28 Years Later: 8 Upcoming Horror Movies That Could Top It in 2025

In the realm of horror films that graced our screens in 2025, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s masterpiece, 28 Years Later, stands out as one I simply can’t forget. This movie is a rollercoaster ride of zombie mayhem, stunning visuals, gut-wrenching action, and performances that are nothing short of exceptional. It’s a tough act to follow, but fortunately for us, no one needs to.

Despite us already being halfway through 2025, there’s still a wealth of thrilling horror movies set to hit theaters and streaming services this year, some of which might rival the chilling intensity of 28 Years Later. Renowned directors such as Jordan Peele, Guillermo del Toro, Zach Cregger, Scott Derrickson, and Osgood Perkins have plenty more spine-tingling projects lined up for us in the coming months.

In the year 2025, you’ll find a diverse range of chilling films, from follow-ups to reimaginings, all the way to entirely new tales. These might just surpass 28 Days Later.

8. Black Phone 2

The second installment of Scott Derrickson’s popular horror movie, “The Black Phone 2”, follows siblings Finney and Gwen as they are tormented by the vengeful ghost of Ethan Hawke’s terrifying antagonist, known as the Grabber, who abducted Finney years prior. Judging from the trailer, this upcoming film appears to swap the original storyline about kidnapping for a supernatural-themed slasher flick similar to “Friday the 13th” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street”.

Under Derrickson’s return as director, the sinister entity known as the Grabber continues its pursuit of our heroes from beyond the grave in a chilling winter landscape. It appears that Black Phone 2 is all set to deliver another exciting and thought-provoking horror adventure.

7. The Long Walk

This film adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel focuses on a band of boys participating in a lethal competition where they must keep walking without stopping, with the last one standing as the winner. Although The Long Walk was one of King’s earliest novels, a movie based on it has been eagerly anticipated for quite some time now. The film is skillfully directed by Francis Lawrence, who has previously worked on The Hunger Games series.

This movie boasts an impressive ensemble of actors including Mark Hamill and Judy Greer, alongside rising stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Charlie Plummer, and Roman Griffin Davis. Moreover, the film’s screenplay is written by JT Mollner, acclaimed creator of “Strange Darling,” who received accolades from Stephen King himself. Consequently, The Long Walk is anticipated to offer a chilling and thrilling competition that fans of King will appreciate.

6. Keeper

Following his success in the independent horror genre with critically acclaimed films like Longlegs and The Monkey, director Osgood Perkins, along with NEON, is set to release another film this year. Titled Keeper, the movie portrays a couple embarking on a romantic retreat to a secluded cabin, penned by Nick Lepard.

When the man unexpectedly goes back to the city, it’s the woman who’s now on her own, confronting a sinister, otherworldly entity in the cabin with its haunted history. “Longlegs” highlights Perkins’ expertise in creating both psychological and supernatural terror, implying that “Keeper” could be another chilling triumph for him.

5. Him

Under the guidance of modern horror maestro Jordan Peele, director Justin Tipping’s latest work centers around a promising young football player who undergoes rigorous training with an experienced athlete, portrayed by Marlon Wayans. This journey propels him towards an exhilarating yet perilous chase for excellence and achievement in the sport.

This unique concept for a horror movie is sure to strike a chord with contemporary viewers, particularly football enthusiasts. Upon watching the trailer for “Him“, it appears that the film is poised to reveal a powerful commentary on social horror within the professional sports realm, offering sharp satire on topics such as toxic masculinity, athlete well-being, and the corrupting influence of fame.

4. Predator: Badlands

Much like the movie “28 Years Later”, the upcoming film “Predator: Badlands” promises to elevate the traditional horror genre by weaving a cosmic tale. Crafted by the director of “Prey”, Dan Trachtenberg, this new production offers an intriguing twist as it portrays a banished Predator as a protagonist when it joins forces with an android to pursue their most formidable prey on a dangerous and hostile alien planet.

The teaser for the movie “Predator: Badlands” hints at an intense, colorful, and thrilling science fiction/horror film. With Shane Black returning as director, the upcoming sequel promises to be a fitting continuation of the groundbreaking “Prey” and another chapter in the modern revival of the Predator series.

3. Frankenstein

Following many years of anticipation, Guillermo del Toro’s chilling adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” will soon be available on Netflix. This timeless story about scientific missteps, featuring actors like Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Jacob Elordi, and Christoph Waltz, has been reimagined numerous times in cinema throughout the last hundred years.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but be electrified by the sneak peek Guillermo del Toro has given us into his upcoming horror masterpiece. With an ensemble cast that would make any movie lover swoon, visually stunning cinematography that promises to captivate, a faithful retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, and a truly terrifying monster brought to life by the talented Alexander Elordi, it seems like del Toro’s Frankenstein has all the makings of one of the greatest film adaptations ever. I can hardly wait!

2. Together

Under the guidance of director Michael Shanks, the film Together narrates the story of a married couple, played by real-life spouses Dave Franco and Alison Brie, who relocate to a rural home. They soon find themselves grappling with an enigmatic force that starts changing their physical forms. This movie has been creating quite a stir since its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Ever since then, the marketing for ‘Together’ has been a chilling amalgamation of marital discord and grotesque body terror. The main characters are teetering on the edge of being merged by some mysterious cosmic force. This unconventional and eerie narrative has earned it the title of the top horror film of 2025.

1. Weapons

Following the success of the film “Barbarian”, writer-director Zach Cregger has come back with a chilling horror saga titled “Weapons”. The movie follows the enigmatic vanishing of nearly all students from the same class, who simultaneously left their homes and ventured into the dark night.

The trailers for the movie titled “Weapons” offer few clues, suggesting a complex and chilling mystery with a star-studded cast such as Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, and Alden Ehrenreich. With very little information available about the film’s spine-tingling plot, this lack of knowledge has only added to the intrigue surrounding Cregger’s latest cinematic terror, which could potentially overtake “28 Years Later” as the top horror movie when the year concludes.

2025-07-05 18:39