Introduction

Arthur and Meghan kick off with the observation that the horror genre has entered a mainstream upswing. More audiences are engaging with the horror genre, and horror movies of 2025 are shaping up to be especially strong.

The Horror Release Calendar

• Analysis of 140 U.S. theatrical horror films (2015–2025).

Key findings:

• October dominates releases, especially after the 13th (Friday the 13th effect).
• July is the second-biggest month thanks to summer slashers and counter-programming against blockbusters.
• January is a surprising third, while November and December are quieter

Pandemic and Streaming Shifts

COVID-19 disrupted production and theaters, but also reset distribution. Post-pandemic, studios spread horror releases more evenly across the year, with streaming accelerating access.

Indie Power & Breakout Directors

Discussion of how filmmakers like Jordan Peele, Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, Zach Cregger, and Mike Flanagan changed the landscape. Their originality, technical experimentation, and social themes helped push horror forward.

Box Office & Hype Cycles

From sleeper hits (Barbarian) to blockbusters (Weapons), horror is proving it can rival superhero films in ticket sales without billion-dollar budgets.

Legacy & Reboots

How filmmakers balance nostalgia with originality in franchises like Scream, Evil Dead, and Alien. Success requires respecting the past while innovating.

Indie & Fan-Made Horror

Streaming, festivals, and even YouTube opened doors for films like Talk to Me and fan projects like Don’t Hike Alone. These projects prove horror thrives in low-budget, grassroots spaces.

Gateway Horror & Youth Audience

Rising trend of YA and middle-grade horror: Fear Street, Goosebumps, Hell of a Summer, and the upcoming Sketch show studios are nurturing the next generation of horror fans. Check out our Horror Starter Pack episode if you are just getting into the horror genre.

Closing Thoughts

Studios are finally taking more risks on originality, and audiences are rewarding them. With horror covering everything from arthouse to popcorn slashers, the genre looks unstoppable.

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We break down Zach Cregger’s Weapons (2025) — the 2:17 mystery, what the multi-perspective structure adds, where the scares land, and how Brolin and Garner anchor the chaos. We talk themes, filmmaking choices, and whether the ending sticks the landing.

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Yet again we attended the Fantasia Film Festival 2025 and saw some amazing horror movies as well as the directors and cast! We recap which horror movies we loved the most and explain what the festival is all about.

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Horror curious but historically terrified? We got you. This episode builds a gentle-on-the-nerves starter pack: three films, three books, and three video games that bring the chills without wrecking your sleep schedule.

We talk about what each pick does well (atmosphere, story, jump scares you can actually handle), how to match them to your scare tolerance, and why “beginner horror” doesn’t have to mean boring. You’ll leave with a roadmap, a few laughs at our own cowardly moments, and the confidence to try horror again on your own terms. Hit play, keep the lights on if you want, and let’s ease you into the dark.

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Cue the rain‑slick streets and foggy fishing docks, this week we are breaking down I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) from top to bloody bottom. Join us as we unpack every throwback scare, size up the new cast against the ’97 originals, and walk you through the plot (spoilers ahead). Stick around for rapid‑fire trivia that will make you shout, “I still know!” Whether you’re a seasoned slasher fan or a curious newcomer, this episode gives you all the chills, laughs, and Easter eggs you need.

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In this episode, we each reveal our all-time favorite horror subgenre—and then break it down with our top picks: a classic, an underrated gem, and a genre staple. From found footage to folk horror, slashers to psychological terrors, it’s a love letter to the weird, wild, and wonderfully scary corners of horror. Expect passionate takes, deep cuts, and more than a few surprises.

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In this fun episode, we dive headfirst into the twisted world of M3GAN 2.0. Join us as we unpack every spine-tingling moment, break down the plot’s wildest turns, and share our unfiltered reactions to the killer doll’s terrifying return. Did the sequel live up to the original’s campy horror charm? Was M3GAN’s evolution everything we hoped for, or a total misfire? We debate the best and worst scenes, dissect the film’s social commentary on AI and parenting, and explore what M3GAN 2.0 might mean for the future of tech-based horror. Whether you’ve seen the movie or just want to hear the gory details, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this intro episode, we introduce our horror podcast hosts and their deep-rooted love for the genre. We also discuss our favorite horror movies, books, and video game hopefuls for 2025.

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