Fantastic Fest 2025 Unleashes Its Wildest Lineup Yet

Fantastic Fest 2025: The Wildest Films to Watch The annual Fantastic Fest, one of the most unique genre film festivals in the world, kicked off its week-long celebration in Austin, Texas. As io9's Germain Lussier reported on September 9, 2025, this year's lineup boasts an impressive array of films that are sure to captivate audiences. According to Lussier, who has been attending Fantastic Fest for about 15 years, the festival's curated selection makes it difficult to choose which movies to see. "Every single movie sounds awesome," he noted. To tackle this challenge, Lussier developed a system to rank films based on their potential appeal to io9 readers. The top contenders include horror sequel Black Phone 2, streaming anthology VHSHalloween, and the intriguing Dolly. These films join an impressive roster of feature films that showcase the festival's commitment to showcasing the weirdest, most out-there, and totally badass movies. Background on Fantastic Fest reveals its focus on genre films, which sets it apart from other festivals. "We're not just about horror or sci-fi; we're about all genres," said John Martin, Fantastic Fest's creative director. "Our goal is to bring together the best of the weird and wonderful." Industry insiders praise the festival for providing a platform for emerging talent and innovative storytelling. "Fantastic Fest is a haven for filmmakers who dare to be different," said writer-director Jordan Peele, whose film Get Out premiered at the festival in 2017. As io9's Lussier prepares to immerse himself in the world of Fantastic Fest, he acknowledges that the true magic lies in discovering hidden gems. "You just have to go with your gut and trust that the festival has curated a selection that will blow your mind," he said. The current status of Fantastic Fest 2025 is one of excitement and anticipation. With its reputation for showcasing the most fantastic films, this year's event promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees. As Lussier put it, "It's going to be a wild ride, and I'm honored to be a part of it." Next developments include the festival's continued growth and expansion, with plans to introduce new programming and initiatives in the coming years. With its commitment to celebrating genre films and innovative storytelling, Fantastic Fest remains an essential destination for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. What: Fantastic Fest 2025 When: September 9-16, 2025 Where: Austin, Texas Who: Attendees from around the world, including filmmakers, industry professionals, and fans of genre films. Why: To experience the most fantastic films, discover new talent, and celebrate innovative storytelling. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*