TIME100 Next attendees share favorite horror films and fears
At the 2026 TIME100 Next Gala in New York City on Oct. 29, 2026, time.com reported that celebrities shared their deepest fears and favorite horror films as Halloween approaches, with actors, musicians, and comedians naming everything from classic slashers to modern psychological thrillers.
Paapa Essiedu and Curry Barker Share Horror Movie Picks
Paapa Essiedu, an actor set to star in the upcoming HBO adaptation of Harry Potter, selected the film Obsession for the seasonal watchlist. Calling the movie brilliant and entertaining, Essiedu highlighted the modern horror pick during the red carpet gathering at Pier 59.
Curry Barker, the breakout filmmaker behind Obsession, demonstrated an extensive knowledge of the genre by naming several generational touchstones. Barker’s preferred horror films include A Nightmare on Elm Street, the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Invisible Man, Weapons, Hereditary, and Midsommar.
Upcoming Projects on the Horizon
Barker is currently developing a new film project titled Anything But Ghosts, scheduled for release next May.
Real-World Media as Personal Terror
Other attendees took a less traditional approach to the seasonal query. Comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Chloe Fineman admitted that real-world media provides her primary source of fright.
According to Fineman, looking at the news, the world, and social media serves as her personal horror movie, noting that Instagram functions similarly to a scary feature.
Conan Gray and Joey King Discuss Supernatural Cinema
Musician Conan Gray opted for a cozier cinematic experience rather than outright terror, selecting the film Practical Magic as his must-watch title for the holiday.
That choice prompted a connection to actor Joey King, who appeared in the sequel Practical Magic 2. King revealed that her experience with the iconic story stirred a sensitivity to the supernatural. While she acknowledged past frightening experiences that caused her to mute that part of her life, she now embraces it more fully while avoiding mediums out of fear of knowing her future.