The 29th annual Fantasia International Film Festival begins July 16th. Running all the way through August 3rd, this festival screens some of the best upcoming genre films from across the globe. As always, the festival lineup includes everything from emerging filmmakers, indie festival favorites, and household names to entertain audiences. There is truly something for everyone at this festival. Here are just a few of the films that will be at Fantasia this year.

One of my most anticipated films screening at Fantasia International Film Festival this year is the world premiere of Influencers. This is a sequel to the 2022 thriller, Influencer, both written and directed by Kurtis David Harder. Part of why I’m so excited for this sequel is because I wrote an essay included in the Blu-ray release of Influencer through Vinegar Syndrome. Yet many, including myself, are also sure to be curious as to how CW’s story continues. It sounds like audiences will get to see a different side of the character, plus the filmmaker has swapped lush tropic locales for the south of France. Only time will tell what thrills await us.

Anyone who frequently attends Fantasia will know The Adams Family (Hellbender). John Adams, Toby Poser, and Zelda Adams are the filmmaking family bringing exciting new indie horror films almost every single year. This time, the film is Mother of Flies. This film follows a daughter who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and her supportive father, as they seek help from a mysterious witch to heal the sickness. The Adams Family is known for creating compelling characters and telling stories of fantastical horror, and this film sounds like it will be another great addition to their filmography. Whether this is your first time at Fantasia or your 10th, Mother of Flies should be high on everyone’s watch list.

Holy Night: Demon Hunters is a Korean horror film filled with action and suspense. It also stars one of the most iconic Korean actors, Don Lee (Train to Busan, Eternals). Written and directed by first-time filmmaker Lim Dae-hee, Holy Night: Demon Hunters tells the story of a trio of exorcists as they kick demon ass. The film is based on a popular webtoon, but you don’t have to be familiar with the source material to be excited to see it. It’s clear this is going to be a film filled with excitement, demonic thrills, and plenty of muscly action from Lee. Fantasia is known for showcasing some amazing Korean films, and this one is at the top of my list.

Gen Z horror is definitely on the rise. One such film audiences should keep an eye out for is It Ends, a new film written and directed by Alex Ullom, with their feature-film debut. The film follows four friends about to go off into their new adult lives when they find themselves trapped on an endless road to nowhere. This is the kind of film audiences should attempt to go into as blind as possible, unaware of the potential dangers ahead or where the road will take these characters. It’s the kind of film most can relate to, using horror to enhance a tale of self discovery.

Last, but certainly not least, is Queens of the Dead! This film is directed by Tina Romero, daughter of the late great George A. Romero, who co-wrote the film with Erin Judge, both making their feature-film debuts. Queens of the Dead depicts the zombie apocalypse disrupting a warehouse drag show. Not only should audiences be excited for a queer take on a zombie apocalypse, but they should also be excited for the killer cast. This includes Katy O’Brian (Love Lies Bleeding), Riki Lindhome (Knives Out), Jack Haven (I Saw the TV Glow), Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story), and many more!

These films are just a taste of what’s to come. Audiences will even have the chance to see Eddington and Together before they hit theaters. I also highly recommend people seek out Redux Redux, which I previously reviewed for another festival, and it is still one of my favorites of 2025 (so far). Be sure to get your tickets here while you can, and keep an eye out for my reviews of all the films I see at the 2025 Fantasia International Film Festival!