On Halloween, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced The Horror Show, a bold and immersive exhibition that bridges the gap between cinema and experience, honoring horror’s enormous cultural impact and enduring popularity. On view from September 20, 2026, to July 25, 2027, The Horror Show is an exploration and celebration of horror cinema, highlighting select tropes and themes, and centered around the question: Why do horror films matter so deeply to so many?
“The Horror Show recognizes horror as one of the most emotionally resonant and innovative types of filmmaking, and celebrates its radical creativity and artists,” said Amy Homma, Academy Museum Director and President. “I am excited for visitors to explore and experience filmmaking that has influenced generations.”
“Throughout film history, horror has thrilled and moved audiences, acting as a powerful outlet for expression and a tool for social commentary,” said Senior Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel. “Through these stories, people have found catharsis and community among fellow horror fans around the world. I can’t wait for everyone—from horror enthusiasts to the horror-curious—to see The Horror Show.”
Blurring the line between museum presentation and eerie spectacle, The Horror Show takes visitors on a journey through cinema, starting with an introduction gallery sound installation, into “The Hallway”—modeled after the common horror trope—that leads to six distinctly themed galleries: Gothic, Psychological, Science, Slasher, Religion, and Ghosts. Each gallery is distinctly designed to invite visitors into iconic settings where they will encounter their favorite creatures, monsters, and objects. The exhibition also explores representations of identity, sexuality, and ability in horror films including: Alien (1979), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Black Swan (2010), Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), Get Out (2017), Halloween (1978), Ju-on (1998), Midsommar (2019), Misery (1990), Poltergeist (1982), Ringu (1998), The Blair Witch Project (1999), The Exorcist (1973), The Shining (1980), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)—while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling and production processes of these films. The Horror Show exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog and public programming, including film screenings, gallery talks, and educational tours to be announced at a later date. While the exhibition is designed for horror fans of all ages, parental guidance is suggested for younger visitors.
The Horror Show is organized by Senior Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel with Assistant Curator Nicholas Barlow and Curatorial Assistant Alexandra James Salichs. It will be the museum’s sixth large-scale exhibition in its Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery, following Hayao Miyazaki (2021–22), Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 (2022–23), John Waters: Pope of Trash (2023–24), Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema (2024–25); and Jaws: The Exhibition (which closes July 26, 2026).
