At Universal Studios Hollywood, Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2026 showcases a mix of original scares and licensed favorites, with fans weighing strengths and weaknesses across the lineup.
Dead, Deader, Deadest tops the lineup
The Dead, Deader, Deadest maze is set in a funeral home, featuring a sequence of twists: a corpse in embalming preparation, a demented coroner, cold storage, and a blazing incinerator. The experience stands out as a standout attraction in the lineup.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space shines among licensed mazes
The Chiodo brothers’ designs are fully realized, bringing memorable moments from the film to life. It’s a standout licensed maze in the lineup.
Terror Tram returns with Art the Clown
Terrifier’s influence is evident with roaming Art the Clown performers, plus a restaurant and a bar along the Terror Tram route. The experience feels strong this year, with festive lighting on the backlot contrasting with bloody moments as Art and his companions move through the route.
Hellraiser promises gore and cosmic dread
The maze emphasizes chains and other wracked imagery, with Pinhead delivering visceral scares and cosmic dread drawn from Clive Barker’s work. The design is strong, though it may not reach the year’s peak highs.
The Purge: Dangerous Waters returns with a notable innovation
In its second year, this relocated Waterworld stunt-show maze is highlighted as a standout feature. Rumors persist that Waterworld may be replaced in future expansion plans, so attendees may want to experience it while time allows.
Monstrous: The Ghosts of Latin America evolves into a quinceañera
The revival features a nightmarish quinceañera with a Mariachi-influenced soundtrack and monsters including a Mariachi band, contributing to a striking visual and auditory experience.
Evil Dead Burn and the Deadite lore
This sequel to Evil Dead Rise leans into Deadite lore with tactile design, delivering strong sensory impact as burning imagery feels tangible.
Freaky Nikki and the Death Eaters in Hogsmeade
Freaky Nikki roves scare zones, delivering jump scares, while Death Eaters return to Hogwarts’ world, adding magical flair to the experiences.
Stranger Things 5 and the overall verdict
Vecna and Demogorgons anchor a year that includes several standout attractions. This could mark the final Stranger Things maze for some time as the series approaches the end of its current run.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights runs now through November 1, 2026.
