Horror On the Horizon 2022.

Yes, I know it’s May buuuuuuuuut I’ve been fiending for new horror films which got me thinking about ones still being released this year. As I’m going through all the debuts, I figured I’d share some with you. There are actually A LOT, good quality? Not sure. For the most part they’re staying under the radar too which is interesting. I think the pandemic changed how we look at the release of films. The fact that we’re an instant gratification society right now is more than likely contributing to the fact that more films are skipping their theater premiere or available to stream soon after. Some of these films are already out and some will be released at the end of the year. Let’s get to it.

Choose or Die

Released: 4/15 Netflix

The premise of this was cool, a little Saw, a little Stay Alive. The Robert Englund VO had me reeled in.

The Cellar

Release Date: 4/15 Shudder

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Elisha Cuthbert in anything so glad to see her back in this horror flick. I haven’t had the chance to watch this one yet but it’s about a family who moves into their dream home and while the parents are away, the teenage girl goes missing. A short film, The Ten Steps, preceded this film and it garnered a lot of attention hence the desire to go feature length. The tagline is: an ancient evil has awoken. We’ll see what that means.

Hatching

Release Date: 4/29 In Theaters currently, couldn’t find details on where it’ll be available to stream.

The first thing I notice about this film is that it’s foreign, goes to check where this originated. Finland. Based on the Finns’ legend horror films, I’m going to go ahead and assume this is nothing short of terrifying. A young girl finds an egg and takes it home to nurture it until a creature hatches, what can go wrong there?

The Twin

Release Date: 5/6 Shudder

The Twin is about a mother who lost one of her children and the surviving one starts to act unusual. I get Babadook meets Omen vibes on this one.

The Cursed

Release Date: This film was released earlier this year and it is for rent on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes and more.

I love me some creature features. The Cursed is a period film and stars Boyd Holbrook(The Predator) and Kelly Reilly whom I am obsessed with. If you’re a Yellowstone fan you get it. Can’t wait to see their take on what I’m assuming is a werewolf based on the snippets in the trailer.

Firestarter

Release Date: 5/13 In Theaters and Peacock

No perfect release date other than Friday the 13th(except for Halloween of course). I think this one is going to be good. Kind of interesting seeing Zac Efron playing dad roles now but I’m here for it. Ryan Kiera Armstrong is no stranger to horror either with IT and AHS under her belt. Will be streaming this one for sure this weekend.

Men

Release Date: 5/20 In Theaters

With A24 producing, you can expect a chaotic whirlwind filled with WTF’s all over. I didn’t gather much from the trailer aside from realizing the man was the same man throughout with the exception of her ex-husband and that she was the only woman. Watch below and tell me what you see.

Watcher

Release Date: 6/3 In Theaters and IFC Films App

If I’ve learned anything from watching films over the years, it’s that I will never go to Romania. This seems like it would have me on the edge of my seat for the duration. From the trailer it looks aesthetically pleasing.

The Black Phone

Release Date: 6/24 In Theaters and is expected to be added to Peacock sometime in the beginning of August.

Ethan Hawke always puts on a phenomenal performance. This is probably the one I’m looking forward to the most. The mask is enough to haunt your nightmares.

Bed Rest

Release Date: 7/15 In Theaters

I haven’t seen too much on this one. From what I could find, a mother-to-be is put on bed rest and starts to experience things and questions if her home is haunted or is it just her imagination. It does have Melissa Barrera starring in it and after the success that Scream just had, she may bring in the fans.

Nope

Release Date: 7/22 In Theaters

Jordan Peele is back at it with an obscure horror film. I go into all of his films not knowing anything I’m about to watch, no trailers, no IMDB, nothing. I want the full experience. I did see that he’s bringing back Daniel Kaluuya and that Steven Yeun was added in the bunch. Excited to see what this one brings.

Vengeance

Release Date: 7/29 In Theaters

Vengeance is another film that I can’t find too much information on. A radio host attempts to solve the murder of his girlfriend. Blumhouse is producing this and the writer/director B.J. Novak is also taking on the lead role. Dove Cameron plays Jasmine(unsure if that’s the girlfriend) but I adore her and Boyd Holbrook is in this one too.

Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

Release Date: 8/5 In Theaters

I wonder what could go wrong at a hurricane party. A bunch of debauchery that’s what. I hope the title of this one is indicative of what we can expect. Pete Davidson is in this one, I know you either love him or you hate him so we’ll see if that shows in fan reviews.

Fear

Release Date: 8/26 In Theaters

What was supposed to be a vacation, has turned into a nightmare. I’m always down for getaway horror films but this one involves a contagion that is airborne. After this pandemic, I don’t know how much I can handle of that.

The Bride

Release Date: 8/26 In Theaters

The synopsis for this film is giving Crimson Peak and Ready or Not. A young woman meets the love of her life and shortly after marrying finds there is a sinister plot unfolding. Could be the synopsis for either of these, right? It should lead with, Dracula inspired. Now you’ve got my full attention. Nevertheless there are solid actors like Nathalie Emmanuel and Thomas Doherty.

Salem’s Lot

Release Date: 9/9 In Theaters

The original Salem’s Lot was definitely pushing boundaries with certain aspects but the idea behind it all was great. If you see a photo of a Salem’s Lot vampire, you know exactly where it’s from. The last season of AHS reminded me so much of Salem’s Lot. A writer moves to a secluded town to get away from it all so he can write not realizing the horrors lurking around. Ryan Murphy said season 10 was in homage to The Shining and I can see why but it was giving Salem’s Lot through and through. Anyways, back on topic. This is to be expected this fall.

Don’t Worry Darling

Release Date: 9/23 In Theaters

Is Alice the new Truman? The trailer for this looks beautiful. Florence Pugh and Harry Styles look like they have so much chemistry on screen so this may be extra spicy.

Halloween Ends

Release Date: 10/14 In Theaters

I know this is supposed to be one of the most anticipated films for horror lovers this year but I’m torn. I love Michael. I love Laurie. I love everything Halloween. I don’t love the revival. I grew up on Michael and that includes 4 and 5. I love original Michael. It’s been really hard for me to look past that they did away with those to revive them to what they felt should have been the story. With bringing JLC back and saying Resurrection didn’t happen, it’s hard for me to swallow. Not saying Resurrection was a good film(that’s for another conversation). I definitely have watched the new Halloween movies, how can I not? I’m just not enjoying them as much as the next horror lover. I think I need to do a deep dive on this franchise and figure out the root of why I feel this way. Maybe I went into them and hate watched them. Now I’m thinking I should revisit the original and then go to these ones with no resentment and see if I feel the same. To be continued.

Unwelcome

Release Date: 10/28 In Theaters however it looks like Shudder produced this one so I think we can expect a streaming date soon after. The release date has been pushed back a couple of times so this could change.

Is Ireland trying to cut down on the amount of tourists they get or something? I feel I’ve seen more and more horror movies coming out that are set in Ireland. Unwelcome is about a couple who moved to a home in Ireland only to find out they’re going to be up against goblins. I’m curious what the goblins are going to be like, is this going to be a more graphic Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark?

Violent Night

I love seeing David Harbour embrace these action roles outside of Stranger Things, I think he nailed Hellboy. He’s one actor that is very versatile and I’ll watch anything that he’s in to be honest. There are not enough holiday themed horror movies to watch during the winter so this one will be quite the treat. Santa goes after bad guys who terrorize people? Yesssssssss sleigh Santa!!!

Now here are some other movies that are set to release this year, they just don’t have a locked-in release date.

Evil Dead Rise

I am a HUGE fan of the Evil Dead franchise. Bruce Campbell is amazing and I don’t think there’s any other person who could have helped move these films into the cult classic category. It’s a shame that Bruce isn’t going to be in this one however he is producing along with Sam Raimi. This will be coming to HBO Max when it’s released.

Hellraiser

The Hellraiser movies scared the living jeebus out of me growing up. I forever have Uncle Frank’s skinless body embedded in my brain. There are a few final girls who don’t get enough recognition and Ashley Laurence is one of them. There isn’t a Clive Barker film/story that I haven’t loved, he’s one of the horror goats. Hellraiser will be coming to Hulu following behind Books of Blood which you can stream now.

Jeepers Creepers: Reborn

I simply cannot fathom that it’s been 20 years since the first Jeepers Creepers was released. A simple story with a basic setting that was so terrifying. They did an amazing job with the monster, the makeup and SFX was top notch. The first JC was spectacular, the second was still pretty good but the third was disappointing(straight to network TV was not a good idea) although they still delivered with the monster’s makeup. I have a feeling they’ll be reverting back to the original vibes with this one though.

Orphan: First Kill

I don’t know about anyone else but I was not expecting the ending to the original Orphan. I think they did a great job with the OG in 2009 and I have no doubt they will knock this one out of the park.

Studio 666

When horror comedy first started out, I didn’t know how I felt. But as more and more films are released, I’m loving it. I’m excited to see this one starring the Foo Fighters.

Disappointment Blvd

There’s really not much about this film. It’s an Ari Aster film though so expect a hair-raising ride.

Dark Harvest

I’m pretty excited for this film, any time a film is centered around my favorite holiday I’m all in. The premise is based on Norman Partridge’s book, titled the same. So far, it’s unrated but I think it may be along the lines of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark which is PG-13. I’m hoping for a darker version rated R but we shall see.

Hellblazers

Any time Tony Todd is involved, I’m here for it. This movie is already out and available to watch on Tubi which is a huge plus. This film is centered around a small Midwest town that has a satanic cult summoning the devil. It’s a must watch. Update on Hellblazers. I recently gave this one a watch and I was disappointed. They had some amazing, seasoned actors in this but the cinematography was terrible and the main leads were not likable which ruined it. The monster was incredibly cheesy. It had so much potential but you can tell they didn’t have the budget for the monster they had in mind. At one point you literally see raw chicken which is supposed to look like the monster’s skin that is shedding off as he’s morphing into the more powerful version of itself. Tony Todd delivered per usual and I loved seeing Billy Zane. If you watched it, what did you think?

The Crooked Man

This one has been long awaited. It keeps getting pushed back so I’m not sure if this will be the year or not but anything in the Conjuring universe is worth a watch or two.

Prey

I’m a huge fan of the Predator franchise, this installment will be a prequel to the original. It is the Predator’s first visit to Earth in the 1700’s. I’ve seen A LOT of hate about this film for various reasons but I don’t doubt they’ll deliver with high action, anxiety riddled horror.

There are a couple other movies to be expected later this year however they could be pushed to 2023. Included on that list is Issac which looks like a hell of a ride.

Issac

I am sure there are SO many more films coming out that are more underground but this is a solid list of hopefuls. Which one are you looking forward to the most?