5 new scary movies releasing this week, Nov. 18

The second to last week of November is here, and that means keeping tabs on the latest scary movies and shows. Numbers are dwindling with the holiday season as people veer toward more joyful content than horror, but there are still a few options available for us genre fans!

This week's guide includes a new Charles Manson documentary series, a Fantasia Fest award-winning film, and the digital release date for Smile 2. Don't forget that Shudder and Apple TV+ release new episodes of The Creep Tapes and Before on Fridays, and the season finale of From season 3 debuts on MGM+ this Sunday, November 24.

See what scary movies and shows released last week here.

Making Manson (Peacock, Nov. 19)

Another Charles Manson documentary is out this week, and before you roll your eyes, this one sets itself apart from the rest in one very specific way. Making Manson features more than 100 hours of never-before-heard interview audio.

The three-part docuseries, from director Billie Mintz, reportedly features the infamous cult leader confessing to more murders and even saying things like “I’d murder everybody I could. I’d kill you all if I had the chance.” The series also features additional interviews with some of his former followers. Manson died in 2017 while serving his life in sentence, but the doc provides viewers with insight into his mind in his later years with over 20 years' worth of footage.

Street Trash (VOD, Nov. 19)

A reimagining of the 1987 cult classic, Street Trash relocates from the original setting of New York to Cape Town, South Africa, for a story about the class divide between the ultra-wealthy and those living in poverty. Things escalate to a tipping point when the local government develops a chemical weapon that they intend to use on the area's unhoused population once and for all.

The film is described as a spiritual follow-up to the original movie and directed by Ryan Kruger (Fried Barry), who co-wrote with James C. Williamson, who also worked as a producer on Fried Barry. In addition to coming to VOD, Street Trash will also stream on Screambox.

Smile 2 (VOD, Nov. 19)

Parker Finn's devilish smiling entity returns for a sequel that is scarier, more intense, longer, and all-around a significant improvement over the first film. Naomi Scott delivers a powerhouse Oscar-worthy performance as pop singer Skye Riley, the latest to fall prey to this creature.

Riley is preparing for a massive comeback tour after she experienced a traumatic event that left her boyfriend dead, but her tour is soon the least of her worries when she witnesses her drug dealer (Lukas Gage) kill himself—meaning the parasitic entity transfers itself to her. Smile 2 is out to rent or purchase on demand this Tuesday.

The Shade (VOD, Nov. 22)

Laura Benanti stars in this psychological thriller film that previously had a limited theatrical release in September. You can now watch the movie from home if it didn't play near you. Twenty-year-old Ryan is struggling with the death of his father, exacerbating his anxiety.

Further compounding issues is the return of his brother, Jason, who is grappling with complicated problems of his own. The family must find a way to work together when they face an encroaching darkness. The Shade has received positive reviews, with critics specifically praising director Tyler Chipman, who makes his feature debut here.

Rita (Shudder, Nov. 22)

Another excellent acquisition by Shudder and AMC+, Rita is an acclaimed dark fantasy horror film following a 13-year-old girl trapped in an institution filled with unique girls her age, all of whom have special abilities and intend to overrun the central authority and free themselves.

After escaping from her abusive father, Rita (Giuliana Santa Cruz) believes she's found a safe place until she learns about the truth behind the state-run facility. Rita won Best Cinematography at this year's Fantasia Festival and is inspired by the tragic true story of the Guatemala orphanage fire that took place in 2017.