10 Anticipated Horror Movies To Look For In 2026
Nightmares are lining up at the theater, and the screams are just getting started. The year ahead promises eerie towns, undead chaos, and creatures that stalk the dark.
Classic-style slashers share the spotlight with chilling supernatural stories ready to mess with your sleep schedule. Plenty of terrifying moments are on the way for anyone brave enough to watch.
Note: Release dates, creative teams, and availability can change, and some projects keep plot details intentionally limited until closer to debut. Descriptions here reflect publicly available information and general expectations tied to each franchise or filmmaker’s established style.
10. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Fans of the rage virus saga are in for a wild ride when this sequel hits theaters on January 16.
Director Nia DaCosta brings fresh energy to the post-apocalyptic world that made the original films so unforgettable. It currently sits at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes (as of January 28, 2026), critics are calling it a terrifying triumph.
Imagine a world where survival depends on staying one step ahead of infected hordes. The film explores what happens decades after the outbreak, blending heart-pounding action with emotional depth that will leave you breathless.
9. Send Help
What happens when a simple call for assistance turns into your worst nightmare? Arriving on January 30, a chilling thriller promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Buzz around the tightly guarded plot has fans brimming with excitement.
Early teasers hint at a story where every decision carries weight and trust turns into a dangerous gamble.
For viewers who love films that twist your mind and make you question everything, that title belongs on a must watch list for the year.
8. Scream 7
Ghostface is back, and this time the stakes are higher than ever.
Director Kevin Williamson brings the iconic slasher franchise roaring back to life on February 27 with Neve Campbell returning as Sidney Prescott. Fans have been waiting for this reunion, and the buzz around the film is absolutely electric.
Maybe the best part is how the movie blends classic scares with modern twists that feel fresh and unexpected. Think of it as your favorite comfort food with a surprising new flavor that makes you fall in love all over again.
7. The Bride!
Step back into 1930s Chicago where Frankenstein’s monster searches for love in an unexpected way.
Christian Bale and Annette Bening headline a gothic romance arriving on March 6, blending classic horror style with genuine emotion.
Through a monster’s eyes, the story explores loneliness and connection, inviting sympathy for a character few expected to root for. Picture a rainy evening as shadows and mystery pull you into a tale shaped by heartbreak and hope.
6. Ready Or Not: Here I Come
If you loved the first film’s blend of terror and dark humor, prepare yourself for round two.
Samara Weaving returns as Grace on March 20, joined by Kathryn Newton for another deadly game with even higher stakes.
The sequel has been dated for March 20, 2026, with early buzz centered on its return to the original’s dark-comedy survival tone. Honestly, watching characters navigate life-or-death situations while cracking jokes creates a unique thrill that stays with you long after the credits roll.
5. They Will K*ll You
Sometimes a title tells you everything you need to know, and this one does not hold back.
Arriving on March 27, the film promises relentless tension and a story that refuses to let you catch your breath. Details remain shrouded in mystery, which only adds to the anticipation building among horror enthusiasts everywhere.
When a movie confidently declares its intentions right in the name, you know the filmmakers are committed to delivering maximum scares. Buckle up for a wild ride that takes no prisoners.
4. Passenger
What secrets lurk aboard a journey where escape is impossible?
Plot details are being kept quiet, but the title and May 29, 2026 release date have been announced. The setup alone is enough to make your palms sweat, as the film traps characters and audiences alike in an inescapable nightmare.
Travel horror has a special way of tapping into our fears about being stuck with strangers in tight quarters. Maybe that is why this premise feels so unsettling yet absolutely irresistible to fans of psychological thrillers.
3. Evil Dead Burn
Deadites return on July 24 with another chapter in a legendary franchise that has terrified audiences for decades. As always, expect high-intensity horror and the franchise’s trademark mayhem that helped turn the series into a cult classic.
Longtime fans know exactly what they are getting into, and that familiarity remains part of the thrill.
Oddly enough, a sense of comfort comes from a franchise that never apologizes for being brutally intense and fully committed to its tone. With summer taking a darker turn, horror lovers could not be happier about what awaits.
2. Resident Evil
Director Zach Cregger takes the franchise back to its survival-horror roots on September 18, promising a darker and more faithful adaptation of the beloved video game series.
Fans have been craving a film that captures the tense atmosphere and genuine scares of the original games.
This reboot aims to deliver exactly that, stripping away the action-heavy elements of previous movies for something truly terrifying. Picture yourself navigating dark corridors with limited resources, where every shadow could hide a zombie waiting to strike.
1. Werwulf
Robert Eggers brings his signature atmospheric style to medieval England on December 25, crafting a werewolf tale set in the 13th century.
The ensemble cast includes Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Ineson, all bringing gravitas to this period horror piece. Eggers has a gift for creating films that feel both historically grounded and utterly terrifying.
Closing out the year with a Christmas release, this film promises to make your holiday season delightfully dark and unforgettable.
