2025 was a fantastic year for horror fans. We saw the return of beloved franchises with highly anticipated sequels, several original horror movies that were huge successes, and some amazing independent films that deserve attention.
For the past few years, a new wave of talented filmmakers has been creating exceptional horror movies. Many of these directors really shone in 2025, making it a great year for the genre. However, with so many excellent horror films released, it’s tough to pick out the very best.
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Few horror series have achieved the same level of success and breadth as The Conjuring. The initial two movies are considered some of the best horror films in recent years, the Annabelle spin-offs proved popular, and The Nun even got its own sequel. However, the overall quality of the films in the series has varied.
The newest film in the series, The Conjuring: Last Rites, once again stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators. This time, the movie is based on a true story: the Smuri haunting that took place in Pennsylvania during the 1970s and 80s, involving claims of a demonic presence in a family home.
Many fans think this will be the last time we see Wilson and Farmiga play their famous characters, and they both give great performances. While critics didn’t love it as much as the earlier films, it’s still a solid, classic horror movie.
Heart Eyes
What’s great about horror is how well it combines with other genres. A recent and fantastic example of this is Heart Eyes, which successfully blends horror with romantic comedy for a really fun movie experience.
Heart Eyes is a thriller set during the annual Valentine’s Day murders committed by the notorious “Heart Eyes Killer.” This year, the killer sets their sights on Ally McCabe and Jay Simmonds, who constantly bicker but are mistakenly assumed to be a couple. Forced to rely on each other, they must team up to survive the killer’s attacks.
The movie Heart Eyes really shines because of the great connection between its stars, Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding – they have fantastic chemistry in every scene. It also delivers on what slasher fans want with some really clever and well-done kills.
Final Destination: Bloodlines
The Final Destination movies seemed to have run out of steam. After five films released over ten years, there hadn’t been a new one for almost 15 years. Luckily, Final Destination: Bloodlines has revived the series and brought it back for a new generation.
Final Destination: Bloodlines offered a unique approach by flashing back to 1969, revealing a premonition and its connection to the familiar Final Destination storyline. This resulted in a richer, more detailed narrative than most films in the series, which are usually known for their elaborate death sequences rather than complex plots.
Despite its flaws, the movie still delivers the iconic and memorable death scenes fans expect. It’s remarkable how inventive the filmmakers continue to be, even after so many installments. Plus, Final Destination: Bloodlines is actually the highest-rated film in the entire series.
The Ugly Stepsister
Each year, several excellent horror movies don’t get the attention they deserve, particularly if they’re made outside the US. In 2025, one to watch is The Ugly Stepsister, a Norwegian film that blends gruesome body horror with dark humor.
Okay, so The Ugly Stepsister basically takes the classic Cinderella story and flips it on its head. Instead of focusing on Cinderella, it’s about Elvria, her stepsister, and this incredibly intense, almost brutal competition between the two of them to be considered beautiful. Honestly, it’s one of the most original takes on a fairy tale I’ve ever seen – a really interesting spin!
I’ve been hearing amazing things about The Ugly Stepsister! Everyone’s been raving about it, and it currently has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – which is seriously impressive, even compared to most of the films that came out this year. What’s really getting people talking is how it uses gore effectively and constantly keeps you guessing – it definitely doesn’t follow the usual horror movie formula.
Together
Though Together is director Michael Shanks’ first feature film, he’s already proving to be a promising talent. His debut is creative, thought-provoking, and isn’t afraid to push boundaries, suggesting a bright future for his filmmaking career.
In the movie Together, real-life spouses Alison Brie and Dave Franco play a married couple, Millie and Tim, who move to the country and begin experiencing strange events. These events cause terrifying physical changes, eventually leading to their bodies becoming fused together.
The scenes showing their bodies merging are difficult to watch, but strangely captivating. Brie and Franco share a genuine connection that makes you want to see them succeed. The story powerfully explores themes of unhealthy attachment and fear of commitment.
Black Phone 2
Scott Derrickson is a remarkably talented horror director, and it’s surprising he doesn’t get more recognition. He directed the truly terrifying film Sinister, and even brought a strong sense of horror to the superhero movie Doctor Strange.
Scott Derrickson’s 2021 film, The Black Phone, is considered one of his strongest movies. A sequel, Black Phone 2, has now been released, bringing back the original cast. The story continues four years after Finney Blake managed to kill and escape from the serial killer known as The Grabber, played by Ethan Hawke.
In this new installment, Finney and his sister Gwen investigate the camp where The Grabber first began his crimes, only to find his spirit still lingers. The movie feels like a positive step forward from the first one, offering a fresh story that critics have praised.
28 Years Later
Image by Everett Collection
Similar to the Final Destination series, 28 Days Later has been around for over 20 years. What makes it unusual for a horror franchise is that, until recently, it only had two films: 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later.
It makes perfect sense that the third film was called 28 Years Later. The story jumps forward 28 years after the virus outbreak and the resulting breakdown of society. This creates a significant difference from the first two films, which were set much closer to the initial disaster.
The film offers a distinctive experience thanks to its setting in a world after a disaster. It also benefits from a talented cast including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, and the skilled direction of Danny Boyle. Critics loved it, and a second sequel is already planned for 2026, to be directed by Nia DaCosta.
Bring Her Back
Danny and Michael Philippou are quickly becoming well-known horror directors. They first gained attention with their videos on YouTube, and recently achieved widespread success with their film Talk to Me, which is considered one of the most standout horror movies of recent years.
As a horror fan, I was blown away by Talk to Me, so I wasn’t sure what the Philippou brothers could do next. But Bring Her Back really delivered! It’s a creepy story about two orphaned siblings who get caught up in a seriously dangerous occult ritual orchestrated by their new foster mom – and Sally Hawkins is absolutely terrifying in the role.
Bring Her Back is a truly impressive and well-crafted horror film that reminds us why the genre is so captivating. It’s emotionally resonant, features strong acting, and delivers some genuinely frightening moments – though be warned, it can be intense. We’re excited to see what the directors create in the future.
Weapons
Warner Bros. /Courtesy Everett Collection
Two horror films really gained popularity this year. One is Weapons, the second movie from director Zach Cregger, who previously made the well-regarded horror film Barbarian.
The movie is set in a quiet town where something strange happens: all seventeen students from a single class disappear into the night. The story follows the town’s reaction and unfolds through the eyes of different residents.
The story doesn’t unfold in a straight line, which makes Weapons really captivating, but the scariest parts and the actors’ performances are what truly stand out. Some scenes are genuinely frightening, and Julia Garner, Amy Madigan, and the rest of the cast deliver amazing performances.
Sinners
Another horror film that unexpectedly became a big success was Sinners. Directed by Ryan Coogler, who is known for films like Creed, Black Panther, and Fruitvale Station, Sinners offers a fresh story that both honors classic horror and celebrates Black culture.
Set in 1932, Sinners follows the Smokestack Twins, two criminals who go back to Mississippi and start a juke joint. But their opening night takes a dark turn when they’re faced with a terrifying supernatural force. It’s best to go into the movie knowing as little as possible – the less you know, the more surprising and thrilling it will be!
Michael B. Jordan gives a fantastic performance playing both Smoke and Stake, and the entire supporting cast – including Miles Caton, Hailee Steinfeld, and Wunmi Mosaku – is excellent. The film features a truly memorable musical scene, and its horror elements are also very well executed.
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2025-12-25 03:06