As a horror fan, I am quite passionate about the genre. Some of my favorite films of all time include Rosemary’s Baby, Suspiria, The Last House on the Left, Scream, and Peeping Tom. So it comes as no surprise that I'm already gearing up for what new offerings 2023 has in store. Here are my top five most anticipated horror films of the year that you might want to keep an eye on: 

#5 My Animal 

Among my most anticipated films at this year's Sundance is My Animal. The film follows Heather (Bobbi Salvör Menuez, Nocturnal Animals), an outcast teenage goalie in a small northern town, falls for newcomer Jonny Amandla Stenberg (Bodies Bodies Bodies), an alluring but tormented figure skater. As their relationship deepens, Heather’s growing desires clash with her darkest secret, forcing her to control the animal within. I am getting the impression that this is a lesbian werewolf film, which excites the hell out of me. 

Jacqueline Castel's feature film directorial debut is set to bring an energetic, luscious, romantic approach to a classic mythos. Featuring a harrowing family drama, steamy teen romance, and classic monster tale, the film is a triumphant testament to the power of self-acceptance.My Animal will premiere at Sundance on January 23rd. The wide release date is unknown at this time. 

#4 Evil Dead Rise 

Evil Dead Rise is the twisted story of two estranged sisters, played by Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings) and Lily Sullivan (Barkskins), whose reunion is cut short by the rise of a flesh-possessing demon, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. 

Not gonna lie, this was not on my radar until recently. Fede Alvarez's reboot in 2013 was such a fan favorite that when I heard he would not return, I lost all hope for the film. That is until I saw the film's trailer. Writer/director Lee Cronin (Ghost Train) appears to have an incredible understanding of the franchise. From what little is shown in the trailer, the violence looks to be top notch. It’ll also be interesting to see the horror move out of the woods and into the city. Evil Dead Rise releases in theaters on April 21st. 

#3 Scream 6 

The legendary Ghostface is back, but this time he'll be terrorizing the streets of New York City. The majority of the plot remains under wraps, but that hasn't stopped fans from speculating online. Who will make it out alive, how many killers will daunt the Ghostface mask, and will it live up to expectations? It is said the film is potentially a hundred times gorier than the previous films and will have a tense chase sequence set to rival Courteney Cox in Scream 2. 

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, as well as writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, are once again helming the film. Among the returning cast are Courteney Cox, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, and Hayden Panettiere. Along with newcomers Dermot Mulroney (Young Guns), Josh Segarra (The Other Two), and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not). It saddens me that Neve Campbell won't be returning. What is Scream without Sidney Prescott? But hopefully Hayden Panettiere will rise to the occasion. Scream 6 is set to release in theaters on March 10th. 

#2 Infinity Pool 

My favorite horror film of the decade is Brandon Cronenberg's Possessor, which is one of the reasons why I am so excited about his latest project. Infinity Pool follows James Foster (Alexander Skarsgaard, The Northman) and his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman, Dopesick) as they go to an idyllic resort in order to aid James in breaking his writer's block. They befriend couple Gabi (Mia Goth, Pearl) and Thresh (Thomas Kretschmann, Wanted), who happen to be fans of James's previous novel. In the course of a secret day trip outside of the compound, a fatal accident occurs. Consequently, the group is introduced to a perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism. 

While Possessor was able to find distribution with an NC-17 rating, Cronenberg had to re-edit the film to reduce the graphic violence and sexual content in order to receive an R rating this time around. Infinity Pool's gore will still most likely push the boundaries of what is possible under its revised rating. The film will premiere at Sundance on January 22 and will have a wide release on January 27. 

#1 Håndtering av udøde (Handling the Undead) 

Based on the 2005 Swedish novel of the same name, Handling the Undead revolves around the conflict between Swedish authorities and the relatives of the undead. The story focuses on three specific families who have suffered tragic losses. Mahler and his daughter Anna mourn the premature death of his grandson. Tora bids her final goodbye to her wife, and a family of four must adjust to life without her. An important theme is the bond between parents and children. 

In addition to making her feature film directorial debut, Thea Hvistendahl (Virgins4lyfe) co-wrote the screenplay with the novel's author, John Ajvide Lindqvist. The film reunites actors Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie, who previously worked on Joachim Trier's Oscar-nominated romantic drama The Worst Person in the World. As a fan of that film, I was captivated by the couple's chemistry and am very excited to see them on screen together again. Handling the Undead is expected to be released on December 1st.