The horror genre is having a landmark year in 2025, and Zach Cregger’s Weapons may be the most talked-about—and misunderstood—film of them all. Building off the viral momentum of his 2022 breakout Barbarian, Cregger returns with another high-concept mystery wrapped in deeply unnerving imagery, a creepy narrative structure, and a tone that’s already dividing and delighting fans online.
A new poster for Weapons dropped this week, resembling a child’s crude drawing with 17 faces ominously crossed out and the time “2:17” scribbled multiple times. The internet immediately ignited with theories, many jumping to the conclusion that this is a school-shooting metaphor. But those familiar with the leaked script or early descriptions know the truth is stranger—and much darker.
Weapons: A Town’s Children Vanish at 2:17 A.M.
The story revolves around an eerie mass disappearance: all but one child from a classroom vanish in the middle of the night, each walking out of their home at precisely 2:17 a.m. The film then branches into a multi-threaded narrative involving various townspeople, including the lone surviving student’s teacher. Think Magnolia in structure but filtered through the disturbing lens of supernatural horror.
Leaked script details suggest the true antagonist is a centuries-old witch who uses arcane rituals to enslave children and use them as living conduits to maintain her own existence. The film reportedly blends dream logic, surreal visuals, and psychological trauma into a chilling, slowly unfolding mystery. While it may resemble Barbarian in marketing misdirection, Weapons is said to be more narratively focused and evenly paced.
Interestingly, the film avoids cheap twists and instead builds tension through character-driven revelations. Its haunting atmosphere and thematic depth are drawing comparisons to Picnic at Hanging Rock, It Follows, and even Ari Aster’s Hereditary.
Other 2025 Horror Standouts You Need to Know About
Bring Her Back
A breakout at Sundance, Bring Her Back follows a grieving mother who believes her daughter’s recent death was not an accident—and not the end. This psychological horror explores maternal grief, trauma, and twisted hope with an intensity that’s already generating awards buzz. It’s unflinching and emotionally devastating, with critics praising it for its haunting performances and slow-burn dread.
The Black Phone 2
Ethan Hawke reprises his chilling role as the Grabber in a sequel that expands the mythos of the original. Set in the early ’90s, the film introduces new victims and an expanded set of supernatural rules. Expect more paranormal communication, retro scares, and a deeper dive into the Grabber’s origins. Early screenings suggest it’s more violent and emotionally layered than its predecessor.
Final Destination: Bloodlines
This soft reboot/prequel dives into the origins of Death’s pattern, with elaborate, tension-filled death sequences that push the series’ signature Rube Goldberg mechanisms to new levels. It’s a slick, surprisingly clever script that ties back to the original series in unexpected ways while introducing a new set of characters destined for doom.
The Monkey
Adapted from Stephen King’s short story, The Monkey centers around a cursed toy monkey whose cymbals clang just before death strikes. Directed by Osgood Perkins (Gretel & Hansel), the film stars Theo James and Tatiana Maslany and leans into gothic horror and family trauma. It’s atmospheric, slow-burning, and unsettling—a return to King horror rooted in metaphor and mood rather than jump scares.
Welcome to Derry
Though a TV limited series, Welcome to Derry is being hailed as essential horror viewing. Set decades before the events of It, it dives into the origins of Pennywise and the generational evil that haunts the cursed town. Tied closely to the aesthetic of the Muschietti It films and Stephen King’s lore, it promises an unsettling blend of myth, madness, and terror.
A Horror Renaissance in Real Time
What makes 2025 special is how varied and ambitious the genre has become. Horror isn’t just a scare-fest—it’s become a medium for grief, political allegory, mythmaking, and surrealism. Whether it’s the minimalist dread of The Monkey, the emotional devastation of Bring Her Back, or the mythic weirdness of Weapons, this year’s lineup doesn’t just aim to frighten—it wants to linger, disturb, and stay in your head.
Zach Cregger’s Weapons is poised to become the kind of divisive, unforgettable experience that cements a director’s legacy—and if early buzz holds, it could be the horror centerpiece of the year.
A Look Back At The Best Horror Movies From 2023
2023 was a landmark year for horror. It wasn’t just about jump scares and gore—it was about psychological dread, experimental storytelling, and genre-defying hybrids that kept audiences on edge. From global indie sensations to inventive franchise revivals, the year proved that horror remains one of the most creatively fertile spaces in cinema.
A Genre Reborn: Psychological, Social, and Supernatural Horror
The standout hit of the year, “Talk to Me,” came from Australia’s YouTube creators-turned-directors Danny and Michael Philippou. Their directorial debut became an instant cult classic. Using a mysterious embalmed hand that allows teenagers to contact the dead, the film masterfully blended teen drama, grief, and supernatural terror—offering some of the year’s most haunting imagery.
Another critical darling, “When Evil Lurks,” emerged from Argentina and shocked audiences with its no-holds-barred depiction of rural possession. Its sense of chaos, moral ambiguity, and atmospheric dread made it one of the most talked-about international horror films in years.
“birth/rebirth” delivered a chilling feminist spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, following a morgue technician who reanimates a young girl using controversial medical methods. Its clinical tone and moral horror offered a refreshingly cerebral kind of fear.
Brandon Cronenberg’s “Infinity Pool” was a surreal nightmare of identity, cloning, and hedonism set in a luxurious—but morally rotten—resort. It earned attention not only for its shocking imagery and body horror but for a hallucinatory tone that unsettled from start to finish.
Franchise Fear: Reboots, Sequels, and Unexpected Returns
“Evil Dead Rise” proved that the long-running franchise still had blood left to spill. Relocating the demonic horror to a high-rise apartment, the film balanced brutal violence with Raimi-style creativity and practical effects, pleasing both longtime fans and newcomers.
“Scream VI” moved the iconic Ghostface killings to New York City, adding scale and intensity to a series known for its meta-commentary. With inventive kills, strong performances, and a shocking finale, it showed that the Scream franchise is alive and slashing.
“Saw X” surprised critics by returning to the franchise’s roots with a tightly focused character study of Jigsaw himself. Set between the first two films, it leaned into emotional manipulation and psychological torment more than elaborate traps.
Breakout Originals and Indie Shockers
“M3GAN” might have been meme fodder early in the year, but this AI doll horror-comedy managed to blend satirical tech commentary with slasher thrills—and became a box office hit in the process. Its viral dance and deadpan menace made her a new horror icon.
“Late Night with the Devil” delivered a smart, faux-found-footage take on satanic panic. Set during a 1970s live TV broadcast gone horribly wrong, it recreated the era with eerie authenticity and built tension through a slow-burning, cursed-broadcast format.
“Appendage,” a Hulu Original, stood out for its darkly comic body horror about anxiety manifesting as a grotesque creature. It was small in scale but thematically rich, connecting with younger audiences navigating stress and imposter syndrome.
“Thanksgiving,” Eli Roth’s full realization of his 2007 Grindhouse trailer, delivered on every bloody promise. Set during a small-town Black Friday, it was a smart, sleazy, and self-aware slasher romp that paid homage to holiday horror traditions.
Honorable Mentions Worth Seeking Out
- “No One Will Save You” – A nearly dialogue-free alien invasion thriller with inventive storytelling.
- “The Blackening” – A satirical horror-comedy that flipped slasher tropes on their head with cultural commentary.
- “In My Mother’s Skin” – A Filipino horror fairy tale drenched in folklore and bleak wartime allegory.
- “Totally Killer” – A time-travel slasher that blended 1980s nostalgia with sharp wit.
- “Brooklyn 45” – A single-room séance thriller with period-accurate paranoia and supernatural intrigue.
- “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” – A gothic retelling of Dracula’s sea journey, praised for atmosphere despite mixed reviews.
Top Picks Summary Table
| Movie Title | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Talk to Me | Supernatural terror with raw emotional themes |
| When Evil Lurks | Rural possession with gut-wrenching violence |
| birth/rebirth | Feminist body horror, smart and disturbing |
| Infinity Pool | Mind-bending identity crisis meets luxury horror |
| Evil Dead Rise | Brutal high-rise horror, franchise revitalization |
| M3GAN | Campy tech-horror with mainstream appeal |
| Scream VI | Bold urban reinvention of slasher classic |
| Saw X | Emotional character return, minimal and intense |
| Late Night with the Devil | Found-footage satanic panic meets 70s TV |
| Thanksgiving | Holiday horror throwback, clever and bloody |
Conclusion:
2023 proved horror is far from stale. Whether it was AI dolls, demonic possessions, psychological experiments, or metafictional slashers, filmmakers brought energy, invention, and depth to a genre that continues to evolve. Horror in 2023 wasn’t just entertaining—it was daring, diverse, and in many cases, unforgettable.
Horror Film Releases
Horror fans enjoyed a remarkable lineup of films in 2023, with several standout releases that pushed boundaries and terrified audiences in new ways. These movies brought fresh scares while some revitalized beloved franchises during the spooky season.
When Evil Lurks – The New Scream of Horror
“When Evil Lurks” emerged as one of 2023’s most disturbing horror offerings. This Argentinian film directed by Demián Rugna follows two brothers who discover a demon-possessed man in a rural setting.
The movie gained significant attention at Fantastic Fest where critics praised its relentless tension and shocking imagery. Unlike many modern horror films, it relies on disturbing practical effects rather than CGI.
The plot centers on an evil entity that spreads like a disease through a small community. Its unflinching approach to violence and dread creates a genuinely unsettling experience that horror enthusiasts celebrated for its raw intensity.
What sets it apart is how it blends folk horror elements with body horror, creating something that feels both familiar and utterly unique.
Evil Dead Rise – Resurrecting a Cult Classic
“Evil Dead Rise” successfully revitalized the beloved franchise by moving the setting from a cabin in the woods to an urban apartment building. Director Lee Cronin brought fresh energy while maintaining the series’ trademark excessive gore.
The film follows two estranged sisters whose reunion is interrupted when ancient demons possess one of them. What follows is a blood-soaked nightmare as the family fights for survival.
Critics and fans praised the film’s practical effects and intense scares. It honors Sam Raimi’s original vision while establishing its own identity.
The movie grossed over $146 million worldwide, proving that the franchise still has strong appeal. Its success demonstrated that horror classics can be reimagined effectively when handled with respect for the source material.
Sick – A Fresh Take on Terror
“Sick,” directed by John Hyams and co-written by Kevin Williamson of “Scream” fame, cleverly incorporated the COVID-19 pandemic into its slasher narrative. Two college friends isolate at a lake house during lockdown, only to face a masked killer.
The film stands out for its tight 83-minute runtime and efficient storytelling. It doesn’t waste time with unnecessary exposition, instead delivering well-crafted tension and brutal kills.
Audiences appreciated the movie’s self-awareness and creative use of its isolated setting. The pandemic backdrop added a layer of relatability to the horror.
What makes “Sick” special is how it balances nostalgia for 90s slashers with contemporary themes. Its success shows how horror continues to evolve by reflecting current anxieties.
Talk to Me – A Spine-Chilling Phenomenon
“Talk to Me” became 2023’s breakout horror hit, created by Australian YouTube duo Danny and Michael Philippou. The film centers on teenagers who discover they can communicate with spirits using an embalmed hand.
What begins as a thrill-seeking game turns horrifying when the boundary between worlds breaks down. The movie explores themes of grief and addiction through its supernatural premise.
Its stunning practical effects and clever cinematography create truly unsettling moments. The young cast delivers powerful performances that ground the supernatural elements.
With a production budget of just $4.5 million, “Talk to Me” earned over $92 million worldwide. Its success led to an immediate sequel announcement, cementing it as one of the year’s most impactful horror releases.
Streaming Services and Platforms
Horror fans now have multiple streaming options for finding both classic and new scary movies. Each platform offers unique content that caters to different horror preferences, from psychological thrillers to monster-filled adventures.
Netflix – Curating Horrors for Every Taste
Netflix continues to expand its horror collection with both original productions and acquired titles. The platform’s algorithm helps viewers discover hidden gems based on their watching habits.
In 2023, Netflix released several notable horror films including the critically acclaimed “The Fall of the House of Usher” series. Their content measurement tools track audience preferences, allowing them to invest in horror subgenres that perform well.
Netflix’s interface makes browsing horror categories simple with dedicated sections like “Supernatural Horror” and “Slasher Films.” The platform also authenticates users across devices, making it easy to resume frightening films from any screen.
Recent additions include indie horror hits that might have gone unnoticed in theaters but found their audience through the streaming giant.
Hulu – The Home of Psychological Horror
Hulu has positioned itself as a premier destination for psychological horror films. According to recent audience research, Hulu subscribers spend significant time watching horror content compared to other genres.
The platform houses David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future” (2022) and Fede Álvarez’s “Alien: Romulus” (2024), showing their commitment to both established horror directors and new franchise entries.
Hulu’s privacy settings allow users to keep their horror viewing habits separate from family accounts. Their consent management system ensures viewers can opt into notifications about new horror releases.
The platform regularly updates its horror collection with both international and domestic titles. Hulu’s partnership with studios like Neon brings indie horror hits directly to subscribers shortly after theatrical runs.
Peacock – Unleashing Fear with Original Titles
Peacock has aggressively developed its horror library through original content and strategic acquisitions. Their services development team focuses on creating exclusive horror experiences that drive subscriptions.
The platform’s original “Halloween Ends” brought the iconic franchise to streaming, showing Peacock’s willingness to invest in established horror properties. Their cookie policy allows them to track viewer engagement with horror content.
Peacock has implemented strong spam prevention measures in their comment sections, creating safer spaces for horror fans to discuss films. Their curated collections make discovering thematic horror content easier.
The platform frequently adds classic Universal monster movies alongside contemporary releases. This strategy attracts both nostalgic viewers and those seeking new frights in one subscription.
Paramount+ – Mixing Classic Frights with Modern Chills
Paramount+ leverages its studio’s extensive horror catalog while investing in new frightening content. Their library includes classics from the 1980s slasher era alongside recent releases.
The “A Quiet Place” franchise found additional streaming success on the platform. Paramount+ uses audience research to determine which horror subgenres resonate with their subscriber base.
Their user authentication process allows for personalized horror recommendations based on viewing history. The platform’s partnership with Yahoo for some promotional content has expanded their horror audience.
Paramount+ offers exclusive behind-the-scenes content for horror productions. Their approach combines nostalgia for established franchises with investment in emerging horror filmmakers, creating a balanced library that appeals to different generations of horror fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Horror fans have many questions about the films that shaped 2023. Here’s essential information about the most talked-about horror releases, their availability, and critical reception.
What horror films are set to be released in 2023?
2023 saw numerous horror film releases throughout the year. Notable titles included “When Evil Lurks,” which became one of the year’s most discussed horror movies according to online forums.
“Unwelcome” also made an impact on horror audiences. The year featured both microbudget independent productions and major Hollywood sequels.
Many 2023 horror films earned headlines for their innovative approaches to the genre, with some smaller productions gaining significant attention despite limited marketing budgets.
Which horror movie is anticipated to be the scariest of 2023?
“When Evil Lurks” generated significant buzz for its frightening content. Many viewers and critics cited it as one of the most genuinely terrifying films of the year.
Several microbudget horror films also delivered unexpected scares that resonated with audiences. These smaller productions often relied on psychological terror rather than expensive special effects.
The year featured horror movies that made headlines specifically for their ability to leave viewers “shaking in their seats,” as noted by industry publications.
What are the top ten horror movies released in 2023?
While complete ranked lists vary by publication, 2023’s standout horror films included “When Evil Lurks,” which appears on most top horror lists of the year.
Independent and smaller budget horror films dominated many critics’ top ten lists. These productions often brought fresh perspectives to the genre.
Interestingly, 2023 was described as “a big year for little horror movies” according to Time Out, with many independent productions outshining larger franchise entries.
Which 2023 horror movies are now available to stream?
Many of 2023’s horror releases have made their way to streaming platforms. These include both microbudget independent films and larger studio productions.
Streaming availability varies by platform and region. Some of the year’s most discussed horror titles became available on major streaming services shortly after their theatrical runs.
Horror fans can now access many of these films through subscription services and digital rental platforms.
What Were the most critically acclaimed horror movies of 2023?
Critical reception varied across 2023’s horror offerings. Some smaller productions received unexpected acclaim from reviewers.
Several horror films earned praise for innovative storytelling approaches and effective scares. Critics highlighted movies that managed to bring fresh perspectives to familiar horror tropes.
These acclaimed films often appeared on year-end “best of” lists from major publications covering the horror genre.
