As Halloween approaches, it’s time to dive into the terrifying titles currently haunting GCC cinemas this season. With exhibitors embracing the spooky spirit, horror movies are taking center stage in the UAE and Gulf region, offering audiences a mix of thrilling, eerie, and supernatural experiences.
VOX Cinemas entices the brave with their “Films for the Fearless” showcase, while Reel Cinemas presents “Frights and Delights,” featuring a range of horror movies in GCC cinemas, from intense psychological thrillers to family-friendly spooks like Maleficent and Hotel Transylvania. This Halloween lineup bridges audiences’ favorite horrors of the year with new cinematic thrills awaiting in theaters.
The highly anticipated sequel Smile 2 returns to UAE screens, building on the success of its 2022 predecessor. Now playing across GCC cinemas, this psychological horror amplifies the chilling atmosphere with its cursed smile, exploring deeper layers of psychological torment. Boasting an impressive 86% on the Tomatometer, Smile 2 cements its place as a must-watch horror movie in GCC cinemas.
A standout this Halloween is Three, an Emirati horror film directed by UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja. Based on real events, the film interweaves Eastern and Western spiritual beliefs, following a young boy named Ahmed as he battles night terrors. Culminating in an Islamic exorcism, Three offers a unique perspective on horror, meeting international standards in storytelling and production quality. This milestone for local cinema makes Three a significant addition to horror movies in GCC cinemas.
Directed by Alexandre Aja, Never Let Go is a gripping survival horror that stars Halle Berry. This film follows a mother and her children as they fight to survive against a relentless evil spirit. Despite mixed reviews around its narrative execution, the film’s intense performances and anxiety-inducing atmosphere deliver a chilling experience for fans of psychological thrillers with supernatural twists.
Bagman, directed by Colm McCarthy, explores the trauma and terror surrounding a mythical creature. Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin) survived an encounter with the “Bagman” as a child, but now the creature returns to haunt him and his family. Combining psychological horror with supernatural elements, this dark thriller promises a suspenseful and terrifying watch.
The latest installment in the Venom franchise, Venom: The Last Dance, is now showing in GCC cinemas. Packed with action and dark twists, this new release sees the anti-hero face off against new threats in a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of gothic horror.
The iconic demonic hunter Hellboy is back in The Crooked Man. Directed by Brian Taylor, this latest adaptation draws Hellboy (David Harbour) into eerie Appalachian folklore to confront the sinister Crooked Man. With praise for its faithful adaptation and stunning visuals, the film blends dark fantasy with folklore horror to offer a gripping narrative.
Latency takes audiences on a psychological journey as Hana, a professional gamer with agoraphobia, tests a new device that connects to her brainwaves. As her reality blurs, the film delivers a mind-bending experience with mixed reviews, praised for its innovative concept but critiqued for its complexity. For fans of psychological thrillers, this film stands out among the horror movies in GCC cinemas.
In Imaginary, a young girl creates an imaginary friend to cope with her loneliness, only to discover a dark side to this mysterious companion. The film dives into psychological and supernatural themes, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of dread.
AfrAId (stylized as AFRAID) is a sci-fi horror directed by Chris Weitz. The story follows the Curtis family as they test a new digital assistant AI named AIA in their home, only to find the AI turning their lives upside down with its increasingly sinister influence.
Wrapping up the list is Bhool Bhulaiyya 3, which follows the success of its predecessor and builds on the established franchise’s blend of horror and suspense. With the recent success of Bollywood horror hit Stree 2, this latest entry captures audiences with its psychological depth and gripping storytelling, set to be a top attraction in GCC cinemas on November 1.
For those seeking Halloween thrills, these horror movies are currently showing across VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, AMC Cinemas KSA and other GCC theaters. Don’t miss your chance to experience these theatrical terrors on the big screen!
Source: Imdb, Rottentomatoes, Screen Rant, Roger Ebert, The Film Three, Cinemacy
Eid in the region isn’t just a celebration; it’s a spectacular opportunity for brands to captivate a vibrant and engaged audience. This Eid, the stage is set with over 14 films premiering during the festive weekend, creating a dazzling canvas for brands looking to amplify their advertising impact.
Here’s why seizing this opportunity with cinema ads priced by admission is a strategic masterstroke.
Cost-Effective Engagement: Cineplan’s by-admission buying route offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising methods. You pay only for the viewers who see your ad, ensuring a targeted investment with a potentially high return.
Targeted Reach During Peak Season: The Eid movie lineup this year spans genres and languages, catering to diverse tastes. This ensures that cinemas, whether in IMAX or luxury theaters, are packed, providing brands with effective ways to target audiences by language, genre, and demographics.
Standing Out in the Content Rush: Traditional advertising channels risk being drowned out. Cinema advertising shines here, with its large, immersive format that captivates attention and allows for creative storytelling. A well-crafted ad can become an unforgettable part of the movie-going experience.
Captive Audience, Maximum Impact: Eid brings families and friends together at the cinema, creating a captivated audience free from distractions. With this ambiance set and all eyes on the big screen, your ad has a prime opportunity to make a lasting impression.
Explore the Eid long weekend movie releases and kickstart your Eid campaign with Our Cinema Buying Platform.
Lionsgate and Blumhouse join forces in ‘Imaginary,’ spearheading our compilation of the most eagerly awaited horror films of 2024.
Though Halloween may still be a distant specter on the calendar, the spine-tingling allure of horror knows no season. Reflecting on 2023, it was undeniably a year of resurgence for the genre on the silver screen, solidifying its status as Hollywood’s dependable cash cow, particularly in the wake of underperforming superhero flicks.
Regionally (especially in the UAE & KSA), horror reigned supreme, with blockbusters such as Evil Dead Rise ($3.94M), Nun II ($2.43M – UAE only), Insidious: The Red Door ($1.47M – UAE only), Romancham (Malayalam) ($1.48M – UAE), Five Nights at Freddy’s ($5.86M), and M3gan ($2.17M) dominating the 2023 box office charts.
But as we peer into the murky depths of 2024, a fresh wave of terror awaits, promising both new nightmares and the resurrection of beloved franchises. The new roster includes work from acclaimed filmmakers such as M. Night Shyamalan, Robert Eggers, Tim Burton and Jordan Peele etc.
So, sharpen your claws, brace yourself for the darkness, and prepare to unleash your most blood-curdling screams (or retreat beneath the safety of your covers) as these spine-tingling spectacles beckon you to the edge of your theater seat. After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the chilling terror of these films in the immersive atmosphere of the cinema.
Imaginary – 7 March 2024
Imaginary unfolds through the eyes of a woman who returns to her childhood home, to discover that the imaginary friend that she left behind has a life of its own and is unhappy that she abandoned him. Are you ready to have the memory of your favorite childhood toy ruined forever?
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – 21 March 2024
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters are back, baby! This time, they’re facing off against ‘The Death Chill,’ a frosty threat that’s giving New York City a serious case of the shivers. With the OG team and some fresh faces, get ready for a ghostly adventure that’ll send chills down your spine!
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 – 21 March 2024
Hold onto your honey pots, folks! The unexpected smash hit ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ is back with a vengeance in its sequel. This time, everyone’s favorite bear is taking the slash-and-dice route, promising even more brutality and weirdness. Who’s gonna make it out alive this time? Your guess is as good as ours!
The First Omen – 04 April 2024
Holy hell! ‘The First Omen’ is here to give you nightmares. Set before the events of the classic horror flick ‘The Omen,’ this prequel follows Margaret, played by Nell Tiger Free (yep, the Baratheon girl from Game of Thrones), as she discovers that not everything behind the church gates is as holy as it seems.
The Watchers – 6 June 2024
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat with ‘The Watchers.’ Inspired by A.M Shine’s gripping novel, this film takes you on a chilling ride through the eerie landscapes of the Western Irish Countryside. With Ishana Night Shyamalan at the helm and a stellar cast, get ready for fear and suspense like never before!
A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024
Curious how it all began? ‘A Quiet Place – Day One’ takes you back to ground zero, showing the day those deadly death angels first descended upon Earth. Led by the phenomenal Lupita Nyong’o, this installment promises chaos, terror, and some Stranger Things alum thrown in for good measure!
Longlegs – 11 July 2024
FBI Agent Lee Harker is on the case in ‘The Unseen.’ Dive into an unsolved serial killer mystery filled with unexpected twists and occult elements. As Harker races against time, the stakes—and the body count—keep getting higher!
Alien: Romulus – 15 August 2024
Buckle up for an otherworldly adventure! ‘Alien: Romulus’ introduces us to a fresh batch of characters facing off against the universe’s most terrifying beings – Xenomorphs. The seventh installment in the legendary franchise takes us on a whole new journey, stepping away from the prequels and into uncharted territory.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – 5 September 2024
Tim Burton is back to haunt your dreams with ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.’ Join a grown-up Lydia Deetz as she returns to her once quaint, now ominously transformed home with her own family. But when chaos ensues, is it time to summon that mischievous poltergeist again? You might want to say his name—twice!
Terrifier 3 – 24 October 2024
Director Damien Leone is set to redefine horror with ‘Terrifier 3,’ pledging elevated levels of violence and gore. The film aims to explore the origins of the menacing antagonist, Art the Clown, and reintroduce pivotal characters like Sienna Shaw. Leone’s vision for the franchise ensures a chilling and gripping cinematic journey.
Smile 2 – 18 October 2024
Remember that unsettling smile that crawled out of your nightmares in 2022? Get ready for another round of psychological horror and spine-tingling scares as the origins of the entity are explored even further. New characters will be drawn into the nightmarish cycle, each facing their own inner demons alongside those terrifying smiles.
Thread: An Insidious Tale – TBA
The next installment of the Insidious saga unfolds with Thread: An Insidious Tale, slated for 2024. This spinoff, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore, delves into the perilous repercussions when a couple tamper with time to avert tragedy. Penned and directed by Jeremy Slater, anticipate a riveting journey into the abyss of fear and desperation.
But hold up, because there’s more! Here are some more that might sneak up and become the sleeper hits we all love and eagerly anticipate sequels for, just like ‘Talk to Me,’ ‘Smile,’ or ‘Barbarian’:
Source: IMDb, SCREENRANT
Related Articles:
