Shudder Shocks This Halloween with Terrifying New Lineup

Horror streaming giant Shudder is pulling out all the stops this October with an unmissable lineup for UK and Irish viewers. From terrifying new original films to the return of the Emmy-nominated The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, Shudder’s October releases will leave horror fans shivering well into the spooky season.

Kicking off the horror fest on 1 October, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Season 666 makes its dramatic return, promising to be the most twisted and ambitious season yet. Expect iconic drag superstars facing off in intense physical challenges, backed by world-renowned directors and actors sitting on the judge’s panel. Every episode of this 10-part season will push boundaries, blending extreme drag and heart-pounding horror like never before.

The chills continue with V/H/S/Beyond, a Shudder Original anthology film streaming from 4 October. This instalment brings together six new twisted tapes, each taking viewers on a terrifying sci-fi-inspired ride. Highlights include “Fur Babies,” a strange and unsettling tale directed by Christian and Justin Long, and “Stork,” a creepy story brought to life by Jordan Downey. Fans of the V/H/S franchise won’t want to miss this latest blood-soaked chapter.

For fans of psychological horror, Daddy’s Head arrives on 11 October. This Shudder Original tells the story of a young boy trapped in isolation with his grieving stepmother after his father’s death. As eerie noises echo through their estate, the boy becomes haunted by a grotesque figure resembling his late father, turning this family drama into a chilling ghost story.

Mid-month brings MadS (18 October), a Shudder Original that explores the horrifying aftermath of a drug-fuelled night gone terribly wrong. When 18-year-old Romain picks up a seemingly injured woman, a nightmarish chain of events unfolds, leaving viewers to question what’s real and what’s a product of a bad trip.

Wrapping up the month’s film offerings is Azrael (25 October), a gritty action-horror from the minds of Simon Barrett and E.L. Katz. Starring Samara Weaving, the story follows a young woman’s desperate fight for survival against a devout community determined to sacrifice her. In a world where no one speaks, the film’s atmospheric tension builds relentlessly.

Shudder fans are also treated to the star-studded horror film The Exorcism, premiering on 30 October. Featuring Russell Crowe, Sam Worthington, and Chloe Bailey, the film blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural as a washed-up actor unravels while filming a horror movie. Just in time for Halloween, this film promises spine-tingling performances and a plot that will keep audiences guessing until the last moment.

Other notable releases include the cult favourite Hush and the original documentary cut of The Houses October Built, both streaming from 1 October, perfect additions for those looking for a classic horror fix during the lead-up to Halloween.

And it wouldn’t be October without the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (14 October), where horror’s best achievements are celebrated. This year, the ceremony will be hosted by actor David Dastmalchian and feature appearances from horror icons such as Skeet Ulrich and Lauren LaVera.

With new films, fan-favourite series, and Halloween-ready cult classics, Shudder’s October lineup is packed with enough horror to keep you screaming all month long.

New additions to the Shudder library

October 1

• WNUF Halloween Special: A nostalgic trip back to 1987, this horror comedy is presented as a lost VHS recording of a local TV station’s Halloween special, complete with fake news reports and commercials. Its grainy aesthetic and retro vibe are perfect for anyone longing for the days of VHS.
• Pumpkinhead: Lance Henriksen stars in this classic revenge horror, where a grieving father summons the titular Pumpkinhead, a monstrous demon, to enact vengeance on the teens responsible for his son’s death. This chilling tale remains a cult favourite for its eerie creature design and moody atmosphere.
• Terrifier: Art the Clown has become one of horror’s most unsettling villains in this gory slasher, which follows two friends tormented by the psychotic clown on Halloween night. A must-see for fans of pure, unrelenting terror.
• Terrifier 2: The nightmare continues as Art the Clown returns, resurrected by a mysterious entity, and targets a teenage girl and her brother. This sequel raises the stakes with more gruesome kills and disturbing visuals, cementing Art’s place as a horror icon.
• Boys in the Trees: This haunting coming-of-age story set on Halloween 1997 explores the surreal and dreamlike journey of two estranged friends as they confront their past fears and memories. Part horror, part fantasy, it’s a poignant and unique addition to Shudder’s catalogue.

October 7

• Wrinkles the Clown: Blurring the lines between urban legend and reality, this documentary explores the bizarre story of Wrinkles the Clown, a figure parents in Florida can hire to scare misbehaving children. Equal parts creepy and fascinating, it’s a modern horror twist on childhood fears.
• Howl: When a train journey through the countryside is interrupted by a bloodthirsty creature, the passengers must band together to survive the night. This atmospheric horror-thriller mixes claustrophobia and survival horror in an intense and gripping fashion.
• Pet: What starts as a seemingly sweet reunion between a man and his former crush turns dark when he kidnaps her and holds her captive in an animal shelter. This psychological horror twists expectations and delves into obsession and manipulation.
• The Human Centipede and The Human Centipede II: These infamous body horror films explore disturbing and grotesque medical experiments. The first film sees a mad scientist attempting to create a “human centipede,” while the sequel follows a disturbed man seeking to replicate and expand upon that twisted vision.

October 14

• Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum: This found-footage horror film delivers the scares as a crew filming a live horror web series explores a notoriously haunted asylum. What starts as a spooky adventure soon descends into sheer terror as they encounter the malevolent spirits within.
• The Devil Conspiracy: Mixing religious artefacts and sinister cults, this supernatural horror follows a group of fanatics who steal the Shroud of Turin for their nefarious plans. Expect plenty of apocalyptic tension in this dark, conspiracy-laden tale.
• Sisters: This psychological thriller from Brian De Palma sees a reporter embroiled in a murder mystery involving a pair of separated Siamese twins. With its Hitchcockian tension and gruesome reveals, Sisters is a classic horror filled with twists and intrigue.

October 21

• Werewolves Within: Based on the video game, this horror-comedy pits a small town against a werewolf attack. With its dark humour and sharp commentary on community dynamics, this is a fresh and witty take on the werewolf genre.
• Possessor: Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, this cerebral horror explores the terrifying potential of brain-implant technology as an agent inhabits others’ bodies to carry out assassinations. It’s a visually stunning and disturbing film that delves into questions of identity and control.

October 28

• Relic: A deeply unsettling film about a family struggling with dementia, which manifests as a haunting presence within their home. This slow-burn horror creates an atmosphere of dread and psychological tension, making it a standout in modern horror.

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