You know you’re in for a night of incredible set designs, heart-pounding jump scares, and unforgettable monsters at Halloween Horror Nights. Even with temperatures soaring into triple digits, the incredible cast gave 110%, delivering one of the absolute strongest HHN lineups in recent memory. From high-energy scare zones to emotional rock tributes, here is a complete walkthrough of everything at HHN 2026.

The very first scare zones guests encounter are Fortnitemares and Hackerz. The actors completely nailed the high-energy, fun vibe of the themes. The performers were relentless with their scares.

Located just to the left through the Fortnitemares area, guests immediately encounter two heavy-hitting haunted houses: Sinners and KILLceañera: Music by Slash, as well as the Hami Kuma Meet-and-Greet.

Starting off with Sinners sets the bar rather high. Before entering, live actors set up the story with musicians playing/DJ-ing and a face chatter with a strong resemblance to Michael B. Jordan lip-syncing to the intro. The line moved so fast that it was tough to catch every queue moment, but the staging was phenomenal.

Inside the maze, the glowing LED vampire eyes were mind-blowing. Unlike bulky masks, this sleek prosthetic and light design created a genuine sense of supernatural terror that felt nostalgic to classic haunt craftsmanship. The multi-level bar set featured a balcony where an actor on the upper floor distracted guests right before a scare actor struck from underneath. From the detailed car set to the window scares, walking through felt like stepping into an active movie scene.

Unlike past years where queues often slowed to a crawl inside mazes, ops moved groups through at a rapid pace. While great for wait times, walking through fast made it tricky to catch full theatrical scenes in a single walkthrough. We first noticed this in Sinners, but it was an ongoing theme throughout the evening for us.

KILLceañera has an impressive facade complete with a character performance on the balcony. It includes favorites like La Llarona and El Cucuy. It’s the story of a 15 year old that summons spirits to seek revenge on her bullies.

The maze lets you out in the scare zone El Circo de la Muerte on French Street. This scare zone is filled with terrifying and unique creatures. It also has a secret mini-maze to the right as you head back toward the center of HHN.

Next was the Terror Tram starring Art the Clown. Fans of the Terrifier series will love the sheer volume of Art the Clown interactions and playful, gory setups. The chainsaw showdown set at the classic Bates Motel location was pure perfection. HHN cleverly repurposed classic backlot elements and previous years’ sets. The Terror Tram closes earlier than the main haunted houses! Staff began routing crowds through quickly as the night progressed, so make sure to hit the tram early in the evening so you don’t miss out.

Next on our agenda was the Lower Lot. Killer Klowns from Outer Space, a fan-favorite, returns with its signature bright colors, zany humor, and fun water effects. Featuring set pieces and characters from the series’ fifth season, this house caters heavily to fans of the show. Dead, Deader, Deadest is an original (non-IP) maze themed around a sinister mortuary operation. Dark, intense, and heavily atmospheric, featuring a massive animatronic character and a very unique costume.

Pro Tip: Walk through Killer Klowns from Outer Space first, as the exit queue lets you out right near the entrance for Stranger Things

Hands-down my absolute favorite house of the entire event was Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness. This maze celebrates Ozzy’s solo career and his lifelong love for Halloween. It balances terrifying jump scares with sheer emotional punches. Packed with details—from bats to the wild “Crazy Train” set. The final room features an image of Ozzy with hands folded in prayer, delivering one final scare as he throws up the iconic rock sign. It leaves you laughing, screaming, and getting genuine chills. (This house was so exceptional that standing in the general standby line for a second walkthrough at the end of the night was 100% worth it!)

Once you pass through the back of Wizarding World of Harry Potter and head toward Curious George parking you’ll find two major movie franchise themed mazes. Based on the film Evil Dead Burn, this house delivers immediately. It features a stunning exterior setup and a brilliantly executed sideways-talking head effect right at the entrance. Even if you haven’t caught the film yet, the house tells a clear, intense story that will make any Evil Dead fan want to stream the movie immediately.

Universal’s take on Hellraiser leaned heavily into the aesthetics of the iconic franchise, especially the second film. Gorgeous, high-end costume design for Pinhead and the Cenobites focused heavily around the classic lore. Expect lots of hanging chains throughout the corridors! It provides a tactile, moody walkthrough that fits the world of the Cenobites perfectly.

Obsession made a place for itself at the event even without a maze. Inspired by the viral horror hit, the themed One Wish Churro comes in a box similar to the movie’s Willow tree and is filled with chocolate. It’s a sweet treat to break up your night—and if you wish to meet Nikki, your wish could come true. Nikki from Obsession is roaming the park as a secret character experience. Be sure to check Instagram for the daily secret word to trigger a fun interactive moment (and a special souvenir card) with Nikki if you are lucky.

With live stunt shows like The Purge: Dangerous Waters running alongside world-class haunted houses, Universal Studios Hollywood delivered a powerhouse lineup for 2026. I highly recommend getting early entry and/or upgrading to jump the standard lines to make sure you give yourself time to experience as much as possible. A massive thank you to Universal HHN for inviting us out to experience the event!