The Halloween season is upon us, and you might be in the mood to watch some of the best horror movies to celebrate the spookiest time of the year.
2025 has been a wonderful year for the genre. Not only because of the variety of stories and styles that have been told in the horror space, but some of them have been acclaimed by critics and most likely become contenders in awards season or part of year-end lists by December.
Here are our recommendations for the best horror movies from this year that you can watch for Halloween.
Sinners
The Ryan Coogler film Sinners follows twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. The star-studded cast includes Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo.
It has become one of the most acclaimed films this year as critics praised its originality, Coogler's direction and writing, the performances of the cast, the visuals, music, and the deeper themes that they explored. It is expected to be one of the main contenders for Best Picture at the Oscars.
Where You Can Watch: HBO Max
Weapons
In Zach Cregger's acclaimed film Weapons, when all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.
The film has also been one of the most acclaimed releases this year, with praises towards Cregger's direction and writing, original concept, thrills, and the performances of the cast, particularly Amy Madigan. While it doesn't rely on jump scares, the film will still terrify you because of the psychological aspects.
Where You Can Watch: HBO Max
28 Years Later
The legacy sequel, 28 Years Later, follows a group of survivors of the rage virus living on a small island. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but also other survivors.
The film has been praised by critics for its audacious story, a satisfying follow-up to 28 Weeks Later, and deeper themes that are relevant to today's society. The next installment, The Bone Temple, is expected to be released in theaters in January 2026.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
The Monkey
Based on the short story by Stephen King, The Monkey follows twin brothers Bill and Hal, whose lives were turned upside down after finding their old monkey toy in the attic. A series of gruesome deaths started after their discovery.
The film received praise for successfully balancing the humor and gore, Osgood Perkins' direction and writing, and the creativity in some of the death scenes. Theo James' performance as the twins was also highlighted.
Where You Can Watch: Hulu
Drop
Drop follows a widowed mother whose first date in years takes a terrifying turn when she's bombarded with anonymous threatening messages on her phone during their upscale dinner, leaving her questioning if her charming date is behind the harassment.
The film was praised by critics and audiences for its originality, Meghann Fahy's performance, and the creative use of modern technology in its scares and thrills.
Where You Can Watch: Peacock
Final Destination Bloodlines
In Final Destination Bloodlines, plagued by a recurring violent nightmare, a college student returns home to find the one person who can break the cycle and save her family from the horrific fate that inevitably awaits them.
The new installment was celebrated by critics and fans for being a return to form in the franchise after years of absence, the creativity in some of the kills, and delivering a satisfying, thrilling experience similar to the previous films.
Where You Can Watch: HBO Max
Good Boy
The independent horror film, Good Boy, follows a loyal dog who moves to a rural family home with his owner, Todd, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.
The trailer has become viral online due to the originality of the concept and its focus on the dog as the main protagonist. Indy the Dog's performance has received a lot of acclaim from critics and fans, with some even pushing for the Oscars to create a category for animal performances.
Where You Can Watch: In Theaters
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