Horror has changed a lot since the Scary Movie franchise first started cracking jokes at the genre's expense. Over the past decade, horror has gone psychological, prestige, and deeply self-serious—think A24's nightmares, legacy sequels, and elaborate cinematic universes. It's been practically begging for someone to come along and make fun of it again.
That's exactly where Scary Movie 6 comes in. As part of Collider's Summer Preview Event, we've got an exclusive first look at a new image from the upcoming sequel—the long-awaited return of the iconic parody series. While plot details are still under wraps, the film is expected to take aim at a whole new generation of horror hits, giving the franchise fresh material after more than a decade away from theaters.
A Franchise Reborn for a New Era of Horror
The original Scary Movie was a massive hit in 2000, skewering late-'90s horror like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Blair Witch Project. It quickly became one of the defining comedy franchises of the early 2000s, eventually expanding its targets beyond horror. The long gap between installments might actually work in the sequel's favor. Since Scary Movie 5 dropped in 2013, horror has transformed dramatically—now audiences are deeply familiar with trauma-heavy psychological horror, unsettling smile-filled marketing campaigns, and increasingly serious franchise mythology. That gives Scary Movie 6 plenty of fresh material to lampoon.
If you're a fan of tightly-paced horror that doesn't waste a minute, check out our list of 90 Minutes of Pure Terror: The Best Tightly-Paced Horror Movies Ever.
What Modern Horror Hits Are Getting Spoofed?
The marketing already suggests the franchise knows exactly what audiences want. Recent posters have spoofed major titles like Smile, Nope, Get Out, The Substance, Sinners, and Weapons. The recently released trailer also packed in references to M3GAN, Terrifier, Malignant, and Final Destination Bloodlines, making it clear the sequel is aiming directly at what's current rather than relying entirely on nostalgia.
For more on how indie horror can make a huge impact, read How This Indie Horror Masterpiece Made 100x Its Budget in 10 Days.
When Does Scary Movie 6 Hit Theaters?
Scary Movie 6 slashes into theaters on June 5, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider throughout the week as our Summer Preview Event continues with exclusive looks at some of the biggest upcoming movies of the season.
