February 2026 offers a lineup of horror films, including a romantic take on Dracula and the latest Scream installment. The month also includes video game adaptations and supernatural tales on streaming platforms. Curated by Variety's William Earl, the selections highlight both theatrical releases and indie projects.
February 2026 brings a diverse array of horror content to theaters and streaming services, as outlined in Variety's Horror Explorer column by executive digital director William Earl.
In the marquee releases, Luc Besson's 'Dracula' arrives in theaters on February 6 via Vertical, starring Caleb Landry Jones as the vampire and Christoph Waltz as Van Helsing in a romantic spin on the classic tale. That same day, Lionsgate releases 'The Strangers – Chapter 3,' the final installment of Renny Harlin's trilogy, with Madelaine Petsch as the final girl.
On February 13, Samuel Goldwyn Films presents 'Cold Storage,' a horror comedy adapted by David Koepp from his novel, featuring Georgina Campbell, Joe Keery, Vanessa Redgrave, Lesley Manville, and Liam Neeson. It follows a deadly fungus escaping a military base. Later, on February 20, 20th Century Studios debuts 'Psycho Killer,' Gavin Polone's directorial debut starring Georgina Campbell and Malcolm McDowell, about an officer pursuing her husband's killer.
The month culminates with 'Scream 7' on February 27 via Paramount Pictures, directed by Kevin Williamson and starring Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, with other franchise alumni expected.
Off the beaten path, 'Whistle' hits theaters and Shudder on February 6, directed by Corin Hardy and starring Dafne Keen in a supernatural story involving an Aztec death whistle. Shudder also debuts 'The Mortuary Assistant' on February 13, a video game adaptation with Willa Holland and Paul Sparks, directed by Jeremiah Kipp, about eerie events at a mortuary. That day, 'Honey Bunch' streams on Shudder, starring real-life couple Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie as a pair facing disturbing memories post-coma.
In television, Peacock launches 'The 'Burbs' on February 8, adapting Joe Dante's cult film with Keke Palmer discovering dark suburban secrets, alongside Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Justin Kirk.
Books include 'Trad Wife' by Saratoga Schaefer on February 10 via Crooked Lane Books, a dark magic tale inspired by an Instagram trend; 'Dollface' by Lindy Ryan on February 24 via Minotaur Books, a suburban slasher; and a republished 'Night of the Mannequins' by Stephen Graham Jones on February 24 via Tor Nightfire, evoking 1980s slashers.
