Horror Movies 2026: A Gory Guide to Next Year’s Scariest Releases

Get ready for a terrifying year at the movies. The 2026 horror slate is packed with highly anticipated sequels, fresh reboots, and daring original visions. From legendary directors returning to their roots to new voices making their mark, fans have a chilling lineup to look forward to.

According to industry reports from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, studios are betting big on the genre’s continued popularity. The coming year promises a mix of psychological terror, creature features, and slasher mayhem. Here is your essential guide to the screams coming your way.

Major Franchises Return with New Twists

Several iconic series are set to continue or reboot in 2026. Sam Raimi returns to direct “Send Help,” a survival horror film starring Rachel McAdams. This marks Raimi’s first time directing a full horror feature in years, generating significant buzz.

The “Evil Dead” universe expands with “Evil Dead Burn,” a new standalone story. While details are scarce, the project confirms the franchise’s vitality beyond its original creators. Meanwhile, a new “Resident Evil” reboot is in the works, aiming to finally capture the games’ chilling essence on screen.

Fresh Blood and Auteur Visionaries

Original concepts and acclaimed directors will define much of 2026’s horror landscape. Robert Eggers follows his “Nosferatu” with “Werwulf,” a period werewolf tale featuring his frequent collaborator Willem Dafoe. His commitment to atmospheric, historically grounded terror promises a unique take on the myth.

Maggie Gyllenhaal directs “The Bride!,” a radical reimagining of the Frankenstein mythos set in 1930s Chicago. With a cast including Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley, it aims for prestige horror. Furthermore, Steven Spielberg enters the genre with “Disclosure Day,” a UFO thriller that early footage suggests will lean heavily into dread.

The 2026 horror movie lineup demonstrates the genre’s powerful evolution, blending legacy scares with innovative new nightmares to haunt audiences all year long.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the most anticipated horror sequel for 2026?

Early buzz strongly points to “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.” The return of directors Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin and star Samara Weaving has fans of the cult-hit original incredibly excited for more deadly games.

Are any classic monsters getting new movies in 2026?

Yes, two major classic monsters are returning. “The Bride!” reimagines the Frankenstein story, and a new “The Mummy” film from director Lee Cronin aims to return the character to its horror roots.

Which 2026 horror movie is directed by a famous comedian?

“Verity,” a psychological thriller starring Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway, is directed by Michael Showalter. He is best known for comedic works like “The Big Sick,” making his horror debut a intriguing prospect.

Is there a big underwater horror movie coming?

“Whalefall,” directed by Brian Duffield, is a major survival horror film. It follows a scuba diver swallowed by a sperm whale, creating a uniquely claustrophobic and terrifying premise.