10 Most Anticipated Horror Movies of 2025 (2nd half)

The first half of 2025 has flown by, can't believe it's already July. The first six months of the year had a few pleasant surprises up its sleeve, but also quite a few duds. The second half of the year looks primed, though, to make 2025 a strong year for horror. Here are 10 of the most anticipated horror movies for the second half of 2025.

I Know What You Did Last Summer - Release date: July 18

A sequel - or requel - that is 27 years in the making. I do not count the awful attempt at a sequel in the 2000s, that movie was just so terrible I'm sure even anyone who saw it forgot about it. Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt reprise their roles as Ray and Julie, but the focus of the movie will likely be around fresh faces, to be carved by the fisherman's hook.

Together - Release date: August 1

This one has been generating a ton of buzz since it's debuted on the festival circuit. Whether it lives up to the hype, we'll see,  but a good body horror comes around so rarely I'll be front and center on opening night.

Weapons - Release date: August 8

Before there was even a synopsis or a title for this film, people were buzzing about it. Zach Cregger got a lot of people's attention with Barbarian, and it has led to a lot of anticipation for his next film. The teasers for this one makes it seem genuinely creepy, and it seems to be backed by a stellar cast. Don't be surprised if this becomes one of the most talked about horror movies of 2025.

The Toxic Avenger - Release date: August 29

Having only seen a brief teaser, as that's all I'll ever watch these days, this one looks like it may go even harder than the original. An over-the-top splatterfest, with ridiculous characters and even more ridiculous scenarios. Some great casting choices, including Peter Dinklage as our hero Toxie, gives me some hope that this one could surprise people. Of course, you'd have to appreciate the original run of Toxic Avenger movies.

The Conjuring: Last Rites - Release date: September 5

As much as I am sick of the entire Conjuring universe, these movies still bring a lot of butts into seats. Michael Chaves directs his 4th film in the franchise, and while none of his films have been great, they also haven't been awful. It's a terribly mid franchise in quality, but a booming franchise for making money. I'd like to believe this truly is the last film, but if it yet again turns a huge profit I can't see them stopping here.

HIM - Release date: September 19

I love a good psychological horror, and this one seems like it could be an absolute trip. An aspiring professional football player gets pushed to his limit in a training camp, where it seems CTE could be playing a role in sending him on a hell of a journey. The writing team and director seem fairly new to the game, but the cast is anchored by Marlon Wayans, which has me dying to see it.

The Strangers: Chapter 2 - Release date: September 26

I almost didn't include this on the list because of the extremely frosty reception Chapter 1 received. I still believe, though, that audiences will venture out for this one. It could be make or break for Chapter 2 to regain the audiences trust to go back for Chapter 3. I know it is for me, anyway.

The Black Phone 2 - Release date: October 17

A sequel I never thought that I'd want, but am actually really excited about. It sounds like The Grabber maybe didn't cross all the way over, and is now haunting kids dreams, maybe a la Freddy Krueger? I'm not entirely sure, but it does seem to be expanding on the lore of the first movie in very intriguing ways.

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 - Release date: December 5

Despite its many flaws, audiences still seemed to enjoy the first FNAF enough. It already had enough of a fan following because of the video game, and perhaps had a few more jump on the train after the first film. Having never played the game, I never had much interest in the films myself, but that won't stop me from checking this out. Simply to see Matthew Lillard go into full villain mode is reason enough.

Return of the Living Dead - Release date: December 25

Perhaps more people are looking forward to seeing Anaconda on Christmas day, but I'll be the first in line for Return of the Living Dead. The original movie from 1985 is one of the all time great zombie comedies, and I can't wait to see how they build off of that 40 years later. This one seems so under wraps that even this Christmas day release date is not 100% confirmed. However, until it is confirmed one or another, I'll be looking forward to this one for the rest of 2025.