The Best Horror Movies of 2025: Must Watch Movies This Halloween
By ERMW Team
Thursday, October 9, 2025
This year, the horror genre has truly been a force to be reckoned with. 2025 has delivered a diverse slate of films, from mind-bending originals to visionary franchise revivals, proving that the horror landscape is more vibrant and creative than ever. From slow-burn psychological dread to full-throttle body horror, there’s been a movie for every kind of fear.
Here is an in-depth look at the best horror movies of 2025 and the best places to watch them.
Critically Acclaimed Originals
Sinners: Praised as a genre-bending masterpiece, Sinners has been lauded for its powerful visuals and energetic, visceral feel. The film is a chaotic blend of horror, music, romance, and action, creating a unique cinematic experience that defies easy categorization. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the horror genre pushed in a daring new direction.
Bring Her Back: From the creative minds behind the hit Talk to Me, this movie is a more somber and deeply unsettling experience. It is a slow-burn domestic nightmare that masterfully builds a feeling of dread and paranoia. Critics have praised its ability to create a genuinely terrifying atmosphere, culminating in a blood-soaked and unforgettable ending that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Companion: This sci-fi horror film has been a huge success for its fresh take on a classic setup. The story of an AI companion bot gaining sentience and turning against its owners is a chilling exploration of technology and isolation. It has been described as a "darkly comic chaos" with a strong lead performance that grounds the terrifying premise in human vulnerability.
Presence: Steven Soderbergh’s ghost story is one of the year's most unique cinematic experiments, as it is told entirely from the ghost's point of view. It is less about jump scares and more about creating a genuinely haunting and unsettling atmosphere. By forcing the audience to watch events unfold without a clear protagonist, the film creates a sense of dread that is both innovative and deeply effective.
Made in New Mexico
Him: Filmed on location in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico, this psychological horror film from Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions has been one of the year's most talked-about releases. The story focuses on a talented, young track star whose dreams are derailed by a mysterious figure that may be a physical manifestation of his own self-doubt. While it received a mixed critical reception, the film has been hailed for the chilling, claustrophobic atmosphere created by its desert setting and its powerful central performance. The movie is a dark, character-driven exploration of pressure, paranoia, and the personal demons that follow us—even to the Land of Enchantment.
Revitalized Franchises & Remakes
28 Years Later: The long-awaited sequel to the genre-defining zombie classic saw the return of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. After a 17-year gap, the film delivers a fresh and emotional take on the post-apocalyptic world. It has been hailed for its fierce new story and for revitalizing the franchise with the same kinetic energy and emotional core that made the original so groundbreaking.
The Ugly Stepsister: This film is a brutal and modern body-horror take on the classic Cinderella fable. It is not for the faint of heart, as it's been described as a "memorable and repulsive debut" that is both bleak and darkly comedic. The movie uses its gory premise to deliver a biting critique of beauty standards and social class, making it one of the year's most talked-about remakes.
Final Destination: Bloodlines: Coming after a 14-year hiatus, the sixth installment in the series has been a critical surprise, hailed as one of the best in the franchise. It is a smart, self-aware entry that balances clever, inventive kills with a surprisingly compelling plot. The film acknowledges the series' history while pushing its core concept in exciting new directions.
Nosferatu: Director Robert Eggers' long-awaited remake of the silent horror classic is a gothic masterpiece. The film features mesmerizing visuals, a creeping sense of dread, and a terrifying and unforgettable performance by Bill Skarsgård as the vampire. It is a work of art that feels both timeless and completely modern, solidifying its place as a cinematic event.
Where to Watch These Films
Most of the year's most popular horror films are available on a variety of platforms. Here is a general guide on where to watch some of the movies mentioned:
Streaming Services: Many of the year’s new originals and sequels, such as Bring Her Back, Companion, and Final Destination: Bloodlines, are currently available for streaming on major platforms like HBO Max and Hulu.
Theatrical Releases & Video-on-Demand (VOD): For a more premium experience, films like Nosferatu and 28 Years Later are still in some theaters and are also available for purchase or rental on VOD services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Google Play.
Other Platforms: You can often find additional titles, like Sinners and Presence, on platforms like Netflix or other specialized streaming services. To watch the trailer for the New Mexico-made film Him, you can click here to search on YouTube.
It is important to remember that streaming availability can change, so it's always a good idea to check your favorite platform for the latest information.
Which of these films are you most excited to watch? Have any suggestions to add to the list? Add them below!
