Variety's monthly "Horror Explorer" column highlights the best horror releases coming in September 2026, spanning theatrical films, streaming series, a novel and two major genre festivals. Curated by executive digital director William Earl, the list reflects a busy month for the genre, with high-profile directors returning to horror and true-crime anthology television tackling one of America's most notorious historical cases.

Standout theatrical releases include Adam Wingard's siege thriller "Onslaught" (4 September, A24) starring Adria Arjona, Na Hong-jin's Cannes-premiered creature feature "Hope" (9 September, Neon), and Zach Cregger's zombie adaptation "Resident Evil" (18 September, Sony), starring Austin Abrams. Streaming highlights include Netflix's "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" (17 September), featuring Sarah Paulson, Vicky Krieps, Charlie Hunnam and Rebecca Hall, alongside Shudder's third season of "The Creep Tapes" (15 September) and new film "Bloody Tennis" (25 September). Other picks include the sequel "Fall 2: Deadpoint," spider thriller "Don't Move," documentary "Black Zombie," novel "She Haunts Me Still," and the Toronto International Film Festival (10-20 September) and Fantastic Fest, both showcasing genre premieres.