Upcoming Scary Movies: Your Guide to the Most Anticipated Horror Releases

Here’s a clear, no-nonsense list of the scariest horror films set to hit theaters in 2025—your quick guide to next year’s frights.

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Major Horror Releases of 2025

The Conjuring: Last Rites

The final chapter in the beloved Conjuring Universe. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return for a darker, more emotional finale that honors the franchise’s lore while aiming to raise the terror and stakes.

28 Years Later

Danny Boyle directs this long-awaited sequel to 28 Days Later, set nearly three decades later. A fresh cast, including Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, faces a ravaged world shaped by the Rage Virus.

The Monkey

One of Stephen King’s short stories brought to screen by director Osgood Perkins and producer James Wan. A cursed toy wreaks bizarre, deadly havoc—think Annabelle meets Final Destination.

Black Phone 2

A follow-up to The Black Phone, featuring Ethan Hawke’s eerie Grabber and the return of Finney (Mason Thames) and Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). Joe Hill’s dark vision continues.

Saw XI

The Jigsaw saga continues with Tobin Bell reprising his iconic role. Expect twisted puzzles and moral horrors in this next installment.

Predator: Badlands

Elle Fanning stars in a futuristic installment of the Predator franchise. Set on a hostile planet, it follows a young Predator and two sisters facing deadly terrain.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

The animatronic terrors return with more frights. Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Piper Rubio bring the haunted pizza parlor back to life—only scarier.

Smile 2

Naomi Scott leads this creepy sequel from Parker Finn. Expect uncanny grins and psychological dread in a narrative that blends fame, trauma, and horror.

Nosferatu

Robert Eggers reimagines the silent classic. Bill Skarsgård stars as Count Orlok in a visually haunting take on vampiric dread. A bold holiday release.

Other Notables

• I Know What You Did Last Summer — A killer returns with old cast members.
• Weapons — A dark, multi-story high school horror with an ensemble cast.
• The Long Walk — A dystopian, Stephen King adaptation directed by Francis Lawrence.
• HIM — A sports-horror hybrid produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions.

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Indie & Festival Gems

Obsession (May 15, 2026 U.S. release)

A twisty supernatural romance where a toy grants dark wishes. First premiered at TIFF 2025 and praised for its originality.

Die’ced: Reloaded

A gore-heavy slasher about a scarecrow-masked killer, expanded from a micro-budget cult hit and now streaming on demand.

Holy Ghost (August 1, 2025 U.S.; August 8 in India)

Subtle supernatural thriller with emotional depth. A girl claims she’s rescued by a dead cop—detective must uncover truth… or terror.

Hell House LLC: Lineage

Fifth in the haunted house series. Released theatrically, then streaming on Shudder. Critics say it disappoints fans of the franchise.

The Last Cabin (April 29, 2025 on demand)

Found footage horror with a haunted forest and clown-mask stalkers. Mixed praise—effective tension, minimal novelty.

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What Makes 2025 Stand Out?

• Big-name sequels (e.g., Conjuring, Saw) meet bold adaptations (28 Years Later, Nosferatu).
• Indie offerings add emotional or low-fi originality (Obsession, The Last Cabin).
• There’s something for every horror fan—slasher lovers, psychological junkies, creature-feature freaks.

“The horror genre is balancing blockbuster thrill with indie heart this year—each film invites us to fear something new.”

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Quick Release Calendar

• Jan–May: The Monkey, 28 Years Later, indie surprises
• Summer: I Know What You Did Last Summer, Weapons
• September: The Conjuring: Last Rites, Saw XI, The Long Walk, HIM
• October: Black Phone 2, Smile 2
• November/December: Predator: Badlands, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Nosferatu

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Conclusion

2025 is brimming with horror from all corners—sequels that close chapters, frightening originals, and daring stylistic revivals. Whether you’re drawn to classic monsters, haunted houses, or eerie slow-burns, there’s a film ready to make you jump, scream, or think long after the credits roll.

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FAQs

When is The Conjuring: Last Rites coming out?
It hits U.S. theaters on September 5, 2025.

Which horror film adapts Stephen King’s work?
The Long Walk and The Monkey .

Any horror comedies to watch out for?
Predator: Badlands mixes sci-fi action with horror, but for real laughs, indie slasher comedies are less visible.

Where can I stream Die’ced: Reloaded?
It’s available on demand starting August 12, 2025, after its limited theatrical run.

What’s the most visually striking horror of the year?
Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers , promises strong visuals and eerie atmosphere.

Are there horror films blending romance or emotion?
Yes—Obsession blends supernatural romance with dark consequences and premieres at festivals before a U.S. release in 2026.