New Halloween horror titles are already live across Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, and Tubi this October. Each service has its own mix of brand-new releases and newly licensed classics, so where you watch depends on which kind of scare you want. This rundown sorts the new arrivals by platform and tells you what each one actually is, so you can pick a service and press play without hunting through menus.
Table of Contents
- What's new on Netflix
- What's new on Hulu
- Where to find Pumpkinhead 2 and other free options
- Classic horror returning to Peacock and Prime Video
- What's streaming on HBO Max
- Frequently Asked Questions
What's new on Netflix
Netflix premiered "Below" on October 8, 2026 — a horror limited series starring Josh Hartnett set in a remote coastal town terrorized by a sea creature, according to What's on Netflix. It's a multi-episode series rather than a single film, so it suits viewers who want a longer watch than a 90-minute movie.
Netflix also added two licensed titles to its library on October 1, 2026: "Happy Death Day 2U" and the 2013 "Evil Dead," according to Bloody Disgusting. Both were previously released in theaters and are now available to any subscriber without an extra rental fee.
- "Below" — new limited series, premiered October 8
- "Happy Death Day 2U" — licensed library title, added October 1
- "Evil Dead" (2013) — licensed library title, added October 1
What's new on Hulu
Hulu added three different horror titles this month. "Soulm8te," a Blumhouse production, began streaming October 1, 2026, according to Bloody Disgusting.
The same report notes that "Hokum," directed by Damian McCarthy, joined Hulu's library in October following its earlier 2026 theatrical run. Hulu's library additions also include "Barbarian," the 2022 film, which arrived October 1, 2026, per TechRadar. That gives Hulu subscribers one recent theatrical release (Soulm8te), one smaller festival-circuit film (Hokum), and one now-established horror favorite (Barbarian) in the same month.
Where to find Pumpkinhead 2 and other free options
Tubi premiered "Pumpkinhead 2" on October 9, 2026, free with ads, as part of its "Terror on Tubi" lineup, according to TechRadar. The film is a family-friendly R.L.
Stine-based original starring Cassandra Peterson — better known as Elvira — playing a witch named Cassandra. Because Tubi is ad-supported and free to use, "Pumpkinhead 2" requires no subscription, making it the easiest entry point on this list if you want to watch something tonight without signing up for anything.
Classic horror returning to Peacock and Prime Video
Peacock added the original "Scream" trilogy and the first three "Paranormal Activity" films to its catalog on October 1, 2026, according to Bloody Disgusting. That's six films across two franchises, giving Peacock subscribers a way to watch both series from the beginning in one place.
Prime Video took a different approach, premiering a new adaptation of Stephen King's "Carrie," directed by Mike Flanagan, on October 7, 2026, per TechRadar. Unlike the catalog additions on Peacock, this is a newly produced film rather than a licensed reissue.
What's streaming on HBO Max
HBO Max made A24's "The Backrooms" available starting September 25, 2026, ahead of the Halloween season, according to TechRadar. Its earlier release date means it's been available for several weeks already, so it's one of the longer-running options on this list if you haven't caught it yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Pumpkinhead 2" a reboot of the 1988 "Pumpkinhead" franchise?
The research available describes it as an R.L. Stine-based Tubi original starring Cassandra Peterson, distinct from the earlier franchise's premise.
Do I need a subscription to watch any of these new titles?
No — "Pumpkinhead 2" on Tubi streams free with ads, while the rest require an active Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Peacock, or HBO Max subscription.