Top horror movies of 2026 that are already creating buzz | The Haunted Column

Horror fans are in for a busy year in 2026. From eerie atmospheres to tense, edge-of-your-seat moments, there’s plenty on the horizon that promises to keep viewers guessing and uneasy long after the credits roll. With a mix of sequels, adaptations, and original stories, the year is shaping up to offer something for every kind of horror lover.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (January 16)
The 28 Years Later universe returns with The Bone Temple, promising a chilling continuation of the post-apocalyptic world introduced in the original films. This sequel focuses on new survivors facing both old and emerging threats in a world still haunted by the virus outbreak. Ralph Fiennes headlines the cast as Dr Ian Kelson, joined by Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Erin Kellyman. Fans can also look forward to a brief return from Cillian Murphy, reprising his role from the original storyline. The film aims to combine intense survival horror with deeper character-driven narratives.

Scream 7 (February 27)
The legendary Scream franchise steps back into theatres with its seventh instalment. Neve Campbell returns as Sidney Prescott, now confronting a new wave of Ghostface attacks aimed at her family. Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Matthew Lillard also reprise their iconic roles, while newcomers like Joel McHale and Mckenna Grace expand the story. With Kevin Williamson at the helm, this sequel promises to balance nostalgic slasher thrills with fresh twists designed to keep both longtime fans and new audiences on edge.

Return to Silent Hill (January 23)
For lovers of psychological horror, Return to Silent Hill brings the unsettling world of the cult video game Silent Hill 2 to the big screen. Jeremy Irvine stars as James Sunderland, revisiting the fog-drenched town in search of his lost love, only to confront familiar horrors and nightmarish creatures. Hannah Emily Anderson joins as a key supporting character, adding depth to the tense, atmospheric narrative. The film promises the eerie visuals and mind-bending suspense that made the franchise legendary.

Passenger (May 29)
Directed by Andre Ovredal, known for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Passenger is set to deliver a claustrophobic and unsettling horror experience. The story follows a group of travellers whose journey becomes increasingly dangerous as mysterious, supernatural forces close in. Melissa Leo, Lou Llobell, and Jacob Scipio headline the cast. With Ovredal’s signature style of tension-building visuals, the film is expected to combine psychological thrills with moments of stark, frightening imagery.

Ice Cream Man (date To Be Confirmed)
Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man is one of the most talked-about original horror projects for 2026. Starring Ari Millen alongside Benjamin Byron Davis and Karen Cliche, the film promises a blend of classic horror tropes with a modern, unsettling twist. Roth has been developing the concept for years, and fans can expect a combination of suspense, dark humour, and striking visuals. The soundtrack is set to feature contributions from Snoop Dogg, adding a unique flavour to the film’s chilling atmosphere.