2025 felt like a decade but we are almost at the finish line. Although this year was hell on wheels, horror held us down with some great releases! There was an amazing blend of wide-releases and straight to streaming flicks that carved out spaces in our minds. It was exciting to see filmmakers tap into different parts of the genre. Horror fans got a taste of zombies, a slice of slashers, and a cup of creature features. The diversity was a delight for all of our tongues. This year, these are the ten flavors that stood out the most on my plate.
10. Weapons
Although I have some issues with the plot points and the pacing, I enjoyed much of the story. Weapons follows a community left reeling after all but one child vanishes from Ms. Gandy’s third-grade class. The mystery sunk its hooks into me! The imagery, especially from the dream sequences, still haunts me and the conclusion was satisfying. I’m also giving this flick a few extra points for being an original screenplay.
9. The Monkey
There is plenty of fun to be had with The Monkey. I was intrigued by the idea of a deadly toy Monkey that causes Final Destination style deaths to anyone close enough. The Monkey follows twin brothers who confront a cursed toy. The story wanes in the third act, but the deaths make the film worth watching. Who knew a sibling rivalry could take down a town?
8. Predator: Badlands
If there is combat, I am in the front row. Predator: Badlands follows Dek on his journey to find the ultimate opponent, after being cast out of his clan. Usually, we follow humans trying to defend themselves against the Yautja. However, this story puts viewers in Dek’s shoes, allowing the audience to relate to him instead of fearing him. Although, I would cross the street if I saw him. Overall, Predator: Badlands is action-packed with plenty of humor. It’s one of the few movies on my list that is fun for the whole family.
7. Queens Of The Dead
Queens Of The Dead gives us Romero zombies with glitter! We follow Brooklyn drag queens as they band together during a zombie outbreak. The comedy made me laugh out loud and the looks were to die for. I truly appreciate that this film follows a unique protagonist in a familiar setup. I cannot wait to watch this film several more times.
6. V/H/S Halloween
I knew that V/H/S Halloween was going to bring the heat! This movie has only been out for a few months and I have already seen it about five times! The stories range from chaotic and fun to dark and heavy. There is something for everyone in this installment, plus it’s dripping with the Halloween spirit. I know I will watch this movie every October going forward.
5. The Ugly Stepsister
I originally had little interest in this film, because it’s based on Cinderella. I am so glad that I caught it at the Overlook Film Festival. The Ugly Stepsister takes a very familiar story, but utilizes the unique perspective of the stepsister instead of Cinderella. The body horror is fantastic and the camera does not cut away when things get bloody. I also love the biting commentary on beauty and pain we suffer to be desirable.
4. Final Destination: Bloodlines
I did not have high expectations for the sixth installment of the Final Destination series. The last two movies were enough for me to quit the franchise. Luckily, Final Destination: Bloodlines soared past my expectations! The opening scene kicked me in the chest. I was in the theater gripping the armrests for dear life, watching the penny of doom take down a building. The newest entry delivers misdirection, memorable deaths, and interesting additions to the lore fans already know.
3. Heart Eyes
While I enjoy slashers, I would have never expected a rom-com to make my top ten list of the year. Heart Eyes follows two coworkers as they try to evade a masked killer terrorizing the town. The writing is clever, and the comedy worked for me, which isn’t surprising when Josh Ruben is involved. It also helps that the cast is HOT. I was initially enticed by the brutal kills, but later found myself rooting for the couple! Heart Eyes doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but delivers a fun ride.
2. Bring Her Back
The Phillipou Brothers know how to fuck me up in ways I’d never expect. Bring Her Backs lives in the same universe as Talk To Me, so I’m not surprised it made the list. I’m also a sucker for Australian Horror. The realism and terror will rip your edges from your scalp. I appreciate how Bring Her Back gives a unique take on possession and demons. The film follows siblings navigating a new environment after the sudden passing of their father. I highly recommend this film, but teeth beware!
1. Sinners
Sinners is a musical masterpiece and Ryan Coogler is a visionary! The film follows two brothers who have returned home to start a new business, but things go awry. I love nearly everything about this film. The music seeped into my soul and I have downloaded the soundtrack. I still think about the first time I heard Miles Canton’s voice. In that theater, we were all in Club Juke. The visuals were incredible! The performances and pacing makes the runtime fly by! It has been less than a year and I have seen this movie more than ten times. Matter of fact, I’m going to watch it right now. Read more of Jazzmin Crawley’s work here.
