The 10 Best Horror Movies of 2025 and ‘Black Phone 2’

Key Takeaways

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has rumored December trailer release.
Michael Mann's "Heat II" production shifts to Amazon, with filming next year.
"The Black Phone 2" disappointed critics despite its box office success for Blumhouse.
The horror genre experiences a paradox of acclaimed top-tier films and struggling middle-tier content.
Alex Ross Perry's "V/H/S/Halloween" segment is noted for its disturbing, reality-based horror approach.
Horror anthologies remain popular, sparking debate over single versus multi-filmmaker formats.
Shudder's consistent acquisition of independent horror films influences genre distribution and trends.

Michael Mann confirmed "Heat II" production moved from Warner Brothers to Amazon, with filming planned for next year and an expected theatrical release.
The hosts discussed de-aging technology in film, referencing 'The Irishman' and the potential for Michael Mann to use AI for de-aging in 'Heat 2'.
Discussion also covered the merits of sequels and what makes a follow-up compelling, comparing it to potential sequels for 'There Will Be Blood'.

Hosts expressed disappointment with "The Black Phone 2," unfavorably comparing its tone to "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors."
The film was critiqued for its serious tone and reliance on exposition to connect supernatural elements and the Grabber's return, slowing down the 1-hour-55-minute runtime.
Despite critical reception, "The Black Phone 2" has been a box office success for Blumhouse, outperforming other studio releases and suggesting a "Black Phone 3" is likely.

The hosts questioned if "horror is too good now," noting an abundance of critically acclaimed films like "Sinners," "Weapons," and "28 Years Later" this year.
A paradox exists where top-tier horror excels, but the "middle-tier," once offering reliable entertainment, is perceived as less consistently engaging, leading to increased interest in lower-budget independent horror.
Production delays from COVID-19 and strikes are cited as causes for barren executions and an over-reliance on isolation and character trauma rather than scares, contributing to over-explanation of horror elements.

"V/H/S/Halloween" is noted as a reliable entry in the Shudder anthology series, with consistently good quality despite the franchise's hit-or-miss history.
Alex Ross Perry's segment, "Kid Print," is described as "fucked up" and horrifying, contrasting with the anthology's otherwise playful tone and seasonal elements.
The segment is grounded in reality, focusing on personal fears, while other segments in the anthology explore supernatural or mutated themes.

Chris Stuckman's horror film "Shelby Oaks" initially presents as a documentary about the disappearance of ghost hunter YouTubers, using their found footage, but transitions into a less successful traditional narrative.
The hosts discuss the trend of distributors giving independent horror films theatrical releases, citing examples like 'Hell House LLC,' 'Good Boy,' and 'Dangerous Animals.'
Two Shudder films, "Night of the Reaper" and "Marshmallow," are recommended for their retro 80s aesthetic and plot-dependent twists, with the former praised for its story and the latter for its concept.

Steven Soderbergh's "Presence" is previewed as a ghost story told from the ghost's perspective, focusing on characters scaring themselves.
"Companion," a horror film released in January, was considered a good movie by the hosts but possibly hurt by its release date.
"Goodboy," a 73-minute film, was noted for its lead dog performance but criticized for inconsistent rules regarding its killer.

Alex Ross Perry explained the origin of "Kid Print" from his fascination with 90s "Kid Prints" commercials for Blockbuster, leading to his involvement with "V/H/S/Halloween."
He emphasized that his personal fears, particularly home invasion and parental anxieties, are his primary inspiration for creating horror, contrasting with more fantastical elements.
Perry described the filmmaking process as spontaneous, driven by practical limitations and creative impulses, aiming for a "fun and gross" aesthetic that impressed his wife with its intensity.

The conversation explored what defines a good horror anthology, citing "Trick or Treat," "Tales from the Hood," "Creepshow," and "Cat's Eye" as examples.
A significant dividing line is identified between anthologies made by a single filmmaker versus those with multiple directors, with Letterboxd rankings showing appreciation for both formats, including 'Kwaidan' and 'Dead of Night'.
The speakers noted how television and other factors have diminished the realistic possibility of certain film production types for horror anthologies, which historically featured non-SAG actors and a found-footage feel.

Hosts discussed the unusual timing of horror movie releases after Halloween, citing "Keeper," "Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein," and "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" as November examples.
They highlighted formative influences for appreciating episodic horror, including "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps," and "Tales from the Crypt."
The continued interest in horror anthologies is discussed, citing the success of 'V/H/S' and Christmas-themed anthologies, alongside a desire for more direct adaptations of Stephen King's short stories.