Fantastic Fest Panel Explores Horror's Future Amid Box Office Success

Horror films experienced a significant boom in 2026, with titles like "Obsession" and "Backrooms" achieving considerable box office success. This surge in popularity has led industry insiders to convene and discuss the genre's trajectory.

At Fantastic Fest in Austin, a panel moderated by Variety delved into the future of horror, examining how the genre's ability to take creative risks, coupled with mitigating business risks, has contributed to its recent triumphs. The discussions also touched upon the evolving landscape of fear and fandom within the horror community.