One of the Best Horror Movies of 2026 is Officially Coming to HBO Max

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Most movies need big budgets and famous actors to attract a large audience, but horror films are different – a truly scary story is all that matters. This is why low-budget or independent horror films often become some of the year’s most popular and profitable movies. A24 studio has successfully capitalized on this by focusing on creative, inexpensive storytelling, which has made them a well-known name in the industry. Their film, Undertone, followed this pattern, captivating viewers and critics with a smart idea and minimal production costs. Now, Undertone is becoming available to an even wider audience through streaming.

The supernatural horror film Undertone will be available to stream on HBO Max starting June 26th. This is the feature film debut for Canadian director Ian Tuason. Originally released in theaters by A24 on March 13, 2026, after a premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, Undertone was a huge success despite its small $500,000 budget, earning $21 million worldwide. Critics generally liked the film, making it a standout horror movie of 2026. Because of its success, A24 has approved a prequel, and a third film is currently being considered.

You Should Watch Undertone Without Your Phone

The film Undertone centers on Evy (Nina Kiri), a podcast host who doesn’t believe in the paranormal. When she returns to her childhood home to care for her mother, who is in a coma, she receives a series of unsettling audio recordings. These recordings, supposedly from a pregnant couple, prompt Evy to investigate what happened to them. The movie is structured around what the characters hear, rather than see, which led to its tagline: “The scariest movie you’ll ever hear.” This creates a very tense and confined atmosphere, as Evy is mostly stuck inside a single house, often even just one room, trying to understand a threat she can’t visually identify. The film relies heavily on Kiri’s performance, as she appears in almost every scene.

Undertone is a movie that truly comes alive when you can focus on the sound. The filmmakers have carefully crafted the audio to create a sense of unease, using quiet sounds hidden within the podcast elements. If you’re distracted – by a phone, for example – you might miss the subtle details that writer/director Tuason has layered into the experience. The most impactful scenes depend on you noticing changes, repetitions, or even the complete absence of certain sounds, making it best enjoyed in a quiet space. Using headphones will replicate the immersive sound of a movie theater and allow you to fully appreciate this unique horror film, which is already becoming a hit in 2026.

Undertone arrives on HBO Max on June 26th.

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2026-05-22 14:10