Get ready to sleep with the lights on, because November 2025 is shaping up to be a spine-chilling month for horror fans! From alien prequels to biblical horror, this month’s lineup is as eclectic as it is terrifying. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a movie about Jesus’s teen years starring Nicolas Cage actually be scary? Let’s dive in and find out.
Welcome to Horror Explorer, your go-to guide for the month’s most haunting movies, series, books, and more. I’m William Earl, Variety’s executive digital director and resident horror aficionado. If you’ve got a spooky recommendation, send it my way at wearl@variety.com—I’m always on the hunt for next month’s frights.
Marquee Madness
‘Predator: Badlands’ (In theaters Nov. 7) — Elle Fanning takes center stage in this highly anticipated prequel to the Predator franchise. Fresh off the success of Predator: Killer of Killers, director Dan Trachtenberg (the mastermind behind 2022’s Prey) delivers a gripping tale of a young Predator fighting for survival. But here’s the twist: is this just another action flick, or does it truly belong in the horror genre? You decide.
‘Keeper’ (In theaters Nov. 14 via Neon) — Oz Perkins is back with his second film of the year, and it’s a far cry from the dark humor of The Monkey. Starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland, Keeper is a paranoia-soaked thriller shrouded in mystery. The impressionistic teasers have left fans guessing, but one thing’s for sure: this isn’t your typical horror flick. And this is the part most people miss—Perkins’ unique style might just redefine what horror can be.
Off the Beaten Path
‘The Carpenter’s Son’ (In theaters Nov. 14 via Magnolia Pictures) — Nicolas Cage as Joseph? A young Jesus (played by Noah Schnapp) battling Satan? This horror-comedy hybrid is as wild as it sounds, and somehow, writer-director Lotfy Nathan pulls it off. But here’s the controversial question: does blending sacred stories with horror cross a line, or is it a genius twist on tradition?
‘Zodiac Killer Project’ (In theaters Nov. 21 via Music Box Films) — Charlie Shackleton’s Sundance standout isn’t your typical true crime documentary. Instead of rehashing the Zodiac Killer’s crimes, Shackleton uses the case to explore the genre itself. It’s a meta masterpiece that’ll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about true crime. But is it horror? That’s up for debate.
Killer Series
‘The Creep Tapes’ (Season 2) (Streaming on Shudder Nov. 15) — Mark Duplass returns as the delightfully deranged Peachfuzz in this anthology series. With bite-sized episodes, it’s the perfect fix for those still craving spooky season vibes. But be warned: this isn’t for the faint of heart.
Bloodcurdling Books
‘The Place Where They Buried Your Heart’ by Christina Henry (Out Nov. 4 via Berkley) — What happens when a house eats a child? Years later, Jessie seeks answers in this slow-burn haunted house novel. Henry’s focus on character makes the horror feel all too real. Perfect for fans of atmospheric dread.
‘Bones of Our Stars, Blood of Our World: A Novel of Terror’ by Cullen Bunn (Out Nov. 11 via Gallery Books) — Marvel Comics’ Cullen Bunn brings his storytelling prowess to this chilling tale of a Southern town under siege. After a suspected serial killer is arrested, the residents must fight back against an evil force. It’s a fast-paced read with vivid details that’ll keep you up at night. But here’s the question: can a small-town horror story still feel fresh in 2025?
Final Thoughts
November 2025 is a horror lover’s dream, but it’s also a month that challenges the boundaries of the genre. From sacred stories turned scary to meta true crime docs, this lineup is sure to spark debate. So, what do you think? Is horror better when it sticks to tradition, or does it thrive on breaking the rules? Let me know in the comments—I’m all ears (and so are the monsters under your bed).
