IGN, a long‑standing outlet for video‑game and entertainment coverage, has released its curated list of the most‑praised horror titles that have debuted this year. The selection blends theatrical releases, streaming debuts and limited‑run projects, reflecting the outlet’s broad definition of the genre.

The rankings are based on the publication’s written reviews, which assign scores ranging from 8 to 10. No film in the list received a perfect 10, but several earned an 8 or 9, indicating strong critical reception.

One of the highest‑rated entries is *Send Help*, directed by Sam Raimi. The survival thriller, released on January 30, 2026, features performances by Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. In the review, Tom Jorgenson noted that Raimi “drives the survival thriller genre to some amazing and sadistically giddy ends,” highlighting the film’s blend of tension and dark humor.

*Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma*, helmed by Jane Schoenbrun, arrived on August 7, 2026. The film was described by Chase Hutchinson as “as much Jane Schoenbrun again at their best,” praising its “sexual, sincere, silly, and sweet” tone and its “ecstatic climax.”

*28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*, directed by Nia DaCosta, premiered on January 13, 2026. Clint Gage observed that the sequel “is gory and thoughtful in equal measure,” and highlighted director DaCosta’s “wit and humor” that elevate the narrative, particularly singling out Ralph Fiennes’ involvement.

*They Will Kill You*, directed by Kirill Sokolov, opened on March 27, 2026. Hutchinson remarked that the movie “shows Zazie Beetz has all the chops to be an action star,” commending its stunt choreography and “gonzo, gruesome, gutsy” supernatural premise.

*Faces of Death*, a remake directed by Daniel Goldhaber, was released on April 5, 2026. Eric Goldman wrote that the film “reflects a world where rather than hunting down a specific VHS tape to see people supposedly really die, you can now find exactly that type of content immediately by simply going on the internet,” framing the remake as a commentary on modern media consumption.

*Obsession*, directed by Curry Barker, debuted on May 15, 2026. Matt Donato highlighted the “fantastic turns by Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette,” noting that the film “plays on familiar romance and monkey’s paw tropes,” turning a wish “against the wishee” in a compelling way.

*Backrooms*, directed by Kane Parsons, entered theaters on May 29, 2026. Lex Briscusco praised the film’s “smart visual composition,” “beautifully terrifying production design,” and its expansion of the original YouTube series concept.

*Leviticus*, directed by Adrian Chiarella, was released on June 18, 2026. Goldman described it as “an involving, meaningful, and legitimately creepy horror movie,” emphasizing its focus on “gay youth being punished for simply being the way they are” and its blend of real‑life prejudice with supernatural elements.

*It Ends*, directed by Alexander Ullom, arrived on August 21, 2026. Scott Collura noted that the film “is both creepy and amusing,” achieved through “minimal resources” and a “likable cast,” and that it “poses some self‑aware and probing questions.”

Finally, *Resident Evil*, directed by Zach Cregger, opened on September 18, 2026. Tom Jorgenson highlighted the film’s “laser focus on putting its hero through the worst night of his life,” praising its creature effects, mounting dread and “signature humor.”

The list illustrates how 2026 has produced a diverse array of horror offerings, from mainstream thrillers to indie experiments, each receiving varying degrees of critical acclaim as measured by IGN’s review scores.