedigree, HIM struggled mightily at the box office, barely recouping its $27 million budget and failing to reach its break-even point. Critics panned it with a 31% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a lukewarm 46%—making it Peele's worst-reviewed project to date.
What Is 'HIM' About?
The official synopsis describes HIM as a psychological horror: "A young athlete descends into a world of terror when he’s invited to train with a legendary champion whose charisma curdles into something much darker." Critics agreed that the film had intriguing concepts but struggled to execute them effectively. Without a major star like Daniel Kaluuya or Lupita Nyong'o, the movie relied heavily on Wayans and Withers to draw audiences—a gamble that didn't pay off in theaters.
But streaming has been a different story. Since landing on HBO Max, HIM has climbed into the platform's top 10 most-watched titles, proving that sometimes a film just needs the right platform to find its audience. This isn't the first time a divisive horror movie has thrived on streaming—just look at Joel Edgerton's underrated Netflix horror 'The Stranger', which also found a second life after a quiet release.
How to Watch 'HIM' in May 2026
If you're curious about Peele's most polarizing production, you can stream HIM on HBO Max globally. In the United States, it's also available on Netflix. For fans of Peele's work, it's a fascinating entry in his filmography—a flawed but ambitious horror that, like some forgotten gems that deserve a second look, may earn a cult following over time.
Peele's next directorial project remains shrouded in mystery, but it's already being hailed as one of the most exciting horror films in development. Meanwhile, HIM serves as a reminder that even a misstep can find redemption in the streaming era. Whether you're a completionist or just looking for a conversation-starting horror flick, HIM is worth a watch—especially now that it's finally getting the audience it missed in theaters.
