What happens when a beloved children's TV unicorn doesn't get his way? Pure nightmare fuel, as Buddy proves. This horror hit, starring Michael Shannon and Cristin Milioti, has been terrifying audiences in theaters and is now set to invade your living room. Mark your calendars: Buddy arrives on digital streaming on October 13, just in time for Halloween marathons.
The premise is deceptively simple: inside the fictional kids' show It's Buddy!, a cheerful orange unicorn leads a group of children in songs and dances, spreading happiness. But when one child dares to say no, the show's sunny facade crumbles into a sinister lesson in obedience. It's a clever twist on the saccharine children's programming many of us grew up with, and it's been a box-office sensation, grossing over $26 million worldwide.
Directed by Casper Kelly, known for the viral Too Many Cooks and Adult Swim Yule Log, Buddy is a perfect fit for his brand of surreal, unsettling humor. The cast also includes Delaney Quinn, Patton Oswalt, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key, adding to the film's appeal. According to distributors Roadside Attractions and Saban Films, Buddy has become Saban's highest-grossing film ever and Roadside's third-highest, trailing only I Can Only Imagine and Manchester by the Sea. It also topped The Invite as the highest-grossing acquisition from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
For those who prefer physical media, the Blu-ray and DVD editions drop on December 8. But the real treat for collectors is a VHS edition from Witter Entertainment, available for preorder starting November 24, just in time for the holidays. It's a fitting format for a movie that revels in the nostalgia of videotape-era kids' shows.
If you're looking for more horror to fill your October, check out our list of the scariest horror novels since 1990 or dive into fall 2026's must-read thrillers. And for a different kind of scare, see why HBO Max is kicking off spooky season early.
Whether you stream it for Halloween or wait for the VHS to arrive, Buddy is a must-watch for horror fans who appreciate a good dose of childhood trauma. Just remember: when a giant unicorn asks you to sing along, you might want to think twice.
