Horror fans will not have to wait until the fall for new scares. Several horror films are hitting theaters this month, with new releases arriving nearly every week.
Among the month’s major releases is Hokum, directed by Damian McCarthy and released May 1.
This month’s lineup includes multiple horror releases, giving fans a wide variety of supernatural thrillers and psychological scares to choose from throughout May.
Directed by Curry Barker, Obsession has also drawn attention because of Barker’s transition from YouTube creator to horror filmmaker, highlighting how independent creators are increasingly influencing mainstream cinema.
The film follows a young man whose desperate desire for love leads to terrifying consequences after he uses a supernatural object to manipulate reality. Critics have described the movie as emotionally disturbing and psychologically intense, exploring themes of loneliness, obsession and unhealthy relationships.
The film has received strong reviews and quickly became one of the most talked-about horror movies of the month. As of May 2026, it holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The third major release of the month is Passenger, directed by André Øvredal and scheduled for release May 22.
The supernatural horror film stars Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell and Melissa Leo. The story centers on mysterious and terrifying events connected to a dangerous journey, blending suspense with supernatural elements.
André Øvredal is already well known within the horror genre for films such as The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, creating high expectations for Passenger.
Fans are especially anticipating the film because of its combination of psychological tension and visual horror. Some critics and horror fans believe it could become one of the standout horror releases of the summer.
The final major horror release this month is Backrooms, scheduled to arrive May 29.
