HBO Max has embraced the Halloween spirit with its Halloween is Here hub, packed with tricks and treats for all ages. While they’ve broken down the Halloween-themed content into curated categories, the streaming service borrowed a trick from It and It Chapter Two for those unable to decide on what to watch.
In 2017’s It, Richie (Finn Wolfhard) and Bill (Jaeden Martell) come across three doors in the house on Neibolt street labeled “Not Scary at All,” “Scary,” and “Very Scary.” They choose the least terrifying option, only to be met with a girl missing the lower half of her body. In It Chapter Two, Richie (Bill Hader) encounters the doors again, now with Eddie (James Ransone). Remembering what happened last time, Richie chooses the “Very Scary” door, where the girl’s lower half comes tap dancing out.
Under 31 Days of Tricks or Treats, HBO Max presents those same three doors, each with a randomized selection of horror that changes daily. Like the Losers Club kids, you just have to choose your level of terror. Only this time, there are no Pennywise tricks. “Not Scary at All” offers family friendly frights, and the following doors increase the fear levels. That these selections rotate daily means you can use this function throughout October.
The streamer breaks down its Halloween offerings into fun categories like “Magic and Witchcraft,” “Costume Ideas,” “Creature Features,” “Cartoon Creep-Outs,” and more, making it easy to navigate through the Halloween hub. But the choose-your-own adventure by way of It and It Chapter Two makes for a nice touch.
