The Horrors Persist! A Look At Some Genre Films Releasing Q1 2025

As we say goodbye to the remarkably solid year in horror that was 2024 and welcome in the promise of 2025, we’re faced with the question that has plagued those of us in chilly climes since the dawn of humanity…how do we get through this miserable winter? Chapped lips, chapped hands, runny noses, wind-blown faces barely peeking out from under hats, scarves, and hoods, winter is a bummer. Sure, we love the occasional snowfall and the quiet majesty of watching a sunset through a stand of trees, but those are fleeting, and we need something to get our hearts racing to fight the cold. Luckily, the beginning of the year has some incredible new films sure to melt not only the ice but your freaking face!

“WOLF MAN” (Universal Pictures)

JANUARY 17 in theaters

An unseen animal attacks a family at a remote farmhouse, but as the night goes on, the father transforms into something unrecognizable. Leigh Whannell follows up on the success of “THE INVISIBLE MAN” with another Universal Monsters interpretation, “WOLF MAN,” starring Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott. -

“GRAFTED” (Shudder/IFC Films)

January 24 on Shudder

A bright but socially awkward exchange student takes her craving for popularity to horrifying heights. Directed by Sasha Rainbow and starring Jess Hong and Jared Turner, “GRAFTED” has been buzzing with the folks here at Macbre Daily since Contributor Lowell Greenblatt saw it at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival.

“PRESENCE” (NEON)

January 24 in theaters.

A family becomes convinced they are not alone after moving into their new home in the suburbs. Steven Soderbergh uses the haunted house sub-genre to blow your socks off in “PRESENCE,” starring Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, and Chris Sullivan. Macabre Daily Contributor Sean O’Connor will attend a live Q & A screening with Soderbergh on the 17th. Be sure to look for the event recap shortly after.

“COMPANION” (Warner Brothers)

January 31 in theaters.

A billionaire's death sets off a chain of events for Iris and her friends during a weekend trip to his lakeside estate in “COMPANION.” Sofie Thatcher continues her Scream Queen domination in this sci-fi horror from director Drew Hancock, co-starring Jack Quaid.

“DARK MATCH” (Shudder / IFC Films)

January 31 on Shudder.

A small-time wrestling company accepts a well-paying gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader with devious plans for their match. Lowell Dean directs Chris Jericho and Sara Canning in “DARK MATCH.”

“HEART EYES” (Sony Pictures / Screen Gems)

February 7 in theaters.

For the past several years, the "Heart Eyes Killer" has wreaked havoc on Valentine's Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine's Day, no couple is safe. Director Josh Ruben (“WEREWOLVES WITHIN”) takes on the slasher sub-genre in “HEART EYES,” and based on the trailer that just dropped, it looks like he’s not pulling any punches. This one could be wild.

“THE DEAD THING” (Shudder / IFC Films)

February 14 on Shudder.

A young woman lost in a series of meaningless connections falls in love with a charismatic and sensitive man who hides a dark secret that turns her affair into a dangerous obsession. Directed by “Colours of the Dark,” co-host Elric Kane, This film explores love in all the wrong places in “THE DEAD THING,” starring Katherine Hughes and Blu Hunt. Check out the interview we did with Elric here!

“THE GORGE” (Skydance / Apple)

February 14 on Apple TV.

Two highly-trained operatives become close after being sent to protect opposite sides of a mysterious gorge. When an evil emerges, they must work together to survive what lies within. “THE GORGE” stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller and is directed by Scott Derickson.

“THE MONKEY” (NEON)

February 21 in theaters.

When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father's old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years. Fresh off the blockbuster “LONGLEGS,” Oz Perkins takes on a bonkers fantastic Stephen King short story with “THE MONKEY.” Theo James has double duty playing the twins. Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood join the mayhem as well.

“IN THE LOST LANDS” (Constantin Film)

February 28 in theaters.

A sorceress travels to the Lost Lands, searching for a magical power that allows a person to transform into a werewolf. The latest from Director Paul W.S. Anderson, “IN THE LOST LANDS,” stars Mila Jovovich and Dave Bautista.

“OPUS” (A24)

March 14 in theaters.

An iconic pop star returns after decades missing. Mark Anthony Green directs his first feature, starring John Malkovich and Ayo Edebiri.

“ASH” (XYZ Films / RLJE Films)

March 21 on Shudder.

A woman wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed. Her investigation into what happened sets in motion a terrifying chain of events. Eliza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul star in “ASH,” the latest from Director Flying Lotus.

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