The year 2023 has already witnessed the release of some spine-chilling horror movies like “Scream 6,” “Evil Dead Rise,” “Megan”, and “Knock at the Cabin.” However, before you rush to compile your “Best of the Year” lists, hold on tight because there is a whole host of anticipated horror movies yet to come. Today, we are here to bring you the top 10 most anticipated horror movies still to come in 2023.
10 Horror Movies Coming in 2023
Number 10 on our list is “Saw X.” Now, it’s understandable if you approach this entry with skepticism. The recent restarts of the iconic franchise with “Spiral” and “Jigsaw” left many fans disappointed. However, “Saw X” shows promise as it brings back the beloved characters of John Kramer and Amanda Young, also known as Jigsaw and his victim-turned-accomplice. The return of these characters, despite their demise in the third film, raises questions about their role and the setting of the story. Directed by Kevin Greutert, who has a mixed record in the franchise, this movie has the potential to reignite the series and satisfy die-hard fans.
At number 9, we have “Shelby Oaks.” Renowned YouTuber and film critic Chris Stuckmann’s directorial debut has already gained attention and support. The Kickstarter campaign for his movie titled “Shelby Oaks” exceeded expectations and became the most funded horror film in the platform’s history. The film revolves around Mia, who is determined to uncover the truth behind her long-lost sister Riley’s disappearance. The intriguing premise, coupled with a powerhouse cast including Keith David, Robin Bartlett, and Michael Beach, makes “Shelby Oaks” a project to watch for both Stuckmann fans and horror movie enthusiasts.
Next up at number 8 is “Insidious: The Red Doll.” After a hiatus, the original cast of the “Insidious” franchise makes a return in this latest installment. “The Red Doll” follows Josh’s son Dalton, now grown up and haunted by demonic visions after moving to college. To protect Dalton, Josh must confront his repressed memories and delve back into the nightmarish experiences he and his family endured in the earlier movies. The excitement surrounding this fifth “Insidious” film stems from the fact that it marks the directorial debut of horror icon Patrick Wilson, who has proven his talent as an actor. Wilson’s transition from actor to director adds an extra layer of anticipation to this movie.
Taking the seventh spot is “Talk to Me.” This film may have flown under the radar for many, but its trailer caught the attention of audiences, even outshining the film it accompanied, “Evil Dead Rise.” “Talk to Me” revolves around Mia, who performs a supernatural seance connecting her with the spirit world. However, her actions inadvertently leave the spiritual door open, unleashing a host of horrors. The film has garnered positive reviews and promises a thrilling experience within its short runtime. With its potential to leave a lasting impact, “Talk to Me” is expected to feature prominently on end-of-year best horror movie lists.
At number 6, we have “Thanksgiving.” Eli Roth, known for his contributions to the horror genre, returns after a brief hiatus. “Thanksgiving” has been in the works for almost two decades, originating as a fake trailer in the “Grindhouse” project. The demand from fans eventually led to its development as a full-length movie. This slasher film follows a mass murderer as he descends upon a small town, intending to create a gruesome holiday carving with his victims. Roth’s intentions to finally bring “Thanksgiving” to life have generated excitement among horror fans. The release of this long-awaited film is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly anticipating its trailer, which is expected to drop soon.
Coming in at number 5 is “Salem’s Lot.” Stephen King adaptations have had their fair share of hits and misses, but “Salem’s Lot” deserves another chance to shine. Based on King’s classic vampire novel, this story has already received an iconic mini-series adaptation. However, it has been dormant for decades, stuck in development hell. Thankfully, it seems like the obstacles have been overcome, and “Salem’s Lot” is slated for release this year. With Gary Dauberman, the writer of “Annabelle” and “Swamp Thing,” overseeing the reboot, expectations are high. Dauberman’s previous success with the script for “It” further bolsters the anticipation for this film. While King adaptations can be a mixed bag, fans are hoping for a faithful and terrifying rendition of “Salem’s Lot.”
Moving on to number 4, we have “The Last Laugh.” This horror-comedy film has been generating buzz with its intriguing premise. The story revolves around a struggling stand-up comedian who discovers a cursed joke book. As he starts to tell the jokes from the book, he realizes that they have deadly consequences, leading to a series of macabre events. With a blend of horror and humor, “The Last Laugh” aims to deliver a unique cinematic experience. The film boasts a talented cast, including several renowned comedians, and is directed by a filmmaker known for his expertise in balancing comedy and horror. Fans of both genres are eagerly awaiting the release of this darkly comedic tale.
Taking the third spot is “The Haunting of Briarwood Manor.” This haunted house tale follows a group of friends who decide to spend a weekend at an isolated mansion. As they explore the old building, they uncover a dark secret and awaken an ancient evil. With a compelling storyline and atmospheric setting, “The Haunting of Briarwood Manor” promises to deliver scares and suspense. This film taps into the timeless appeal of haunted house narratives, and horror enthusiasts are excited to see how it unfolds.
At number 2, we have “Cult of the Shadows.” This psychological horror film centers around a charismatic cult leader and the group of people under his influence. As they delve deeper into the cult’s rituals and beliefs, they discover that there is more to the leader and his followers than meets the eye. “Cult of the Shadows” explores themes of manipulation, paranoia, and the dark side of human nature. With its intriguing premise and potential for psychological horror, this film has piqued the interest of horror fans.
Finally, in the top spot, we have “The Conjuring: The Devil’s Curse.” The highly successful “Conjuring” franchise continues with another installment that promises to send chills down audiences’ spines. This time, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren find themselves facing an ancient demonic force that threatens their lives and the lives of those around them. With a dedicated fan base and a reputation for delivering scares, “The Conjuring” franchise has become a staple in the horror genre. Fans eagerly await the release of “The Devil’s Curse” to witness the Warrens’ latest supernatural encounter.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2023, it’s clear that horror movie enthusiasts have plenty to anticipate. From long-awaited sequels to promising directorial debuts, this year promises to offer a diverse range of terrifying experiences. Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror, supernatural scares, or slasher flicks, there’s something for everyone. So buckle up, prepare for the frights,
