As October ushers in the spooky season, streaming services are embracing the spirit of horror by rolling out a wealth of new and notable titles that fans of the genre can enjoy without waiting for Halloween night. Platforms like Peacock, Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount Plus, and Tubi are all serving up fresh TV series and films filled with chilling thrills—from supernatural hauntings and grisly serial killers to eerie rituals and monstrous creatures. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological scares, supernatural suspense, or classic slasher vibes, there is a diverse lineup ready to send shivers down your spine.
One of the most anticipated new series this season is an HBO prequel to the beloved It films. If you’ve seen the 2017 and 2019 adaptations of Stephen King’s novel, you’ll recognize Bill Skarsgård’s sinister portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. This upcoming show will transport viewers back to Derry, Maine, in 1962, exploring the events that set the stage for the horrors that follow. Both Skarsgård and Andy Muschietti, the director of the It movies, are involved in this bone-chilling series, promising fans an immersive dive into the origins of the town’s terrifying legacy.
For those who appreciate horror with a psychological and ritualistic bent, the A24 film Bring Her Back is garnering praise for its bleak and disturbing narrative. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 89%, this movie explores dark themes involving foster mothers and chilling rituals. Directed by the same duo behind 2022’s Talk to Me, Bring Her Back is noted for its unsettling atmosphere and haunting score that elevates the dread throughout the film.
True crime aficionados have a gripping new miniseries to watch on Peacock. Inspired by a 2021 docuseries, this eight-episode scripted show dramatizes the story of John Wayne Gacy, one of America’s most notorious serial killers. Michael Chernus stars as Gacy, but the series takes a unique approach by avoiding graphic depictions of the murders themselves. Instead, it focuses on the victims’ stories through flashbacks, offering a chilling perspective that respects the gravity of the crimes while maintaining suspense and horror.
Netflix is also adding to the zombie horror genre with an intriguing new Indonesian film. The story revolves around the owner of a herbal medicine business who concocts a new recipe that unleashes a horde of the undead. This fresh take on zombies blends cultural elements with the classic survival horror formula, promising an intense ride for fans of the genre.
Another Netflix original, Weapons, stars Julia Garner in a psychological thriller about a teacher who faces suspicion and blame when many of her students mysteriously vanish. Written and directed by Zach Cregger, known for the 2022 horror hit Barbarian, the film also features Josh Brolin as the father of one of the missing children. This tense narrative explores themes of community paranoia and the fear of the unknown, creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere.
The streaming giant also continues its dark anthology series Monster with an eight-episode third season inspired by the real-life crimes of Ed Gein, the infamous Wisconsin serial killer and grave robber. Both the series and the true story it’s based on are profoundly disturbing, delving into the macabre details that shaped one of America’s most chilling criminal legends.
Hulu is reviving the psychological thriller The Hand That Rocks the Cradle with a modern remake. The original 1992 film was known for its creeping suspense and themes of betrayal, and the new version maintains that ominous vibe. Starring horror favorites Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe, the story centers on a suburban mother and her new nanny, whose intentions are far from what they seem.
For viewers who enjoy mystery wrapped in a spooky atmosphere, a new six-episode thriller series based on Harlan Coben’s work is now streaming. Featuring Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy, this show blends suspense with eerie undertones, keeping audiences guessing as the plot unfolds.
Adding an international flavor to the horror offerings, a new supernatural Thai film explores disturbing events at an all-girls reform school on a remote island. The movie weaves mystery and supernatural elements to create an atmosphere thick with dread and suspense, highlighting the rich storytelling tradition of Asian horror cinema.
Slasher fans will be pleased to know that the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise is returning with a new installment. The plot follows a group