The fact that 2025 is fast approaching is a weird and terrifying pill to swallow. Instead of discussing what the new year will bring globally, let’s talk about the 2025 horror catalog. We’ll undoubtedly get more information on other anticipated horror films like Saw XI soon enough. After all, that’s how it always goes regarding films that get announced earlier than their potential or confirmed release date. But there’s still more than a handful to discuss at this point.
In 2025, we’ll be seeing more franchise returns, video game adaptations, exciting sequels, and a nice selection of subgenres. There’s quite a bit to look forward to for horror fans. We can uncross our fingers as of right now because 2025 isn’t going to be a repeat of 2024. The following films are just a preview of what 2025 has in store for lovers of the genre.
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Wolf Man
Director: Leigh Whannell
Writer: Leigh Whannell and Corbett Tuck
Synopsis: A man becomes a danger to his family when he’s scratched by a werewolf during a full moon.
Leigh Whannell is often a part of some stellar horror projects (Saw being one of his most notable). Wolf Man will be his second Universal horror reboot, with his first being the successful The Invisible Man. The original film follows a man who is unknowingly cursed upon killing another werewolf and goes on a killing spree.
Meanwhile, the reboot focuses on a man dealing with becoming a werewolf and endangering his family. The cast includes Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger, and more. Wolfman is set to release on January 15th and will likely be a wide release in theaters.
Clown in a Cornfield
Director: Eli Craig
Writer: Eli Craig, Adam Cesare, and Carter Blanchard
Synopsis: A killer dressed as a Midwestern town’s mascot becomes a source of terror when they go on a murderous rampage.
Horror novel adaptations aren’t always well received by horror fans — just look at There’s Someone Inside Your House. While there has yet to be a trailer released for Clown in a Cornfield, the premise and reception for Adam Cesare’s novel of the same name are promising. After all, a straightforward slasher with a creepy killer is usually a good time for the most part.
The cast includes Kevin Durand, Will Sasso, Katie Douglas, and Aaron Abrams. Clown in a Cornfield is set to release in theaters on May 25, and RLJE and Shudder have acquired it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Shudder releases it on their platform because accessibility is a bonus.
Until Dawn
Director: David F. Sandberg
Writer: Blair Butler and Gary Dauberman
Synopsis: A group of friends go to a ski lodge for a death anniversary and unfortunately realize they’re not alone.
Video games don’t always translate well into live-action adaptations, and that’s a shame. However, Until Dawn‘s premise doesn’t make bringing the video game to life impossible. Revealing anything else, if you haven’t played the game yet, would destroy your viewing experience.
The cast includes a role reprisal from Peter Stormare as Dr. Alan J. Hill and newcomers Maia Mitchell, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, and more. There’s no trailer yet, but the game will prime any fresh eyes to what the film will be about. It’s one of the best horror games in the Supermassive Games catalog and certainly deserves a worthy adaptation.
Until Dawn will be released on April 25, most likely in theaters.
Final Destination: Bloodlines
Director: Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein
Writer: Guy Busick, Lori Evans Taylor, and Jeffrey Reddick
Synopsis: No plot has been revealed yet.
The last time fans saw an entry in the bizarre death-riddled Final Destination franchise was in 2011 with Final Destination 5. The franchise follows different groups of people who are trying to avoid dying gruesome deaths. Final Destination: Bloodlines is set to be released on May 16th and doesn’t have a confirmed plot, but considering the previous entries, it’ll likely be similar.
The late Tony Todd is said to be in the cast, as well as Richard Harmon, Rya Kihlstedt, Brec Bassinger, Teo Briones, and others. As soon as we enter the new year,, we’ll know more about this highly anticipated entry.
I Know What You Did Last Summer Sequel (Untitled)
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Writer: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Sam Lansky
Synopsis: No plot has been revealed yet.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer is often regarded as a slasher that contributed to reviving the subgenre. And for good reason: It features one of the best chase scenes in horror history (Helen Shivers’ chase scene is iconic). Regardless of how people feel about the other two entries or the one-season television series, this fourth entry is coming our way on July 18th.
Freddy Prinze Jr reprises his role as Ray Bronson from I Know What You Did Last Summer and I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Other confirmed cast members include Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Jonah Hauer-King, Chase Sui Wonders, and more. As far as what the film might focus on, that’s still relatively uncertain, and it could either be a new killer altogether, or they’ll somehow bring back the Fisherman.
Fear Street: Prom Queen
Director: Matt Palmer
Writer: Matt Palmer and Donald McLeary
Synopsis: The film is being adapted from R.L. Stine’s novel titled The Prom Queen and will be set in the Fear Street universe.
The first three weeks of July 2021 were quite the time for film fans due to the Fear Street films being released every Friday. Fans of the books found excitement in seeing R.L. Stine’s stories come to life, opening new eyes to the world of Fear Street.
Fear Street: Prom Queen is said to be an adaptation of R.L. Stine’s novel The Prom Queen. Some confirmed cast members include Ariana Greenblatt, Katherine Waterston, Fina Strazza, Lili Taylor, and more. The film will premiere on Netflix on an undetermined date.
The Monkey
Director: Osgood Perkins
Writer: Osgood Perkins
Synopsis: After witnessing horrific deaths due to unearthing their fathers’ vintage toy monkey, twin brothers part ways but are brought back together when the deaths start up again.
The Monkey is part of a long line of Stephen King adaptations, and this time around, Osgood Perkins is bringing King’s vision to film. Perkins is fantastic at capturing dread and bleak atmospheres in his work. And if the teaser suggests anything, we’re in for a bonkers horror film with comedic beats.
Confirmed cast members include Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, and more. The film will be released in theaters on February 21. This is the second time Perkins has collaborated with Neon (his first collaboration was Longlegs).
28 Years Later
Director: Danny Boyle
Writer: Alex Garland and Danny Boyle
Synopsis: Set after the events of 28 Weeks Later, a group of survivors are forced to face off against a horde of infected people all over again.
Fans last entered the 28 Days Later universe with 28 Weeks Later in 2007, but in 2025, the deranged virus horde returns. In this universe, there are no extraordinarily slow zombies, which makes them scarier.
Cillian Murphy will be reprising his role from the first film, and it’s a welcome return for fans who enjoyed his performance. Besides Murphy, the cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and more. The film will be released on June 20th in the US and Canada.
The 2025 horror catalog looks very intriguing and full of excitement for fans waiting for the return of franchises, original horror, and more. We’re in for quite the selection regarding subgenres and franchise revivals. As the new year approaches, we’ll see what else 2025 has in its arsenal!
