October is here, and you know what that means: Halloween [1]. While some might be mulling over what costumes to wear and what parties to attend, there's another group of people looking forward to something else: the newest, most terrifying horror films. We've already told you all about the most popular [2] and most ridiculous horror movies [3] you can find on Netflix, but what's on the horizon? We're looking ahead to the end of the year to give you the most-exciting scary movies to come. Strap yourself in and scroll for some screams.
Source: Causeway Films [4], Warner Bros. [5], Lionsgate [6], Blumhouse Productions [7]
The Babadook
- What it's about: A mysterious bedtime story about a fictional monster called the Babadook becomes a terrifying reality for a young mother and her disturbed son. The two slowly unravel, convinced the monster is real and coming after them.
- Why you should be excited: The film has been getting rave reviews, and it currently has 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes [8].
- When it comes out: Nov. 28
Horns
- What it's about: Daniel Radcliffe [9] stars as Ig Perrish, who wakes one day to find that he has grown horns. The horns hold mysterious power: those who see them immediately forget about them, and anyone who speaks to Ig unwillingly admits their darkest, most evil desires. Oh, and he can compel others to unknowingly commit acts of depravity.
- Why you should be excited: The film is adapted from the highly acclaimed novel of the same name, by Joe Hill. That's Stephen King's son, by the way.
- When it comes out: Oct. 31
Annabelle
- What it's about: A young man surprises his expectant wife with a beautiful vintage doll just before their house is raided by a group of satanic murderers. Even though the night fades away, the couple realizes their nightmare has just begun. A horrific, demonic presence has attached itself to the doll, Annabelle, and it's not letting go.
- Why you should be excited: The film is a prequel (of sorts) to a critically acclaimed horror movie from last year, The Conjuring [10]. You might remember Annabelle's special guest appearance at the beginning of the movie and in the Warren's collection of haunted occult items.
- When it came out: Oct. 3
Exists
- What it's about: A group of friends heads deep into the Texan woods, hoping for the perfect getaway. They soon encounter a horrifying bloodthirsty urban legend come to life, and they find themselves running from the brutal creature, hoping just to survive.
- Why you should be excited: This is the same director as The Blair Witch Project, Eduardo Sánchez. The woods are kind of his stomping grounds.
- When it comes out: Oct. 24
Tusk
- What it's about: Wallace Bryton (Justin Long [11]) loves to profile strange and interesting people for his popular podcast. When he suddenly goes missing while in Canada for his latest interview with a mysterious man named Howard Howe, he finds himself in grave danger.
- Why you should be excited: Kevin Smith perfectly blends horror and macabre humor in this film, which is already getting favorable reviews from critics.
- When it came out: Sept. 19
The Town That Dreaded Sundown
- What it's about: Decades after the Phantom Killer terrorized the citizens of a rural town, the murders begin again. Could it be the very same killer? Perhaps an imitator? Or something more dark and more malevolent than before?
- Why you should be excited: This film's director,
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, has also directed a bulk of episodes for the wildly popular FX series American Horror Story [12]. - When it comes out: Oct. 16
Pyramid
- What it's about: When a new pyramid is unearthed in the sands of the Egyptian desert, a group of archaeologists (including American Horror Story [13]'s Denis O'Hare) sees the opportunity of a lifetime. They begin exploring the catacombs in the depths of the structure, not realizing that they've awakened an ancient malicious force.
- Why you should be excited: This one comes from the minds who brought you The Hills Have Eyes, so you can bet things will get pretty crazy.
- When it comes out: Dec. 5
Jessabelle
- What it's about: After a horrific car accident and the loss of her boyfriend, Jessabelle returns home to Lousiana to recover and grieve. She comes face to face with an angry tormented spirit from her past, and this time, it's not letting her go.
- Why you should be excited: The film's producer also worked on Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Sinister, so you know it's in good hands.
- When it comes out: Nov. 7
Ouija
- What it's about: When a girl named Debbie is killed in what looks like a gruesome murder at the hands of a Ouija board, her friends investigate. They soon realize they've unlocked an ancient and evil power and must face their worst fears.
- Why you should be excited: It's like a terrifying, too-real twist on Jumanji.
- When it comes out: Oct. 24
Catch Hell
- What it's about: Ryan Phillippe [14] stars as Hollywood actor Regan Pearce, who gets suddenly kidnapped by a group of vengeful men who proceed to torture and blackmail him in rural Louisiana.
- Why you should be excited: It's Ryan Phillippe's directorial debut, and one of the producers from Saw was also involved.
- When it comes out: Oct. 10
Extraterrestrial
- What it's about: A group of friends heads to a remote cabin in the woods for a weekend, and they quickly discover they're not alone.
- Why you should be excited: Although many tropes in the horror genre have been a bit exhausted by now, aliens are relatively less so.
- When it comes out: Oct. 17