October has several horror releases for fans of the genre, from a supernatural film starring Jessica Chastain to a survival story about a man trapped inside a whale. Mike Flanagan also brings a new adaptation of Carrie to the screen, while DC explores the darker side of one of Batman's villains in a standalone film.
Here are five horror titles to watch this October.
1. Other Mommy
Release date: October 9, 2026
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Directed by Rob Savage, Other Mommy stars Jessica Chastain in a supernatural horror story about a family threatened by an entity that takes the form of a woman. Chastain plays both a mother and the supernatural creature, while Jay Duplass and Arabella Olivia Clark play other members of the family.
The idea of a supernatural being taking the appearance of someone familiar gives the story an unsettling premise. With Chastain playing both sides of the threat, Other Mommy may appeal to viewers who enjoy supernatural horror centred on family relationships.
2. Whalefall
Release date: October 16, 2026
Distributor: 20th Century Studios
In Whalefall, Austin Abrams plays a scuba diver who gets swallowed by a whale and must find a way out before his oxygen runs out. With time working against him, his survival depends on finding an escape from the animal.
The film is directed by Brian Duffield, whose previous feature, No One Will Save You (2023), told an alien invasion story with very little dialogue. That film relied heavily on visual storytelling to build tension. In Whalefall, Duffield turns to another survival story, this time placing the main character in an enclosed space with limited options for escape.
The premise makes the film worth considering for viewers who enjoy survival horror and stories in which a character must find a way out of a seemingly impossible situation.
3. Clayface
Release date: October 23, 2026
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
DC turns to body horror with Clayface, a standalone film about one of Batman's villains. The character is known for his ability to change his physical appearance. Mike Flanagan wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay, while James Watkins directs.
Rather than following the usual superhero format, the film takes a darker approach, with its trailer showing disturbing physical transformations. Clayface's abilities also give the story room to explore the frightening consequences of a body that can change shape.
For horror fans who prefer unsettling imagery and body horror to conventional superhero action, Clayface is one of October's releases to look out for.
4. Beware Boiúna
Release date: October 2, 2026
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
A giant snake takes centre stage in Beware Boiúna, directed by Mike P. Nelson. The film stars Kiana Madeira, Jessica Rothe and Logan Marshall-Green.
Nelson previously directed Wrong Turn (2021) and Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025). In his latest film, he tells a story about people who encounter a deadly snake.
The film also spends time developing its human characters before the creature becomes the main focus. This gives the story room to go beyond a simple chase between a monster and its potential victims.
For viewers looking for a creature feature this October, Beware Boiúna offers a story built around the threat of a giant snake.
5. V/H/S/Mixtape
Release date: October 9, 2026
Streaming platform: Shudder
The V/H/S franchise returns with V/H/S/Mixtape, the ninth instalment in the horror anthology series. The new film puts music at the centre of its collection of stories, with contributions from Ernest Dickerson, Flying Lotus, RZA, David Moreau and Renee Zhan.
The anthology format gives each filmmaker the opportunity to tell a separate horror story. This makes the film a potential choice for viewers who prefer a collection of shorter stories to a single, continuous plot.
The franchise is known for its found-footage approach and graphic violence. With music playing a central role and the production promising practical effects, V/H/S/Mixtape could be an option for those looking for an anthology with plenty of gore during the Halloween season.
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