The year is extremely young—we're only in the very beginning of March—but 2019 is already shaping up to be a good one when it comes to horror movies. There's a lot to be excited about. There are new franchises, sequels, and remakes all out this year, so there's something for every horror fan.
If you're into the genre, the following are the movies you need to have on your radar for 2019. And these are only the movies that we know of—who knows what else could be announced as the year goes on!
Already Released in 2019
Before we get into the movies you need to keep an eye on going forward, there have actually been a few movies that have already been released that you should go back and watch if you haven't.
- Escape Room
- The Prodigy
- Happy Death Day 2U
Us (March 22, 2019)
Anyone who enjoyed the style of Jordan Peele's Get Out will absolutely love his next movie, which is simply titled Us. At first glance, it looks like a run-of-the-mill home invasion movie, but it takes a pretty intense twist when the homeowners find out that they're being invaded by people who look like, think like, and for all intents and purposes, are them. Everything about the trailer looks and feels intense, making this a film horror fans need to keep an eye on.
Pet Sematary (April 5, 2019)
The first Pet Sematary is an absolute classic, and the remake looks to build on the Stephen King movie. It features names such as Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow on the cast, and based on the trailer, it looks like it has all of the atmosphere and tension that made the 1989 film so beloved by horror fans.
Brightburn
This movie takes every superhero plot and flips it. In Brightburn, a young boy from outer space lands on Earth, but instead of helping humanity, he decides to use his powers for nothing but evil. It's one of those premises that seems so obvious, you wonder how it hasn't been done yet. The film is directed by David Yarovesky and produced by controversial Hollywood figure James Gunn.
Ma (May 31, 2019)
Ma looks like an absolutely twisted film. The film, which stars Octavia Spencer and is directed by Tate Taylor (both of whom worked on 2011's The Help), is about a woman who allows the local kids party in her basement. From there, it quickly becomes apparent that something is a little off with the titular character, and it seems that our protagonists might not find it so easy to stop partying with Ma.
Child's Play (June 21, 2019)
The scariest, most entertaining serial killing doll is back in a brand new Child's Play movie. This is a remake of the original, which means it's not beholden to the long line of sequels that came after the first. Instead, it allows director Lars Klevberg to provide his own spin on the beloved franchise. It also doesn't involve creator Don Mancini, which really allows the film to be a fresh start. The film is set to star Aubrey Plaza and Gabriel Bateman.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (August 9, 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7U7id4vGUc
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you almost certainly remember the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series of books. Well, they're coming back on the big screen, and if the trailer is any indication, they look just as intense and disconcerting in motion. With the movie adaptation, a whole new generation will get to experience these stories, and the previous generation will get a terrifying trip down memory lane. And to top it off, it's from Guillermo del Toro!
It: Chapter Two (September 6, 2019)
Coming September 6, 2019. #ITMovie pic.twitter.com/srBU19xauS
— IT Chapter Two 🎈🎈 (@ITMovieOfficial) October 31, 2018
The second chapter of the new adaptation of Stephen King's It is scheduled to release late this year, and like the original, part two will focus on the adult characters and their dealings with Pennywise and his murderous ways. The stars of the film include big names like Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Bill Hader. It's more It, and that in and of itself is exciting!
Zombieland 2: Double Tap (October 11, 2019)
Zombieland is one part horror movie, one part action movie, and one part comedy, but the way the first one came together was all fantastic. Hopefully, the second one will be able to live up to the original. The cast of Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin are all returning to fill their previous roles, so it's already starting on the right foot.
Doctor Sleep (November 8, 2019)
Here we have yet another Stephen King book adaptation coming to the big screen in 2019, and this is a big one: it's the sequel to The Shining! It's still a long way from release, but the book came out in 2013, so there's plenty of information about the plot for those willing to look. We know the film will follow an adult Danny Torrance and his powers, and that's good enough for us!
Are You Scared Yet?
This list is only scratching the surface for what's coming in 2019. There are some other movies without as much mainstream hype such as The Lodge, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and plenty of others.
When it's all said and done, 2019 could go down as a classic year for horror films, and one that we won't soon forget!