As Halloween approaches, sometimes you want a classic movie, but why not hit the theatres and check out what the most recent year of horror has to offer? Horror movies this year have not only redefined the genre but also dominated this year’s box office.
With Ryan Coogler’s Sinners cementing itself in horror history with a whopping $278 million domestically at the box office, this, along with nearly another $100 million internationally, made it the fifth most successful horror film of all time.
This year also saw the return of horror classics, with Final Destination: Bloodlines and I Know What You Did Last Summer, marking a new age for old favorites. The scares don’t stop on the big screen; 2025 streaming audiences also highly anticipated the second seasons of Wednesday and The Last of Us.
This year saw the return of well-known stars, whether reprising a role in a surprise cameo or busy doing press tours; we saw a lot of familiar faces in fresh new stories. However, historically, many famous actresses got their start in horror films, so let’s take a look back on this monumental year of horror and see what the leading ladies of horror stole on the screen this year!
Mia Tomlinson
Released in September of this year, The Conjuring: Last Rites marked the chilling end to a beloved movie series. Mia Tomlinson joined Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga to lead this Conjuring conclusion, the fourth and final in the franchise.
The Conjuring films follow paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Wilson and Farmiga throughout the entire franchise. While obviously a scary story, The Conjuring franchise is recognized for the chemistry and warmth from its two main leads. The love between the Warrens on–screen contrasts with the frightening visuals, comforting audiences, and exposing an emotional side to the films.
Starring as their daughter, Judy Warren, Tomlinson embodied the emotional depth of the series and demonstrated why she’s a name to know, truly having a breakout role in this film.
You can see more of Tomlinson’s work in the Netflix original The Lost Pirate Kingdom and BritBox original The Beast Must Die. She worked in movie production before joining the film, proving she’s just as skilled behind the camera as she is in front of it, and I’m inspired by her story and drive to be a part of the industry.
Showcasing her talent in this film, being able to keep up with iconic characters, and carry the emotional weight of this long-awaited conclusion, Tomlinson has shown herself as a leading lady, and while she hasn’t announced her next project, I’m sure this film will carry her to a promising career.
addison Rae
Throughout the past five years, Addison Rae has experienced an extreme amount of publicity, both for her own personal talents and the following of her family, leading her to become one of the most recognizable faces of modern pop culture.
What started as casual TikTok content turned her into an internet sensation; she’s amassed nearly 90 million followers, making her one of the most popular creators on the platform.
2025 has been a revolutionary year for Rae, as she’s been reinventing her brand. Releasing her first studio album, Addison, this summer, she’s made her way into the music industry, previously collaborating with GRAMMY Award Winner Charli xcx on a deluxe edition of her album BRAT.
The new age of Addison Rae doesn’t stop there. This year, she appeared in the third installment of the Monster anthology from Ryan Murphy, Monster: The Ed Gein Story. Rae appears in episode three of the season, titled “The Babysitter,” where she plays Evelyn Hartley, a babysitter that Ed Gein kidnaps and kills in his home.
There was little information about Hartley and her connection to the Gein murders, yet Rae showcased her humility by doing research and making the role her own. Clips of Rae’s portrayal of Hartley have quickly circulated on the internet, and she detailed her experience of playing a real-life character whose life ended tragically in an interview with Tudum by Netflix.
While many question Rae’s place in media and pop culture, her performance in Monster: The Ed Gein Story shows she’s able to carry a serious storyline, bringing her insight to a performance that balances emotion and sparks conversation.
Chase Sui Wonders
2025 marked the return of the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise, after a 28-year hiatus, and many feared that the reboot would be bland and ride on the fame of its predecessor. While featuring returners to the franchise as an homage to old fans, the film took on a refreshing take while still respecting the source material and continuing the story, and much of that freshness is credited to Chase Sui Wonders.
Wonders plays Ava Brucks, a college student haunted by guilt and secrets after witnessing a tragic accident with her group of friends during their summer together — a modern update on the cult classic’s original premise.
Previously featured in A24’s Bodies Bodies Bodies, Wonders brings a sharp, self-aware energy to every project she takes on. In the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, she carries her witty delivery, yet balances sincere dramatics, providing a genuine story and making her stick out in this ensemble cast. She’s able to make the role her own, grounding the film’s slick scares with an emotional realism that keeps audiences hooked.
Wonders makes this final girl’s story vulnerable, allowing audiences to connect with it on screen, making I Know What You Did Last Summer not just another reboot — it’s a reinvention, and Wonders stands at its center. Also featured in this year’s Emmy Award-winning The Studio, this year has shown that across her work, Wonders has carved out a distinctive voice: clever, unpredictable, and hauntingly modern.
All in all, 2025 has been a revolutionary, genre–bending year for horror, from reimagined classics to bold new stories. This year will be remembered for its rich storytelling and immersive production that brought these stories to life. These actresses are more than just scream queens, so be sure to keep these names on your radar, and I hope to see you at the movies!
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