2026 has proven to be a banner year for horror cinema, offering a diverse range of terrifying experiences that have earned critical acclaim. IGN has compiled a list of the year's most highly-rated horror films, encompassing everything from intense slashers and suspenseful thrillers to darkly comedic entries.
9/10 - Amazing
Send Help sees Sam Raimi directing a survival thriller that deftly explores first impressions with shocking twists. The film stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as Linda and Bradley, whose ordeal on an island provides fertile ground for Raimi to interrogate the nature of appearances with both plot developments and sharp objects.
Jane Schoenbrun's Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is noted for its blend of sexual, sincere, silly, and sweet tones. This earnest exploration of desire is deeply personal, holding together its potential messiness with a strong cast and building to an ecstatic climax.
8/10 - Great
Nia DaCosta's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a gory yet thoughtful follow-up that brings wit and humor to the zombie apocalypse genre. The film, set in the third decade of the apocalypse, especially shines through Ralph Fiennes' character's record collection. While not ideal for newcomers to the franchise, it provides a solid foundation for future installments.
Kirill Sokolov's They Will Kill You is praised for its action, with Zazie Beetz showcasing her potential as an action star. The film features excellent stunt choreography and camerawork, incorporating a supernatural, satanic twist that elevates its gonzo and gruesome nature.
Faces of Death offers a postmodern, meta take on its infamous predecessor, reflecting on how easily disturbing content is accessible online in the current age. This remake compels viewers to consider the unsettling implications of readily available graphic material.
Obsession features strong performances from Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, drawing viewers in with its familiar romance and monkey's paw tropes. Director Barker's execution elevates the material, focusing on the extreme lengths a character will go to for love.
Backrooms expands upon the conceptual groundwork of its YouTube series origins with smart visual composition and terrifying production design. The film revisits Kane Parsons' CGI roots, delivering impactful sequences and opening pathways to deepen the lore without explicitly spoon-feeding the audience.
Adrian Chiarella's Leviticus is described as an involving, meaningful, and genuinely creepy horror movie. The film addresses the emotional and thoughtful themes of punishing gay youth for their identity, blending real-life prejudice with a supernatural curse effectively.
It Ends manages to be both creepy and amusing, thanks to its likable cast and director Alexander Ullom's ability to maximize minimal resources. Set entirely within a car in the woods, the film builds scares, develops its characters, and poses self-aware questions that resonate with the audience.
Resident Evil is a simple and exciting survival horror story focused on putting its hero through a harrowing night. Zach Cregger's direction brings a good eye for creature effects, mounting dread, and signature humor, with Austin Abrams delivering a charming performance as the outmatched protagonist Bryan facing well-realized mutants and monsters.