For enthusiasts of horror, every year presents an abundance of choices, ranging from moderately successful to outstanding additions to the genre. Unlike any other genre, horror provides a diverse array of titles that cater to all tastes, whether you’re just starting to explore frightening tales or are deeply invested in them. This year has followed suit, introducing unique films like The Ugly Stepsister, Death of a Unicorn, Heart Eyes, Dead Mail, The Shrouds, and Dangerous Animals. We’ve also seen continuations such as Predator: Killer of Killers, M3GAN 2.0, and the latest installment of I Know What You Did Last Summer. Additionally, there are reboots and adaptations, including Wolf Man, Fear Street: Prom Queen, and a fresh take on Until Dawn for our viewing pleasure.
This year has seen just a taste of the terrifying films that movie enthusiasts have encountered so far. Despite many more spine-tingling movies scheduled for release in the second half of 2025, the following films are strong candidates for the year’s top horror offerings.
10) Best Wishes to All
To preserve their tranquil and thriving lifestyle, they draw happiness from an individual who is kept in a state of constant distress.
In a nutshell, the movie “Best Wishes to All” oscillates between unsettling, terrifying instances and absurdly humorous scenes. The central character grapples with whether she should adhere to her family’s twisted traditions to achieve genuine happiness or allow them all to perish instead. The acting and sharp social critique are standout features of this chilling film, which has garnered mixed reactions from both fans and critics, but is widely recognized as a remarkable contribution to the horror genre this year.
Best Wishes to All is streaming now on Shudder.
9) Clown in a Cornfield
Filmmaker Eli Craig, along with co-writer Carter Blanchard, transformed the popular young adult novel “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare into a thrilling horror-comedy. This production effectively demonstrates that just because it’s a young adult subgenre, doesn’t mean the horror is any less intense or gory. In this slasher adaptation, Katie Douglas plays Quinn, who relocates with her father, Dr. Glenn Maybrook (portrayed by Aaron Abrams), to the quaint town of Kettle Springs. Not long after settling in, Quinn befriends a group of local teens, only for them to find themselves under attack from Frendo the Clown, the town’s mascot who had previously been responsible for the deaths of teenagers many years ago.
Douglas delivers a captivating performance as Quinn, backed by an engaging cast, who brings a unique perspective to the archetypes of the newcomer and final girl. The movie, Clown in a Cornfield, offers a blend of humor, terror, and drama, while skillfully unraveling the mystery surrounding multiple Frendos and their motivations. The film does not hold back on gore, providing ample, thrilling kills using diverse weaponry, thus solidifying Frendo the Clown as an exciting addition to the horror genre.
Clown in a Cornfield is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.
8) Presence
In an innovative twist to the haunted house genre, Director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp present Presence, a film that tells its chilling tale from the ghost’s perspective. As the fractured family of Rebekah (Lucy Liu), Chris (Chris Sullivan), Chloe (Callina Liang), and Tyler (Eddy Maday) move into their new home, audiences get an intimate, voyeuristic look at their personal struggles – particularly Chloe’s grief over the loss of her friend and deteriorating relationship with her brother. As the movie unfolds, the truth behind recent overdoses becomes increasingly sinister, while the ghostly presence watching over Chloe reveals a shocking twist that is one of the best in any film this year.
In the ghost’s perspective, the narrative unfolding in the film “Presence” is skillfully and powerfully portrayed. The climax of this movie is particularly chilling as it immerses viewers deeply into the characters, making them feel uncomfortably close during the most unsettling scenes. The captivating acting, shocking plot twists, hidden clues, and unique setup make “Presence” a standout horror film, one that’s hard to forget once seen and invites multiple viewings.
Presence is available to stream on Hulu.
7) Final Destination Bloodlines
The “Final Destination” series made a comeback after approximately 15 years, delivering another chilling tale, driven by Death’s persistent vendetta. This installment, titled “Final Destination Bloodlines“, stands among the best in the series. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the movie centers around Stefani Reyes (portrayed by Kaitlyn Santa Juana), who discovers a family legacy of precognitive abilities. Faced with a recurring scenario as Death embarks on its latest deadly game of chase, she endeavors to protect her loved ones.
In simpler terms, “Bloodlines” stands out as the top “Final Destination” movie since “Final Destination 2,” blending tribute to the most notorious death scene in the series with a fresh batch of inventive and gory deaths. As the sixth installment, it skillfully combines humor, family-related drama, and thrilling death traps. The characters are engaging, which makes their brutal demise all the more impactful. A particularly moving moment is Tony Todd’s last scene as William John Bludworth, where he was allowed to bid farewell to the franchise, his character, and fans.
You can purchase or rent “Final Destination: Bloodlines” on Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, the rest of the “Final Destination” series can be streamed on HBO Max.
6) The Damned
The film titled “The Damned” was written by Jamie Hannigan and directed by Thordur Palsson. It had a low-key premiere in early January. Starring Odessa Young (“Assassination Nation“) and Joe Cole (“Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London“), this chilling psychological horror is set against the frosty, secluded landscape of 19th-century Iceland. After a group of fishermen led by widow Eva (Young) make a challenging decision following a shipwreck they’ve witnessed, they are plagued by guilt and potentially haunted by a vengeful draugr – an ancient, undead being from Nordic folklore.
In The Damned, an engaging cast of characters is employed to blur the boundary between supernatural terror and insanity. The movie skillfully creates a unsettling ambiance by intensifying the feeling of fear and loneliness using its grim backdrop. As the suspense gradually intensifies and paranoia mounts, it leads to a spine-tingling and enigmatic conclusion.
The Damned is streaming now on Hulu.
5) Companion
In Drew Hancock’s witty yet ominous sci-fi film “Companion”, Sophie Thatcher shines brightest, exploring the eerie aspects of artificial intelligence through a lighthearted premise that swiftly spirals into a harrowing ordeal. The story follows Iris (Thatcher) and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid), who reunite with a group of friends for a weekend retreat at a secluded cabin. On the following day, Iris discovers she’s an android companion designed for interpersonal relationships, which can be controlled through an app. As Iris struggles to maintain her independence and life, the movie morphs into a tense game of hide-and-seek between Josh and Iris.
Under Thatcher’s guidance, actors like Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend deliver powerful performances, skillfully balancing the film’s comedic aspects with its more profound moments that keep audiences engaged. This movie serves as an insightful examination of the moral dilemmas surrounding AI, autonomy, toxic masculinity, and the complexities of genuine love versus manipulation and abuse.
Companion is available to stream on HBO Max.
4) The Monkey
Filmmaker Osgood Perkins, known for his long-legged projects, offers a unique blend of horror and comedy in his adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, “The Monkey.” This chilling tale revolves around outlandish, creative deaths and intricate family dynamics. The story unfolds when young twins Hal and Bill (portrayed by Christian Convery), stumble upon their father’s wind-up toy monkey as children. After witnessing a series of terrifying “accidents,” they come to suspect that the ominous artifact is responsible for the grotesque deaths in their family. Following the loss of most of their kin, Hal and Bill try to dispose of the monkey by tossing it into a well. Fast forward 20 years, the adult brothers (both played by Theo James) find themselves tormented once more when the monkey reappears, triggering a fresh wave of gruesome killings.
The film titled “The Monkey” veers toward the absurd and excessive, delivering an unending sequence of startling and frequently amusing bizarre accidents accompanied by extreme violence. Although the darkly humorous undertones of the movie diminish some of its horror, “The Monkey” provides a unique and fulfilling journey with characters that add depth to the story, making it a complex exploration of family, revenge, and the unavoidable reality of death.
The Monkey is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.
3) 28 Years Later
In 2021, filmmakers Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the creative forces behind the 2002 post-apocalyptic/zombie horror film “28 Days Later” featuring Cillian Murphy, ventured back into their dystopian world with the latest installment of the series. Boasting a star-studded cast consisting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Alfie Williams, this new film titled “28 Years Later” is set almost three decades after the Rage virus ravaged the United Kingdom, now under lockdown. The narrative revolves around 12-year-old Spike (Williams), who has spent his life in a secluded community of survivors on an island, as he embarks on a rite-of-passage journey that starts with a hunting expedition with his father, Jamie (Taylor-Johnson), and progresses to a desperate struggle to save his ailing mother, Isla (Comer).
In a clever shift from its predecessors, the movie “28 Years Later” emphasizes the heartwarming mother-son narrative at its core and establishes a distinct tone for the anticipated 28 Years trilogy by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. The film stands out with exceptional acting, intriguing depictions of the evolution of the infected, and breathtaking cinematography that exudes a sense of urgency and chaos through its editing techniques. Although it features several thrilling, tense zombie-like action sequences, the movie is primarily a thought-provoking exploration of a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on deeply human stories presented with striking visuals. It also sets up the sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” scheduled for release next year, quite effectively.
28 Years Later is now playing in theaters.
2) Bring Her Back
Speaking strictly about horror films from 2025, “Bring Her Back,” a follow-up production by Danny and Michael Philippou to their successful debut film “Talk to Me,” is widely considered the scariest and most unsettling movie of the year thus far. This Australian supernatural psychological horror movie revolves around step-siblings Andy (played by Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), who are adopted by foster mother Laura (Sally Hawkins). As Andy grapples with his father’s demise and the lingering trauma of past abuse, he begins to suspect Laura’s odd behavior and growing obsession with her and their enigmatic, troubling foster brother, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who is mute.
Title “Bring Her Back” delves into the complexities of grief and the darker aspects of love. The protagonist, Laura, is devastated by her daughter’s demise and resorts to occult practices in a desperate attempt to resurrect her. A former caregiver, Laura has transformed into a figure capable of committing horrific acts against children. This film is uncompromisingly grim and foreboding from the outset, making it a challenging viewing experience for some due to its scarcity of lighter moments. However, “Bring Her Back” offers a unique perspective in the horror genre by pushing boundaries while maintaining character development and impactful, emotional storytelling. The graphic violence and gore (primarily achieved through impressive practical effects) serve not as a shock tactic but to underscore the extent to which Laura’s love and sorrow have been distorted.
Bring Her Back is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
1) Sinners
It’s no wonder that Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners, a Southern Gothic masterpiece, is consistently ranked highly and may even be crowned the best movie of 2025 by many. Set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, the story revolves around twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who are World War I veterans with ties to the Chicago mafia. After their return home, they join forces with their talented younger cousin, Sammie (Miles Caton), to establish a juke joint. However, the peace is shattered in the first act when an ancient Irish vampire named Remmick, played by Jack O’Connell, enters the scene, transforming a night of liberty, music, camaraderie, seduction, and merriment into a blood-soaked horror.
The film “Sinners” shines in every regard: It boasts an intriguing concept, a remarkably gifted ensemble cast, stunning visuals, a moving soundtrack, a clever fusion of racial history and folklore, and profoundly relatable themes. Director Coogler’s innovative work is a complex, genre-blending horror musical that quickly becomes a timeless vampire masterpiece, capable of eliciting various emotions from beginning to end. Not only is it the standout horror film of 2025 thus far, but “Sinners” is also an ideal movie to rewatch, maintaining its captivating quality just as it did on the first viewing.
Sinners is now streaming on HBO Max.
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2025-07-28 18:41