Scared Out is a 2026 Chinese spy thriller film directed by Zhang Yimou and written by Liang Chen. The film stars Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, and Song Jia, with Lei Jiayin, Yang Mi, Zhang Yi, Liu Shishi, and Liu Yaowen in supporting roles.
The film was created under the guidance of the Ministry of State Security (MSS), making it the first Chinese film to receive public backing from the MSS. It was released on February 17, 2026 in China.
Critical intelligence related to China's development of a sixth-generation fighter jet is at risk of being leaked. Yan Di and Huang Kai lead a national security unit that launches an investigation. At the same time, the unit's leader, Zhao Hong, unexpectedly learns that someone within the team may have already been turned.
In February 2025, the film was officially filed with the China Film Administration and approved for production. On April 14, the film began shooting in Shenzhen and released a concept poster, officially announcing its main cast.
The film was released in several countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States on 17 February 2026. It was distributed by Trinity CineAsia in the United Kingdom and Ireland on the same day.
Simon Abrams of RogerEbert.com gave the film two out of four stars and wrote: "The worst thing about Scare Out isn't that it's boring and ultimately trite, but that there's so little of Zhang's usual sensuousness in it."
Leslie Felperin of The Guardian wrote: "Zhang's incredible command of the craft is fully on display, the cinematic equivalent of quadruple axles, salchows and super-fast spins with one leg held behind the head."