Ranking the gayest—and scariest—haunted houses at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026

Southern California’s current heatwave might lead you to believe otherwise, but October is just around the corner, meaning “Spooky Season” is already upon us.

And while we usually rely on a nice, crisp chill in the air to help us get in the mood for Halloween, desperate times called for desperate measures, so we decided to brave the opening week of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026. Because, we figured if the unseasonably warm weather wasn’t going to get us into the holiday spirit, a few solid jump-scares might.

And, girl, did it ever!

Though the queer community has a long-established affinity for the horror genre, “LGBTQ+ inclusion” has never felt like it’s been at the top of the priority list for haunted houses. So we were curious: with eight eclectic houses to choose from and something known as the Terror Tram (not to mention: a Purge-themed stunt show, multiple “scare zones,” and plenty of other scare actor encounters), just how gay is this year’s Halloween Horror Nights offering?

We worked up the courage to test run each of Universal Studios Hollywood’s 2026 haunted houses so you don’t have to (but you really should!), ranking them all from least to most gay. So, scroll down below to see which is the queerest of them all—and don’t miss our Gay Shriek ratings to learn which are the scariest of the bunch!

9. Evil Dead Burn

Props to this one for dutifully capturing the all-hell-breaks-loose chaos of this year’s grim & grisly Evil Dead Burn, but remember when these movies used to have a real camp factor to them, particularly Sam Raimi’s increasingly gonzo original trilogy? Well, that quality was sorely lacking here, save for a demonic dismembered head early in the maze that taunted guests as they walked by like a true shady queen. Shout-out to the curly-haired cutie scare actor who was clearly meant to evoke the film’s out star, Hunter Doohan, though we would’ve also loved if they found a way to incorporate the director somehow. Because, have you seen him? Woof!

But is it scary?: Oh yeah, especially in the maze’s hellacious climax where they cranked up the heat to emphasize the “Burn” of it all—truly terrifying amid our current LA heatwave! [4/5 Gay Shrieks]

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8. Sinners

Fans of last year’s breakout blockbuster are in for a real treat with this one, which goes to great lengths to ease you into the film’s immaculate vibe before scaring the fangs off you. The house’s first room even has an homage to that bravura, time-bending “I Lied To You” sequence, with translucent panels lighting up to reveal performers from different eras, like the ’70s guitar god and a hip-hop DJ. Stunning! But, really, any gay points earned are thanks to the scare actors who resemble Sinners‘ scorching-hot cast—Michale B. Jordan, Hayley Steinfeld, Jayme Lawson, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku—which was enough to kickstart a bi awakening.

But is it scary?: Eh, occasionally, but this one was more about immersing you in an immaculate mood than delivering jump-scares, and that’s very much appreciated! [2/5 Gay Shrieks]

7. Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness

If you’ve ever wanted to scream and sob at the same time, this is the house for you, providing plenty of scares while somehow also managing to be a beautiful tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, Prince Of Darkness (may he rest in hell, a phrase we’re sure he’d take as praise). True Ozz heads will flip for the many easter egg details throughout, but anyone can appreciate the fabulously over-the-top homages of his biggest songs (there is, indeed, a Crazy Train) and moments (we LOL’d at the giant Bat-man biting the head off a human). A noted ally, Ozzy always had a sense of theatricality to him, and in that way, this house spoke to the theater kid in all of us.

But is it scary?: We were gooped by a few of the ghoulies, but most of them popped out while delivering Ozzy’s iconic laugh, which we honestly found more charming than chilling. [3/5 Gay Shrieks]

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6. Dead, Deader, Deadest

The real secret to Horror Nights is that the best houses tend to be the ones not based on pre-existing I.P. because you truly have no idea what to expect. That was definitely true of this maze, set at a funeral home where a supposed “miracle embalming fluid” has brought the recently deceased back to life. Early on, a portrait of the home’s owner, Mr. Deville, showed us that he’s a preening old queen—who’s seemingly had plenty of work done—which set an arch tone for what followed, keeping things playful (like the dripping lime-green goo, or the ice-cold storage room you walk through) while also scaring the bejesus out of you.

But is it scary?: Holy hell, is it ever! No spoilers, but the final stretch of this one is a true gauntlet of scares that had us both shrieking & cackling with glee. [5/5 Gay Shrieks]

5. Killer Klowns From Outer Space

If you haven’t yet seen this camp-horror classic about—you guessed it!—killer clowns klowns from outer space, then do yourself a favor and watch it right now! Though admittedly lighter on scares, this colorful recreation of the ’88 film gleefully invites guests into the movie’s most sublimely silly scenes, from the cotton candy bodybags (where a sweet smell is pumped into the air) to the moment where a police officer becomes a ventriloquist doll (give the actor playing the dummy-cop in this an Oscar!). The Klowns here are such a gag, teasing you & sometimes even squirting you with water guns, that it feels like the equivalent of giggling your goofiest Judys.

But is it scary?: Like, not really, but we didn’t mind at all. It was a welcome vibe shift from some of the more macabre stuff at Horror Nights. And, again, the Killer Klowns? Those are our sister!!! [1/5 Gay Shrieks]

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4. Killceañera: Music By SLASH

Horror Nights stans know that, every year, they’ll deliver a house inspired by Latin folklore, and every year, it’s one of the best houses they’ve got! Randomly soundtracked by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, this year’s mashes up legendary lady-monsters like La Llorona & La Bruja for the story of a teen birthday girl summoning evil spirits to get revenge on her classmates, Carrie-style. Okay, work! Even after making a gag-worthy first impression, when a singing skeleton diva welcomes guests in by serving vocals down, Killceañera manages to maintain a wickedly witchy energy throughout. Yeah, this one’s for the gays & the girlies, for sure!

But is it scary?: Yes, and thrillingly so. Like we said, Horror Nights always does right by its Latin folklore houses, so do not miss this one! [4/5 Gay Shrieks]

3. Terror Tram Starring Art The Clown

Universal’s beloved Studio Backlot Tour gets a seasonal update with the Terror Tram, which is really just a quick, uneventful ride through the lot before you’re dumped out into an open-air scare zone walkthrough. This one’s themed with the indie gore-fest Terrifier series’ baddie Art The Clown, who is, deep down, an old show queen, underscored here by his love of Christmas (and further highlighted by a rainbow-accented painting of him we spotted along the way). But what really makes this one gay is the chance to stroll through Psycho‘s famous Bates Motel set, including a photo op with ultimate mama’s boy-turned-closeted killer Norman Bates!

But is it scary?: Unlike the haunted houses, the Terror Tram’s open-concept style allows for a more interactive experience where the scare actors are able to more actively stalk and taunt the guests. [3/5 Gay Shrieks]

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2. Stranger Things 5

We have to level with you: We fell off on watching Stranger Things a few seasons back, so we have to assume this house offered a nice speed-run through the final episodes? What we do know is the sci-fi saga’s long had queer characters front & center, like Noah Schnapp’s Will Byers & Maya Hawke’s Robin Buckley, both of whom get fun hero moments in this eerie tour of the Upside Down and the right-side-up. Of course, the true standout moment is the recreation of mama bear Karen Wheeler’s ferocious kitchen showdown with a Demogorgen, soundtracked by ABBA’s “Fernando.” We wanted to stay in the scene to hear the whole song play through!

But is it scary?: Occasionally! But, if we’re being honest, there’s nothing scarier than being a closeted teens in 1980s middle-America. Will Byers, you have our heart. [2/5 Gay Shrieks]

1. Hellraiser

In the words of the great Rihanna, “Sticks & stones may break my bones but chains & whips excite me.” Yes, one man’s hell is a kinkster’s paradise in this leather-bound tribute to the original Hellraiser trilogy, the sadomasochistic series from the twisted mind of gay horror legend Clive Barker. Universal really let their freak flag fly with this one, featuring the iconic Pinhead, his BDSM-loving Cenobite chosen family, and a bunch of fleshy creatures that look like body parts we’ve never even seen before. Come to think of it, it’s actually insane that this kinky nightmare fuel exists in the same theme park as Despicable Me‘s adorable little Minions.

But is it scary?: Absolutely bone-chilling! You’ll just be minding your business, making your way through dangling chains when, BAM!, another Cenobite jumps out to scare (and arouse) you. [5/5 Gay Shrieks]

You can find tickets & more information for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026 right here.

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