With only half of 2026 behind us, it is already shaping up to be an exceptional year for horror. From breakout independent hits to acclaimed franchise revivals, the genre has delivered some of the year's biggest critical and commercial successes. Whether introducing terrifying new nightmares or breathing fresh life into beloved series, these are the five horror films you should add to your watchlist

Obsession

No horror film has taken audiences by surprise quite like Obsession. Directed by YouTube filmmaker Curry Barker on a reported budget of just US$750,000, the psychological horror has become a genuine cultural phenomenon, grossing more than US$300 million worldwide. Blending dark comedy with relentless psychological tension, the film is anchored by Inde Navarrette's chilling performance as Nikki, whose increasingly obsessive behaviour towards her partner creates an unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Backrooms

Another of this year's biggest cinematic events came from one of the internet's most iconic creepypastas. Directed by original creator Kane Parsons, A24's Backrooms became the studio's highest-grossing release within just 10 days of opening. While its haunting recreation of the endless yellow corridors delivers plenty of unsettling atmosphere, the film also finds unexpected emotional depth through Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor's performances as a psychiatrist and her missing patient, blurring the line between trauma and terror.

Send Help

After years away from the genre, Sam Raimi makes a triumphant return with Send Help. Blending survival thriller, psychological horror and dark comedy, the film follows an overlooked employee (Rachel McAdams) and her arrogant boss (Dylan O'Brien), who become stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. As their workplace hierarchy quickly unravels into a brutal battle for survival, Raimi delivers razor-sharp tension, inventive set pieces and biting humour, making Send Help one of 2026's most entertaining horror releases.

Hokum

For those who prefer slow-burning horror, Hokum is an easy recommendation. Released by Neon, the Irish folk horror follows novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott), whose visit to a remote countryside inn spirals into a chilling mystery involving a missing barmaid, a haunted honeymoon suite and the legend of a witch. Rich in eerie folklore and creeping psychological tension, the film proves that atmosphere can be just as terrifying as outright scares.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Rounding out the list is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a sequel that pushes the franchise beyond the conventions of a typical zombie thriller. As Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal's sinister cult rises to power, Dr. Ian Kelson forms an unlikely bond with the Alpha infected Samson, bringing surprising humanity and dark humour to its post-apocalyptic world. Notably, the film's closing reveal of Cillian Murphy's Jim, returning for the first time since 28 Days Later, perfectly sets the stage for the franchise's highly anticipated next chapter.

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