Horror Movies Releasing in October 2023 – Halloween Nights
As Halloween draws near, horror enthusiasts can anticipate a month filled with spine-tingling cinematic experiences. Here’s a list of all the horror films set to be released in October 2023.
Horror has a timeless appeal to moviegoers, but its allure intensifies in October when Halloween adds a unique aura to these cinematic experiences. With the genre’s enduring popularity, numerous films have already made their way to screens in recent months, such as “Last Voyage of the Demeter,” “The Nun II,” and “A Haunting in Venice.” And the excitement continues, as many more chilling releases are on the horizon in the months to come.
October holds a special place in the hearts of horror enthusiasts. It’s a time when iconic horror classics grace the screens of streaming services like Hulu and Disney+ as part of the Halloween festivities. Additionally, fans can look forward to catching new releases in theaters and on other streaming platforms like Peacock and Paramount+. Without further delay, here’s a comprehensive list of all the horror films slated for release in October 2023.
Appendage – October 2 2023
“Appendage,” with the tagline “Embrace your inner demons,” is an upcoming feature film based on Anna Zlokovic’s short of the same name. It’s set to be released as part of Huluween 2023 on Hulu on October 2nd. The film features Hadley Robinson and Emily Hampshire, whose performances appear to be at the heart of the movie, as highlighted in the official trailer.
The story revolves around Hannah, a young fashion designer who may seem ordinary on the surface but is plagued by anxieties and self-doubt in her professional life. These insecurities lead to the emergence of a new presence that takes control of her body. As she grapples with a sense of inadequacy among her colleagues at work and navigates a deteriorating relationship with her boyfriend, “The Appendage” exploits her psychological vulnerabilities. Eventually, Hannah discovers that she is not alone in this unsettling experience, and there are others who share a similar plight.
Totally Killer (Oct. 6)
“Totally Killer” is a sci-fi horror film featuring Kiernan Shipka and directed by Nahnatchka Khan. The main cast also includes Olivia Holt, Julie Bowen, and Randall Park. The film is set to have its premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 28 before becoming available on Prime Video on October 6.
The film’s narrative revolves around Jamie, a seventeen-year-old girl who experiences a life-altering event when she’s attacked by a serial killer one night. This event transports her back in time to 1987, an era when the notorious “Sweet Sixteen Killer” left a trail of blood after brutally murdering multiple women before mysteriously disappearing. Jamie is determined to prevent the killer’s reign of terror at any cost. She begins her mission by attempting to get close to the victims from that time. However, a significant challenge arises when the victims do not believe her. This sets the stage for a gripping and suspenseful story that explores the complexities of altering the past to save lives.
The Exorcist: Believer (Oct. 6)
The Exorcist: Believer, the sixth installment in The Exorcist franchise and the direct sequel to The Exorcist (1973), was originally planned to be a reboot but was eventually redeveloped into a sequel. Produced by Blumhouse Productions, the film will be the first of the newly planned trilogy, with the sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, due to hit theaters in April 2025. The official synopsis of the film is as follows:
This description sets the stage for a mysterious and potentially chilling storyline, as Victor Fielding, portrayed by Leslie Odom, Jr., has faced the tragic loss of his wife in a Haitian earthquake and has been raising their daughter, Angela, on his own. The narrative takes a suspenseful turn when Angela and her friend Katherine vanish in the woods, only to return three days later with no recollection of their experiences.
The story appears to delve into themes of horror and the supernatural as Victor confronts the depths of evil and seeks help from the one person who might understand the inexplicable events: Chris MacNeil. This synopsis hints at a compelling and eerie plot that may resonate with fans of the horror genre and the original “Exorcist” film.
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (Oct. 6)
“Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is a highly anticipated prequel to the 2019 film “Pet Sematary.” Following the commercial success of the 2019 adaptation, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura decided to delve deeper into the mysteries and myths surrounding the story with this prequel.
The film is scheduled to premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 23 and will subsequently be available on Paramount+ on October 6.
Set in 1969, the story revolves around Jud Crandall, a young man with ambitious dreams of leaving his town, Ludlow. However, his plans take an ominous turn when he stumbles upon a malevolent secret hidden within his family’s cemetery. As he uncovers a chilling family history, he comes to realize that he is inexorably bound to Ludlow by destiny. Jud joins forces with his childhood friends in a quest to combat the malevolence that has haunted the town since its inception, all the while unraveling the dark secrets of his hometown. This promises to be an intriguing addition to the “Pet Sematary” lore, shedding light on the town’s ominous past.
Dark Harvest (Oct. 13)
“Dark Harvest” is an upcoming fantasy horror film that draws inspiration from the 2006 novel of the same name by Norman Partridge. The film is directed by David Slade, known for his work on “30 Days of Night” and “Hard Candy.” It is scheduled for an initial release at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas on October 11, followed by its digital availability on October 13.
The story centers on a sinister figure known as the October Boy, who haunts a Midwestern town every Halloween. This terrifying entity emerges from the cornfields wielding a butcher knife, and those brave enough to cross its path meet a gruesome fate. The film features a cast that includes Casey Likes, Emyri Crutchfield, Dustin Ceithamer, and Alejandro Akara.
“Dark Harvest” promises to bring to life the chilling tale of the October Boy and the annual horrors he inflicts upon the town’s residents, delivering a compelling blend of fantasy and horror.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (Oct. 27)
“Five Nights at Freddy’s” is one of the most highly anticipated horror films for October, primarily because it’s based on the popular video game franchise created by Scott Cawthon. The movie features a cast including Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard, and it’s set to be released simultaneously in theaters and on Peacock on October 27.
According to Blumhouse, the official synopsis of the film is as follows:
The story centers around a troubled security guard who embarks on a new job at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. However, as he begins his first night shift at this seemingly innocent establishment, he quickly realizes that surviving the night at Freddy’s won’t be as straightforward as he had initially thought. The film promises to bring the suspense and terror associated with the popular video game franchise to the big screen.
