· LUCY LOVES ME · Film
The Most Anticipated Horror Movies of 2025: A Year of Thrills and Chills
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that horror isn’t just thriving—it’s absolutely dominating the movie scene.
From Robert Eggers’ hauntingly beautiful Nosferatu to the spine-tingling chaos of Late Night with the Devil, the edge-of-your-seat Alien:Romulus and the shockfest that was The Substance, last year’s films pushed boundaries, blending eerie atmospheres with poignant storytelling.
But if you think 2024 was the peak, think again.
2025 promises to deliver a terrifying lineup of sequels, reboots, and bold original concepts that will leave audiences gripping the edge of their seats (or hiding behind them).
Whether you’re a fan of supernatural frights, psychological chillers, or slashers, this year is packed with something for everyone.
Quick Look: Must-Watch Horror Movies in 2025
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated 2025 horror films and their release dates:
- Wolf Man – January 17
- Presence – January 24
- Heart Eyes – February 7
- The Monkey – February 21
- Sinners – March 7
- The Woman in the Yard – March 28
- Death of a Unicorn – April 3
- Drop – April 11
- M3GAN 2.0 – June 27
- I Know What You Did Last Summer – July 18
- The Bride – September 26
- The Black Phone 2 – October 17
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – December 5
Sequels That Will Haunt Us Again
2025 marks the return of beloved franchises and fan favourites:
M3GAN 2.0 (June 27): The viral sensation of 2023’s M3GAN is back, and this time, our favorite AI doll is upgraded with even deadlier capabilities. Expect a thrilling blend of dark humor and chilling horror.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (September 5): Ed and Lorraine Warren’s final paranormal investigation promises an emotionally charged conclusion to one of horror’s most iconic franchises.
The Black Phone 2 (October 17): Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber in this sequel to the 2021 hit, delivering eerie supernatural chills once again.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (December 5): The animatronics at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza are back for another round of terror.
Bold Indie Movies Breaking the Mould
Independent horror continues to push creative limits in 2025 with these boundary-breaking films:
Dead Lover: A gravedigger’s desperate attempts to resurrect her perfect match lead to haunting consequences.
Touch Me: Touted as “a bisexual alien sex horror comedy,” this promises to be the year’s most bizarre and unforgettable premise.
Together: Real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco explore relationship horror when their characters experience an unsettling transformation in their love, lives, and even their flesh.
Horror Meets Social Commentary
This year’s horror lineup doesn’t just aim to scare, it delves into deeper social issues through the genre’s unique lens:
Sinners (March 7): Set in the Jim Crow-era South, this vampire thriller stars Michael B. Jordan and explores historical tensions alongside supernatural horror. Directed by Ryan Coogler, it’s a deeply layered film that will leave a mark.
Death of a Unicorn (April 3): A father-daughter duo, played by Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, accidentally hits a unicorn with their car, sparking a hilariously dark commentary on corporate greed.
Fresh Takes on Classic Monsters
Universal’s monster universe gets a contemporary refresh with:
Wolf Man (January 17): Leigh Whannell reimagines this classic tale with Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, blending family drama with feral horror in the remote Oregon wilderness.
The Bride (September 26): Maggie Gyllenhaal’s musical twist on The Bride of Frankenstein stars Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley in a hauntingly creative interpretation set in the 1930s.
Other Horror Movies to Look out for
Presence (January 24)
Steven Soderbergh’s Presence completely upends the haunted house formula by filming entirely from a ghost’s perspective, with Lucy Liu leading a family unknowingly sharing their home with an unseen observer.
Starring Julia Fox and Chris Sullivan, it’s a deeply unsettling exploration of what it means to be trapped—not just in a house, but in time and memory.
The Monkey (February 21)
Meanwhile, Osgood Perkins follows up his critically acclaimed Longlegs with The Monkey, adapting Stephen King’s chilling 1980 short story.
Twin brothers, played by Theo James, discover a cursed toy monkey that seems to orchestrate grisly deaths.
With a cast including Elijah Wood and Tatiana Maslany, this promises to be a chilling study of guilt, grief, and family bonds.
Early buzz suggests Perkins has maintained his knack for slow-burn psychological terror.
Heart Eyes (February 7)
Looking for a Valentine’s date that doesn’t involve romantic comedies? This horror-comedy about a serial killer targeting “lovebirds” on Valentine’s Day might be your ticket.
Starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding, Heart Eyes blends slasher thrills with a touch of sardonic humour. Who says love can’t be deadly?
The Woman in the Yard (March 28)
Blumhouse’s latest chiller stars Danielle Deadwyler as a woman unraveling the secrets of her ominous new neighbour.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan), it’s got all the makings of a suburban nightmare with a sinister twist.
Drop (April 11)
Imagine this: you’re on your first date in years, and halfway through dinner, you start receiving threatening messages demanding you harm your date or face dire consequences.
Directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day), Drop is a claustrophobic, one-location thriller starring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar. Swipe right if you dare.
Horror’s Unstoppable Evolution
As a horror fan, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing what the genre has in store for us each year.
From spine-tingling scares to thought-provoking stories, 2025 feels like a dream (or nightmare) come true for horror lovers.
Whether you’re looking for thought-provoking stories, slasher nostalgia, or mind-bending originality, this year has it all.
Which of these films are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below or share this guide with fellow horror fans to spread the anticipation!
