This year’s strangest horror film channels a haunting ’90s nostalgia.

Horror enthusiasts have had a fantastic year at the cinema, with films like The Backrooms and Obsession achieving both critical acclaim and box office success. It seems there’s still a wealth of terror to explore in unconventional narratives. Enter Buddy, crafted by Casper Kelly, the mind behind Too Many Cooks, which is poised to be one of the most bizarre horror hits of 2026.

Remember the cheerful Barney the Dinosaur or the whimsical Teletubbies? Those nostalgic characters from the ’90s serve as the backdrop for Buddy’s chilling tale. A new trailer has just dropped on YouTube, hinting at a truly unsettling experience. Accompanied by the in-universe theme song from “It’s Buddy!”, the trailer presents increasingly disturbing glimpses of the titular character and a group of children who may find themselves unwilling participants in the show. Additionally, an “It’s Buddy!” YouTube channel has been sharing short clips from this fictional series over the past couple of weeks.

The official synopsis for the film reads:

Remember BUDDY—the bright orange unicorn and star of that classic children’s television show who brought joy and life lessons into your living room? Inside the colorful world of “It’s Buddy!”, a group of children spend their days singing, dancing, and helping Buddy spread happiness. But when one child refuses to play along, Buddy is not pleased, and cracks begin to appear in this seemingly perfect world.

Casper Kelly directs Buddy and co-wrote the script with Jamie King. Kelly is renowned for his work on the horror short Too Many Cooks for Adult Swim. Much like that short, Buddy appears to tap into TV nostalgia while revealing the hidden horrors lurking beneath the surface of beloved shows. Keegan-Michael Key lends his voice to the titular antagonist, joined by Topher Grace and Cristin Milioti.

Buddy made its debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, garnering positive feedback from both critics and audiences. It was picked up by Roadside Attractions and Saban Films during the festival. The film is set to hit theaters on August 28, 2026.

Additionally, a horror film featuring a dog as the hero will be available for streaming on Shudder this November.