We’re gearing up for spooky season, and so is Regal Cinemas. The American theater chain announced that it’s bringing its popular 31 Screams on Screen series back from the dead and partnering with three of the most acclaimed horror directors of the 2020s to bring some of their favorite scary movies to the big screen.
The series runs through the entire month of October, with new horror films playing each day. Titles chosen by the folks at Regal include The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Crimson Peak, Tales From the Hood, In the Mouth of Madness, Christine, and Pet Sematary, while they’re also offering more family-friendly titles for your creepy little ones, like The Monster Squad, The Addams Family, and The House With a Clock in Its Walls.
Audiences can also pick up special themed merch beginning on October 1, like the Blumhouse Van collectible container, a Jason Voorhees popcorn bucket, and a collectible Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Jack Skellington.
But enough about that — you’re probably wondering who exactly Regal paired with to create this special screening series. One is a beloved director known for pioneering the splatter film in the 21st century, while the other two have brought some of 2026’s best horror to our screens.
“Horror is always played best to a full house. The screams that ripple through an auditorium and the nervous laughter right behind them are part of what makes seeing these films together so much fun,” said Regal’s Brooks LeBoeuf. “[These directors] each answered the question every horror fan wants to ask a filmmaker: what scares the people who scare us? Their picks, alongside selections from our film team, give audiences 31 days to find out.”
JAMES WAN
Up first is Atomic Monster head and Saw filmmaker James Wan, who brings to the table some of horror’s most enduring stories, along with a couple of unexpected choices. He kicks the whole thing off with Bram Stoker’s Dracula on October 3, and brings fellow horror pioneer Sam Raimi’s 2009 film Drag Me To Hell to screens on October 11. His third pick, the 1988 remake of The Blob, might explain some of his gorier filmmaking tendencies, while his final pick, October 26’s Constantine, veers surprisingly into superhero territory and away from the grittier choices one might expect.
“While these are often considered mainstream genre films, they were each made with such a unique vision and singular artistry that they’ve not only stood the test of time, but have become truly beloved, continuing to find new generations of devoted fans,” said Wan. “Each one holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited for audiences to experience them again the way they were meant to be seen: together, in a dark theater, and on the big screen!”
NIA DACOSTA
While she may have given us one of the year’s best in apocalyptic horror with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, director Nia DaCosta is going a slightly more traditional route for her choices. She pays homage to fellow curator James Wan with her first choice, The Conjuring, on October 4, and selects a true classic for her second, bringing The Thing to the big screen on October 12. Having directed its 2021 sequel of the same name, it’s only appropriate that she chooses the original Candyman for October 16, followed by a highlight of scream queen Maika Monroe with It Follows on October 28.
“I’m so excited to share just a few of my favorite horror films; movies that have, in one way or another, stuck with me over the years,” said DaCosta. “The Thing and Candyman I never got to see in theatres, so I’m excited that we’re getting the chance to see them on the big screen at Regal.”
CURRY BARKER
The Obsession filmmaker might just be the hottest director of the moment, but his choices reveal an appreciation for the classics of horror cinema. Barker’s first choice is the widely-acclaimed Poltergeist on October 5, followed by the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre on October 13 — a perfect choice now that he’s set to direct a new film in the series. After that comes A Nightmare on Elm Street on October 18, with the director’s cut of Midsommar wrapping things up on October 23. A 4DX version of Obsession is also being screened as a double feature with Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer on October 14.
“Films like these are a big part of why I wanted to become a filmmaker,” says Barker, “and I’m thrilled that audiences will have a chance to experience these on a big screen together, alongside the new 4DX version of Obsession.”
Tickets for each 31 Screams on Screen film are just $7.99 and can be purchased in person and online now. Regal Unlimited Members can also purchase tickets for screenings as part of their monthly subscription.
