If you’re looking for the most recent horror movies worth watching, here’s your no-nonsense list of 2026’s standout fright-fests—so no fluff, just what’s new and seriously spooky.
Upcoming Horrors You Can’t Miss
Whistle — Ancient Horrors Are Back
A teenager named Chrys unearths a cursed Aztec death whistle that summons deadly supernatural forces. Whistle hit U.S. theaters on February 6, 2026, and will eventually stream on Shudder, likely by late March .
Scream 7 — A Legacy Returns
Nearly 30 years after the original, Scream 7 reintroduces Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as she protects her daughter from a new Ghostface killer. Renowned writer Kevin Williamson directs this Feb 27, 2026 release .
Cold Storage — Fungus Meets Mayhem
Liam Neeson teams up with Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell to stop a parasitic fungus in a military base. Released in the U.S. on February 13, 2026, Cold Storage blends horror with twisted humor .
Twisted — Deception in NYC
A horror-thriller about two scammers renting apartments they don’t own. Twisted dropped on digital VOD on February 6, 2026 .
Leviticus — Queer Social Horror at Sundance
Australian queer horror inspired by It Follows and The Witch, Leviticus premiered at Sundance on January 23, 2026. Neon now holds global rights and fans are waiting for a release date .
Ice Cream Man — Sweet Turns Sinister
Directed by Eli Roth, this film turns a suburban ice cream man into a nightmare. After filming in 2025, Ice Cream Man is scheduled for a 2026 U.S. release .
Hokum — Haunted in Ireland
Adam Scott stars in this supernatural tale filmed in West Cork. After premiering at SXSW on March 14, 2026, it lands in U.S. theaters on May 1 .
Obsession — Love Gone Wrong
A man uses a magical toy to make his crush fall in love—results are terrifying. Premiered at TIFF 2025; coming to U.S. theaters on May 15, 2026 .
More Movies to Look Out For
- Soulm8te — tech-infused terror tied to M3GAN universe, early 2026 release .
- The Mummy (2026) — Blumhouse reboot, April 17, 2026 .
- The Bride! — Frankenstein reimagined, March 6, 2026 .
- They Will Kill You — cult horror set in NYC, March 27, 2026 .
- Passenger — demonic stalker on the road, May 29, 2026 .
- Scary Movie 6 — Wayans brothers reboot with Regina Hall & Anna Faris, June 12, 2026 .
- Evil Dead Burn — gory standalone sequel, July 24, 2026 .
- Insidious: The Bleeding World — sixth in the series, August 21, 2026 .
- Clayface — DC body-horror twist on the Batman villain, Sept 11, 2026 .
- Resident Evil — rebooted franchise in Raccoon City, Sept 18, 2026 .
- Werwulf — Robert Eggers’ werewolf epic, Christmas Day 2026 .
Why These Frights Stand Out
Diverse Storytelling
From supernatural artifacts (Whistle) to cosmic revenge (The Mummy) and twisted romance (Obsession), there’s horror for every mood.
Big Names, Bigger Frights
Neve Campbell, Liam Neeson, Adam Scott, Regina Hall, Eli Roth—these films tap recognizable faces to boost credibility and draw.
Streaming & Platform Variety
Some titles like Whistle are theater-first but headed to Shudder. Others go straight to VOD (Twisted), offering options based on your preferred way to watch.
Franchise Power
Beloved series like Scream, Insidious, and Evil Dead return in full force. Plus, Scream 7 reintroduces original creators and iconic faces, promising major nostalgic payoff .
Festivals and Critical Buzz
- Leviticus premiered at Sundance, gaining indie acclaim and securing a multi-million dristribution deal .
- Obsession hit TIFF and SXSW, earning praise for its twisted narrative and Blumhouse backing .
“Horror in 2026 isn’t just about jump scares anymore. It’s social commentary, psychological disintegration, tech paranoia—it’s layered.”
This mix feels like the genre is stretching its boundaries—new takes, fresh voices, and unexpected chills.
What to Watch When
| Timeframe | Highlight Films |
|——————|——————————————-|
| Now–February | Whistle, Scream 7, Cold Storage, Twisted |
| March–May | The Bride!, They Will Kill You, Hokum, Obsession |
| Summer | Scary Movie 6, Evil Dead Burn |
| Late Summer–Fall | Insidious 6, Clayface, Resident Evil |
| Year-End | Werwulf (Christmas) |
Final Thoughts
2026’s horror slate is wild. Some films tap into nostalgia (Scream 7, Evil Dead Burn), others lean into pure innovation (Obsession, Leviticus), and a few are downright audacious (Clayface, The Mummy). Whether you’re into surreal arctic atmospheres or slasher tropes, there’s something scary for everyone this year. Keep your nights dark—and your popcorn closer.
FAQs
What horror films are already out in early 2026?
Whistle, Scream 7, Cold Storage, and Twisted have already hit theaters or digital platforms by February 2026.
Which horror movies will come out mid‑year?
Look for Hokum on May 1, Obsession on May 15, Passenger on May 29, and Scary Movie 6 on June 12.
Are there any horror festival standouts?
Yes. Leviticus premiered at Sundance and Obsession premiered at TIFF and is set for a summer festival run.
Which horror films feature returning franchises?
Expect new chapters from Scream, Insidious, Evil Dead, and a spooky reboot of Resident Evil.
What are the big horror reboots in 2026?
Notable reboots include Scream 7, The Mummy, Resident Evil, and the Scary Movie franchise reboot.
