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

Here’s your answer straight up: if you’re looking for the scariest movies coming out in 2025, the year is packed with a wide range of horror—from supernatural thrillers to creature features and slasher throwbacks. Standouts include The Monkey, 28 Years Later, The Conjuring: Last Rites, HIM, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Anaconda, The Surfer, Sinners, and the Toxic Avenger reboot. Let’s break ’em down with what makes each one terrifying, and why you should add them to your must-watch list.

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What Makes These Horror Films Stand Out?

The Monkey – Cursed Toy, Twin Terror

Stephen King’s short story gets a chilling adaptation directed by Osgood Perkins. A cursed cymbal-clapping monkey toy triggers a series of gruesome deaths, and two brothers must figure out how to stop it. Think Annabelle meets Final Destination in creepy, over-the-top fashion. Release date: February 21, 2025.

28 Years Later – Zombie Apocalypse, Back Again

Finally, the long-awaited sequel to 28 Days Later arrives. Directed by Danny Boyle, this installment picks up almost three decades after the original Rage Virus outbreak. A new cast—led by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes—faces the collapse of civilization. Release date: June 20, 2025.

The Conjuring: Last Rites – Franchise Finale with Frights

The Warren paranormal saga concludes with The Conjuring: Last Rites. The usual ghostly investigations turn more personal and emotional. Directed by Michael Chaves, it lands in theaters September 5, 2025—and is already one of the biggest horror premieres of the year.

HIM – Sports + Horror + Suspense

Marlon Wayans headlines this sports horror from Monkeypaw Productions. A father caught up in a violent mystery surrounding his talented football-playing son. Expect a blend of drama, supernatural dread, and social commentary. Release date: September 19, 2025.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – Animatronic Nightmare Returns

Based on the popular video game, this sequel turns up the scare factor with haunted animatronics that kill kids. The first film surprised audiences—this one aims to terrify harder. Due December 5, 2025, with Peacock streaming to follow.

Anaconda – Giant Snake, Big Laughs, Bigger Screams

Paul Rudd and Jack Black battle a colossal serpent in this reboot of the ’90s creature feature. Expect more horror thrills than comedic relief though, even with its Friday release slot: December 19, 2025.

The Surfer – Nicolas Cage Loses It on the Waves

Nicolas Cage plays a dad tormented by locals while surfing with his son, spiraling into paranoia and violence. It’s Jaws meets The Shining. Mark your calendar for May 2, 2025.

Sinners – Vampires in the Deep South

Directed by Ryan Coogler, this supernatural horror sees vampires invading Southern communities. It mixes regional dynamics with chilling mythology. Coming April 18, 2025.

The Toxic Avenger – Gross-Out Cult Classic Reboot

This madcap reboot revives the cult hit with Peter Dinklage, Kevin Bacon, and Elijah Wood. Expect ridiculous gore, mutant mayhem, and dark humor. Release date: August 29, 2025.

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A Few More Titles Worth Mentioning

• The Ritual – Two priests, exorcism gone wrong, and dramatic exorcisms in small-town horror. Release date: June 6, 2025.
• Black Phone 2 – A follow-up to the hit horror-thriller involving a supernatural kidnapper. Release date: October 17, 2025.
• Fear Street: Prom Queen – A mysterious vanishings tale set in 1988, tied to the popular Fear Street films.

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Why 2025 Is a Horror Fan’s Dream Year

2025 delivers a wild mix: pandemic hoodie slashers, nostalgic reboots, supernatural spook-shows, and scares that tap into something deeper. From indie gems like The Monkey to big-budget finales like The Conjuring: Last Rites, there’s a scare for every audience. Whether you’re into eerie family dramas, gore-laden creature features, or atmospheric horror with psychological depth—you’ll find something that gives you sleepless nights.

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Conclusion

So yeah, 2025 is shaping up to be a killer year for horror. Whether you want psychological dread, prison-like slow burns, blood-and-guts slasher thrills, or giant snakes—you’re in luck. Keep an eye on:

• February: The Monkey
• June: 28 Years Later, The Ritual
• Summer: The Surfer, Toxic Avenger
• September: The Conjuring: Last Rites, HIM
• Fall: Black Phone 2
• December: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Anaconda

Stick around for oddball picks like Sinners and Fear Street: Prom Queen, too. 2025 is serving up scares in every shape and form—and you’re going to love it.

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FAQs

Which 2025 horror film is most anticipated?
The Conjuring: Last Rites leads the pack with its high opening weekend and franchise legacy.

What’s the earliest scary movie releasing in 2025?
The Monkey hits first on February 21, delivering Stephen King horror right out of the gate.

Are there any horror-comedy offerings in 2025?
Yes—The Toxic Avenger leans into dark humor and camp, while Anaconda blends creature horror with comedic leads.

Do any films in 2025 reboot classic horror franchises?
Absolutely. Anaconda and The Toxic Avenger reboot ’90s favorites, while Fear Street: Prom Queen extends that beloved YA horror series.

That’s the rundown—2025’s horror scene is alive, well… and screaming.