The Allure of Magic and Myths in Marvel's Cinematic Universe

Magic, Myth, and Marvel are three distinct concepts that have captivated human imagination for centuries. Magic refers to the supernatural ability to manipulate and control the forces of nature and reality through rituals, spells, and incantations. It is often associated with mysticism, sorcery, and wizardry, and is a common theme in folklore, literature, and movies. Myths, on the other hand, are traditional stories and legends that explain natural phenomena, cultural beliefs, and historical events. They often involve gods, goddesses, heroes, and supernatural creatures and serve as a way to pass down cultural traditions and values from one generation to another. Myths can be found in various cultures and have played a significant role in shaping human understanding of the world.

This historical horror movie pretty much guarantees nightmares. The disturbing flick centers on a family in 1630s New England and marks Anya Taylor-Joy's film debut. Over the 90-minute flick, strange and shocking things happen to a farmer and family who've relocated to a remote area on the edge of a forest.

The twisty and terrifying horror-comedy introduces a group of unsuspecting college kids, including one played by Chris Hemsworth, who head to a remote cabin for a fun weekend. It s the only horror movie ever to win a best picture Oscar, and it also won for best director, screenplay, actor Hopkins and actress Foster in 1992.

Myths can be found in various cultures and have played a significant role in shaping human understanding of the world. Marvel, in this context, refers to extraordinary and awe-inspiring events or phenomena that defy explanation and challenge human perception of reality. It can be related to both magic and myth, as it often involves elements of wonder, mystery, and astonishment.

The 15 Best Horror Movies on Max

From The Shining to Barbarian to Carrie, Max's selection is startlingly good.

Meara covers streaming service news for CNET. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she wrote for her college newspaper, The Daily Texan, as well as for state and local magazines. When she's not writing, she likes to dote over her cat, sip black coffee and try out new horror movies.

It's October, so a scary movie night is probably in order. Max is bringing its A game this spooky season, offering classics like The Exorcist (1973), Carrie (1976) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), as well as newer entries like Barbarian (2022) and Evil Dead Rise (2023).

Here are 15 excellent horror titles to make time for on Max. All these films received generally favorable reviews or better, according to Metacritic. If you're wondering what Max is all about, here's more on the streaming service, which unites the HBO Max and Discovery Plus libraries.

Hereditary (2018)

This is one you shouldn't watch alone. The feature-length directorial debut from Ari Aster (Midsommar) is about what a family uncovers after the death of its matriarch, and it may be the scariest entry on this list. If you're up for a disturbing flick with great performances, venture cautiously into Hereditary.

It (2017)

When this adaptation of the classic Stephen King novel hit theaters in 2017, it had moviegoers like me looking twice at storm drains and dreading red balloons. With a cast of intrepid kids and a lot of heart, it makes a compelling case for more supernatural coming-of-age stories. And a strong case against clowns.

The Shining (1980)

If you're still on the hunt for a horror movie, you can't go wrong with The Shining, the excellent Stanley Kubrick-directed movie starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. In the film -- another Stephen King adaptation -- a writer (Nicholson) staying in a remote hotel with his family exhibits some troubling changes in behavior. This one will absolutely satisfy your horror cravings.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

A family accidentally unearths some unimaginable evils in this gory supernatural horror story. It's the fifth entry in the film franchise after The Evil Dead (1981), Evil Dead II ('87), Army of Darkness ('92) and Evil Dead (2013).

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Jodie Foster interviews Anthony Hopkins' evil Hannibal Lecter in this classic psychological thriller. Foster plays FBI agent Clarice Starling, who's determined to bring down a killer. It's the only horror movie ever to win a best picture Oscar, and it also won for best director, screenplay, actor (Hopkins) and actress (Foster) in 1992.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

This iconic slasher film is streaming on Max along with most of its sequels, so a marathon may be in order. The first film follows teenager Nancy Thompson and her friends, who begin to dream about the same man -- a disfigured, sweater-wearing villain who wields blades on one hand. Good luck trying to sleep after watching.

The Exorcist (1973)

Now that Universal is working on not one, but three brand-new Exorcist movies, it's time to jog your memory about the terrifying events of the original. Star Ellen Burstyn's character, the mother of a possessed 12-year-old, enlists the help of a priest. The thoroughly scary flick won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay.

The Descent (2005)

In this British horror film from 2005, six young women go spelunking and rub up against terrifying humanoid cave dwellers. It's a race to evade the dark before becoming creature food. If you need another reason to descend, the flick's high user score on Metacritic suggests you'll be glad you went on this chilling expedition.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

For surprises and plenty of nightmare fuel, The Cabin in the Woods is the way to go. The twisty and terrifying horror-comedy introduces a group of unsuspecting college kids, including one played by Chris Hemsworth, who head to a remote cabin for a fun weekend. The first half hour or so is relatively calm, but when the horror show starts, it doesn't let up.

The Witch (2015)

This historical horror movie pretty much guarantees nightmares. The disturbing flick centers on a family in 1630s New England and marks Anya Taylor-Joy's film debut. Over the 90-minute flick, strange and shocking things happen to a farmer and family who've relocated to a remote area on the edge of a forest.

Carrie (1976)

It's more Stephen King, and you have to watch Sissy Spacek's Oscar-nominated portrayal of the prom queen at least once in your life. Why not now?

The Menu (2022)

Anya Taylor-Joy shines in this horror satire about an elaborate dinner with a dark twist. It presents an assortment of guests gathering at Hawthorne, an exclusive restaurant on an island. Renowned chef Julian Slowik, played by a magnetic Ralph Fiennes, has planned every detail of the evening except for the inclusion of Taylor-Joy's Margot. Dishing out thrills and social commentary, The Menu will have you pleading for seconds.

Barbarian (2022)

A young woman travels to Detroit for a job interview and discovers her Airbnb has been double-booked. That may be how this engrossing horror film starts, but it soon descends into complete chaos. With twists in the story and superb acting all around, Barbarian is freaky, five-star horror fare.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

George Romero's first horror film is an easy recommendation. A group of survivors take refuge in a house while members of the undead swarm outside. The influential flick is often regarded as the first modern zombie movie, and while it may not offer Freddy Krueger-level frights, you'll be drawn in by the characters at the center of its story. You're going to want to leave the door open for this one (but in the case of an actual apocalypse, keep it very, very shut).

Eraserhead (1977)

David Lynch's first feature-length film will make you feel like you're in a bizarre nightmare. The 90-minute black-and-white horror flick is packed with odd sounds and imagery, and the result is incredibly eerie. Don't even get me started on the main character's freakish, otherworldly looking "baby" (that's oddly still kind of cute?). There are messages about men and parenthood here, but even setting aside the bigger picture, Eraserhead's surreal world is absolutely worth a visit.

Here are 15 excellent horror titles to make time for on Max. All these films received generally favorable reviews or better, according to Metacritic. If you're wondering what Max is all about, here's more on the streaming service, which unites the HBO Max and Discovery Plus libraries.

Marvels can take many forms, such as miraculous healings, unexplainable phenomena, or incredible feats of strength and ability. What makes magic, myth, and marvel fascinating is their ability to transport us to a world beyond our own, where anything is possible. They have the power to spark our imagination, ignite our curiosity, and provide a sense of wonder and enchantment. Whether we encounter them through ancient tales, modern works of fiction, or in our everyday lives, magic, myth, and marvel continue to captivate and inspire us. In conclusion, magic, myth, and marvel are interconnected concepts that tap into our innate sense of wonder and curiosity. They provide a means to explore the boundaries of reality, challenge our beliefs, and ignite our imagination. Whether we use them as a form of escapism or as a way to connect with our cultural heritage, magic, myth, and marvel have a lasting impact on human culture and consciousness..

Reviews for "The Evolution of Magic and Myths in Marvel's Comic Book History"

1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I found "Magic Myth Marvel" to be quite disappointing. The story was convoluted and hard to follow, with numerous plot holes that were never addressed. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Overall, the book failed to engage me and left me feeling unsatisfied.

2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I couldn't get through "Magic Myth Marvel." The writing style was choppy and incoherent, making it nearly impossible to comprehend the storyline. The excessive use of clichés and predictable plot twists made it feel like a poorly written fan-fiction rather than a well-crafted novel. I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Myth Marvel," but it fell short of my expectations. The world-building was confusing and poorly explained, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the story. The pacing was uneven, with moments of intense action followed by dull and dragging sections. The character motivations were also unclear and inconsistent. Overall, this book had potential, but it failed to deliver a captivating and coherent narrative.

4. Alex - 2/5 stars - "Magic Myth Marvel" lacked originality and depth. The plot followed predictable tropes and didn't offer anything new or exciting. The characters felt one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it hard to invest in their journey. Additionally, the prose was lackluster and lacked a sense of style or flair. I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who seek unique and thought-provoking stories.

From Norse Mythology to Asgard: The Role of Magic in Marvel's Universe