2026 is poised to be a landmark year for horror, building on the incredible momentum of the last twelve months. From Demi Moore’s captivating performance in *The Substance* to the record-breaking success of Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners*, and the thrilling returns of beloved franchises like *28 Days Later*, *Final Destination*, and *The Conjuring*, 2025 delivered a chilling feast for fans. Independent films like *Bring Her Back*, *Weapons*, *The Ugly Stepsister*, and *Good Boy* also carved out a significant space, proving the genre’s vibrant diversity.
But the shadows are lengthening, and 2026 promises an even more terrifying landscape. A wealth of new horror titles awaits, ranging from blockbuster spectacles to intensely unsettling indie projects. Prepare for a relentless onslaught of sequels, remakes, reboots, and entirely original nightmares – if you dare to look.
The year kicks off with *SOULM8TE* on January 9th. This eagerly anticipated spin-off to the viral sensation *M3GAN* presents a chilling premise: a man seeks solace in an artificially intelligent android after loss, only to inadvertently create a deadly companion. Directed by Kate Dolan, known for the haunting Irish folk tale *You Are Not My Mother*, and starring Lily Sullivan of *Evil Dead Rise*, *SOULM8TE* blends technological suspense with classic thriller elements.
Just a week later, on January 16th, the relentless terror returns with *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*. Following the explosive success of this year’s *28 Years Later*, Nia DaCosta directs this next chapter. Youngster Spike (Alfie Williams) finds himself entangled with the menacing Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his gang, while Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) faces a shocking new relationship with potentially world-altering consequences.
The franchise revivals continue with *Return to Silent Hill* on January 23rd. Directed by Christophe Gans, this adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game series aims to redeem previous attempts. The story follows James (Jeremy Irvine) as a mysterious letter draws him back to the eerily familiar, yet terrifyingly altered, town of Silent Hill, forcing him to question his sanity and confront haunting figures from the past.
January concludes with a double dose of adrenaline. *Primate*, arriving on January 30th, taps into primal fears with a story of a family and their pet chimpanzee descending into violent chaos after a rabies infection. Also on the 30th, Sam Raimi’s influence looms large over *Send Help*, a survival thriller about two colleagues stranded on a deserted island, battling both the elements and their own fractured relationship.
February brings more iconic franchises back to the forefront. *The Strangers: Chapter 3* hits cinemas on February 6th, concluding the rebooted slasher series. Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and fellow survivors face a final, terrifying showdown with the masked murderers. Then, on February 13th, *Cold Storage* plunges viewers into a chilling sci-fi horror, starring Georgina Campbell, Joe Keery, and Liam Neeson, as they attempt to contain a dangerous parasitic fungus unleashed from an abandoned military base.
The intensity escalates with *Psycho Killer* on February 20th, again featuring Georgina Campbell as a highway patrol officer relentlessly pursuing a sadistic serial killer. And February culminates with the return of *Scream 7* on February 27th, despite recent behind-the-scenes turmoil. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) must confront her past to protect her daughter from a new Ghostface killer.
March 6th introduces *The Bride!*, a reimagining of the classic Frankenstein story from director Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley. Set in 1930s Chicago, the film explores the creation of a companion for Frankenstein’s monster, with unforeseen and terrifying results. April 10th unleashes *Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come*, promising more darkly comedic mayhem with Samara Weaving and a stellar supporting cast including Kathryn Newton, Elijah Wood, and David Cronenberg.
April 17th sees the return of *The Mummy*, directed by Lee Cronin, famed for *Evil Dead Rise*. Starring Jack Reynor and Laia Costa, this new iteration follows a couple searching for their missing daughter after a catastrophic military experiment. May 15th brings *Obsession*, a supernatural thriller from YouTuber Curry Barker, exploring the dark consequences of a wish gone wrong.
The summer heats up with *Evil Dead Burn* on July 24th, directed by Sébastien Vaniček and produced by horror legends Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi. Then, on September 18th, Zach Cregger, director of *Barbarian* and *Weapons*, takes on *Resident Evil*, promising a fresh take on the iconic zombie franchise set in Racoon City.
As the days grow shorter, the horror intensifies. *We Bury The Dead*, starring Daisy Ridley, arrives with a poignant and heartbreaking story of a woman searching for her husband after a devastating event. *Sleepwalker*, featuring Hayden Panettiere, delves into the terrifying world of sleep paralysis and escalating nightmares. *Night Patrol* unveils a hidden secret within a housing project, while Markiplier’s directorial debut, *Iron Lung*, promises a claustrophobic and bloody descent into an underwater abyss.
October brings a chilling wave of releases. *The Undertone*, already generating buzz, explores the unsettling world of paranormal podcasts and haunted homes. *Mother Mary*, starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, offers a psychosexual thriller with a star-studded cast. *The Demoness* unleashes a terrifying supernatural entity upon the world. *Werwulf*, from Robert Eggers, promises a dark and atmospheric period werewolf tale with Willem Dafoe and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. *The Mortuary Assistant*, based on the popular game, brings a terrifying night shift to life. *The Backrooms* explores the unsettling reality of an endless, maze-like space. *Forbidden Fruits* delivers a darkly comedic thriller with a powerhouse ensemble cast.
2026 is shaping up to be a year where horror fans will be truly tested. From established franchises to bold new visions, the shadows are calling. Are you ready to answer?
