Between the big productions and indie darlings, 2025 was a hell of a year for horror! We saw original blockbuster hits, surprisingly great sequels, and so many smaller horror films that left a mark on the genre. Choosing my favorite horror films of 2025 was an incredibly difficult task. I knew for a long time what my top three would be, but after that it was a challenge! Below you will find my current list of my top 10 favorite horror films of the year. Keep in mind, I will likely change my mind the second this list goes live (that’s how great the pool of films I had to choose from are). After that, you can also find brief lists of my favorite non-horror films, TV shows, and books of the year. As we move into 2026, if you’d like to keep up with what movies I’m watching and books I’m reading in real time, be sure to follow me on Letterboxd and Goodreads.

FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2025

10. 28 Years Later

28 Days Later has been a longtime favorite of mine. I even still remember my dad taking me to see it in theaters. I also love 28 Weeks Later. When I heard Danny Boyle and Alex Garland were reuniting to make 28 Years Later, I was over the moon. This films was so different than I expected. It was fascinating to see how life for the infected and the survivors continued in the UK while the rest of the world was existing as usual. The films paints an interesting picture of what it means to be human, all through the eyes of a young boy forced to grow up too fast in an inhospitable world. The filmmakers took some wild swings that definitely polarized audiences, but it worked for me. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy 28 Years Later, but I can’t wait to see 28 Years Later: The Bones Temple.

9. Marshmallow

Marshmallow is a film many horror fans slept on, but wow did it stick with me. Director Daniel DelPurgatorio and writter Andy Greskoviak created a film that at first glance feels like a typical summer camp slasher. The film audiences end up getting is something entirely different. The way these filmmakers presented such a familiar genre staple before taking a sharp turn into new territory shows masterful storytelling abilities. When most of the cast is young actors, the film can really be hit or miss. Luckily, Marshmallow cast Kue Lawrence to play the leading child and he absolutely knocks it out of the park. If you missed this film in 2025, be sure to seek it out in 2026. Full review here.

8. V/H/S/Halloween

Was it really a good year for horror if my top 10 list doesn’t include a new V/H/S film? For the past few years, at least, the answer is no. After such a long run, the franchise finally tackled horror fans’ favorite holiday, Halloween. V/H/S/Halloween incorporates all the classic Halloween themes in creepy, funny, and exciting ways. Each segment does a little something different spanning different subgenres of horror from a range of talented writers and directors, ensuring there’s a little something for every horror lover. Plus, there are a few truly wonderful performances bringing these characters to life. This film is sure to become a must-watch film every October from here on out. Full review here.

7. Bugonia

Some might argue Bugonia shouldn’t be included in a best horror film list, but it’s my list and I say it earned its place here! Yorgos Lanthimos has such a unique mind and it always leads to weird, thought-provoking films. While this is a remake of a Korean film, Lanthimos gives the film is signature flair. It’s a bizarre plot that keeps the audience guessing right up until the very end. What really makes the film great are the performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemmons, delivering two of the best performances of the year from any genre. Bugonia is certainly not for everyone, but it will undoubtedly have people talking about both the film itself and the interesting themes it addresses. Full review here.

6. Queens of the Dead

Sometimes I want a film that is just fun, heartfelt, and gory. Luckily, filmmaker Tina Romero delivered that this year with her feature film debut, Queens of the Dead. She perfectly balances creating a film aligned with her father’s legacy that is also very uniquely her work. The ensemble cast is a joy to watch with Jaquel Spivey being the clear standout. This is a film obviously made with love as it depicts a range of queer characters existing in queer spaces not often shown in films. Queens of the Dead also has some of the most fabulous looking zombies I’ve ever seen, ensuring this is a film that will stand out among other zombie films. If you love camp, drag queens, and zombie carnage, then you won’t want to miss this one. Full review here.

5. Companion

I will say that the marketing hurt Companion a bit, but there’s no denying this is a great film. Writer and director Drew Hancock crafts a horror, thriller, sci-fi mashup overflowing with social commentary. With how common AI has become recently, it’s timely how this film addresses the ethics of “dating” an AI robot. Now, this would have packed even more of a punch if the marketing hadn’t revealed Iris as a robot (imagine the shock of that reveal if they kept it a secret), but the message is still impactful. Not to mention there is some deliciously dark humor and camp thrown in for good measure. Sophie Thatcher is a force of nature and Jack Quaid plays his slimiest character yet, both helping to create a feminist masterpiece.

4. Weapons

Zach Cregger seems to be establishing his signature filmmaking style, often addressing important socio-political issues within stories that are often outrageous and dripping with pitch-black comedy. Weapons is a great example of this. It tackles so many issues with modern America in ways that are sometimes subtle and sometimes in-your-face, all while crafting a bizarre supernatural horror story. What really makes Weapons such a standout is the brilliant ensemble cast, each character bringing something unexpected to the film. With how many layers it took to create this story, horror fans will likely be dissecting the film for years to come. Full review here.

3. Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro has been my favorite filmmaker for many years now. Frankenstein is a stunning example of his skills as a powerful storyteller. While this isn’t a direct adaptation of Mary Shelley’s literary masterpiece, del Toro’s version of the story is no less moving. His love and care in depicting “monsters” adds so much heart to the story and easily conveys humanity as the true monster every time. The practical effects are haunting, the production design is stunning, and the costume design is some of the most breathtaking work I’ve seen in years. Mia Goth and Oscar Isaacs deliver wonderful performances, but the real surprise is Jacob Elordi. He gives the performance of a lifetime, showing skills I never knew he possessed.

2. The Ugly Stepsister

The Ugly Stepsister is a genuine work of art. It’s hard to believe this is the feature film debut for writer and director Emilie Blichfeldt because this film is a masterpiece. The story focuses on the darker side of the original story of Cinderella, all from the perspective of the older of the two step-sisters. It allows for a film that is both beautiful and grotesque as it conveys the sinister truth of trying desperately to achieve impossible beauty standards. Lea Myren is perfection as the lead, easily conveying all of the character’s hope, pain, and desperation. The Ugly Stepsister also features one of the most horrific and disgusting scenes committed to film in 2025. I will be trying to force as many people as possible to watch this film, and you should too. Full review here.

1. Sinners

It’s no surprise that my number 1 horror film of 2025 is Sinners! Ryan Coogler caught lightening in a bottle with this one. Every single detail was meticulously chosen to tell a beautiful story of community and horror. The way the film captures the culture and music of that time and place is fantastic, all while also being a thrilling, entertaining horror film. Seeing this on the big screen was like a religious experience, solidifying Sinners as a cultural phenomenon. It has one of the best ensemble casts of the year as well as the best music of any film in recent memory. This goes for both the score as well as the original songs written and performed for the film. It’s hard to find any fault, making it easy to call Sinners a truly perfect work of cinema.

Honorable Mentions (not in order): Bystanders, Presence, Dangerous Animals, Influencers, Bring Her Back

Favorite Non-Horror Films (not in order): Sorry Baby, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Wake Up Dead Man, The Perfect Neighbor, One of Them Days

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FAVORITE HORROR SHOWS OF 2025 (Not in Order)

Adolescence – Miniseries – Netflix

Alien: Earth – Season 1 – FX/Hulu

The Creep Tapes – Season 2 – Shudder

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans – Season 2 – Shudder

The Last of Us – Season 2 – HBO

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FAVORITE HORROR BOOKS OF 2025 (New to Me – Not in Order)

Forgotten Sisters by Cynthia Pelayo

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy

Play Nice by Rachel Harrison

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle