Hello October, we are so glad you’re back. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year that gives everyone a little something to enjoy. For some, it’s cooler weather, pumpkins, and going to the fair. For others, it’s all about cozying up with their favorite seasonal films and a latte. But, here at Nerdist, we are some serious horror fanatics who cannot resist checking out new genre offerings each year, as well as revisiting classics. And October 2026 is certainly not going to disappoint us at all, with a slate of TV shows and movies that will fill our horror hearts with twisted glee. From remakes and adaptations of classic stories to anthologies, here are ten new horror shows and films that you have to watch this October.
Horror TV Shows Coming in October 2026
Carrie
Mike Flanagan is putting his trademark horror lens on yet another Stephen King story. After several film adaptations, Carrie is getting a TV series remake this October, which is perfect timing for all us Halloween horror nerds. The series will follow Carrie’s iconic story, but this time Flanagan is taking time to build her world in unexpected new ways.
When & Where to Watch: October 7 on Prime Video
Crystal Lake
Friday the 13th’s franchise is adding yet another installment to its belt; however, this series isn’t about Jason Voorhees. Instead, we are going back into the past to focus on his mom Pamela and the events that led up to her becoming a full-blown serial killer. Jason will appear in the show, but Linda Cardellini is its star, and we are ready to spot Easter eggs and connections to the universe we already know so well.
When & Where to Watch: October 15 on Peacock
American Horror Story (Season 13)
Yes, the latest season of American Horror Story technically made its debut in September. But the majority of the season will air throughout October, so it feels right to include it in our horror show lineup. A lot of the OGs are showing back up for this season, which apparently will center around a dark force that’s targeting witches. Do we really need to say anything else?
When & Where to Watch: Thursdays Throughout October on Hulu and FX
Yaga
If you love mystery thrillers, AMC+ and Crave have the perfect series for you. Yaga follows an investigator who heads to a coastal town to investigate the disappearance of a young heir. He’s met with a litany of opposing forces, from a local detective to ancient magic and a host of suspects.
When & Where to Watch: October 23 on AMC+
Ghosts Halloween Special
CBS is giving Ghosts fans the gift of a Halloween special ahead of season 6, which will arrive in early 2027. This special, titled “Halloween 6: Twisted Sister,” will address last season’s cliffhanger as well as introduce Hetty’s sister Margaret, who is a new type of spirit that’s never been seen before.
When & Where to Watch: October 29 on CBS and Paramount+
Horror Movies Coming Out in October 2026
Clayface
Clayface is one of DC’s most intriguing characters, and he’s getting his own horror-tinged series. In it, we will follow rising movie star Matt Hagen, who ends up brutally disfigured and volunteers to be a test subject in hopes of salvaging his looks and career. Of course, this goes horribly wrong and his side effects include his body turning into living clay. Now that’s a great body horror premise for ya.
When & Where to Watch: October 23 in Theaters
Other Mommy
If you’re a parent, sometimes you wish that there were two of you to get things done. But, that would be awfully creepy and potentially dangerous if Other You decided to take you out of the family picture. Well, Other Mommy isn’t quite that narrative. Instead, it is even scarier. A paranormal entity takes on the appearance of a little girl’s mom, gets into their house, and wreaks havoc. The trailers for this film, starring Jessica Chastain, are quite chilling, so we are ready to see this in theaters.
When & Where to Watch: October 9 in Theaters
Crawlers
Spiders are a major part of Halloween and horror. We use them for decorations and to craft many sinister tales. So it is not shocking that there’s a horror movie coming out in October that involves a horde of venomous spiders. Crawlers follows Serena, an apartment complex manager who discovers a spider infestation after a tenant’s death. The complex is under quarantine and it is up to Serena to save everyone while also facing a major fear.
When & Where to Watch: October 16 in Theaters
V/H/S Mixtape
The V/H/S franchise is expanding with yet another film coming this October. According to a press release, this movie “cranks the signature found-footage horror up to eleven with an electrifying new anthology where music and sound become the source of terror. United by a theme that explores the power of music, rhythm, and audio to haunt, possess, and destroy, the film blends cosmic horror, psychological suspense, outrageous splatter, and groundbreaking practical effects into one unforgettable mixtape of nightmares.”
While V/H/S offerings have had mixed reviews in recent years, it is still usually a fun anthology to watch.
When & Where to Watch: October 9 on Shudder
The Cycle
Daredevil: Born Again’s Deborah Ann Woll will star in this Shudder film as Dr. Meg Garland, an expert in all things death and decay. She’s summoned to a gruesome crime scene, but things take an unexpected twist when one of the victims is identified as her father, who has been missing for 36 years. Suddenly, this movie is less of a crime thriller and more of a creature feature, as evidenced by its trailer.
When & Where to Watch: October 23 on Shudder
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