June 2025’s Must-See Horror Includes ’28 Years Later,’ ‘M3GAN 2.0,’ and a Killer Shark Movie

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Hello! You’re warmly invited to Horror Discoveries, an exclusive selection featuring this month’s top movies, TV series, books, and other chilling content that’s a must-see. I’m William Earl, the editor of EbMaster.com, and also its resident horror aficionado. Feel free to share your recommendations for next month’s issue by emailing me at wearl@variety.com.

    Marquee Madness

    1. “The Ritual” (Hitting theaters on June 6 from XYZ Films) — Despite appearing to adhere to standard exorcism film clichés, it boasts two hidden strengths: Al Pacino and Dan Stevens as priests. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this duo gets ample opportunities to create a dramatic impact, elevating what could otherwise be run-of-the-mill horror fare.

    2. “Predator: Slayer of Slayers” (Premiering on June 6 on Hulu) — “Prey” director Dan Trachtenberg’s new addition to the sci-fi action series, “Predator: Killer of Killers,” is a collection of three animated short films detailing past battles with Predators. The concept — featuring a Viking, ninja, and WWII pilot taking on the creature — is intriguing, and early previews of the animation are impressive.

    3. “28 Years Later” (Opens in theaters on June 20 from Sony Pictures Releasing) — The third installment in this franchise sees the return of “28 Days Later” director Danny Boyle, screenwriter Alex Garland, and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle. With Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes in the cast, the story revolves around the inhabitants of a secluded island who have learned to coexist in a world dominated by the Rage virus.

    4. “M3GAN 2.0” (Releases in theaters on June 27 from Universal Pictures) — The sequel to the popular original film brings back stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw. This time, M3GAN is on the side of righteousness, as she’s rebooted to combat an even more wicked doll, Amelia, who has become a weapon for the military. Expect even more extreme violence and dancing in this follow-up.

    Off the Beaten Path

    1. “Thrilling Tales: Dangerous Creatures” (Hitting theaters on June 6 from IFC Films and Shudder) — Sean Byrne, director of “The Devil’s Candy,” is back with a chilling horror film that presents an eccentrically wild premise: A ruthless villain captures individuals to feed them to sharks aboard his ship. The movie garnered acclaim at its premiere during Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes. (Click here to read EbMaster‘s review.)

    2. “Perplexing Encounters: I Don’t Get You” (Opening in theaters on June 6 from Vertical) — Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells shine with their charm and camaraderie as a pair who journey to Italy while awaiting the finalization of their adoption process. Once overseas, a chain of misunderstandings turns fatal in this darkly comical tale of etiquette that also carries an authentic emotional depth. (Click here to read EbMaster‘s review.)

    3. “Warm Regards: Best Wishes” (Launching on June 13 on Shudder) — Yûta Shimotsu’s intriguing, mind-bending film follows a student (Kotone Furukawa) who visits her grandparents and uncovers a web of dark family secrets. The movie is filled with strange and unexpected visuals, culminating in a thought-provoking finale.

    Killer Series

    1. “Return from the Grave” (Premiering on June 12 on Syfy) – In this chilling murder mystery, residents of a small town in Wisconsin rise from the dead. As society grapples with the return of a handful of deceased citizens, one of them teams up with the police to uncover the truth behind her own demise. This TV adaptation of Tim Seeley and Mike Norton’s comic series offers a thrilling twist on detective dramas, complete with shocking gore.

    2. “Crime Lodge” (Debuting on June 17 on Shudder) – The creators of “Slasher,” Aaron Martin and Ian Carpenter, are back with this anthology series centered around a hotel favored by true crime enthusiasts who meet their untimely end. Eric McCormack, known for his role in the duo’s “Slasher: Ripper,” brings humor to this blood-soaked summer treat.

    3. “The Last Round of ‘Squid Game'” (Debuting on June 27 on Netflix) – Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk is set to conclude the epic saga of one of the most popular series ever made, promising fans a rollercoaster ride before the final credits roll.

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2025-06-02 21:48