Fear is fueling youth audiences.
With admissions up +18% YOY, horror continues to be one of cinema's fastest-growing genres. Driven by passionate fandoms, online communities and strong word-of-mouth, the horror genre consistently delivers cultural moments that extend far beyond the cinema screen. The recent successes of Backrooms and Obsession are key examples of this. Obsession is now the highest grossing original horror title of all time in Australia, while Backrooms has surpassed Marty Supreme to become the highest grossing A24 title in Australia.
For brands across banking, QSR, retail and technology, horror presents a unique opportunity to align with content that drives anticipation, conversation and strong engagement among the P14-39 demographic. With the genre’s momentum showing no signs of slowing down, here are three upcoming horror releases that should be on your radar:
Insidious: Out of the Further
Releasing August 13.
The Insidious franchise returns to the big screen with Insidious: Out of the Further, taking audiences back into the terrifying supernatural realm known as The Further. Featuring franchise mainstay Lin Shaye, the film builds on one of modern horror's most successful and recognisable franchises.
The previous instalment, Insidious: The Red Door, became the highest-grossing film in the franchise globally, proving the series remains as relevant as ever. Alongside The Conjuring, Insidious has become one of horror's defining modern franchises, earning a loyal following that continues to turn out for each new chapter.
Resident Evil
Releasing September 17.
The iconic Resident Evil franchise returns under the direction of Zach Cregger, the filmmaker behind horror hits Barbarian and Weapons. Having sold more than 180 million video games worldwide, Resident Evil remains one of the most successful horror franchises ever created.
Spanning gaming, film and popular culture, the franchise has cultivated a passionate fanbase that spans generations. With a fresh creative vision and decades of audience awareness behind it, Resident Evil is poised to become a major horror event and a key opportunity for brands looking to align with one of entertainment's most recognisable horror IPs.
Clayface
Releasing October 22.
One of the most intriguing titles on the horror calendar, Clayface marks DC Studios' first dedicated horror film. Directed by James Watkins (The Woman in Black, Speak No Evil) and written by acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, the project takes a darker approach to one of Batman's most iconic villains.
The film combines the global appeal of the DC universe with psychological and body horror, creating a rare crossover between superhero and horror audiences. With comic book adaptations continuing to evolve and horror remaining one of the most talked-about genres among youth audiences, Clayface is shaping up to be one of the year's most anticipated releases.
Source: CineTAM