October is spooky season, and so every year, it’s filled with new horror releases.October 2023 is no exception to the rule. Horror enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in the lead-up to Halloween, with plenty of new horror video games, new horror movies, and new horror TV shows to check out.
Various companies have made exciting announcements about horror games, movies, and TV shows coming out in October 2023, though fans of the genre should keep in mind that plans could change. As a matter of fact, theAlone in the Darkreboot was originally supposed to launch in October, but its release date was pushed to January 2024 so it would have less competition. Likewise,Saw 10was once pegged for an October 2023 release, but the movie’s release date was ultimately moved forward to September.
It’s possible that moreOctober 2023 release dateswill move around, but with the month finally here, that seems unlikely. And while this is not necessarily a comprehensive list, here are all the major horror games, movies, and TV shows that genre fans have to look forward to in October 2023.
New Horror Games for October 2023
Video games best represent the horror genre in October 2023, with plenty of brand-new horror games set to launch for various platforms throughout the month. Some of thenew horror games for October 2023are admittedly re-releases of pre-existing titles, but it should still be exciting for anyone that prefers those particular platforms.
When it comes to new horror game releases for October 2023, things are getting started withHigh on Knife, the new DLC for Squanch Games’High on Life.High on Knifedoesn’t require one to have completed theHigh on Lifebase game to play it, and it applies the base game’s bizarre, over-the-top humor to a horror story. While certainly more comedy than horror,High on Knifeshould still prove to be a solid pick for horror fanslooking for something to play this October.
October 3 will also be the day thatScornreleases for PS5.Scornis a first-person survival-horror game with a focus on puzzle-solving. It tasks players with exploring a disgusting alien world inspired by the twisted designs of Xenomorph creator H.R. Giger.Scornwas previously only available for PC and Xbox.Scornwas incredibly divisive at the time of its release, so PlayStation gamers will have to try it for themselves.
Scornisn’t the only horror game re-release dropping in October 2023. For example, Nintendo Switch gamers will get to tryThe Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hopeon October 5.The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hopeis the second gamein Supermassive’sDark Picturesseries. Featuring Will Poulter in the starring role,Little Hopetakes inspiration from games likeSilent Hill, tasking players with exploring a mysterious town with dark secrets.
Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hopeisn’t the only horror game coming to the Switch this month.Underrated Nintendo DS horror gameDementium: The Wardis also making the jump to the Switch.Dementium: The Wardis a first-person horror game that has players fighting for their lives in a seemingly abandoned psych ward. The game is considered a cult classic of the Nintendo DS era, and Switch owners will be able to give it a go come October 12.
The headlining new horror game for October 2023 is easilyAlan Wake 2, the highly-anticipated sequel that’s been over a decade in the making. While the originalAlan Wakewas more of an action-adventure game than horror,Alan Wake 2is a pure horror experience, with the game’s terrors brought to life thanks to the cutting-edge graphics from Remedy Entertainment.Alan Wake 2takes direct inspiration from Capcom’s Resident Evil remake games, and it looks like it has potential to be one of the best horror games in recent memory. Remedy is riding high after the success ofControl, and it will be exciting to see if the studio can keep the momentum going strong whenAlan Wake 2launches on October 27.
Alan Wake 2may be the biggest new horror game release of October 2023, but it’s not the last notable horror game releasing this month. Those who have managed to pick up an iPhone 15 Max can check out theiOS version ofResident Evil Villageon October 30, while PS5 and Xbox Series X gamers will finally get to try ghost-hunting gamePhasmophobia, which has so far only been available on PC.Phasmophobiawas a big hit when it first released, and chances are good it will find similar success on PlayStation and Xbox. Unfortunately,Phasmophobiais currently without a release date, but it is still scheduled to release for consoles by the end of the month.
Other horror games releasing in October 2023 includeSunshine Manoron October 6,Haunted Houseon October 12,Slender: The Arrivalon October 18,The 7th Guest VRon October 19,World of Horroron October 19,Slay the Princesson October 20, andStray Soulson October 31. It’s entirely possible even more horror games will be released this month that just haven’t been announced yet, so fans of the genre may want to keep an eye out for more surprise reveals.
New Horror Movies for October 2023
As usual, there are plenty of new horror movies for fans to check out this October, with three dropping on October 6. On that day, horror fans can check outThe Exorcist: Believer, a new entry in the classic religious horror series, as well asPet Sematary: Bloodlines,a prequel to the classic Stephen King horror story.Totally Killer, a brand-new horror IP, may really be the one to watch on October 6, though. The new horror comedy already has strong reviews from critics, and could very well turn out to be the breakout new horror movie release for October.
Horror movieDark Harvestthen releases on October 11, and the month will close out with the highly-anticipated premiere ofFive Nights at Freddy’s.TheFive Nights at Freddy’smovie adaptationhas been years in the making, and it will be exciting to see if it lives up to expectations. TheFive Nights at Freddy’sIP seems ripe for quality adaptations, and the movie coming on October 27 will be the first test of that.
And while it technically released at the end of September, horror fans may also want to watchSaw 10in October if they haven’t seen it already. The latest installment in the long-runningSawfranchise,Saw 10has surprisingly earned critical acclaim, establishing itself as the highest-rated entry to date.
New Horror Shows for October 2023
While there won’t be many brand-new horror shows debuting in October, there will be plenty of Halloween-themed episodes in existing shows, plus there are some ongoing horror shows that will air new episodes this month,likeThe Walking Dead: Daryl DixonandAmerican Horror Story: Delicate.
