We selected our 13 favorite candidates for the Dark Side of the Screen screening & discussion series: the best, most provocative, and most discussion-worthy (non-mainstream) horror, thriller, and noir films of 2025. Festival and international films from the previous year were eligible if they were distributed in the United States in 2025. 2025’s festival and international films were likewise eligible, even if they have not yet reached distribution.

Co-authored by Julia Compton and Mike Dillon

Honorable Mentions: BEAST OF WAR / BIRTHRITE / DANGEROUS ANIMALS / FREAKY TALES / IN VITRO / INFLUENCERS / IT FEEDS / KILLING FAITH / LURKER / PRESENCE / SERPENT’S PATH / THE SURFER

#13. MISSING CHILD VIDEOTAPE

#12. DUST BUNNY

#11. SURVIVE

#10. 40 ACRES

#9. GAZER

#8. EXIT 8

#7. IT ENDS

#6. HALLOW ROAD

#5. THE SHROUDS

#4. THE PLAGUE

#3. THE UGLY STEPSISTER

#2. THE THINGS YOU KILL

#1. GOOD BOY

*****