Why 2025 is a scarily good year for horror movies

The year 2025 is turning out to be an amazing time for horror movie fans. This year, scary movies are more popular than ever, with big hits like Sinners, Final Destination: Bloodlines, and 28 Years Later making a huge impact at the box office. In the UK alone, these three movies have earned over £41 million, which is more than all the top horror movies from last year combined. In North America, horror films now make up 17 percent of all movie ticket sales, a big increase from just 11 percent last year and only 4 percent ten years ago.

Chase Sui Wonders, who stars in the new version of I Know What You Did Last Summer, says that horror movies are having a renaissance. She believes that more people are going to theaters to watch scary movies together, and that the excitement is spreading. Social media is also playing a big role in this trend. On TikTok, there has been a big rise in horror-related videos. The hashtag for horror has been used by over 10 million people, and the number of videos about horror has gone up by 40 percent. This shows that people are not just watching horror movies, but also talking about them and sharing their experiences online.

Some people might think that horror movies have suddenly become popular, but fans and experts say that the genre has been growing for years. Ash Millman, a journalist who covers horror, says that the success of scary movies has been building slowly. She points out that both artistic horror films, like Hereditary, and more mainstream hits from studios like Blumhouse have helped the genre become more respected and successful. This year, though, stands out because there are so many different types of horror movies being released, from sequels to brand new stories.

Ash also notes that while independent filmmakers have always contributed to horror, this year there are more big-budget horror movies than usual. She thinks that people want to experience the thrill of being scared in a cinema, surrounded by others. Jonah Hauer-King, another actor in I Know What You Did Last Summer, agrees. He says that horror movies can actually make people feel good, even though they are scary. He describes them as wild rides that are fun to watch with friends, almost like a summer popcorn movie but with more excitement.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people have gotten used to watching movies at home. However, horror movies are helping to bring audiences back to theaters. These films are usually cheaper to make than big action movies, but they are drawing large crowds. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the director of I Know What You Did Last Summer, says that watching a horror movie with a group is a unique experience. She believes that sharing the feeling of being scared makes the movie more enjoyable, and that people love to jump and scream together.

The new I Know What You Did Last Summer is a remake of a cult classic from 1997. The story is about a group of friends who try to cover up a tragic accident, only to be hunted by a mysterious killer a year later. While the original movie was released in October, the new version is coming out in July. The cast thinks that the movie will still be a hit, even outside the usual spooky season.

Jonah Hauer-King thinks that horror movies offer a kind of escape for people. He says that in difficult times, people want to forget their worries and have fun at the movies. Ash Millman agrees, saying that horror movies often reflect the problems in society but give viewers a sense of control. She explains that seeing characters fight against evil and win can be comforting, especially when real life feels uncertain.

Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable year for horror fans. With so many new movies to choose from and more people returning to theaters, the genre is stronger than ever. Horror movies are not just about being scared—they are about having fun, feeling brave, and sharing experiences with others.