The Best-Rated Horror Movie of 2026 Is Officially This Supernatural Sleeper Hit

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Movies have consistently delivered great entertainment, and 2026 is proving to be another strong year. Following a successful period, the new year has already brought us several excellent films.

A new indie horror film called Obsession recently hit theaters on May 15th and is already receiving rave reviews. Critics and audiences alike are loving it, and it’s currently the highest-rated horror movie of the year according to Rotten Tomatoes.

What Are Critics Saying About Obsession?

The horror movie has been very well-received by critics, earning a 95% approval rating and a ‘Certified Fresh’ designation. This score is based on 137 reviews, including some from its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section. It was released in theaters on May 15th.

In a review for Spectrum Culture, Sparks Lowry praised the new release, noting that Barker demonstrates genuine creativity and offers a promising direction for the genre. Lowry suggests Barker isn’t trying to be groundbreaking, but is instead passionately exploring familiar themes with renewed energy.

I was so impressed by Obsession! Stephen Silver at Splice Today really felt the same way, calling it one of the best horror films of 2026. He was particularly excited about the cast and director, saying he hadn’t known their work before but they completely blew him away – and me too, honestly! It’s just outstanding work all around.

Even critics who didn’t love the movie found something to praise. For example, Peter Sobczynski of Auterist Class highlighted Inde Navarrette’s performance as Nikki, calling it a standout even when the film struggled.

The film is a critical and audience favorite, earning a remarkable 95% approval rating from both. Viewers are raving about it, with one calling it “one of the best movies of the year” and praising its genuinely creepy and frightening moments. Another reviewer declared it the best horror film they’ve seen in 2026.

This new horror movie centers around a man who purchases a strange toy hoping to make a wish come true. He uses the mysterious ‘One Wish Willow’ to try and win over the woman he loves, and while he gets what he wants, he quickly learns that even the best intentions can have terrifying consequences.

Curry Barker’s first film, Obsession, is a project he completely oversaw – he wrote, directed, and edited it himself. The movie features Michael Johnston as the character Bear, and also stars Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.

Obsession Is the Highest-Rated Horror So Far

Even before the middle of 2026, several excellent horror films have already been released. Before Obsession came out, the highest-rated horror movie was , earning a 93% Certified Fresh rating. Nia DaCosta’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was a close second.

Several other films also joined the list, including Damian McCarthy with 89% and a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating, Daisy Ridley’s highly anticipated new film (88% and ‘Certified Fresh’), and ‘Primate’ at 78% ‘Certified Fresh’. Additional titles include ‘Forbidden Fruits’, ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’, and ‘Undertone’.

Obsession is currently playing in theaters.

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2026-05-15 18:21