Thrilling Chills Await: Brace Yourself for October 2023's Terrifying New Horror Releases

In the spirit of October, the spooky season brings a plethora of new horror releases each year. October 2023 is no exception, providing horror enthusiasts with a thrilling array of upcoming horror video games, movies, and TV shows to anticipate leading up to Halloween. Various companies have made exciting announcements regarding their plans for horror entertainment in October 2023, although it is important for fans to remain aware that these plans could potentially change. For example, the release of the reboot of Alone in the Dark was initially slated for October but was later rescheduled for January 2024 to avoid competition. Similarly, Saw 10 was originally planned for an October 2023 debut but was ultimately moved up to September.

It's unlikely that additional release dates for October 2023 will change, given that the month has arrived. Although not an exhaustive compilation, genre enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling line-up of major horror games, movies, and TV shows throughout October 2023.

New Horror Games for October 2023

High on Knife (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X) - October 3

Scorn (PS5) - October 3

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope (Switch) - October 5

Sunshine Manor (PS4/PS5/Switch/Xbox One/Xbox Series X) - October 6

Dementium: The Ward (Switch) - October 12

Haunted House (Atari VCS/PC/PS4/PS5/Switch/Xbox One/Xbox Series X) - October 12

Slender: The Arrival (PS5/Xbox Series X) - October 18

The 7th Guest VR (PC/PS5/Quest 2) - October 19

World of Horror (PC/PS4/PS5/Switch) - October 19

Slay the Princess (PC) - October 20

Alan Wake 2 (PC/PS5/Xbox Series X) - October 27

Resident Evil Village (iOS) - October 30

Stray Souls (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X) - October 31

October 2023 will see the launch of numerous brand-new horror games across various platforms, making it the perfect time for video game enthusiasts to indulge in the horror genre. Though a few of the games scheduled for release in October are re-releases of existing titles, they are still anticipated by fans who favor specific platforms such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Starting off the new horror game releases for October 2023 is High on Knife, the DLC for Squanch Games' High on Life. Unlike the base game, High on Knife does not require players to have completed High on Life. This new DLC infuses the base game's quirky and outrageous humor into a horror-themed story. While leaning more towards comedy, High on Knife is still a great choice for horror enthusiasts seeking something to play this October.

Also, on October 3, PS5 players can look forward to the release of Scorn. This first-person survival-horror game emphasizes puzzle-solving as players navigate through a revolting alien world inspired by H.R. Giger's unsettling designs. Previously exclusively available for PC and Xbox, Scorn received mixed reviews upon its initial release. Now, PlayStation gamers have the opportunity to experience it firsthand and form their own opinions.

In addition to Scorn, another highly anticipated horror game is set to be released in October 2023. For instance, Nintendo Switch users can look forward to experiencing The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope on October 5. This game, the second installment in Supermassive's Dark Pictures series, features the talented Will Poulter in the lead role. Little Hope draws inspiration from acclaimed titles like Silent Hill, challenging players to uncover the dark secrets of a mysterious town through immersive exploration.

Coming this month to the Switch alongside Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is Dementium: The Ward, an underrated horror game for the Nintendo DS. Players are thrust into a chilling first-person experience as they fight for survival within an abandoned psych ward. Considered a cult classic of the Nintendo DS era, Switch owners will have the opportunity to play it starting October 12.

Taking the spotlight as the highly-anticipated horror game of October 2023 is Alan Wake 2, a sequel that fans have been waiting over a decade for. While the original game leaned more towards action-adventure, Alan Wake 2 fully embraces the horror genre, presenting terrifying moments brought to life by cutting-edge graphics from Remedy Entertainment. Drawing inspiration from Capcom's Resident Evil remake games, Alan Wake 2 shows promise of becoming one of the greatest horror games in recent history. With the success of Control, excitement builds to see if Remedy can maintain their momentum when Alan Wake 2 launches on October 27.

While Alan Wake 2 is expected to be a highly anticipated horror game release in October 2023, it's not the only game to look forward to. For those fortunate enough to own an iPhone 15 Max, the iOS version of Resident Evil Village will be available on October 30. Additionally, gamers on PS5 and Xbox Series X will finally have the opportunity to experience the thrilling ghost-hunting game, Phasmophobia, which was previously exclusive to PC. Phasmophobia gained significant popularity upon its initial release, and it's highly likely that it will enjoy similar success on the PlayStation and Xbox platforms. Although a specific release date has not been announced for Phasmophobia on consoles, it is still slated to launch by the end of the month.

New Horror Movies for October 2023

Joining the lineup of horror games set to launch in October 2023, we have a chilling array of releases. Mark your calendar for Sunshine Manor on October 6, Haunted House on October 12, Slender: The Arrival on October 18, The 7th Guest VR on October 19, World of Horror also on October 19, Slay the Princess on October 20, and finally, Stray Souls on October 31. It's worth noting that there might be additional spine-tingling games making their debut this month, waiting to be revealed. So, horror enthusiasts, keep your eyes peeled for more thrilling surprises!

The Exorcist: Believer - October 6

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines - October 6

Totally Killer - October 6

Dark Harvest - October 11

Five Nights at Freddy's - October 27

October brings a slew of new horror movies for fans to enjoy, starting with three releases on October 6. Among them is The Exorcist: Believer, a fresh installment in the renowned religious horror series, and Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, a prequel to Stephen King's classic horror tale. However, the true highlight on October 6 may be Totally Killer, a brand-new horror comedy that has already garnered rave reviews from critics. This film has the potential to be the breakout hit of the month.

Following these releases, horror movie Dark Harvest will hit the screens on October 11, and the month will conclude with the highly-anticipated premiere of Five Nights at Freddy's. After years of anticipation, fans eagerly await the movie adaptation of the popular Five Nights at Freddy's video game series. As the first test of its potential as a quality adaptation, the movie's release on October 27 promises great excitement.

And although it was technically launched in late September, horror enthusiasts might consider catching Saw 10 in October if they haven't already. This newest addition to the enduring Saw series has remarkably garnered praise from critics, solidifying its position as the highest-rated installment to date.

New Horror Shows for October 2023

The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix) - October 12

Goosebumps (Hulu) - October 13

American Horror Stories (Hulu) - October 26

In October 2023, fans can anticipate a smaller number of new horror TV shows compared to the abundance of new movies and games. Nevertheless, there are still exciting options to look forward to this month. Particularly noteworthy is Netflix's release of "The Fall of the House of Usher," a captivating series created by renowned horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, recognized for his highly acclaimed works such as "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass." Additionally, on October 13, Hulu subscribers can delve into the thrilling revival of "Goosebumps," which aims to adapt some of R.L. Stine's most renowned stories. Lastly, on October 26, Hulu subscribers can also indulge in the latest season of "American Horror Stories."

Although the number of entirely new horror shows premiering in October is limited, viewers can still enjoy a multitude of Halloween-themed episodes in existing shows. Additionally, there are ongoing horror series, such as "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon" and "American Horror Story: Delicate," that will continue to air new episodes throughout the month.