Horror in Cinemas: What’s Haunting GCC Big Screens This Halloween

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.

 

Smile 2

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.

Smile 2

 

Three

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.

 

Never Let Go

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

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.

 

Venom: The Last Dance

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.

 

Hellboy: The Crooked Man

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

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.

 

Imaginary

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

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.

 

Bhool Bhulaiyya 3

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

 

(more…)

Haunts of the Year: Our Top Horror Movie Picks from 2024

Longlegs, the Nicolas Cage starrer directed by Osgood Perkins, leads our list of top 2024 horror movies.

 

Horror isn’t just a genre—it’s an experience, and 2024 proved exactly why we keep craving that rush. After a standout 2023, this year came in swinging with a mix of mind-bending indie gems and blockbuster sequels we didn’t see coming. From nightmares that linger long after the credits roll to pulse-pounding moments that left us peeking over our shoulders, it’s been a wild ride. If you’ve caught yourself triple-checking the locks or sleeping with the lights on, you’re not alone.

Here’s our roundup of the top horror films of 2024 that hit cinemas in the region—and left us all haunted in the best way possible.

 

Longlegs

Nicolas Cage in one of the weirdest roles you’ll ever see? Yes, please. Longlegs delivers a slow-burn thriller dripping with eerie vibes and offbeat brilliance. Imagine if David Lynch overdosed on espresso—strange, unsettling, and completely unhinged.

Longlegs is the horror version of Barbie. Not in content, but in vibe—this indie film exploded on social media, especially with Gen Z. By the time it hit cinemas in the Middle East—just a week after its global premiere—the buzz was unstoppable. Thursday nights at Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall were swarming with excited, young audiences, eager to catch a glimpse of this strange beast of a movie. It’s rare for an indie horror film to make such waves here, but Longlegs? It owned the spotlight.

 

Smile 2

A sequel we didn’t think we needed, but now can’t live without. Smile 2 proves that horror franchises can grow without losing their edge. It’s sharper, smarter, and somehow even creepier—oh, and that sinister grin? Still absolutely terrifying.

What’s wild is that the first movie almost didn’t hit theaters. After a test screening that blew expectations out of the water, the studio changed course. With the first film pulling in a cool $217.4 million and the sequel kicking off with a $45 million opening, it’s clear they made the right call. Naomi Scott delivers a gripping performance, while Parker Finn’s direction ensures this sequel cements its place in horror history.

 

Oddity

Oddity is all about the discomfort—slow, creeping dread that gets under your skin. At the center of it all? Carolyn Bracken’s mesmerizing performance. She doesn’t just act; she embodies the unease, turning every glance and gesture into pure tension. Though it had a limited release in the region, it left a mark on those lucky enough to catch it on the big screen. This is the kind of psychological horror that demands multiple viewings—each watch peeling back another disturbing layer.

 

Exhuma (Korean)

If there’s one thing Korean filmmakers excel at, it’s the art of unnerving you to your core. Exhuma isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. Atmospheric and unpredictable, it’s easily one of the top 2024 horror movies, cut from the same cloth as The Wailing, blending human fears, raw emotion, and rich folklore. If you know, you know: Korean horror doesn’t rely on cheap scares—it taps into something deeper, something primal, that lingers long after the credits roll. Exhuma honors that tradition and raises the stakes.

 

Alien: Romulus

Alien may be a sci-fi franchise, but Romulus reminds us of where it all started—with bone-chilling horror. Fede Álvarez, the mastermind behind Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, brings his horror expertise to this intergalactic nightmare. Dark corridors, flickering lights, and an overwhelming sense of dread—this isn’t just another space flick. Romulus is a masterclass in tension, blending survival horror with sci-fi thrills. Álvarez brings the franchise back to its terrifying roots, making it feel both familiar and frighteningly fresh.

 

Stree 2 (Hindi)

The Bollywood movie that made it to the top 2024 horror movies list. The original Stree was a sleeper hit—one of those rare films that sneaked into cinemas quietly but ended up becoming a fan favorite with repeated watches. Its clever blend of supernatural horror, humor, and social commentary earned it a cult following over time. Stree 2 builds on that foundation, expanding the eerie folklore of the haunted town while retaining its quirky, comedic charm. With returning cast members and fresh twists, the sequel promises more scares, laughs, and social jabs, making it a worthy follow-up that doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia. If you enjoyed the first, the second will feel like revisiting an old friend—one with a mischievous ghost still lurking in the shadows.

 

Late Night with the Devil

Set against the glitzy backdrop of a 70s talk show, Late Night with the Devil offers a unique twist on the genre. David Dastmalchian steals the show with a performance that’s equal parts charming and unsettling. His hypnotic presence keeps you hooked as the film spirals from quirky talk-show antics into surreal horror. The retro vibe adds authenticity, making it feel like you’re watching a piece of lost television history that unravels into pure madness. Refreshing, eerie, and brilliantly executed, it’s a standout in a year full of horror gems.

 

Speak No Evil

Remaking a favorite isn’t easy but Speak No Evil nails it. Staying true to the Dutch original, this adaptation captures the same nerve-wracking tension that made the first film unforgettable. With James McAvoy delivering a performance that feels both uncomfortably intimate and deeply unsettling, the film drags you deeper into psychological torment with each passing scene. Fans of the original will appreciate the faithfulness, while newcomers will be swept away by the creeping dread and emotional weight. Brutal, unrelenting, and impossible to look away from—this one leaves a mark.

 

The First Omen

Curious how Damian, the demon child from The Omen, got his start? The First Omen goes back to the beginning, digging into the origin of the Antichrist with eerie precision. This prequel adds depth to the mythology, exploring the dark forces that shaped Damian’s childhood and set him on the path to ultimate evil. Wrapped in lush cinematography and eerie atmosphere, it breathes new life into the franchise while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re an Omen fan or diving in for the first time, this prequel is a haunting must-watch.

 

Blink Twice

Blink Twice taps into a primal fear: what if you can’t trust your own eyes? This psychological thriller plays tricks on both its characters and its audience, making you question everything you see. With a plot that twists like a corkscrew and cinematography designed to disorient, it feels like a mashup of Black Swan and Hereditary. Miss even a second, and you’ll be lost in its labyrinth of lies. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Blink Twice delivers a gut-punch of a twist.

 

Special Mention

The Substance

The Substance is definitely one of the top 2024 horror movies. The only reason it didn’t make the main list is that it wasn’t released in the Middle East, as it leans heavily into body horror. This film refuses to leave your brain days after you’ve watched it. It’s a twisted, unsettling dive into obsession and control—one that doesn’t just crawl under your skin; it moves in and makes itself at home. If you vibed with David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future or James Wan’s Malignant, this is a must-watch. It’s like Cronenberg cranked up to 11, with every scene pushing boundaries, leaving you equal parts disturbed and mesmerized.

 

Some of these 2024 horror movies are still captivating audiences in cinemas, while others have already hit streaming platforms. Just in time for Halloween, grab your popcorn and prepare for a thrilling night with spine-tingling scares!

 

 

(more…)

Cinema Fosters Positivity: What Does It Mean for Advertisers?

Cinema advertising capitalizes on positive moods to boost brand engagement and create memorable moments for consumers.

 

In today’s fast-paced ad landscape, cutting through the noise isn’t just about creative execution—it’s about reaching people when they’re most open to listening. According to Hearst’s ‘Power of Positivity – 2023’ study, consumers are far more receptive to brand messaging when they are in a positive state of mind, leading to increased favorability and consideration.

When people are in a good mood, they’re naturally more open to suggestions, which makes them more likely to recall ads and think highly of the products they see advertised. But it doesn’t stop there—people who feel positive aren’t just passive observers; they’re more inclined to talk about the ads they’ve seen, dig deeper into the product, and even make that all-important purchase. So, the question is: where can brands make the most of these positive moments?

Cinema audiences hold the answer, as environments like cinema, where the vibes are overwhelmingly positive, give brands the chance to create lasting impressions that go far beyond the moment. What makes cinema so uniquely powerful is its ability to create an immersive experience that not only captures attention but also elevates mood. Unlike other media, cinema engages audiences in a shared moment, creating a feeling of connection and community that’s hard to replicate.

 

Positivity

Audiences see the ‘ads and trailers’ as part of the event experience and unlike other channels that are viewed alone, cinema naturally creates an environment that can generate a moment of talkability for brands about their ads – DCM Maximise with Cinema, 2024.

 

Two recent studies by DCM in 2023 and 2024 highlight the crucial role of a positive mindset in shaping consumer behavior. The first finding reveals that around 60% of moviegoers often say they feel a sense of connection when they’re at the movies. The second finding suggests that in contrast to the mixed emotions often experienced on social media, an impressive 78% of cinemagoers say they’re in a great mood when watching a film. This positive state of mind makes them more receptive to the ads they see, turning what could be just another brand message into a memorable moment.

Let’s not forget the beauty of cinema’s focus. Cinema is a rare space where people are truly present. It’s where they put down their phones and lean into the moment, absorbing both the film and the pre-show ads in full. This creates a unique opportunity for brands to craft messages that resonate deeply. The key for brands is to match the tone of the room by using inspiring stories, uplifting visuals, and creating a sense of shared experience that fits the mood of the movie theatre. Cinema isn’t just a screen; it’s a stage that brands can use to generate an immersive experience rather than simply deliver a message.

For advertisers, cinema isn’t merely a venue; it’s a unique opportunity to produce something memorable. It’s a place where positivity can be transformed into brand love, turning ads into moments that matter. Leveraging the uplifting energy of the cinema experience allows brands to make their messages stick in a way that few other mediums can match. As the conversation around the long-term effects of positive advertising continues to grow, one thing is clear: the mood-boosting magic of cinema and its role in fostering positivity is a force to be reckoned with, driving a new era of brand engagement.

 

 

Credits: Hearst, DCM, Campaign UK, VAB

 

 

(more…)

Hermès Returns to Cinema for Latest Hermès Barénia Campaign

In partnership with Havas Media Dubai and Motivate Val Morgan, Hermès returns to the cinema to launch an integrated campaign for the new Hermès Barénia perfume at select cinemas across the Middle East.

This latest campaign promotes Hermès Barénia perfume, a fragrance that embodies free-spirited elegance and the vitality of unbridled femininity. Designed for the modern woman, this enchanting scent celebrates strength, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit, inviting consumers to experience its unique allure.

 

Off-Screen Sampling – UAE and KSA

Hermès added a scent of sophistication with their latest off-screen sampling, distributing approximately 10,000 samples of Hermès Barénia perfume to premium moviegoers at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall and VOX Cinemas in Riyadh Park during the first two weekends of the Joker 2 release.

Here’s a glimpse of the sampling events:

Hermes Sampling

 

On-Screen Campaign: By Package – FTM

The campaign is further complemented by a 45-second on-screen advertisement currently airing at select VOX, Cinemacity, and Reel locations across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and KSA, following the film Joker: Folie à Deux.

Leveraging on-screen advertising alongside creative off-screen activations through customized cinema campaigns is an effective way to boost your brand’s visibility. For more information on crafting engaging cinema activations that resonate with moviegoers, contact our team at Motivate Val Morgan

 

(more…)

A September to Remember: Saudi Cinema Industry Soars Amid Saudi National Day

In a dazzling display of cinematic fervor, Saudi Arabia’s box office has witnessed an unprecedented surge as September draws to a close. The confluence of World Cinema Day (September 20-23) and Saudi National Day (September 23) has catapulted movie admissions to stratospheric heights, painting a vivid picture of the Kingdom’s burgeoning love affair with the silver screen.

The Saudi Film Commission reports a remarkable trajectory in Saudi Arabia’s cinema landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: a 69.96% increase in admissions from week two to week three and a 15.96% average week-on-week increase, based on admissions data for the first four weeks of September.

As the largest cinema advertising representative in the Kingdom, Motivate Val Morgan reports that admission figures for their circuit stood at 330,000 for the week of September 19-25 alone (a 107% growth from the previous week), contributing to a monthly total of over 798,000 admissions based on MVM’s CineMeasure dashboard data from September 1 to September 25.

Analyzing the drivers behind these impressive figures reveals a landscape dominated by diverse and enduring hits. The true marvel lies in the sustained success of the Arabic comedy X Merati. Now in its tenth week, the film attracted 106,800 admissions in September alone, bringing its total to an awe-inspiring 399,600 admissions and generating a monumental SAR 18.4 million at the box office. This enduring draw highlights a growing trend in Saudi cinema: the rise of “leggy” films that continue to captivate audiences well beyond the traditional opening weekend surge.

The Hollywood counterparts to these enduring hits are equally impressive. The Marvel blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine demonstrated similar staying power, amassing 487,300 total admissions and earning SAR 26 million. In the same vein, the female-driven drama It Ends With Us struck a chord with women audiences, clocking in 273,600 admissions and generating SAR 14.1 million at the KSA box office, further exemplifying the market’s appetite for diverse, long-running films.

The diversity of the Saudi box office was further showcased with the strong debut of the Tamil film The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T), which secured an impressive 29,400 admissions, and Transformers One, which brought in 21,900 during its opening week. Meanwhile, the psychological thriller Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy, maintained steady momentum with 87,600 admissions over three weeks, reflecting the eclectic tastes of Saudi moviegoers.

Saudi year-over-year comparisons reveal a rapidly expanding market, with admission numbers that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. This growth, paired with the evolving sophistication of Saudi audiences, presents a market primed for both investment and innovation. In other words, these numbers not only reflect the growing appetite for cinematic experiences but also underscore the unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage with a captive and enthusiastic audience.

As we look to the future, with major titles such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom, Smile 2, Gladiator 2, and more Arabic and Indian movies set to release in the months ahead, the data suggests we’re merely at the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic renaissance. The combination of strategic initiatives like World Cinema Day, the emotional pull of national celebrations, and a diversifying slate of film offerings has created a perfect storm for sustained growth.

For industry stakeholders, from studio executives to brand marketers, the message is clear: the Saudi cinema landscape is not just a market to watch, but a phenomenon to be part of.

 

Click here to check out the full list of movies and submit your inquiries.

 

Sources: MVM CineMeasure, The Saudi Film Commission

 

 

Related Articles:

Saudi Box Office Hits 8.5M Ticket Sales as Global Box Office Surges to US$21B in 2024

‘It Ends With Us’ Draws Female Audiences to Cinemas