We are only halfway through 2025, and the film industry is clearly off to a strong start, with a strong lineup of standout films. From gripping dramas to boundary-pushing sci-fi and heartfelt stories that resonate long after the credits roll. Standing out this year in particular is the horror genre, and here are the six best horror films so far this year:
Sinners

Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who come under threat from supernatural entities upon returning home to open their juke joint. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners took the world by storm, its engaging storytelling and gory fight scenes earning it much critical acclaim and a near-perfect 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. So far, the film has earned $351.5 million worldwide, with a strong domestic performance of $268.5 million, indicating both critical and commercial success for an original horror film.

Final Destination: Bloodlines

Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Final Destination: Bloodlines marks the chilling return of the iconic horror franchise. This sixth instalment introduces college student Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), who is tormented by vivid nightmares of a catastrophic 1968 tower collapse. Seeking answers, Stefani delves into her family's past and uncovers an unsettling truth.

The film masterfully balances suspense and dark humour, delivering the franchise's signature elaborate death sequences that transform everyday objects into instruments of doom. Tony Todd returns in his final performance as the enigmatic William Bludworth, adding depth and continuity to the series' lore. With its inventive kills, emotionally resonant performances, and a fresh narrative twist, Bloodlines stands as a compelling revival that honours the legacy of the Final Destination series while charting new territory.

Until Dawn

Inspired by “Until Dawn,” the 2015 video game, the film centres on Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends, who venture into a remote valley to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Clover's sister, Melanie. They soon find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same night repeatedly, each time facing different and increasingly terrifying threats. To escape, they must survive until dawn.

Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film explores various horror subgenres, including slasher, supernatural, and body horror, in a fresh and new narrative distinct from that of the video game.

Clown in a Cornfield

From the table of director Eli Craig, the story follows 17-year-old Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas) and her father, Dr. Glenn Maybrook (Aaron Abrams), as they relocate to the economically struggling town of Kettle Springs, Missouri. Quinn befriends a group of local teens who create horror parody videos featuring Frendo, the town's former mascot. However, their antics take a dark turn when a real killer, donning the Frendo costume, begins targeting the youth of Kettle Springs.

The film adapts Adam Cesare’s 2020 young adult novel of the same name, blending traditional slasher tropes with modern themes to address generational conflicts and the impact of social media.

Rosario

Emeraude Toubia plays Rosario Fuentes, a successful Wall Street stockbroker who returns to her late grandmother Griselda's New York City apartment following her sudden death. Trapped overnight by a snowstorm, Rosario uncovers a hidden chamber filled with occult artifacts linked to Palo, a syncretic religion blending African spiritualism and Catholicism. As supernatural forces awaken, Rosario confronts terrifying family secrets and a malevolent spirit named Kobayende, leading to a harrowing battle for her soul. The film delves into themes of ancestral curses and the inescapable pull of one's heritage and is directed by Felipe Vargas.

The Monkey

Adapted from Stephen King's 1980 short story, The Monkey centres on twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn, portrayed by Theo James, who discover a cursed wind-up monkey toy that triggers a series of bizarre and gruesome deaths. Years later, the toy resurfaces, compelling the estranged siblings to confront their traumatic past. The film was directed by Osgood Perkins and features a notable cast, including Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Sarah Levy. Perkins infuses the story with dark humour, transforming the eerie premise into an unsettling yet absurdly entertaining experience.

So there you have it, from the supernatural chills of Sinners and Rosario to the inventive kills of Final Destination: Bloodlines and the time-bending terror of Until Dawn, this year has provided several unsettling stories with nerve-shredding narratives, proving the genre is as diverse and bone-chillingly vibrant as ever. From the darkly comedic slasher-like Clown in a Cornfield to the unsettling suspense of The Monkey, there's a nightmare here for everyone. And with half the year still to come, who knows what other horrors await us?