The latest reimagining of the classic horror tale, directed by Robert Eggers, has surged to the top of HBO Max’s streaming charts, surpassing several long-standing fan favorites. This version of Nosferatu, which debuted last year, has captured the attention of viewers with its compelling story and striking cinematography, firmly establishing itself as a major success.
Nosferatu tells the story of Count Orlok’s unsettling fixation on a young woman named Ellen, brought to life through powerful performances by Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard, and Nicholas Hoult. Since its theatrical release, the film earned over $175 million globally and maintains an 84% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Over recent months, it steadily climbed HBO Max’s most-watched list, now ranking fifth and overtaking titles like The Beekeeper, featuring Jason Statham, and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, both of which have typically dominated the platform’s chart.
The 2024 Nosferatu is a contemporary tribute to the iconic 1922 silent film directed by F. W. Murnau, which holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and audiences alike have praised the new adaptation for its atmospheric tension and meticulous detail. Jeff Ewing of Collider remarked on its impact, saying,
“It’s a wonderful display of performative talent, creating a world rich with detail and an atmosphere so palpable that it practically lingers on the skin. The result is a truly frightening adaptation that maintains a pervasive feeling of perpetual, otherworldly dread. Nosferatu is an excellent horror outing by a director at the height of his powers, and one of the year’s finest films.”
Robert Eggers’ Upcoming Project Continues Focus on Dark Folklore
Building on the success of Nosferatu, Robert Eggers is diving deeper into the horror genre with his next film, Werwulf. The project, described by Eggers as his darkest work so far, explores medieval werewolf legends.
“It’s a medieval werewolf movie. And it’s also the darkest thing I’ve ever written. By far,”
Eggers recently stated. While plot details remain closely guarded, Werwulf is slated for a theatrical release on December 25, 2026, continuing Eggers’ pattern of Christmas Day premieres.
Werwulf will again be produced by Focus Features, the studio behind all of Eggers’ films to date. Early casting talks indicate potential reunions with previous collaborators, including Willem Dafoe from The Lighthouse and Lily-Rose Depp, who portrayed Ellen Hutter in Nosferatu. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for 28 Days Later, has already been cast in the lead role, adding further anticipation for this dark fantasy-horror tale.
Viewers in the United States can currently stream Nosferatu on HBO Max. Fans and followers of Robert Eggers should stay tuned for more updates on Werwulf’s plot developments and casting announcements as the release date approaches.
