Best horror films to see this summer: Smile, Nope, Prey and Bodies Bodies Bodies

When you think of summer, the first thing that comes to mind might be sunshine, beaches, beer gardens and festivals. It won’t necessarily be gruesome murders, supernatural possentions or alien landings – we tend to leave that stuff for October.

But there is a number of exciting new horror films coming our way over the next couple of months, and it seems like there is an appetite for it too: this week, the terrifying trailer for Paramount’s Smile was released and within days it has already garnered over five million views.

So with that in mind, if you enjoy your Aperol Spritz with a garnish of dread, here is our round-up of the best horror films coming out over the next couple of months.

Gone in the Night

Winona Ryder’s new film Gone in the Night is everyone’s worst nightmare: you go on a little getaway with your partner. They disappear. Have they gone off with the good-looking woman staying at the cabin in the woods? Or – and you feel crazy for thinking it – have they been kidnapped, or even, murdered?

Ryder has recently found a new audience by starring in the Netflix’s hit teen drama Stranger Things. For those who enjoy watching her investigating matters as Joyce Byers, you’re also likely to appreciate this thriller, as she tries to piece together the mystery around her boyfriend’s disappearance.

Released in the US on July 15; UK release date still TBC

Bodies Bodies Bodies

A24 is the coolest film studio working right now. Past flicks include Midsommar, Uncut Gems, Lady Bird and Moonlight. Now it brings us Bodies Bodies Bodies – their take on the whodunnit genre.

A group of young rich people play a game that goes horribly wrong. Starring Shiva Baby’s Rachel Sennott and Pete Davidson alongside Lee Pace (The Hobbit) and Amandla Stenberg (Dear Evan Hansen), the film promises to be hilarious, scary, and a bit gross.

August 5, in cinemas

They/Them

Kevin Bacon plays Owen Whistler, leader of an LGBTQIA+ conversion therapy camp. A horrifying premise even to begin with, tone is going to be everything here.

It’s been written and directed by John Logan, whose past credits include Gladiator, The Aviator, Skyfall and Spectre, and has Jason Blum - who worked on The Purge, Get Out and Us - on board as the producer.

The trailer has it all: a camp in the woods, a woman smiling strangely, weird dolls, old photos, knives, a ticking clock, blindfolds, handcuffs, and finally someone in a strange mask. It’s all familiar horror material, but it’s still rather scary.

August 5, Peacock

Nope

There are just a few weeks left until the arrival of Jordan Peele’s latest film. It stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer (Hustlers, Alice) as Jill and James Haywood, a couple who witness aliens landing and try to catch the events on camera.

By the looks of the trailer, it’s an extraterrestrial film unlike anything we’ve seen before. Spooky, weird, exciting – we would expect no less from the Get Out and Us director.

August 12, in cinemas

Prey

Prey, the latest instalment of the Predator franchise, takes audiences all the way back to 1719. It follows the story of Naru, a warrior of Native American tribe the Comanche Nation, who senses danger and goes out to protect her people. But, of course, the danger turns out to be terrifying, invisible and super-fast aliens.

The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who was behind the camera for 2016’s 10 Cloverfield Lane, and stars Amber Midthunder, a Native American actor. The makers of Prey said they were “committed to creating a film that provides an accurate portrayal of the Comanche and brings a level of authenticity that rings true to its Indigenous peoples”.

August 5, Disney+

Smile

The trailer for Smile dropped just a few days ago and it has already racked up over 5 million views. It’s easy to see why: it’s absolutely terrifying. Asking, “What makes you smile?”, the trailer is a good reminder that there are few things scarier than someone grimacing, or stretching a wide grin with cold, dead eyes. Eek.

The story follows a doctor, who starts to see things after witnessing a traumatic event with a patient. Is she going mad or is there something more sinister going on here? There’s still a little while to wait to see the film, but we thought it was too good to miss off the list. And it’s worth watching the trailer to the end.

September 30, in cinemas