As the Halloween season approaches, several notable horror films released in 2026 have garnered attention for their unique approaches and strong performances, offering fresh additions to this year’s Spooky Season watchlist.
Among the standout entries are two films that have attracted significant box office success and buzz among younger audiences. "Obsession," directed by Curry Barker, explores a wish gone wrong entwined with a toxic romance. The film features breakout actress Inde Navarrette, whose performance has sparked early discussions for best actress honors. The movie is currently available for streaming on Peacock. Another popular release is Kane Parsons’ "Backrooms," which delves into psychological trauma through an eerie narrative about concealed secrets. Starring Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor, this title streams on HBO Max.
In a departure from mainstream horror, Damien McCarthy’s "Hokum" stars Adam Scott as a novelist uncovering dark folklore mysteries at an Irish inn. Praised for its careful craftsmanship and chilling moments, the film can be rented on Apple TV and Prime Video. Meanwhile, Ian Tuason’s "Undertone," an inventive horror story centered on sound, follows a podcaster investigating a terrifying audio recording while caring for her ailing mother. Featuring a strong lead performance by Nina Kiri, this film also streams on HBO Max.
Australian independent film "Leviticus" offers a queer-themed horror experience reminiscent of "It Follows," focusing on two teenage boys haunted by a demon assuming each other’s likeness. The film’s notable performances by Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen add emotional depth. It is available for rent on Apple TV and Prime Video. French director Sébastien Vaniček presents "Evil Dead Burn," a graphic and stylistically bold addition to the American horror franchise, noted for its inventive cinematography and intense gore. This film is recommended for seasoned genre fans and can be rented on Apple TV or Prime Video.
Sam Raimi’s "Send Help," featuring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, blends survival horror with comedy. The story follows a woman stranded on an island with her difficult boss after a plane crash, encapsulating Raimi’s characteristic mix of humor and scares. It is streaming on Hulu. In the zombie genre, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," directed by Nia DaCosta and starring Ralph Fiennes, delivers a vivid and bloody installment with Fiennes’s portrayal of Dr. Kelson drawing particular praise. The film streams on Netflix.
Among narratives involving sisters fleeing violent cults, "They Will Kill You," directed by Kirill Sokolov and starring Zazie Beetz, stands out. The story follows a woman infiltrating a New York City apartment building to find her sister, encountering unexpected dangers along the way. Beetz’s performance and the film’s visually inventive style are highlighted by critics. It is available on HBO Max.
Lastly, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial film "The Bride!" reexamines the Frankenstein mythos with a distinctly feminist angle. Starring Jessie Buckley, the film has received mixed reviews but is noted for its dark, intense atmosphere. It also streams on HBO Max.
These diverse offerings reflect a wide range of thematic and stylistic approaches in contemporary horror, providing ample options for audiences looking to expand their viewing during this season.