Fall Brings Back ‘The Craft’ to HBO Max’s Most-Watched Chart

As autumn arrives, streaming audiences eagerly reach for their favorite spooky films well ahead of Halloween. This year, a beloved cult classic has resurfaced in the conversation. HBO Max set the tone early with its impressive collection released on September 1, featuring titles like ‘Carrie,’ ‘Misery,’ ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ and ‘Talk to Me.’

The film making waves is none other than ‘The Craft,’ directed by Andrew Fleming, who co-wrote it with Peter Filardi. Released by Columbia Pictures on May 3, 1996, with a budget of $15 million, the story follows a group of outcast teen girls who delve into witchcraft. The cast includes Fairuza Balk, Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True.

Currently, ‘The Craft’ has made its way back onto HBO Max’s movie rankings, sitting at No. 9, a slight drop from its previous position after 24 days on the list. According to FlixPatrol, it remains one of the most-watched movies on the platform in the United States.

The company it keeps speaks volumes about the season. ‘Supergirl’ holds the top spot, while the lower half of the list is filled with witchy and spooky favorites, including ‘Practical Magic’ at No. 7 and ‘Beetlejuice’ at No. 10. SlashFilm highlighted that the upcoming release of ‘Practical Magic 2’ coincides with this seasonal surge.

The film’s return to the chart underscores its enduring appeal. CBR noted that its resurgence among the most-watched titles reflects its lasting popularity, despite receiving mixed reviews upon release. Audiences clearly embraced it, leading to a box office gross of $55.6 million.

Part of its staying power lies in what the film represents. Frame Rated argues that it played a significant role in normalizing witchcraft in popular culture, paving the way for shows like ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ and ‘Charmed.’ This influence is evident in how modern teen horror continues to draw from its themes of friendship, power, and consequences.

The story has expanded beyond the original film as well. Zoe Lister-Jones wrote and directed the 2020 legacy sequel ‘The Craft: Legacy,’ produced by Blumhouse, with Fleming serving as executive producer. IndieWire described the original as a narrative about alienation, bullying, and standing up against those who seek to oppress, themes that resonate strongly with viewers today.

Additionally, there’s an interesting piece of horror history tied to the film’s cast. SlashFilm noted that it premiered about seven months before the original ‘Scream’ took over the box office, with Campbell soon becoming a genre icon thanks to that franchise. Reflecting on it now, the coven’s debut feels like an early indication of the direction 90s horror was headed.

For those crafting a spooky season watchlist, the timing couldn’t be better. ‘The Craft’ is currently streaming on HBO Max, and A24’s ‘Backrooms’ will begin streaming on September 25, providing subscribers with even more reasons to dim the lights. If the chart is any indication, many viewers are already in the mood for a touch of magic.