The Future of Horror - What's Hot (and What's Dying) in 2025
- Renee
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Horror is constantly evolving, but lately it's not just changing, it's splintering. Subgenres are rising and falling faster than ever. So what's working in 2025? And what's on its way out? Let's break down the trends, the fads, and the future of fear.
Folk Horror is Having a Moment. From The Witch to Men to My Mother's Skin, folk horror is thriving, especially internationally. Audiences are craving myth, atmosphere, and a sense of the uncanny. Expect more nature-based dread, rural isolation, and ancient vengeance.
Elevated Horror isn't Going Anywhere (But It's Changing). The A24 boom redefined horror, but audiences now want more than trauma-as-plot. Smart horror is shifting from grief and allegory to more experimental, voice-driven work. Watch for more genre blends and bold perspectives over slow-burn sadness.
Body Horror is Back in Full Force thanks to films like Titane, The Substance, and Malignant. Grotesque physical transformation is trending. It's not just gore-it's identity horror. This subgenre is ideal for screenwriters who are ready to explore the weird, metaphorical, and uncomfortable.
What's Fading: Home Invasion, Found Footage, and Possession. These staples still exist, but they've become oversaturated in the market. Unless you're adding something wildly new to the format, it's a tough sell. Smile succeeded by twisting possession tropes with a psychological breakdown. The lesson: subvert or elevate.
What Producers are Craving. Fresh voice-driven horror that fits one of three buckets:
Cheap but scary (contained, under 1M budget)
Conceptually fresh (a horror idea no one's seen before)
Horror with a hook + franchise potential (think Talk to Me or M3GAN)
Final Thoughts
Horror isn't going away-it's just mutating. Don't chase trends, but do understand them. The more you know what's rising and falling, the better you can position your own voice.
-Renee
📄 Want a breakdown of subgenres and market trends? 🔐 Download my 2025 Horror Trend Tracker—a visual guide with examples, themes, and producer-friendly formats.
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