Summer blockbuster season is just around the corner, and the movie studios are gearing up to captivate audiences with their latest offerings. As we eagerly anticipate the cinematic spectacles that lie ahead, our radar has been buzzing with an exciting array of films that have piqued our interest. Brace yourself for a lineup that might just make your summer movie-watching experience truly worthwhile.
Discover the 12 terrifying horror movies releasing this summer, complete with trailers, to create your ultimate list of must-see spine-chilling flicks.
The Wrath of Becky – May 26
The Wrath of Becky asks, “What if John Wick had nazis in it?” This revenge thriller stars Matt Angel (Grimm), Alison Cimmet (Evil), and Lulu Wilson (Becky).
The gruesome trailer depicts this as an ultraviolent gore-fest with a slash of comedy thrown in for good measure. If you were not satisfied watching a teenage girl murder neo-Nazis once, then this is the summer flick for you.
The Boogeyman – June 2, 2023
It wouldn’t be summer without a Stephen King adaptation coming to theaters. Based on a short story by King, this film follows two sisters trying to deal with the death of their mother while being tormented by a supernatural entity that feeds off suffering.
Rob Savage (Host) will get the honor of directing the film this year. Performances by Sophie Thatcher (yellowjackets) and David Dastmalchian (Dune) make this appear to be a somber event. Originally slated for a Hulu exclusive this film won fans over during test screenings and is now getting a theatrical release.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster – June 9
Classic movie monsters are making a comeback this year. Not only did we get two Dracula movies, but we are also getting a reimagining of Frankenstein’s monster. Unlike its predecesors, this film promises to be a bit more bloody.
This directorial debut from Bomani J. Story (Nerves of Steel) depicts a young anti-hero that attempts to cure the disease of death. Starring Chad L. Coleman (The Walking Dead), and Laya DeLeon Hayes (God of War: Ragnarök), this film will hopefully pull this classic tale into the modern age.
The Blackening – June 16, 2023
Not surprisingly, The Blackening is the first horror comedy to be based around the Juneteenth holiday. Tim Story (Barbershop) has taken on the task of directing this film and dismantling outdated horror tropes.
It also has an impressive lineup of actors including Antoinette Robertson (Dear White People), Dewayne Perkins (Saved by the Bell), and Sinqua Walls (Teen Wolf). With the tagline “We all can’t die first”, this looks to be a self-aware satire of the genre.
Insidious: The Red Door – July 7, 2023
Summer is also a time for studios to roll out their newest sequels, reboots, and remakes. As a result we have Insidious: The Red Door, the fifth installment of the franchise.
Not only will Patrick Wilson (Hard Candy) star in his iconic role, but he will also be making his directorial debut. Adding to the tension, a decade has passed since the events of the last film, and the Lambert family is still trying to outrun their past.
Cobweb – July 21
This tale is inspired by the classic short story The Telltale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe. Following his success with the terrifying Marianne, Samuel Bodin (Batman: Ashes to Ashes) tells the story of a young boy who hears a mysterious tapping throughout his home.
If that isn’t enough, we also get amazing performences from Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield), Antony Star (The Boys), and Woody Norman (The Small Hand). Not much has been revealed about this one, so make sure to keep an eye out for updates.
Talk To Me – July 28, 2023
The newest film from A24, Talk to Me will get a limited release this summer. However, as a rule, A24 trailers are vague at best.
If you didn’t see it already, we have all the info you need on our Sundance review of the film here. Sophie Wilde (The Portable Door), Joe Bird (Rabbit), and Alexandra Jensen (Beat) headline this supernatural thriller.
Also, this will be the theatrical directorial debut for brothers Danny Philippou (Babadook) and Michael Philippou (RackaRacka).
Haunted Mansion – July 28, 2023
Summer wouldn’t feel the same without an introduction horror film for all the little ghouls out there. The Haunted Mansion is Disney’s second attempt at turning the famous ride into a blockbuster. Unlike the earlier iteration, which wasn’t well received by critics.
This movie includes an all-star cast including Rosario Dawson (Sin City), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Winona Ryder (Beetlejuice), Owen Wilson (Loki), Jared Leto (Morbius), and Danny DeVito (Matilda).
The plot follows a single mother and a team of experts as they try to remove the spirits from her newly purchased mansion. Even if family friendly isn’t you preferred form of terror, this looks like it will be a fun ride.
Sympathy for the Devil – July 2
Nicolas Cage (Renfield) is at his best playing a deranged villain. No one can do psychotic the way this man can. Even if you dont enjoy his films, you have to respect the talent. Who else can scream bees in a way that goes down in horror history?
Sympathy for the Devil tells the gripping tale of cat and mouse where the lines of reality begin to blur. Producing the film alongside Nicolas Cage are Alex Lebovici (Barbarian), Allan Ungar (The Sound), and Stuart Manashil (His House).
Meg 2: The Trench – August 4
The only info that we have about this film is that a giant prehistoric shark is going to try and kill Jason Statham (The Meg) again. That being said, we have the very talented Ben Wheatley (Kill List) taking the helm as director of the film. If that isn’t enough to get you excited for summer, I don’t know what will.
Last Voyage of The Demeter – August 11
This film is based on a chapter from Bram Stroker’s Dracula titled The Captain’s Log. It follows the voyage of The Demeter as it ferries Dracula to England, using the blood of the crew to keep himself alive.
This is the second film that Universal Pictures is releasing using the character of Dracula, the other is the marvelous Renfield.
The film stars Corey Hawkins (Kong: Skull Island), Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) and is directed by Andre Ovredal (Troll Hunter).
Birth/Rebirth – August 18
The second interpretation of Frankenstein on this list, Birth/Rebirth looks at the subject material from a more paternal angle. Using the viscera from pregnancy to keep a reanimated corps going is a new spin on an old tale.
Adding to the hype are appearances by some horror alumni including Judy Reyes (Smile), Marin Ireland (The Empty Man), and Breeda Wool (Mr. Mercedes).
