What to Watch on Hulu 2026
Need something good to stream? Browse Hulu picks across horror, comedy, drama, and thriller, from American Horror Story to Abbott Elementary and more.
If you’re searching for what to watch on Hulu, this list gives you a little of everything without making you scroll forever. For horror and suspense, try American Horror Story, The Substance, Barbarian, Scream, or Soulm8te. If you want something lighter, Abbott Elementary, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and the returning world of Scrubs bring very different kinds of comedy, while Over the Garden Wall and Coraline lean into eerie, family-friendly fantasy. There’s also prestige drama and crime with The Americans, Law & Order, NCIS, and Tracker, plus reality, documentary, and music picks like Survivor and Don't Look Back in Anger.
Spotlight
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01
American Horror Story
Won 17 Emmys 101 nominations
drama · horror · sci-fi · thriller
An anthology horror drama series centering on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an asylum, a witch coven, a freak show, a hotel, a farmhouse in Roanoke, a cult, the apocalypse and a summer camp.
Why watch: If you enjoy anthology horror with shifting settings and characters, this is a strong pick. Its mix of drama, horror, sci-fi, and thriller makes it a good fit when you want something tense and varied.
Directed by Bradley Buecker, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Jennifer Lynch, John J. Gray, Michael UppendahlCast Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Denis O'Hare, Emma Roberts, Jessica LangeAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
02
Best Medicine
comedy · drama
A brilliant surgeon leaves Boston to become a small-town doctor where he spent childhood summers. Despite his medical skills, his rude manner alienates locals as he battles hidden phobias and struggles with personal connections.
Why watch: If you like medical stories with comedy and drama, this one may fit your mood. The premise centers on a gifted surgeon adjusting to small-town life, which should appeal to viewers who enjoy character-driven workplace stories.
Directed by Jaime Eliezer Karas, Jamie Babbit, Todd Holland, Jaffar Mahmood, Jason WinerCast Josh Charles, Abigail Spencer, Josh Segarra, Cree, Annie PottsNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
03
Don't Look Back in Anger
documentary · music
Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
Why watch: If you’re into music documentaries, this is an easy one to consider. The focus on Oasis and rare footage makes it a natural pick for viewers who like real-band stories and music history.
Directed by Will Lovelace, Dylan SouthernCast Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy BellHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Over the Garden Wall
Won 2 Emmys
animation · short · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · horror · mystery
Two brothers, Wirt and Greg, find themselves lost in the Unknown; a strange forest adrift in time. With the help of a wise old Woodsman and a foul-tempered bluebird named Beatrice, Wirt and Greg must travel across this strange land, in hope of finding their way home. Join them as they encounter surprises and obstacles on their journey through the wood.
Why watch: If you want animation that mixes adventure, fantasy, and eerie atmosphere, this is a great place to start. Its family-friendly setup and mysterious forest setting make it appealing for both younger viewers and adults.
Directed by Nate CashCast Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Samuel RameyAmazon Prime VideoHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Substance
Won 1 Oscar 5 nominations
drama · horror · sci-fi
A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Why watch: If you like body-horror ideas wrapped in drama and sci-fi, this film fits that lane well. The premise suggests a darker, high-concept story about youth, identity, and obsession.
Directed by Coralie FargeatCast Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Edward Hamilton-Clark, Gore AbramsHuluMore details on IMDb →
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06
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2006) · 25 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
Why watch: If you prefer crime dramas with a procedural setup, this long-running series is a solid choice. Its focus on a specialized NYPD unit makes it a good fit for viewers who like case-based episodes and serious subject matter.
Directed by Jean de Segonzac, David Platt, Peter Leto, Juan José Campanella, Norberto BarbaCast Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, Kelli GiddishHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
07
Coraline
1 Oscar nomination
animation · drama · family · fantasy
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Why watch: If you enjoy animated fantasy with a darker edge, Coraline is worth a look. Its family and fantasy elements, paired with a frightening setup, make it especially appealing for viewers who like spooky stories with style.
Directed by Henry SelickCast Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith DavidHuluPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
08
Abbott Elementary
Won 4 Emmys Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2022) · 37 nominations
comedy
In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
Why watch: If you want a comedy that stays grounded in everyday work life, this is an easy recommendation. The public-school setting and underfunded-teacher premise should appeal to anyone who likes character-based workplace humor.
Directed by Randall Einhorn, Jennifer Celotta, Jaime Eliezer Karas, Matt Sohn, Claire ScanlonCast Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris PerfettiHuluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Scream
horror · mystery
A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.
Why watch: If slasher-style horror and mystery are your thing, this classic pick lines up well. It’s a strong choice for viewers who enjoy a masked-killer setup and a story built around suspense.
Directed by Wes CravenCast Drew Barrymore, Roger L. Jackson, Kevin Patrick Walls, David Booth, Carla HatleyHuluStarzPeacock PremiumParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Coven Academy
action & adventure · comedy · drama · fantasy · horror · kids & family · mystery & thriller · romance
Teen witch apprentices band together to defend New Orleans against an approaching dark force.
Why watch: If you like fantasy, horror, and teen-team stories, this one may be your kind of pick. The New Orleans setting and witch-apprentice premise suggest a mix of magic, danger, and ensemble energy.
Directed by Aprill Winney, Shannon Kohli, Alexis Ostrander, Amanda Row, Tim FederleCast Malina Pauli Weissman, Malachi Barton, Jordan Leftwich, Ora Duplass, Louis ThresherHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
Tracker
crime · drama
Lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw roams the country as a “reward seeker,” using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime drama with a mystery-of-the-week structure, Tracker fits that taste. The lone-wolf lead and cross-country setup should work well for viewers who like resourceful characters solving problems on the move.
Directed by Ken Olin, Joel Novoa, Aprill Winney, Jeff T. Thomas, Jon HuertasCast Justin Hartley, Fiona Rene, Abby McEnany, Eric Graise, Chris LeeHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Survivor
Won 7 Emmys 78 nominations
adventure · game-show · reality-tv
A reality show contest where sixteen or more castaways split between two or more “Tribes” are taken to a remote isolated location and are forced to live off the land with meager supplies for roughly 39 days. Frequent physical challenges are used to pit the tribes against each other for rewards, such as food or luxuries, or for “Immunity”, forcing the other tribe to attend “Tribal Council”, where they must vote off one of their players.
Why watch: If competition reality shows are your thing, Survivor is an obvious choice. Its survival setup and tribe-based challenges make it a good pick when you want strategy, pressure, and eliminations.
Directed by Michael Simon, Don Roy King, Glenn Weiss, Joe DeMaio, Bill BradyCast Kelly Czarnecki, Jacquie Berg, Lana BussardHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
Scrubs
comedy
J.D. & Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time–medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.
Why watch: If you like workplace comedy with returning characters, this revival-style setup should appeal to you. The reunion of J.D. and Turk suggests a good fit for viewers who enjoy character chemistry and hospital humor.
Directed by Randall Keenan Winston, Chris Koch, Zach Braff, Gail Mancuso, Michael SpillerCast Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Ava Bunn, Jacob DudmanHuluMore details on IMDb → -
14
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
3 Emmy nominations
comedy
Four egocentric friends run a neighborhood Irish pub in Philadelphia and try to find their way through the adult world of work and relationships. Unfortunately, their warped views and precarious judgments often lead them to trouble, creating a myriad of uncomfortable situations that usually only get worse before they get better.
Why watch: If you enjoy edgy comedy built around bad decisions and chaotic friendships, this series is a strong match. Its bar-setting and dysfunctional group dynamic make it ideal for viewers who like sharp, uncomfortable laughs.
Directed by Matt Shakman, Todd Biermann, Fred Savage, Richie Keen, Daniel AttiasCast Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob Mac, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVitoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
15
Barbarian
horror · mystery & thriller
In town for a job interview, a young woman arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that it has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgement, she decides to stay the night anyway.
Why watch: If you like horror with a mystery-thriller edge, this is a solid pick. The late-night Airbnb setup suggests a tense, contained story for viewers who enjoy uneasy house-call situations.
Directed by Zach CreggerCast Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long, Matthew Patrick Davis, Richard BrakeHuluMore details on IMDb → -
16
NCIS
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.
Why watch: If you want an action-crime procedural, NCIS is a dependable choice. The mix of investigation, military-related cases, and team dynamics should appeal to viewers who like case-driven drama.
Directed by Dennis Smith, Terrence O'Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. WrightCast Sean Murray, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Brian Dietzen, Rocky CarrollNetflixHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
Law & Order
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Drama Series (1997) · 52 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing the evidence and questioning the suspects until someone is taken into custody. The district attorney's office then builds a case to convict the perpetrator by proving the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Working together, these expert teams navigate all sides of the complex criminal justice system to make New York a safer place.
Why watch: If you enjoy legal and police procedurals, Law & Order remains a natural fit. Its focus on headline-inspired crimes and courtroom follow-through makes it a good option for structured, serious storytelling.
Directed by Constantine Makris, Edwin Sherin, Jace Alexander, David Platt, Richard DobbsCast Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jerry Orbach, Steven Hill, Jesse L. MartinNetflixHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
18
The Americans
Won 4 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2018) · 18 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Set during the Cold War period in the 1980s, The Americans is the story of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and their neighbor, Stan Beeman, an FBI Counterintelligence agent.
Why watch: If you like Cold War drama with crime and thriller elements, this series stands out. The spy-and-counterintelligence setup should appeal to viewers who want tension, secrecy, and layered relationships.
Directed by Chris Long, Daniel Sackheim, Thomas Schlamme, Daniel Attias, Stefan SchwartzCast Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Keidrich Sellati, Holly Taylor, Noah EmmerichHuluMore details on IMDb → -
19
Casper
comedy · family · fantasy
Casper is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat. Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.
Why watch: If you want a family fantasy with comedy and a gentle ghost story, Casper is a friendly pick. It suits viewers who like light supernatural stories with a touch of romance and charm.
Directed by Rob Letterman, Brad SilberlingCast Chauncey Leopardi, Spencer Vrooman, Malachi Pearson, Cathy Moriarty, Eric IdleHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
20
Soulm8te
horror · sci-fi · thriller
After a ruthless tech giant acquires a small robotics company, a grieving engineer is tasked with testing their new AI companion. But when he attempts to reprogram her to be a truly sentient soulmate, she develops needs of her own—unleashing a relentless spree of precision-engineered mayhem.
Why watch: If you enjoy horror and sci-fi with a tech twist, this one may be up your alley. The AI-companion premise promises thriller energy for viewers who like stories about advanced technology going wrong.
Directed by Kate DolanCast Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, Claudia Doumit, Arty Froushan, Elijah CookHuluMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want a creepy night in, a smart drama, or an easy comedy to keep on in the background, this roundup makes it simpler to pick your next stream. The mix here covers horror, sci-fi, thriller, comedy, and more, so you can match a title to your mood fast. Bookmark this page and check back when you need a fresh idea, because it’s updated regularly with new picks and useful viewing suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Hulu subscription to watch these?
Yes — every title on this list is currently available on Hulu. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.