The horror scares came through thick and thin in 2025 and we teamed up with Mike from Beyond Horror to dive head first into the mayhem at Monster Fest in Melbourne.
From there, Mike joined the team as our newest film reviewer, letting us know which movies were worth our time and which should have been left on the cutting-room floor.
For a unique difference, Mike's #WoSYearInReview covers the Top Horror Releases (mainstream and indie) and a snapshot of the music that soundtracked his life between screenings.
TOP 5 HORROR FILMS - MAINSTREAM
5. NOSFERATU
The film is a thing of beauty. This is not surprising in the slightest as Robert Eggers continues to create fantastically shot films. The director's latest effort is no different. From the colour-grading to the use of darkness, Nosferatu had my jaw on the theatre floor for the duration of the film.
I'm not sure if I've ever seen a more perfect cast. I had hesitations regarding the casting of Lily-Rose Depp, but my concerns were all for nothing. Depp was phenomenal, and their performance was multi-faceted. Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok was astounding! A flawless performance and one truly worthy of acclaim. I'm a long-time fan of Willem Dafoe, and so is Eggers. Obviously. Having previously appeared in The Lighthouse and The Northman, Dafoe is given the opportunity to portray vastly different characters under the helm of Eggers.
Gothic folk horror is alive and well while in the hands of Eggers.
4. TOXIC AVENGER
Macon Blair's remake of The Toxic Avenger was everything I could have wanted and so much more! We are treated to over-the-top mayhem and carnage with enough gore and violence to poke a stick (or mop) at. I am so glad that this film finally got to see the light of day. The Toxic Avenger is too special to leave, laying around to collect cobwebs and dust. The world deserves this movie.
3. BRING HER BACK
2023 gave us Talk To Me. It was a film that I did not shut up about for a solid 6 months. RackaRacka had created something truly special. Fast forward to now, and the Philippou brothers dish up Bring Her Back. Where Talk To Me gets straight into the action with that memorable party scene, Bring Her Back is bleak, grounded, and hauntingly devastating.
The story is the real horror, and that is evident early on. Supernatural elements are layered in between the overarching plot, reminding us that while there are spiritual forces at play, humans can be vile and disgusting creatures capable of immense levels of atrocities.
Sally Hawkins was terrifyingly believable and unhinged. Hawkins kept me at the edge of my seat. Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Billy Barratt were all outstanding, especially considering their age.
2. WEAPONS
Weapons starts as a bit of a slow-burn, leaving viewers wondering what exactly is going on but the dial is then turned up to 11. Zach Cregger manages to carve their signature dark humour into Weapons and succeeds in making the audience chuckle at the most inappropriate times. And I, for one, will never look at a potato peeler the same way ever again.
Where Barbarian was Cregger’s solo screenwriting and directorial debut, Weapons solidifies the comedian’s affinity for the horror genre. Zach Cregger uses Weapons as a vessel to convey a powerful message to those willing to listen. Weapons serves up an almost flawless horror experience that belongs right up there among the ranks of Sinners as a contender for best horror film of 2025.
1. SINNERS
This is how you do a vampire movie! Give Ryan Coogler, and the entire cast and crew their flowers NOW! From Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku to the likes of Ludwig Göransson, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw, of course. Flowers!
Miles Caton was impeccable in their role as Sammie Moore. I was astounded to learn that it was Caton's film debut. There's a star on the rise. We all knew that Michael B. Jordan would bring the heat as usual, but playing a dual role was impressive. The Smoke/Stack twins are a vibe. Hailee Steinfeld stole the show anytime they were on screen. Jack O'Connell was devilishly charismatic. Wunmi Mosakuas and Jayme Lawson were both forces to be reckoned with. Omar Benson Miller, Li Jun Li, and Delroy Lindo were all hilarious in their own right. Yao and Helena Hu, even in minor roles, each brought something to the movie. I need to stop mentioning the incredible cast. Otherwise, this review would be never-ending.
This is going to be a bold statement. Sinners may be my all-time favourite soundtrack/score. It bops, and I'd bleed for it. Pun totally intended. Even now, I am incapable of finding the words to describe the overwhelming sensations, thoughts, and feelings that this film evoked in me. Every time the aspect ratio opened up, viewers were treated to pure beauty. For those 138 minutes, nothing else existed, and I danced with the Devil. THIS IS SINNER-MA.
TOP 5 HORROR FILMS - INDIE
5. GOOD BOY
Air Bud meets Skinamarink. Let me start by saying Indy is the goodest boy, and I'd give my life for that furry angel. The originality of Good Boy was truly impressive. The premise and cinematography had me completely locked in and focused. There were a few jumpscares that got me good. Indy was the star of the show, and rightfully so! I adored that dog. But despite the originality, this film won't be everyone's cup of tea. Your miles may vary.
4. BUNNY
The narrative lures you in like a moth to a flame. You know it's going to be grim, but you can't manage to avert your gaze.
The sound design was incredible and had me feeling ill from what I could (but wish I couldn't) hear. At one point, I went to cover my ears as I began to feel like I couldn't listen any longer. The soundscape surrounded me. A cacophony of sounds that seeped into my personal space and invaded my thoughts. The accompanying score is somber, unsettling, yet ultimately captivating.
The entire cast is sensational. From Kate Wilson's fierce performance to Saxon Cook's calm demeanour that borders on demureness. From Andy Golledge's haunting showcase of a tortured soul, to Ôntrei's chilling antics, like a lion stalking its prey. Each character as a piece that completes the puzzle.
This is James Branson's directorial debut? Get the fuck outta here! I am SEATED, and I can't wait to see future projects! Brownie points for the inclusion of the word "cunt".
3. DEATHGASM II
The face-melting commenced from the introductory few seconds of the film. So it made perfect sense to see Matt Heafy's (of Trivium fame) name pop up as composer. The riffs had me reaching for my patch-laden battle jacket and I was a mere 1:42 minutes into the opening credits. This is, without a doubt, a love letter to the likes of Peter Jackson's (best movie) Braindead. The influences are heavily smeared upon its sleeve. Deathgasm II crams in all of the blood and gore that a horror fan could possibly want. Extra points for including Sanguisugabogg on the soundtrack.
2. WELCOME BACK TO MY CHANNEL
I'll be honest, the beginning of the film was losing me. While I understand the need to build the backstory, so that the audience can relate to the characters, the pacing was staggered and took just a little too long to progress the plot. However, just as I began to think that we were past the point of redemption, the story took off and did not slow until the end credits rolled.
Welcome Back to my Channel is a found-footage horror film that succeeds in creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. If you enjoy found-footage films as much as I do, then consider WBTMC as a must-see. You can thank me later. I wholeheartedly believe that this small independent Australian film has the ability to garner cult status in years to come.
I would be remiss if I failed to talk about Jorrden Daley. Tackling directorial and writing roles on the same project must be an exceedingly taxing challenge. Yet, Daley managed to pen and deliver a film that epitomises the meaning of cohesion, and everything in relation to the film makes total sense and just... works.
1. DON'T LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE
Emilio Portes’ latest offering felt like something reminiscent of the films of Demián Rugna. I couldn’t shake the When Evil Lurks and Terrified similarities that I got from Don’t Leave the Kids Alone. The story is absolutely haunting and filled with stark bleakness. Without knowing, this was everything I needed the film to be. My levels of anxiety reached new heights while frozen to the edge of my seat. Do not sleep on this one, it is something special. On second thought, maybe this is better likened to Home Alone meets Poltergeist.
TOP 5 MUSIC RELEASES
5. 50 LIONS - NEW REALITY
4. STRAY FROM THE PATH - CLOCKWORKED
3. XWEAPONX - WEAPON X DEMO 2
2. LORNA SHORE - I FEEL THE EVERBLACK FESTERING WITHIN ME
1. MALEVOLENCE - WHERE ONLY THE TRUTH IS SPOKEN
Honourable mentions - Bad Juju – Simulacra, Speed - All My Angels and after hearing Timepeace's debut single ‘Despite You’, I'm super stoked to hear their EP We Remain in 2026.
Words by Mike @ Beyond Horror @beyondhorror
