Top 10 Most Anticipated Horror Movies of 2023 | Terrifying and Intriguing

The Latest Trends in Horror for 2023

As a new year arrives, we horror enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what the genre will bring in terms of new trends and developments. 2023 is set to deliver some exciting new horror movies, tapping into fresh concepts and capitalizing on the latest twists to thrill and chill audiences.

More Diversity in Stories and Characters

After increased calls for more inclusive storytelling, we’re likely to see more lead characters from diverse backgrounds in 2023 horror. In particular, there will hopefully be more nuanced depictions of female, LGBTQ+ and racial minority protagonists, moving away from harmful stereotypes. An emphasis on elevating these groups' voices could bring intriguing new perspectives to the genre.

Fresh Interpretations of Japanese Horror Tropes

Japanese horror has spawned some iconic formulas and imagery, from creepy long-haired ghosts to the psychological tension of films like Ringu. We’re primed to see these tropes reworked in creative new ways that retain their chilling potency, whether through remakes harnessing modern production values or incorporating East Asian mythologies into new settings.

More Gore...If Censors Allow It

Horror has always pushed boundaries when it comes to gory special effects. But tightened restrictions have sometimes curtailed extreme violence onscreen recently. 2023 may see Certain compromises to get gorier offerings to audiences, perhaps through unrated home releases. Of course, some shocking gore-fests will invariably still slip through.

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Horror Movies of 2023

1. The Inhabitant

My top anticipated 2023 horror movie is The Inhabitant, starring Lily Rabe as a woman plagued by dark visions after a near-death experience. With unsettling themes of grief and trauma, this promises chilling creatures and psychological tension as the protagonist tries retaining her sanity. As both star and producer, Rabe has the talent to craft something truly scary.

2. Scream VI

The Scream franchise will continue Ghostface’s reign of terror in New York City with Scream VI. Series stalwarts like Courteney Cox and Hayden Panettiere return alongside franchise newcomers Dermot Mulroney and Henry Czerny. I’m excited to see Ghostface on the streets of a major metropolis while the whodunnit mystery aspect will keep us guessing as the body count rises.

3. The Last Voyage of the Demeter

This intriguing entry in the expanding Dark Universe franchise recounts the doomed voyage of the ship transporting Dracula to England, depicted in Bram Stoker’s original novel. With "10 Cloverfield Lane" director Dan Trachtenberg helming the project, I’m expecting claustrophobic tension as the crew fights to survive a monster in their midst while trapped at sea.

4. Dead Day

This Blumhouse production introduces a frightening concept: a day where the dead come back to take revenge against their killers. The premise is reminiscent of The Crow but amped up to apocalyptic proportions. It’ll be gripping to find out which characters face retribution and whether anyone will make it out alive amid citywide carnage.

5. The Outwaters

I’m intrigued by the Lovecraftian-style premise of The Outwaters involving investigators discovering sinister secrets lurking in a remote Indonesian jungle. The theme of venturing into the unknown paired with otherworldly creatures makes for nerve-shredding suspense. Rounding out the package is a cast including Joel McHale, Mel Gibson and Katherine Waterston.

6. The Breathing Method

Stephen King adaptations are always tempting horror prospects and The Breathing Method looks particularly creepy. The gothic tale centered on a mysterious club sees Scott Teems (Halloween Kills) bring his horror writing chops telling a story encompassing pregnancy, violence and a doctor’s macabre obsession. Throw in an outstanding cast featuring Mark Hamill and Ben Aldridge, and we could have a genuinely chilling Stephen King chiller.

7. We Have A Ghost

Family-friendly scares are welcome to cater younger viewers, and We Have A Ghost promises wholesome paranormal hijinks. Starring David Harbour and Jennifer Coolidge, this musically-inclined ghost tale looks amusing while retaining charming chills as the spirit brings a fragmented family together. It’ll likely balance infectious humor alongside emotional moments à la Beetlejuice.

8. The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman

Director Fredrik Bond finally revisits his cult hit The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman, releasing an animated version using never-before seen live-action footage shot for the original film. The offbeat romance with supernatural elements was always deserving of a wider audience. This stylistic approach should capture the quirky magic while expanding its reach.

9. Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey

One of 2023’s most leftfield horror flicks transforms children’s icon Winnie The Pooh into a slasher villain targeting his now grown-up friends. With grisly violence promised against the backdrop of Hundred Acre Wood, I’m fascinated how this unique spin on the silly old bear connects the innocent Pooh I grew up with to brutal on-screen murders. It’ll undoubtedly be a surreal clash generating buzz via sheer novelty value alone.

10. Final Destination 6

Rounding out my list is long-running franchise Final Destination, returning after over a decade absence. I’m holding out hope they recreate the ingenious Rube Goldberg-style kill scenes making the series so morbidly entertaining previously. And the core concept of lethal fate stalking victims who cheated death always produces tense suspense, even 12 years since the underwhelming The Final Destination.

Stay Tuned for All Things Horror in 2023

Of course I’ve only scratched the surface of what the horror genre likely has in store for 2023. With festivals like Sundance offering sneak previews of upcoming fright fare, I’m positive numerous intriguing cryptkeepers remain under wraps. I’ll be keeping watch obsessively as ever for announcements dropping juicy reveals. Whether you prefer sinister slashers, psychological creepers or gruesome monsters, it’s set to be another killer year! Stay spooky folks.

FAQs

What are some of the horror movie trends predicted for 2023?

Some key horror trends for 2023 include more diversity among lead characters and stories, fresh takes on Japanese horror tropes, and potentially more extreme gore if censorship allows it.

What films are at the top of the most anticipated horror movies of 2023?

The Inhabitant, Scream VI, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, and Dead Day rank among the most hotly anticipated horror movies for next year.

Are there any horror-comedy or family-friendly scary movies arriving in 2023?

Yes, films like We Have A Ghost with David Harbour look to provide family scares. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey also puts a twisted horror spin on a childhood favorite.

Will any classic horror movie franchises return in 2023?

Yes, the Scream and Final Destination franchises will both see new installments next year after being dormant for over a decade.