For those of you avid horror fans who still stand by the genre, which seems to be dying, there is still hope for 2016. Recent horror films in 2015, such as It Follows and the Australian film, The Babadook, have ushered in what some critics are calling "the horror renaissance". These films turn the genre on its head, fleeing from conventions to bring back some originality.
Now in 2016, there will be an onslaught of cringe-worthy, spine-tingling flicks that seem promising for the genre.
1. The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist
Ed and Lorraine Warren are back in the sequel to the 2013 horror film that revived the genre, delivering the most chilling supernatural scares for audiences in a long time. The film takes place in Enfield, London, where a controversial case of poltergeist activity is investigated. Lots of people question the authenticity of the events that plagued the Hodgson Family. It will be interesting to see how the filmmakers present their "true" story.
In theaters June 10, 2016. Watch the trailer!
2. Lights Out
David F. Sandberg was the genius behind the short film of this upcoming adaptation, which he will be directing. The film follows a monster that haunts a few souls when the lights go out. The short film garnered lots of media attention and became quite popular among various film festivals.
In theaters July 22, 2016. Watch the trailer!
3. Green Room
Patrick Stewart goes from Professor X, head of a school for mutants, to the head of a Neo-Nazi gang that targets band members performing in a rural town. It's a backwoods thriller that seems brutal, unrelenting, and deeply disturbing.
In U.S. theaters April 29, 2016. Watch the red band trailer!
4. The Purge 3: Election Year
The Purge is back to deliver more bloody action during another annual, mass crime spree that's somehow legally sanctioned by the U.S. government of the future. Let's hope the United States doesn't actually amend this into the constitution. Second thought, it may be kind of fun, right?
In theaters July 1, 2016. Watch the trailer!
5. Don't Breathe
Evil Dead remake director Fede Alvarez returns to the big screen with his second feature, Don't Breathe, in which Jane Levy will be returning to work for him. Evil Dead was one of the best remakes of the last decade or so and stayed true to the original while presenting its own flair and style. Fede seems to love the use of practical effects, which is always a plus.
In theaters August 26, 2016. The trailer is not out yet!
6. 31
It seems like Rob Zombie, director of The Devil's Rejects, Lords of Salem, and House of 1,000 Corpses, has been teasing his loyal fans with this upcoming Halloween, horror thriller. There have only been stills and cool concept art released as of yet, and Zombie seems to be keeping quiet about the release, although it's dated for, well… Halloween. The film follows a group of carnival workers who are kidnapped and brought to a hellish compound to survive a 12-hour game against sadistic clowns. What?
In theaters (as of now) September 16, 2016. Trailer not out yet!
7. Before I Wake
A couple adopts a child whose nightmares come to life! Moths are scary.
In theaters April 8, 2016. Watch the trailer!
8. The Darkness
Never touch, collect, or destroy any items you may find when traveling outside of the comfort of your home. They may be cursed. That's what happens to this family that travels to the… Grand Canyon? Anyway, some supernatural force follows them with sinister intentions. Rhona Mitra, star of the Silent Hill film adaptation, is featured with Stir of Echoes' Kevin Bacon.
In theaters May 13, 2016. Watch the trailer!
9. The Strangers 2
Not a lot of information has been released about the upcoming production, but the three menacing strangers that plagued Liv Tyler and co-star Scott Speedman, are returning to terrorize another family. Rumors speculate that the new family will be living in a trailer park after being evicted from their home. Writer Bryan Bertino returns with this original screenplay.
(Apparently) In theaters December 2, 2016. Trailer not out yet.
10. The Other Side of the Door
A woman disturbs the balance between life and death to communicate with her son, who has died in a tragic accident. Sarah Wayne Callies from The Walking Dead stars in this upcoming thriller.
In theaters March 4, 2016. Watch the trailer!
