A new month begins, and new horror movies release, with some of the biggest this May coming with serious star power both in front and behind the camera. This May as well comes with a series to add to the major horror releases, with a highlight for the new Gremlins show. If you like horror with a splash of comedy, you’ll find a delightful selection this month. If you are after some more horror content to get you through the month, then check out the articles below!
Beau Is Afraid
Releases 19th May 2023 in theaters.
Ari Aster is no stranger to surreal and strange horror, and his latest movie, Beau Is Afraid is no exception. This film is best described as a horror-comedy, with it being much funnier and goofier than his previous works. Joaquin Phoenix plays the titular character and delivers a great performance as always. Clocking in at just under 3 hours long, it’s a truly bizarre odyssey to embark on.
Beau Is Afraid follows Beau, a deeply paranoid man with a complex and fraught relationship with his mother. His journey to her funeral takes him on through confrontations with his fears. The less you know the better for this one, but with the return of one of horrors best directors, it must make the list of the biggest horror movies releasing this May.
The Wrath of Becky
Releases 26th May 2023 in theaters.
The Wrath of Becky is a new horror film releasing this May, directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote. The films stars Lulu Wilson, who played young Shirley in The Haunting of Hill house, as the titular Becky, as well as staring Jill Larson (Shutter Island, The Taking of Deborah Logan) and Sean William Scott (American Pie).
Becky escaped an attack on her family 2 years ago as it attempting to return to normality. She takes into her care an old lady, Elena, who she connects with. Things take a turn for the worst when the ‘Noble Men’ attack the home and take her dog. Now Becky must find her strength and unleash her wrath to save her loved ones.
The Curse of Wolf Mountain
Releases 9th May 2023 on Digital and VOD.
The horror star power keeps going with The Curse of Wolf Mountain. Tobin Bell, famous for his role as Jigsaw in the Saw franchise and Danny Trejo from Machete and From Dusk till Dawn star alongside actor-director David Lipper. It’s a low budget slasher, and with the cast it has, it seems likely to be a ridiculous but greatly enjoyable time.
This film follows AJ (David Lipper), a young man whose parents were killed 2 decades ago. Now as dreams of the event haunts him, he returns to the site with his brother and his family. As is often the case with horror movies, there is something strange lurking in the woods that is still out for blood.
Outpost
Releases 19th May 2023 in theaters and VOD.
Another of the biggest horror films of May comes from a strange source. Outpost is to be directed by Joe Lo Truglio, known for his role as Charles Boyle in hit show Brooklyn 99, as well as his parts in Superbad and Role Models. Truglio is moving away from comedy to give us his directorial debut with a horror film this month.
Outpost takes place in the remote mountains of Idaho. Kate is a woman looking for peace and quiet to heal from the trauma of her abuse by taking a position as a fire lookout. However, she soon finds herself in a fight to save herself and the nearby town. The film is an examination of the lasting effects of trauma and PTSD.
The trailer for Outpost can be seen here on IGN.
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai
Releases 23rd May 2023 on Cartoon Network.
Now perhaps this one isn’t technically a horror; however it is based on the cult classic horror fantasy series Gremlins. This new series has Steven Spielberg, Tze Chun and Joe Dante as producers and looks to return the franchise to the public consciousness, albeit in a more kid friendly way. With such a major franchise backing it, it must be one of the biggest horror series releasing this month, especially for those who hope to show their kids their favourite movie.
The series serves as prequel to the acclaimed 1984 and 1990 films. The Mogwai are creatures that seem cute, but if you get them wet or feed them after midnight they turn into feral monsters. Set in 1920s Shanghai, a refreshing new setting, the show tells Sam Wing and Gizmo’s story of how they met. After the chaos caused by the gremlins, they embark on a journey to return Gizmo home.
