Fantastic Fest 2025: Get Ready for 70+ Jaw-Dropping Genre Films

Fantastic Fest 2025: The Wildest Films to Watch AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 - As the most fantastic time of year approaches, io9 is gearing up for a week of unconventional cinema at Fantastic Fest, one of the world's premier genre film festivals. With over 70 feature films showcasing the weirdest and most out-there movies from around the globe, attendees face a daunting task: choosing which ones to watch. According to Germain Lussier, io9's resident expert on all things Fantastic Fest, "Every single movie sounds awesome, but that's exactly what makes it so difficult." Lussier, an attendee for over 15 years, has developed a unique system to pick out the most compelling films. "I go through the entire list of feature films and read about every single one," he explains. "Then I rank them based on what I think io9 readers will be interested in." This year's lineup boasts some big names, including horror sequel Black Phone 2 and streaming anthology VHSHalloween. However, it's the lesser-known gems that often steal the show at Fantastic Fest. Lussier highlights a few of his top picks: "Dolly," a film about a woman who discovers she has the ability to bring people back from the dead; "The Last Memory," a sci-fi epic set in a world where memories can be transferred from one person to another; and "Carnage," a horror-comedy that promises to deliver laughs and screams in equal measure. Fantastic Fest's focus on showcasing the weird, wild, and wonderful has made it a haven for fans of genre cinema. The festival's programming director, Tim League, notes, "We're not just about showing the biggest blockbusters or the most mainstream films. We want to give our audience something new, something different, and something that will leave them talking long after the credits roll." As attendees prepare for a week of non-stop screenings, panels, and parties, Lussier offers some advice: "Don't be afraid to take risks and try something new. That's what Fantastic Fest is all about." With its reputation for showcasing the most innovative and daring films from around the world, this year's festival promises to be one for the ages. Background and Context Fantastic Fest has been a staple of the genre film scene since 2005, attracting fans and industry professionals alike with its unique blend of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, with attendance numbers increasing steadily each year. Additional Perspectives Industry insiders praise Fantastic Fest for providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their work. "Fantastic Fest is one of the few festivals that truly understands what audiences want," says filmmaker Jordan Peele, whose Get Out premiered at the festival in 2017. "It's a place where you can take risks and push boundaries without fear of judgment." Current Status and Next Developments As Fantastic Fest 2025 gets underway, attendees are eagerly anticipating the screenings, panels, and parties that will make this year's event unforgettable. With its reputation for showcasing the wildest and coolest films from around the world, this year's festival promises to be one for the ages. Next Developments io9 will be providing live coverage of Fantastic Fest 2025, with daily updates on the most talked-about films, panels, and events. Follow io9 on social media for the latest news and behind-the-scenes peeks at the festival. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*