Kristie Felice’s 5 Most Anticipated Horror Movies of 2025

2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for horror. From gaining new fans to sparking controversy over what qualifies as horror, there’s been no shortage of conversation surrounding the genre this year. Slashers, horror-comedies, and stories centered on grief and mental health have dominated the first half of the year. However, as we head into the second half, we’re starting to see a shift in the subgenres taking center stage. I am more than excited for what’s to come. My top films from 2024 were all so different. I don’t know what my 2025 list will look like yet, but I am hopeful that at least a few of these upcoming films might make an appearance. 

5. HIM – September 19th

As a fan of Marlon Wayans and an even bigger fan of unique horror films, I am highly anticipating the upcoming film HIM. Sports horror movies are a rarity. The only one that comes to mind is a silly slasher from 1984, Fatal Games. Tyriq Withers is playing a young football player who aspires to be great. In the trailer, Wayans asks, “What are you willing to sacrifice?” The trailer gives me Eyes Wide Shut vibes, and I am all for it. There are already groups online telling people to boycott the film because of its demonic influences. Sounds like a winner to me!

4. The Conjuring: Last Rites – September 5th

The Conjuring franchise is coming to an end. Will it go out with a bang? The main Conjuring films consist of The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. The first two films are directed by James Wan, and that is why they are the strongest in the main franchise. The director of the third film, who will also be directing Last Rites, is Michael Chaves. Those of you who have heard me talk about The Conjuring Universe know how I feel about Chaves’ entries (also include The Curse of La Llorona and The Nun II). So, while I am looking forward to Last Rites, I am also apprehensive. The film will follow Ed and Lorraine Warren’s final case from 1986, the haunting of the Smurl family. 

3. Predator: Badlands – November 7th

I became a fan of the Predators in Alien v. Predator in 2004 when a badass Sanaa Lathan played sidekick to a badass Predator. A decade later, director Dan Trachtenberg dropped Prey on Hulu like it wasn’t the best Predator film in years. In a unique take, his upcoming film Predator: Badlands tells the Predators’ story from their perspective. I’m looking forward to seeing the practical effects and if Trachtenberg is able to capture the same badassery from Prey. 

2. Hell House LLC Lineage – August 20th

Another franchise coming to an end? That is the expectation with Stephen Cognetti’s upcoming film, Hell House LLC Lineage. As a longtime fan of found footage, Hell House LLC (2015) brought back the passion in the subgenre that had been lackluster over the years. However, I admit that after watching Cognetti’s recent non-found footage film, 825 Forest Road, and learning that Lineage is not in the traditional found footage style, I am a bit apprehensive going into it. However, the love I have for the franchise has me excited to see how the story comes full circle. 

1. Weapons – August 8th

I heard the announcement for this one during CinemaCon and have been highly anticipating it ever since. Kids from the same class gone missing in the middle of the night without a trace? This is right up my alley. Writer-director Zach Cregger, most known for his film Barbarian (2022), is good at crafting intriguing stories. The trailer, with its eerie imagery, has me invested, and I look forward to seeing the mystery unravel. 

I had a couple other films on this list, but I have since seen them (Bring Her Back and Dangerous Animals). Be sure to check those out when they drop, because they both surpassed my expectations. This year, horror is making statements (Sinners) and changing the way we look at the genre. I’m excited to see how horror continues to evolve and garner the love and attention it deserves.

Read more of Kristie’s work here.