The Most Anticipated Horror Movies for the 2026 Halloween Season

By: Juliana Adams, jea74@uakron.edu 

After a thrilling slasher summer, horror movies reach their peak during the spookiest time of the year. October is rapidly approaching, and as Halloween is anticipated, the chilling movies that come along with it follow close behind. 

1. The Other Mommy - Releasing in theaters October 2nd 

With a chilling trailer that has gone viral on social media, it is safe to say “The Other Mommy” starring Jessica Chastain has quickly risen to the top of many viewers’ most anticipated films. The film follows an eight year old girl’s haunting reality in which her mother’s doppelganger begs to enter her heart. The lines between real and fake are intensely blurred on behalf of both the little girl and the audience, as you’re sure to be contemplating the smallest aspects of this film. This is certainly climbing on my watchlist this coming season. 

2. Crawlers - Releasing in theaters October 16th 

This film is certainly not targeted towards the faint of heart- and that is made prevalent from the newly released trailer. “Crawlers” directed by Angel Gomez Fernandez pokes at the worst fears of many; spiders. The film centers around an apartment complex infiltrated with an infestation of venomous spiders. The tenants are forced to stay in an immediate quarantine to contain this special breed from the rest of the world, as these mutant spiders rapidly multiply. This is an extremely fresh concept, and is sure to send chills down many spines. I am definitely considering adding this to my watchlist as well this coming halloween season. 

3. Resident Evil - Releasing September 18th

Although this film is releasing a bit early to be considered for this list, the excitement surrounding it urged me to add it nonetheless. Starring Austin Abrahms, this fresh twist on the “Resident Evil” video game is incredibly anticipated this fall. From “Weapons,” and “Wolfs” to “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” I must say Austin Abrahms is quickly rising on my list of favorite horror/thriller actors, and I will certainly be checking this film out as the release grows closer. The film centers around Bryan (Austin Abrahms), a medical courier who is tasked with delivering a vital organ to Raccoon City General Hospital- an out of the way journey on an especially snow-burdened night. Bryan quickly realizes an outbreak of a virus is underway, and desperately tries to survive. Although I am unfamiliar with Resident Evil and its past projects, seeing the trailer for this film has me sure to reserve a seat in theatres soon. I am incredibly excited to see Austin Abrahms’ performance and to endure the gripping story of this film. 

4. Clayface - Releasing October 23rd

A new release from DC Comics is coming to theatres with a thrilling new concept. “Clayface”,  starring Tom Rhys Harris, based on the comics, takes us along the journey of a rising Hollywood star named Matt Hagen. After a relentless attack and skeptical medical treatment, Hagen uncovers a horrifying reality that he is turning into a shape shifting monster. I am aware this film is body horror focused, meaning it’s incredibly graphic and visibly gory. Having watched “The Substance” (2024) starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, I have grown fond of this chilling genre. I am excited to see what this film has to offer as I don’t have much knowledge of the comics. Nonetheless, I’ve heard positive things about this film from DC fans and know it is also quite anticipated as it’s one of DC’s first horror films. I am certainly adding this to my watchlist as well and urge you to consider doing the same if you’re interested. 

5. Hallowarrior - Releasing October 16th

“Essentially Home Alone turned into a violent, drug infused, post-apocalyptic horror movie” is how Letterboxd describes upcoming film “Hallowarrior” directed by Ben Sottak. Although I haven’t heard as much buzz surrounding this film, I still deemed it worthy of a feature from the insane responses it’s brewed. “Hallowarrior” follows the story of a Halloween obsessed girl named Pumpkin, who believes she is the lone survivor of a humanity-ending plague. It takes us along the journey of her lonely post-apocalyptic journey through what once was New York. I have to admit this concept seems quite unique, which I have to applaud as many remakes and sequels are being released recently. I may check this film out, although it doesn’t seem one that could hold my attention. If you’re a fan of horror movies that are both isolating and post-apocalyptic, I certainly recommend giving this film a shot. It is also prevalent that Halloween plays a significant factor in this film, so I'd definitely recommend saving it for a chilly, spooky night.