The year 2025 has proven to be an exceptional time for the horror film genre. One of the standout releases, the Sinners, has captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim, while fans have eagerly returned to the chaotic narrative of a virus-ravaged UK in 28 Years Later. Not only have emotionally charged, dramatic horror films found their footing this year, but a diverse array of entertaining scary movies has also emerged, ensuring that audiences have plenty of options for thrilling experiences.
Amidst the rise of dark and intense horror narratives, it’s the lighter films that often invite rewatching after a casual scroll through streaming platforms. These offerings, which blend humor with horror, ranging from genre mashups to fresh entries in beloved franchises, showcase the most enjoyable horror films of 2025 thus far.
1
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’
Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
The gripping narrative of I Know What You Did Last Summer revolves around a shared secret among friends that resurfaces to haunt them exactly one year later. This thrilling sequel follows Ava (Chase Sui Wonders), who returns to her hometown for the engagement celebration of her best friend Danica (Madelyn Cline). During a fateful night drive, Ava and her friends unintentionally cause the tragic death of a motorist who swerved to avoid them. The group decides to keep their involvement in the fatal incident a secret, but a year later, they begin to receive threatening messages, revealing that a mysterious killer seeks revenge for their actions.
While the plot may feel somewhat thin in certain areas, for those yearning for a nostalgic thrill with a bloody hook, I Know What You Did Last Summer offers a delightful rental experience, especially if someone else is footing the bill. Fans of the original films will appreciate the clever Easter eggs and references to the 1997 slasher classic, featuring unexpected cameos that bring back memories. In the current storyline, Cline shines as a standout performer, infusing humor into scenes that feel authentically aligned with her character, making I Know What You Did Last Summer an enjoyable watch.
2
‘Death of a Unicorn’
Directed by Alex Scharfman
In the quirky film Death of a Unicorn, a routine business trip takes a bizarre turn when a mythical creature is accidentally struck by a car. Elliot (Paul Rudd) finds himself en route to meet a wealthy client family while accompanied by his daughter, Ridley (Jenna Ortega). Their journey takes an unexpected twist when they collide with a unicorn, which they soon discover possesses extraordinary healing powers. As news of this magical creature reaches Elliot’s clients, the Leopolds, they seize the opportunity to capitalize on this newfound fortune, leading to unforeseen consequences when the unicorn’s protective parents arrive, furious about the treatment of their child.
Death of a Unicorn often straddles the line between chaos and charm, succeeding best when it embraces the creature feature elements, where the unicorn acts more like a monstrous beast than a gentle mythical being. The film’s tone, however, does fluctuate, struggling to find a harmonious balance between humor and horror. Yet, when it leans into its comedic aspects, the ensemble cast shines, particularly Will Poulter’s portrayal of the obnoxious son, Shepard, who adds an entertaining dynamic to the unfolding chaos.
3
‘M3GAN 2.0’
Directed by Gerard Johnstone
In the sequel M3GAN 2.0, the iconic doll M3GAN (voiced by Jenna Davis) returns, this time facing off against a more formidable robotic adversary. After a government assassin android named AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno) goes rogue, robotics expert Gemma (Allison Williams) reluctantly revives M3GAN to combat this new threat. Armed with an almost indestructible body, M3GAN is prepared to take on AMELIA in an epic showdown of advanced technology.
Although M3GAN 2.0 is classified within the horror genre, it pivots more towards sci-fi action scenes rather than traditional scares. The sequel shifts away from the sharp satire that characterized the first film, opting instead to parody action movie clichés and the cultural impact of the original. While M3GAN 2.0 may not have met the box office expectations of Blumhouse Productions, it remains an entertaining popcorn flick that fans of the original will enjoy, especially on streaming platforms.
4
‘Clown in a Cornfield’
Directed by Eli Craig
In the slasher film <em>Clown in a Cornfield</em>, a father and daughter relocate to a small town seeking a fresh start, only to discover a dark world of murder and an unsettling abundance of clown masks. Quinn (Katie Douglas) is anxious about starting at a new high school in the desolate town of Kettle Springs alongside her father, Glenn (Aaron Abrams). When Quinn’s classmates become embroiled in a humiliating prank, they unexpectedly find themselves hunted down by Frendo, the menacing clown mascot of the now-defunct corn syrup factory that once sustained the town.
For those who typically shy away from violent horror cinema, Clown in a Cornfield serves as an introductory slasher film that blends horror with comedic elements. While the film features its share of gruesome moments, the killer’s squeaky shoes add a layer of levity, differentiating it from more notorious titles like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Although it may not deliver the overt humor suggested in its marketing, Clown in a Cornfield surprises audiences with clever plot twists that keep the narrative engaging, even in its more implausible segments. Based on the novel by Adam Cesare, this film opens the door for potential sequels, as multiple books in the series have already been published, hinting at a lucrative franchise.
Clown in a Cornfield
- Release Date
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May 9, 2025
- Runtime
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96 Minutes
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Aaron Abrams
Dr. Glenn Maybrook
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Katie Douglas
Quinn Maybrook
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Carson MacCormac
Cole Hill
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Cassandra Potenza
Janet Murray
5
‘Heart Eyes’
Directed by Josh Ruben
In the unique blend of romantic comedy and slasher elements, Heart Eyes centers on Ally (Olivia Holt</strong), who experiences a dismal Valentine's Day. Following an emotionally damaging breakup, her job hangs in the balance after her jewelry commercial is criticized for poor taste. To complicate matters, she discovers that her romantic interest, Jay (Mason Gooding), is the person who might take her job. Reluctantly, Ally agrees to meet Jay at a restaurant to discuss business, but their meeting soon turns into a terrifying encounter with the Heart Eyes Killer, a serial killer notorious for targeting couples on Valentine’s Day. As the masked murderer makes it clear that he’s not into negotiation, Ally and Jay must rely on each other to survive the night.
Heart Eyes highlights the potential for fresh and original horror concepts, effectively merging romantic comedy tropes with slasher elements to create a surprisingly engaging experience. The chemistry between Gooding and Holt flourishes throughout the film, and much of its success is tied to their evolving relationship as they navigate a night filled with peril. The film prioritizes entertainment, maintaining a brisk pace that flows seamlessly from one heart-pounding moment to the next.
Heart Eyes
- Release Date
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February 7, 2025
- Director
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Josh Ruben
6
‘The Monkey’
Directed by Osgood Perkins
The horror comedy The Monkey introduces twin brothers cursed by a toy that brings about gruesome fatalities. Starring Theo James in a dual role as estranged siblings Hal and Bill, the film explores their connection to a wind-up monkey discovered in their father’s belongings. Each time the monkey is wound, a tragic death occurs in their vicinity. After 25 years of believing the monkey was safely hidden away, Hal faces a new wave of bizarre deaths that suggests the malevolent toy has returned to wreak havoc once more.
Fans of dark humor will appreciate The Monkey, which cleverly combines gory sight gags with unpredictable outcomes. Director Osgood Perkins adapts the story from Stephen King, infusing it with a unique comedic flair; James’s deadpan delivery enhances the film’s charm. Although The Monkey leans more towards comedy than pure horror, some of the on-screen deaths remain shockingly visceral, ensuring it fits the horror comedy genre effectively.
The Monkey
- Release Date
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February 21, 2025
- Runtime
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97 minutes
7
‘Final Destination Bloodlines’
Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein
In Final Destination Bloodlines, audiences are taken back to a life-altering disaster that was narrowly avoided at a tower restaurant in 1969. The story follows Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa), who continues to experience nightmares about a collapsing restaurant. Through her dreams, she discovers that her grandmother played a crucial role in preventing this catastrophe. However, this act of heroism disrupted the natural order, which now puts Stefani and her entire bloodline at risk, as death seeks to reclaim what it believes is rightfully owed.
It’s rare for a sixth installment in a franchise to be hailed as the best, but Final Destination Bloodlines manages to achieve this feat. The film features creatively devised kills that are both memorable and surprising, ingeniously subverting audience expectations who are familiar with the franchise’s formula. Additionally, the film benefits from a talented and likable cast, particularly Richard Harmon, who delivers a standout performance as Erik, the endearing tattoo artist.
8
‘Companion’
Directed by Drew Hancock
The horror film Companion presents a chilling story where the perfect soulmate is just a subscription away. Iris (Sophie Thatcher) believes she has found her ideal partner in Josh (Jack Quaid). However, during a weekend trip to visit his friends, she discovers the dark truth about their relationship and Josh’s sinister plan to frame her for a crime she never committed.
Companion captivates viewers with its constant twists and turns that either inform or alter prior events, keeping the narrative compelling from start to finish. Thatcher’s portrayal of Iris is commendable, conveying a spectrum of emotions that range from love and betrayal to rage as she battles for survival in a perilous scenario designed to be her undoing. The film also features insightful commentary on toxic relationships and codependency, all while being genuinely entertaining, making it one of the standout horror films
