Welcome to the dark and eerie realm of horror cinema! If you’re a fan of heart-pounding suspense, bone-chilling scares, and thrilling cinematic experiences, then you’re in for a treat. This year has ushered in a wave of new horror movies that will send shivers down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat. From supernatural terrors to psychological thrillers, this is a year filled with exceptional horror storytelling that will haunt your dreams long after the credits roll.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most spine-tingling horror films. But we won’t just stop there; we’ll also accompany our discussions with trailers that will give you a sneak peek into the bone-chilling worlds these movies have to offer. So, get ready to have your nerves tested and your imagination captivated as we explore the best new horror movies that are reigning supreme right now.
Best New Horror Movies
1. Nefarious
Nefarious is a 2023 American Christian independent horror film directed by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon. It revolves around the character of Dr. James Martin, a psychologist played by Jordan Belfi, who is tasked with determining whether a death row inmate named Edward, portrayed by Sean Patrick Flanery, is genuinely possessed by a demon or simply faking it.
Nefarious blends elements of horror and Christian themes, exploring the nature of evil and the power of faith. The film poses thought-provoking questions about the existence of demonic forces and the battle between good and evil.
2. Evil Dead Rise
“Evil Dead Rise” is a 2023 supernatural horror film directed by Lee Cronin and the fifth installment in the Evil Dead series. Two sisters, Teresa and Jessica, must fight for their lives and save their family from demonic creatures called deadites. The movie received positive reviews and became the highest-grossing film in the series. It follows the sisters’ struggle against possession and their battle to survive in a condemned Los Angeles apartment complex. The film features intense and gory scenes as the sisters confront the evil forces.
3. The Pope’s Exorcist
“The Pope’s Exorcist” is a 2023 supernatural horror film directed by Julius Avery. It stars Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth, the Pope’s personal exorcist, with Daniel Zovatto, Alex Essoe, and Franco Nero in supporting roles. The movie is based on the books “An Exorcist Tells His Story” and “An Exorcist: More Stories” by Father Gabriele Amorth.
The story is set in 1987 and follows Father Amorth, a down-to-earth and humorous exorcist, as he visits an Italian village where a man appears to be possessed by a demon. Despite successfully exorcising the man, Amorth faces trouble with a Church tribunal for acting without permission. The tribunal includes a skeptical American cardinal who challenges Amorth’s belief in demonic possession.
4. Unseen
Unseen is a gripping 2023 American horror thriller film that marks the directorial debut of Yoko Okumura. The movie, written by Salvatore Cardoni and Brian Rawlins, features a talented cast including Midori Francis, Jolene Purdy, and Missi Pyle. Executive producer Jason Blum brings his expertise through Blumhouse Television.
The story revolves around Sam, a gas station clerk, who receives a distressing call from Emily, a nearly blind woman fleeing from her murderous ex in the treacherous woods. Emily finds herself in a life-or-death situation, relying on Sam’s assistance as her remote eyes through a video call. In a tense and nerve-wracking race against time, Sam must guide Emily, using her video feed, to evade her pursuer and survive the ordeal.
5. Scream VI
Scream VI, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is a 2023 American slasher film and the sixth installment in the Scream franchise. The movie features Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Hayden Panettiere, and Courteney Cox, among others. It serves as a direct sequel to the events of Scream (2022). The plot revolves around a new Ghostface killer who targets the survivors of the “Woodsboro legacy murders” in New York City.
The film begins with a Blackmore University professor named Laura Crane, who is catfished and murdered by her student, Jason Carvey, wearing a Ghostface costume. Jason, along with his roommate Greg, plans to kill sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter to complete the unfinished “movie” started by previous killers Richie and Amber. However, another Ghostface killer interrupts their plans, murdering Greg and Jason.
6. Renfield
Renfield is a 2023 American comedy horror film directed by Chris McKay and starring Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Nicolas Cage. The film is a comedic take on the character Renfield from Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
The story follows Renfield, a lawyer who becomes the familiar of Count Dracula. Renfield gains immortality and supernatural abilities by consuming bugs. However, after years of serving Dracula and witnessing his abusive behavior, Renfield grows tired and decides to break free. He moves to New Orleans with Dracula to recover from a close call with vampire hunters.
7. You’re Killing Me
“You’re Killing Me” is a 2023 American horror thriller film directed by Beth Hanna and Jerren Lauder. The screenplay was written by Walker Hare and Brad Martocello. The movie features McKaley Miller, Anne Heche, and Dermot Mulroney in lead roles. Produced by Iris Indie International, it was released by Quiver Distribution on April 7, 2023.
Initially announced by Deadline Hollywood in 2022, the film, previously titled “Full Ride,” was set to star Anne Heche, Dermot Mulroney, and McKaley Miller. However, tragedy struck when Anne Heche passed away in a car accident in August 2022 while the film was in post-production. Despite the unfortunate loss, the film was completed and released as planned.
8. Infinity Pool
Infinity Pool is a 2023 science fiction horror film directed by Brandon Cronenberg. The movie centers around James Foster (played by Alexander Skarsgård), a struggling writer, and his wife Em (played by Mia Goth), who go on a vacation to the seaside country of Li Tolqa. While attending a local festival, they meet a fan of James’ work named Gabi (played by Cleopatra Coleman) and her husband Alban. The four of them decide to spend the day driving in the countryside against the warnings of staying in the resort.
9. The Wrath of Becky
The Wrath of Becky is an action thriller film that serves as a sequel to the 2020 movie Becky. Directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, the screenplay was written by Angel, based on a story by himself and Coote. The film stars Lulu Wilson, reprising her role as Becky, and Seann William Scott.
Set three years after Becky’s family narrowly escaped a brutal assault by four Neo-Nazis, the story follows a 16-year-old Becky and her faithful dog, Diego. They now reside with a kind elderly woman named Elena Connor as they try to rebuild their lives. However, their tranquility is shattered when a fascist group called the “Noble Men” invades their home, viciously attacking both Becky and Elena and abducting Diego.
10. Adalynn
Adalynn is a gripping drama horror film released in 2023, marking the directorial debut of Jacob Byrd and written by Jerrod D. Brito. The movie features an ensemble cast including Sydney Carvill, Wade Baker, Janet Carter, Rob Shuster, and Suzana Norberg.
The story revolves around a deeply disturbing and unsettling premise. A relentless stalker fixates on a vulnerable mother and her newborn child, coinciding with her struggle against postpartum depression. As the protagonist battles with her own inner demons, the stalker’s malevolent presence intensifies, plunging her into a harrowing spiral of fear and desperation.
11. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey is a 2023 British independent slasher film that offers a horrifying twist on the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh books. Directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the film follows the titular characters, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet, who have transformed into bloodthirsty murderers. Years after Christopher Robin leaves the Hundred Acre Wood for college, he returns with his fiancée, Mary, only to discover a desolate and grim environment.
The plot takes a dark turn when Piglet unexpectedly appears and kills Mary. Christopher becomes a captive of Pooh and Piglet, who subject him to torment and reveal the skeletal remains of Eeyore. In a parallel storyline, a group of university students rent a cabin in the Hundred Acre Wood, unaware of the danger lurking within. As Pooh and Piglet continue their murderous spree, the students find themselves being hunted down one by one.
12. Knock at the Cabin
Knock at the Cabin is a 2023 American apocalyptic psychological horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The story revolves around a family vacationing at a remote cabin when they are suddenly held hostage by four strangers. The film stars Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint.
Seven-year-old Wen encounters a stranger named Leonard while catching grasshoppers. Leonard, along with three others, explains that they have been driven by visions to find Wen and her family in order to prevent an impending apocalypse. They claim that the family must sacrifice one of their own to save the world. However, the family suspects the intruders are motivated by hatred and delusion.
13. Clock
Clock is a 2023 American science fiction horror film directed by Alexis Jacknow. The story revolves around Ella, a 37-year-old woman who is hesitant about having children despite societal pressure. When her father, who comes from a lineage of Holocaust survivors, urges her to reconsider, Ella’s husband suggests she undergo breast cancer screening.
During her visit to the doctor, Ella expresses her fears about childbirth and her longing for her biological clock to start ticking. Dr. Webber suggests an experimental treatment to fix Ella’s “broken clock.” Ella enrolls in the study, disguised as a work project, and meets Dr. Elizabeth Simmons, who promises to restore her fertility through an implant and hormones.
14. Craving
“Craving” is a horror film directed by J. Horton and released in March 2023. The movie centers around a group of heroin addicts who find themselves trapped in a country bar after a drug deal goes awry. As they struggle with withdrawal symptoms and face an external siege, they also have to confront a mysterious threat lurking within the bar that threatens to destroy them all. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks that provide insight into the characters’ backgrounds and how they ended up in this dire situation.
15. Beau Is Afraid
“Beau Is Afraid” is a 2023 surrealist tragicomedy horror film directed, written, and produced by Ari Aster. The movie centers around Beau Wassermann, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a paranoid and anxious man who embarks on a surreal journey to attend his mother’s funeral. Along the way, he confronts his greatest fears.
16. The Strays
The Strays is a 2023 British horror thriller film directed by Nathaniel Martello-White. The story revolves around Neve, a biracial upper-class woman leading a seemingly perfect life with her family. She is a respected socialite in her community and works as the deputy headmistress of a private school. However, Neve’s privileged existence is threatened when her troubled past resurfaces, putting everything she has built at risk.
17. Unwelcome
Unwelcome is a 2023 folk horror film directed by Jon Wright and co-written by Wright and Mark Stay. The movie stars Hannah John-Kamen, Douglas Booth, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Colm Meaney, and Kristian Nairn. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures on January 27, 2023, in Ireland and the United Kingdom, Unwelcome tells a chilling tale of a young couple, Jamie and Maya.
After surviving an attack by a gang of hoodlums in London, Jamie and Maya decide to leave the city and move to a picturesque home in rural Ireland, inherited from Jamie’s late great-aunt Maeve. They hire the local Whelan family as builders to help renovate the house. However, their peaceful new life takes a dark turn when they receive a warning from Niamh, an old friend of Jamie’s aunt, about the Red Caps, forest-dwelling entities that demand a nightly offering of liver.
18. There’s Something Wrong with the Children
There’s Something Wrong with the Children is a 2023 American horror film directed by Roxanne Benjamin and written by T. J. Cimfel and David White. The movie follows Margaret and Ben, who go on a weekend trip with their friends Ellie and Thomas and their two young children, Lucy and Spencer. While camping, they come across an old building with a cave, and the children are drawn to a well inside the cave emitting a mysterious green light. The next morning, Lucy and Spencer go missing, and despite their frantic search, they find the children standing at the edge of the well before falling in, seemingly dead.
19. Fear
Fear is a 2023 American horror film directed by Deon Taylor and co-written by Taylor and John Ferry. The movie features a talented ensemble cast including Joseph Sikora, Andrew Bachelor, Annie Ilonzeh, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Terrence Jenkins, Jessica Allain, and Tip “T.I.” Harris. Released in the United States on January 27, 2023.
Conclusion: Best New Horror Movies
In conclusion, the world of horror cinema is constantly evolving, which has brought us a thrilling lineup of new horror movies that are sure to send shivers down our spines. From supernatural tales to psychological thrillers, this year’s offerings have something for every horror aficionado.
So, whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or someone looking to delve into the genre for the first time, these best new horror movies promise to deliver an unforgettable ride.
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