The 9 best horror movies of 2025 (so far) that will leave you shaken

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As a die-hard fan, I never thought the chilling vibe of the “28 Days Later” series would escalate any further, but boy, was I wrong! In “28 Years Later,” the brilliant minds behind the camera, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, dared to incorporate the innocent yet eerie charm of the Teletubbies. This is merely one example of the numerous bold moves and unexpected twists they’ve crafted in this sequel that defied all expectations.

In this latest installment, it’s not just the zombies that have undergone a transformation; the franchise as a whole has taken a daring leap forward. This is particularly evident in the second half of this trilogy, where the narrative veers into more somber and even heartfelt territory with the introduction of Ralph Fiennes. His character’s unexpected journey takes us on an emotional rollercoaster that I found truly captivating.

Leaving aside the possibility of an astonishing finale that could top every other one this year, I strongly advise avoiding any spoilers. This unexpected twist is so brilliant that it must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

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Clowns can be frightening no matter where they appear, whether it’s at a neighborhood children’s party or deep within sewer pipes in Maine. However, if you put one in a cornfield – an area that is already unsettling due to horror movie portrayals – then you have created a nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience aptly titled “Clown in a Cornfield“.

Director Eli Craig doesn’t exactly innovate, but he manages to cram more shocks and chills than you’d find in multiple circus cars. The plot twists are intricate, the Final Girl portrays her role superbly, and the clowns put on quite a show in this witty, well-executed slasher that’s far from cheesy.

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Now, you can include MRI scans and having your nose pierced among the ordinary activities that might trigger a fatal event, as suggested by “Final Destination: Bloodlines”, the sixth and possibly finest installment since the original.

Watching “Bloodlines” is more than just a gruesome spectacle, as it not only offers chilling deaths but also an exceptional premonition sequence. However, what truly sets it apart is that it doesn’t merely rehash previous elements. Instead, it cleverly refines the formula in a way that seamlessly connects this entire mythology.

As a hardcore horror gaming enthusiast, I can honestly say that diving into this sequel, with its haunting final performance by iconic actor Tony Todd, was nothing short of exhilarating. It not only honors its predecessor’s legacy but also offers an adrenaline-pumping horror ride that’s hard to beat in the entire year!

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Instead of continuously featuring Cinderella in various films, let’s take a different approach and shine the spotlight on one of her stepsisters for a change. In her first major film role, writer/director Emilie Blichfeldt reimagines the classic tale in a chilling Scandinavian retelling.

If you haven’t done so yet, move “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bump: The Ugly Stepsister” to the top of your horror watchlist for this year. This gruesome film combines intelligence with revolting scenes that will surely keep you captivated.

Experience the thrilling, mind-bending plot twists that might leave your stomach in knots, and delve into the captivating exploration of gender dynamics hidden within Cinderella’s tale – a fresh perspective that could challenge your long-held beliefs.

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In my view, what’s disappointing in the series “Sinners” is primarily the portrayal of its titled vampires. However, everything else about it is flawless, which makes it a unique and refreshing addition to both the vampire genre and Hollywood as a whole, offering something truly innovative.

One specific scene stands out, bridging temporal and spatial boundaries in a breathtaking manner, making Ryan Coogler a standout director among his peers. His unique ability to blend fear, historical details, and modern issues with powerful emotional narrative is truly remarkable, bordering on the extraordinary.

Regardless of how captivating Michael B Jordan is in his dual roles, the movie “Sinners” is a must-watch. It’s no surprise that it has become the highest-grossing original film of the past 15 years. It’s something you wouldn’t want to miss, even if you weren’t alive.

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Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated for love, but it can sometimes be one of the harshest holidays, causing pain beyond comparison. The film “Heart Eyes” extends this idea to its fullest extent, depicting a scenario where a serial killer extracts hearts and various organs from unsuspecting couples on this very day every year.

In a captivating blend of horror, humor, and romance, Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt portray an attractive couple who unwittingly find themselves entangled in a chilling series of murders. This intriguing duo offers much more than just fear-inducing moments; their story is also filled with laughter and tender emotions, making it a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience.

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AI can be unsettling in numerous aspects, and the novel “Companion” cleverly exploits this concept by narrating a tale about a loving robot who becomes excessively violent, bordering on lethal force.

The outcome is a candy floss creation reminiscent of Barbie, but filled with terror, starring Sophie Thatcher. She’s rapidly gaining recognition as a leading actress in horror, although she doesn’t actually scream in this one. Her past roles in Yellowjackets and Heretic have earned her that title.

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In the initial film he released this year, director Steven Soderbergh experimented with narrative structure by placing us firmly within the perspective of a ghost, allowing us to view life through their eyes as a fresh family settles in their residence.

Presence deviates from typical ghost stories, as its pace may seem leisurely for some horror enthusiasts. However, if you can persevere, this gradual unfolding of the supernatural is an unnerving, even poignant spectacle that culminates in a shocking twist that’s best not revealed prematurely.

Plus, Lucy Liu is in it, so what else do you need to know at this point?

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In a story as old as Nosferatu, one might assume there isn’t much fresh perspective to offer. However, when Willem Dafoe speaks of sights that would make Isaac Newton reconsider his own birth, it becomes clear just how misguided those assumptions can be.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but assert that one striking scene alone would earn Robert Eggers’ film, “Nosferatu,” a well-deserved spot on my list of favorites. Yet, the film offers so much more to captivate me. The eerie visuals and Lily Rose Depp’s mesmerizing portrayal are just a few elements that add to its allure. There’s also the enigma surrounding Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character that keeps me hooked.