Stephen King is a hugely popular horror writer, but 2026 promises to be a standout year for horror movies and TV shows created by other authors. Horror was incredibly successful in 2025, attracting a lot of new fans and breaking viewership records. Films like Sinners and Weapons were unexpectedly big hits and helped fuel that growth.
The year‘s success was also due to several adaptations of Stephen King’s work. Of the six adaptations released, four – The Long Walk, The Institute, It: Welcome to Derry, and The Monkey – were in the horror genre. This focus on horror isn’t unexpected, considering the trend over the last twenty years.
Over the last decade and a half, Stephen King’s work has been constantly adapted for the screen. It’s been years – since 2012, actually – since only one adaptation was released in a single year. As a fan, I’ve loved seeing so many of his stories come to life. But as a critic, I’ve noticed these adaptations often dominate the horror landscape, sometimes eclipsing other worthy shows and films. Thankfully, 2026 promises a bit of a break from that trend.
Only 1 New Stephen King Adaptation Is Releasing In 2026
Don’t expect the next seasons of It: Welcome to Derry and The Institute anytime soon – they likely won’t be released for over a year. The Long Walk actually surprised everyone by coming out early, well ahead of its original 2026 date. That means the only Stephen King adaptation currently planned for release is Mike Flanagan’s Carrie miniseries, and I’m confident it will be excellent. Honestly, having just one King adaptation coming out is a nice change after years of seeing several projects at once.
Fewer Stephen King Adaptations In 2026 Will Allow Other Horror To Shine
Stephen King’s stories have a unique feel that fans recognize, no matter who directs or produces the movie or show. Because he’s so well-known as a horror legend, adaptations of his work are always held to a high standard. Thankfully, with only the movie Carrie recently released, other horror projects won’t be judged as harshly against his established style.
2026 looks promising for horror fans, with lots of new and exciting projects on the way. It’s great to see fresh talent getting a chance, like Mark Fishbach (Markiplier) who’s making his directorial debut with Iron Lung, and Gavin Polone with Psycho Killer. We can also look forward to new horror TV series, including a much-awaited prequel to Friday the 13th.
What Are The Most Exciting Horror TV Shows & Movies Coming In 2026?
In 2026, the biggest horror hits are mostly sequels and reboots of popular franchises like Evil Dead Burn, Return to Silent Hill, Scream 7, and The Strangers – Chapter 3. But there are also some excellent independent horror films coming out. Here are a few lesser-known projects that deserve a wider audience:
| Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Iron Lung | January 30, 2026 |
| Ready or Not 2: Here I Come | April 10, 2026 |
| Other Mommy | October 9, 2026 |
| Pinocchio: Unstrung | TBA |
| Forbidden Fruits | TBA |
Horror fans have plenty to look forward to on television with returning favorites like American Horror Story, From, and The Creep Tapes. These shows are sure to please longtime viewers. And, as mentioned before, a new Carrie miniseries is also on the way. Here are some other new horror TV shows coming soon:
| Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Beauty | January 21, 2026 |
| Widow’s Bay | April 29, 2026 |
| Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen | TBA |
| Crystal Lake | TBA |
2026 looks like a promising year for horror fans, even though there’s currently only one movie planned based on the work of Stephen King. We’re excited to see what other new horror films will emerge.
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2026-01-01 17:59