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Supernatural horrors, psychological nightmares, much-anticipated sequels, and boldly original indie horror films are all part of 2026’s slate, so far. The shortlist of great festival hits, new films, and stories is getting critical buzz. Review 10 horror films set to be favorites in 2026 and why they should be on your list, as per the recommendations from Rotten Tomatoes.
Obsession (2026)
Director Curry Barker’s feature debut comes off like a supernatural horror, kind of mixed with psychological suspense, where an innocent wish starts to spiral into frightening consequences, and then it doesn’t really stop. It premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, before a wider release.
Leviticus (2026)
It’s an Australian horror movie that’s a blend of supernatural horror and emotional coming-of-age story as two teenagers face an ancient evil. Its performances, atmosphere, and character development are among its strengths that critics have noted.
Send Help (2026)
Send Help is a film directed by Sam Raimi in which two coworkers who are trapped on an isolated island due to a plane crash are increasingly threatened by their lives. The film, which combines suspense, horror, and Raimi’s trademark filmmaking style, has garnered interest as the director’s foray into the genre.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
The sequel to 28 Days Later is a very acclaimed zombie franchise that was made by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. This next part is directed by Nia DaCosta, and it keeps a similar vibe as the originals, weaving in survival terror, social unrest, and big-scale suspense, which is what helped push the series to lots of influence.
Hokum (2026)
A mix of folk horror and black comedy, Hokum’s group journeys to a distant community, where their trip grows increasingly unsettling. The film’s unique atmosphere, memorable cast, and inventive plot have garnered praise from critics and earned it a place among this year’s original independent horror films.
Backrooms (2026)
Taking inspiration from the viral internet community, Backrooms is a feature-length horror film. The movie delves into infinite maze-like environments that are riddled with disturbing mystery, providing psychological tension and a believable world for horror enthusiasts to delight in.
We Bury the Dead (2024)
After it premiered at a festival, We Bury the Dead went on to be seen by a wider audience due to its post-apocalyptic drama and horror. The movie has also been praised for its blend of emotional narratives and survival themes, as well as its unique approach to life after an apocalypse.
Primate (2025)
Primate is a psychological horror film with an element of creature terror, as things begin to go awry after a scientific discovery. Initial critics have noted the film’s realistic special effects, rising suspense, and its contemporary take on traditional monster movie narratives.
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026)
Samara Weaving is gearing up for her return in the sequel to that hit horror-comedy Ready or Not. Now, under yet another direction from Radio Silence, it’ll basically be another blend of black humor, survival action, and little surprises while extending the whole story that made the original a fan favorite.
Forbidden Fruits (2026)
This psychological horror movie transcends into a surreal world with disturbing images, themes of temptation, obsession, and the secrets hidden away. It has been called stylish and has an escalating build-up.
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