The horror slate for May 2026 is looking particularly grisly, with a heavy mix of supernatural sequels, indie psychological thrillers, and a few high-profile streaming exclusives. Looking for something bingable? Not only are there great movies being released, but there are also three killer series delivering fresh, terrifying new episodes this month.
Streaming Premieres: May 2026
| Date | Title | Platform | Genre |
| May 1 | The Whispering Woods | Shudder | Folk Horror |
| May 5 | Static | Netflix | Found Footage |
| May 8 | Don’t Look Up (2026) | Max | Supernatural |
| May 12 | The Ritualist | Hulu | Cult / Occult |
| May 15 | Herman (Early VOD) | Prime Video | Psychological |
| May 22 | Hell House LLC: Origins II | Shudder | Found Footage |
| May 29 | Widow’s Bay (Finale) | MGM+ | Supernatural/Paranormal |
Major Highlights
1. Hell House LLC: Origins II (Shudder)
Following the massive success of the Carmichael Manor installment, Stephen Cognetti returns to the lore of the Abaddon Hotel. This sequel reportedly explores the “cult” connections mentioned in the original trilogy. Expect more “mannequin-moving” scares that will make you regret having furniture.
2. The Ritualist (Hulu)
A high-budget original film focusing on a detective who realizes a string of murders is actually an elaborate attempt to summon something prehistoric. This one is gaining buzz for its practical creature effects, which we always love to see over CGI.
3. Static (Netflix)
A “screentime” horror movie in the vein of Host or Unfriended. It follows a group of streamers who accidentally catch a murder-in-progress on a deep-web feed, only for the killer to start tracking their IP addresses in real-time.
4. Send Help (Hulu)
Sam Raimi’s brutal survival horror Send Help arrives on Hulu on May 7. Watch as two co-workers are stranded on a deserted island, which gets bloody brutal.
Recent Theatrical Hits Moving to VOD
If you missed these in the cinema earlier this year, they are hitting “Rent/Buy” platforms this month:
-“The Deep Dark”: The French subterranean creature feature that had everyone talking about its “claustrophobic cinematography.”
-“Sorority of the Damned”: A throwback slasher with excellent practical makeup effects.
-“Weapons” (PVOD): Zach Cregger’s epic multi-story horror film is expected to hit digital stores by late May.
Theaters
Hokum (May 1)
A grieving writer travels to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. He quickly discovers that the hearth holds more than just memories; a malevolent witch has cursed the property.
Directed by Damian McCarthy (Oddity) and starring Adam Scott. Expect a masterclass in atmosphere and slow-burn dread.
Obsession (May 15)
A dark romantic nightmare unfolds when a hopeless romantic tampers with the “One Wish Willow.” He learns the hard way that supernatural shortcuts to the heart come with a gruesome price tag.
Directed by Curry Barker (Milk & Serial) and starring Michael Johnston and Cooper Tomlinson.
Passenger (May 22)
After witnessing a horrific highway pile-up, a couple finds themselves hunted by a demonic entity known as “The Passenger.” This high-octane thriller turns a road trip into a desperate race for survival.
Directed by André Øvredal (The Autopsy of Jane Doe) and starring Melissa Leo, Lou Llobell, and Jacob Scipio.
Backrooms (May 29)
The internet’s most famous creepypasta finally hits the big screen. When a patient vanishes into thin air during a session, a therapist is pulled into a liminal dimension of yellow wallpaper and endless hallways.
Streaming Series Watch
“FROM” (MGM+)
Season 4 is currently in full swing. Episode 3, “Merrily We Go,” drops on May 3, followed by Episode 4 on May 10. Fans are still reeling from the barn-related trauma of the premiere, so keep your tissues (and nightlights) handy.
“The Terror: Devil in Silver” (AMC+)
Episodes continue to roll out from this series, which delivers a mix of psychological and supernatural horror. The series follows a man unfairly sent to a psychiatric hospital. As he tries to cope with being trapped, a supernatural terror is revealed to be stalking the patients. Be sure to check out our interview with the series’ showrunners.
“Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV)
This series is a must-watch. It combines New England island charm and things that go bump in the night. Watch as a mayor desperately tries to revive the town and turn it into a tourist spot. However, he hasn’t accounted for the ghost, monsters, and more that prove problematic. If you want to hear from the cast and creator themselves, watch our interview.
New Releases
| Date | Title | Format | |
| May 5 | The Deep Dark | 4K UHD / Blu-ray | |
| May 12 | Sorority of the Damned | Blu-ray / DVD | |
| May 19 | Weapons | 4K UHD (Steelbook) | |
| May 26 | The Mortuary Assistant | Blu-ray |
The “Boutique” Highlights
1. Weapons (4K Steelbook) – Warner Bros.
Zach Cregger’s latest is getting the “deluxe” treatment. The cinematographer reportedly supervises the 4K transfer to ensure the dark, gritty tones are preserved. Look for the “making-of” featurette, which dives into the practical effects used for the more… unusual sequences.
2. The Deep Dark (Collector’s Edition) – Screambox
This French creature feature is a must-own for the cinematography alone. The 4K disc includes a “behind-the-scenes” look at the subterranean set builds and the creature suit designs. For those who hate CGI, this is the showcase disc of the month.
3. Prophecy (1979) – Scream Factory (4K Upgrade)
The “mutant bear” classic is finally getting a 4K restoration. Scream Factory is known for its “extra” features, and this release includes a new interview with the practical effects team who built the “Katahdin” monster.
Specialty Sets & Re-issues
-The “Creature Feature” 4-Pack (Mill Creek): A budget-friendly DVD set featuring four indie monster movies from 2024-2025. Perfect for a rainy weekend marathon.
-Vinegar Syndrome “Secret” Debut: Keeping with tradition, the boutique giant is expected to announce a “lost” 80s slasher restoration mid-month.
-The FROM Season 3 Box Set: For those who want the high-fidelity version of the barn tragedy, the Blu-ray set drops on May 12, featuring deleted scenes and a “Death in the Town” memorial featurette.
