The Most Anticipated Horror Films According to Content Creators

By: Myriam Akbar

In terms of horror, I feel this year has started off strong. I believe the genre is expansive and is most effective when incorporating other genres, because it allows for the exploration of deeper thematic concerns. Many films have been divisive among the horror community; for example, Presence, Wolf Man, and The Woman in the Yard. Although I very much enjoyed each of them, I see the amount of discourse as a good thing. We need people to keep talking about horror. To further the discussion, I decided to ask members of the content creating community: what horror films are you looking forward to and why? 

Creator Terrorble Reviews says, “I feel like in 2023-2024, we have entered a new golden age of horror with constant good releases.” He adds, “I’m excited to see if the trend continues. We already had a great start with Companion, Heart Eyes, and The Monkey.” 

The Overlook Podcast thinks 2025 is shaping up to be a “fantastic” year for horror. “I’m counting down the days for several releases. At the top of my list is Bring Her Back. The initial trailer has me thoroughly creeped out and eager to see more,” he says. “Talk to Me is one of my favorite modern horror films.” Chino Marin feels similarly, also expressing praise for 2022’s Talk to Me.  “It’s one of my favorite horror films in years. I've been a massive fan of directors Michael and Danny Philippou since their YouTube days. When they announced Talk to Me, I was very excited. So their sophomore release, Bring Her Back has a lot of anticipation coming from me,” he said. Sky T. adds his thoughts, “Talk to Me created something unique and exciting with demonic possession, being a metaphor for addiction. I’m excited to see what they’re going to do with familial values and foster parents,” he says. “I think the beautiful thing about horror is that it’s one genre that takes the most liberties with themes to ultimately create something fresh and exciting,” T. said. 

Ashley Castillo (also known as ashwednesday.23) is a massive lover of 28 Days Later, so her most anticipated horror film of the year is 28 Years Later. “I can’t wait to see what Danny Boyle brings us. With so many apocalyptic virus movies out there, I’m hoping there’s some refreshing aspects in this third installment,” she said. This goes for Alextheehorrorqueen as well. “The appeal of this franchise is the storytelling in my opinion,” she shares. “This was one of the first times horror cinema was introduced to the idea of fast zombies.” Hazelloveshorror says 28 Days Later was actually the first film of the zombie sub-genre that she enjoyed. “I feel as though the zombie trope is played out in the same way in almost every apocalypse movie, but this franchise really stood out to me,” she said. 

On the other hand, Kristie who is one half of In Love with Horror says, “Right now, horror hasn’t been “wow-ing” me the way I was hoping it would. However, I’m looking forward to seeing what the remainder of the year has in store for us. I’m most excited for Sinners, from Ryan Coogler. I’m already a fan of his work, so I’m excited to see what he does with this horror.”

Sinners is undoubtedly one of the top films the cinema community is looking for. The Reel For Real Podcast says, “This is my most anticipated horror film because it’s utilizing a rough time period for black people and making an adventure horror out of it, one where blues is the driving force. It’s telling our story through both music and visuals.” He adds, “Ryan Coogler is one of the most checked for directors in Hollywood. His success with directing Black Panther and Creed has the entire system of Hollywood and audiences ready to watch it. No one’s ever had it like that.” Sky T. is also looking forward to seeing this time piece. “It looks like Sinners will be an interesting take on vampires, utilizing a Southern backdrop in the 1930s and tying race relations into it. I’m sure Coogler will excel,” he said. Matt Lasley (also known as Reel Dumb), says “A big name director and a big name actor making a horror movie at this point in their career is impressive,” he says. Adding, “And it centers on the Black community, chef’s kiss! I’m also looking forward to Dream Eater, which I believe will reinvigorate the found footage sub-genre and if any style needs reintegration, it’s that one,” he said. 

Slasher lover, Armando Loera (also known as Slashinfinalboy) has been covering the new I Know What You Did Last Summer film since its announcement. “It was one of the first horror movies I ever watched as a kid,” he shares. “It gives us what I consider to be the best slasher chase scene ever. The Fisherman is also such an underrated villain,” he says. Thrilled to see the return of Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddy Prince Junior, he says that he’s “Interested to see how their lives have changed after so many years and excited to see how their past doings has affected their lives.”

In terms of other slasher films coming out this year, Stephen Street (also known as ste.talkshorror) said Clown in a Cornfield because, “Who doesn’t want to be a friend of Frendo?” Brian Stevens is also excited for this film. He says, “I think Eli Craig is super talented and the early reviews have been glowing!” He adds, “I’m also looking forward to Marshmallow. The poster gives off major The Burning vibes.” 

“As a M3GAN stan, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of M3GAN 2.0.,” says Josh Levesque, a popular member of the horror community. He adds, “But I'm also a big time body horror aficionado and everything I've heard about Together tells me it's going to knock me out. Can't wait for that one!” TaryeaTalksTV is also excited to see M3gan’s return. “The trailer looks so fun! I really like how they’re upping the campiness. I think this film will greatly liven things up a bit more. I never could have expected that the sequel would be a sort of spy thriller,” she said. 

Jordan Peele, known as one of the greatest horror directors of the past decade has a new film coming out that has many eager to watch. Horror content creator, ScarePair shares his thoughts and personal reasons for excitement. “I’m looking forward to Him. I grew up playing sports, so to see horror and sports mesh — my two favorite things, it should be an absolute treat,” he said.

Content creator Santino Elias, a Final Destination super-fan, is excited for the new installment to scare a whole new generation out of everyday tasks. “It’s just such an interesting and nostalgic franchise. It flips the horror trope of involving a human killer and takes the genre to a whole new level,” he says. “Being a 2001 baby, it’s just the epitome of the 2000’s. I wish I could tell my 10 year old self before watching the 5th one, that it’ll be awhile for the next one to come out so sit tight and enjoy it!” Creator Hardlyyinsanee admits this franchise did the trick for her. “I’m excited because these films actually traumatized me. I still think of them every time I’m behind a semi truck or right before riding a roller coaster,” she said. A fan of the storytelling, Rojohn Johnson says, “I like the way there’s always at least one character who truly wants to save the other characters. The concept of not being able to escape death is so intense. This franchise has some of the most iconic scenes in the horror genre,” he said. 

Taking a look at Indie Horror, some creators shared their most anticipated films. GrubbyCole, who is a go-to for these kinds of recommendations, lists Die My Love and Visitation as two that he’s looking forward to. “I’m excited to see Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero. I want to see what her fresh take is on something her father (George Romero) crafted so well,” he says. “Alpha is another one. I feel Julia Ducournau goes outside of the horror norms, as she did in her previous two films. I think she’s going to keep those elements to tell a different kind of story,” he said. Chris Short (also known as Short Scares) says, “There are several films that are earning a lot of critical praise on the festival circuit that have me really amped up. It really feels like a banner year for horror films. I recently watched It Feeds and absolutely loved it,” he said. Pretty Killer Podcast believes Dust Bunny, starring David Dastmalchin, will be an exceptional watch. She says, “I’m looking forward to The McKinney Family Home Videos Volume 2, which is a sequel to a newer found footage release. The first one truly scared me, so of course I’m excited for the next one,” she said. 

As shown, it appears there’s a wide range of horror films anticipated by content creators. From theatrical releases, to those in the festival circuit – I have a strong sense that 2025 will be one for the books! 

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