Horror Movies to Watch: August 2025 Picks Include 'Weapons' & More
More from Variety
'Weapons' Star June Diane Raphael Explains Pantless Premiere Look: 'It's a Little C--y and a Little Horror and a Little Scary'
'Weapons' Horror Film Launches Fortnite Tie-In Event From Warner Bros. After 'Sinners' Success (EXCLUSIVE)
LISTEN: How Noah Hawley and FX Brought 'Alien: Earth' to Life; Kevin Feige Gets Candid as Comic Con Approaches
Marquee Madness'Weapons' (Releasing in theaters on Aug. 8 via Warner Bros.) — Zach Cregger's sprawling 'Barbarian' follow-up is an unpredictable journey into the depths of evil in a small town. Gripping and confident, it's one of the year's best films. Josh Brolin, Julia Garner and Alden Ehrenreich lead a locked-in cast.
Off the Beaten Path'Strange Harvest' (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 8 via Roadside Attractions and Saban Films) — Stuart Ortiz, one half of the duo behind the 'Grave Encounters' films, helms this mockumentary about the search for a serial killer named Mr. Shiny. It's a clever satire of true crime culture with plenty for horror fans to enjoy.
'Witchboard' (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 15 via The Avenue and Atlas Distribution) — A sly remake of the '80s classic, 'The Mask' director Chuck Russell helms this wild tale of a Ouija board gone terribly wrong. Fun kills and a game cast keep things rolling along until a bonkers third act that strives for maximum carnage.
'Hell House LLC: Lineage' (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 20 via Terror Films and Iconic Events) — The fifth and final film in the Abbadon Hotel saga nixes found footage in favor of a traditional feature, but promises even more haunted clown shenanigans and a story that ties the series' threads together.
'The Toxic Avenger' (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 28 via Cineverse) — 'Green Room' director Macon Blair reboots this Troma classic, which is still violent and disgusting, but with a surprisingly soulful lead performance from Peter Dinklage as Toxie. Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood all come to play in this successful take on the character, which — despite a slightly larger budget — is as funny and subversive as the original.
'Jimmy and Stiggs' (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 15 via The Horror Section) — The first film picked up by Eli Roth's new venture, The Horror Section, Joe Begos wrote and directed this sci-fi freakout that is splattered with practical effects. Dark humor and a colorful visual style elevate this story of a man pushed to the brink as he prepares to wage war against aliens.
'Alive in the Catacombs' (Now available to rent at ) — This performance video from rockers Queens of the Stone Age is both beautiful and creepy, as the band performs acoustically arranged songs from their catalogue for the scores of dead surrounding them in the Catacombs. Also recommended: the mini companion documentary 'Alive in Paris and Before,' which delves into the making of the project.
Killer Series'Alien: Earth' (Premiering Aug. 12 on FX) — 'Fargo' and 'Legion' mastermind Noah Hawley is the brains behind this big-budget prequel series, in which a spaceship filled with extraterrestrial evil crashes into Earth. It's a gorgeous, scary series that ranks among the best work in the franchise.
Bloodcurdling Books'How to Survive Camping: The Man With No Shadow' by Bonnie Quinn (Will be released Aug. 5 via S&S/Saga Press) — Quinn is an active writer on the r/nosleep subreddit, and a portion of her work has been adapted into this fun and creative novel. A full narrative disguised as a how-to guide, 'Shadow' follows a woman in charge of a campsite filled with creepy creatures and the dead campers who didn't follow the rules. It's like having a spooky stay at summer camp, even as the season comes to an end.
'The Unseen' by Ania Ahlborn (Will be released Aug. 19 via Gallery) — Ahlborn's creative riff on the haunted child genre takes plenty of unexpected twists and turns. This is the perfect page-turner that is brimming with darkness, and would make a wonderful transition from summertime fluff to a crisp fall read.
'The Possession of Alba Díaz' by Isabel Cañas (Will be released Aug. 19 via Berkley) — Cañas' exorcism story is a gorgeously written tale of a woman in 1765 who goes with her fiancé to his family's mine to avoid a plague. Unfortunately, something even more insidious seems to take control of her. As the story builds, the best material examines the struggle between traditional sorcery and the power of the church.
'The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King's 'The Stand'' edited by Christopher Golden and Brian Keene (Will be released Aug. 19 via Gallery) — A must-have for Stephen King fans, scores of great writers contribute stories set in the world of the author's apocalyptic masterpiece, including S. A. Cosby, C. Robert Cargill, Paul Tremblay and many more. With a King-penned introduction and a hearty 800-page count, Constant Readers will have a ball debating their favorite pieces.
Frightening FestivalsFrightFest London (Aug. 21 – 25, buy tickets here) — The indie horror event is screening many of the year's buzziest festival fare, including the UK premieres of 'The Home,' 'Jimmy & Stiggs,' 'Mother of Flies' and 'Influencers.'
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025
What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geek Girl Authority
20 minutes ago
- Geek Girl Authority
New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on August 5
There are a lot of new books coming out every week. With New Release Radar, I'll help you narrow down the week's new book releases into the titles you should get excited about. This week I have a whopping 14 great new books to share with you, including plenty of fantastic debuts. Read on! August 5 New Book Releases Zomromcom by Olivia Dade When Edie tries to save her neighbor during the first zombie breach in decades, she's shocked to discover he's actually a centuries-old vampire named Max. Protective and brooding, Max insists she stay safe. Edie, however, refuses to sit out the fight. As they team up to stop a deadly conspiracy, their bond deepens, even as the stakes grow higher. Now Edie must decide if love is worth risking everything – even her life. Zomromcom will have readers laughing from the very first sentence. Olivia Dade's new book release has fantastic banter and a great grumpy/sunshine relationship. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on July 29 The Build-a-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver Eli Francis is stuck: at a dead-end job, with an ex he can't forget, and a promotion just out of reach. A disastrous blind date with awkward but charming Peter Park unexpectedly inspires a fake dating scheme for Eli's next article. As their connection grows, Eli must decide what matters more: the truth he's chasing on the page or the love that's unfolding off of it. Bestseller Mason Deaver is back with their adult romance debut. The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is a sweet and steamy queer romance with trans representation. This Kind of Trouble by Tochi Eze In 1960s Lagos, spirited Margaret and British-born Benjamin fall in love, only for long-buried family secrets and Margaret's worsening mental health to tear them apart. Decades later, their grandson begins exhibiting troubling symptoms that echo the past. Soon, the estranged couple must reunite and confront the truths they once buried. This Kind of Trouble is a powerful debut about love, legacy and the intergenerational costs of silence. Tochi Eze is a debut author you'll definitely want to keep an eye on. RELATED: Book Review: Divining the Leaves If Not for My Baby by Kate Golden Clementine Clark swore off love and buried her musical dreams. That is, until she's invited to join Irish megastar Halloran on his U.S. tour as a backing vocalist. Thrust from small-town Texas into the world of sold-out arenas, she's caught off guard by the rush of performing, and by Halloran himself, a poetic and enigmatic rockstar. As the tour unfolds, sparks fly between them, but Clementine must decide if this whirlwind romance is just a fleeting note or something worth holding onto. If you hadn't guessed from the description, If Not For My Baby is inspired by Hozier himself. Kate Golden makes the jump from romantasy to rockstar romance in this real-life fanfic. The Deathless One by Emma Hamm On her wedding day, Jessamine's new husband betrays and murders her, stealing her throne. In death, she strikes a deal with the Deathless One, a cunning god desperate to return to the mortal realm, in exchange for her life and her kingdom. But as they fight side by side to reclaim what was lost, Jessamine finds herself drawn to the god she knows better than to trust. Now she must choose between her people's future and the dark, seductive power of the throne beside him. Emma Hamm's new book release is the start of a unique romantasy trilogy. The Deathless One turns the genre upside down, delivering on its promise of death and vengeance RELATED: Book Review: This Is My Body This Is My Body by Lindsay King-Miller When her daughter Dylan begins having violent, unexplainable fits, single gay mom Brigid must return to the extremist Catholic family she fled years ago. Convinced her daughter is possessed – just like a girl from Brigid's past – she turns to the only person who might help: her estranged uncle, Father Angus. But as Brigid digs into the truth behind a long-ago exorcism and her family's dark secrets, she realizes the real danger may be much closer than she thought. This Is My Body is a gripping, emotionally-charged story about religious trauma, possession and the terrifying bonds of family. Lindsay King-Miller's darkly funny queer horror novel is perfect for fans of Rachel Harrison and Catriona Ward. Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer Evie Sage only wanted a steady job, but somehow ended up as assistant to the kingdom's most feared villain. Between magical chaos, office assassins and a dangerously inconvenient crush on her boss, Evie's new role is anything but ordinary. As a prophecy threatens to unravel everything, she must survive the job – and her feelings – without losing her life or her last shred of dignity. Book three in Hannah Nicole Maehrer's Assistant to the Villain series is already here! Accomplice to the Villain is full of grumpy bosses, snarky frogs and unexpected romance. RELATED: Book Review: Assistant to the Villain Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina Necromancer Azul del Arroyo will stop at nothing to steal her sister's bones back from Death, even if it means defying gods. But the Emissary of Death, tasked with stopping her, finds himself drawn to her instead. As their fates entwine with witches, kings and ancient magic, Azul discovers that Death may not be the only god she must challenge to save the world, and the ones she loves. Swashbuckling, grand, and tragically romantic, Mistress of Bones is an epic, multi-POV fantasy of love, loss and defiance in the face of death. Maria Z. Medina's can't-miss debut is perfect for fans of The Bone Shard Daughter and Six of Crows . Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta Myung and Laleh are keepers of the Whale of Babel, storytellers who live in cosmic devotion to the mysterious Great Wisa. But when Myung escapes into a universe of shifting islands and ancient myths, her journey fractures their bond and unearths long-buried truths. Blending fable, memory and madness, Tashan Mehta asks: in a world built on stories, what truths are worth holding on to? Mad Sisters of Esi presents a dazzling fantasy world where the truth is ever-changing. RELATED: Book Review: The Alchemy of Flowers Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz In post-war San Francisco, a group of food service bots running a ghost kitchen take over their own delivery app. Soon, they become a beloved neighborhood noodle spot. But when mysterious fake bad reviews start flooding in, the bots must track down the saboteur before their hard-earned reputation – and their future – fall apart. Automatic Noodle is a charming new book release perfect for fans of Becky Chambers' Monk and Robot novellas. Annalee Newitz tackles themes of capitalism, identity and community while holding onto cozy vibes. Ghost Fish by Stuart Pennebaker Alison, grieving the loss of her younger sister who drowned at sea, struggles with loneliness in her cramped New York apartment. One night, she encounters a ghostly fish resembling her sister, which becomes her constant companion and protector. As Alison navigates dating, friendship and healing, she must confront whether her sister's presence is holding her back from truly living. Stuart Pennebaker's debut is both a coming-of-age novel and an intense character study. Ghost Fish will quickly pull readers in with its tender meditations on grief, connection and finding life after loss. RELATED: Book Review: Just Emilia The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar In the fading kingdom of Esquaveta, Princess Tullia dreads her arranged marriage to a dreadful prince, especially after falling for a humble apprentice scribe. Desperate to secure the alliance, her father commands the castle's disgraced magician, Anatole, to brew a potion that will force her consent. Once a prodigy and now a laughingstock, Anatole must choose between betraying the princess who still believes in him or risking his last chance at redemption. Louis Sachar, the beloved author of Holes , presents his first adult novel, and his first book since 2015. The Magician of Tiger Castle is destined to become a modern fantasy classic of forbidden love and unexpected magic. The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine Celebrity chef Maria Capello built an empire after the mysterious disappearance of her husband, famed chef Damien Capello. However, she's never spoken about it. 20 years later, she's writing her memoirs and insists they be edited by Thea Woods, a fan who has no idea why she's been chosen. As Thea travels to Maria's remote estate to uncover the truth, she begins suspecting that the rumors – about murder, stolen recipes, and a legendary secret ingredient – might hold more than a grain of truth. The Dead Husband Cookbook is a fast-paced and delightfully twisty read that blends dark humor with sharp suspense. From the first page, Danielle Valentine grabs hold of her readers and never lets go, serving up secrets, scandals and just the right dash of menace. RELATED: Book Review: A Resistance of Witches House of the Beast by Michelle Wong Born a bastard and shunned by society, Alma discovers she's the daughter of a powerful noble bound to the terrifying god known as the Dread Beast. To save her dying mother, Alma sacrifices her arm in a binding ritual, only to lose her anyway and become a pawn in her father's deadly schemes. With the help of the Beast – an eldritch god only she can see – Alma sets out on a path of vengeance to destroy the House that took everything from her. House of the Beast is a dark and gripping fantasy with a twisted romance at its center. Michelle Wong's debut will leave you wanting more in the best way. You can check out these new book releases at or your local bookstore. What August 5 new book release are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and tune in next week to grow your TBR. Book Review: A FAR BETTER THING
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hot spots: Orlando's indoor attractions offer cool-down options
ORLANDO, Fla. — Yes, it's crazy hot outside. But yes, there are options to steaming and standing in line for a ride. Orlando has many indoor attractions to fill the overheated vacation and staycation time. Here are five combo packs that offer direct sunlight only whilst you are moving from the car to the gate. Merlin minds Icon Park offers several 1-2 attractions punches, but consider a stroll through Madame Tussauds Orlando then winding through Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. They're both in the large building at the base of the Orlando Eye, so there would be no heat or rain to fret about in between stops. All three of those attractions are owned by Merlin Entertainments, so there are ticket bundles available. Tussauds features wax-based replicas of famous folks ready for their close-ups and your selfies. A recent addition is a new version of Taylor Swift, one of 13 poses created for Tussauds outlets worldwide. Sea Life is home to creatures such as sharks, turtles, stingrays, jellyfish and seahorses, and the structural highlight is probably the Ocean Tunnel that gives dry landers an all-around look at underwater life. Merlin also runs Sea Life Florida Aquarium, which opened next door to Legoland Florida in Winter Haven earlier this year. More info: and Go: Karts and cars At Dezerland Park, which bills itself as Florida's largest indoor attraction, double up on driving-related activities. The building houses electric Go-Kart courses, including a major hairpin. Nearby is the Orlando Auto Museum with 2,000 vehicles worth $200 million. Some are old and rare, some are big-screen famous and others are just, well, unusual. Those attractions are separately ticketed. There are additional Dezerland options, such as bowling, ax throwing, pinball, laser tag, movie theaters and Jumpstart, which blends sports and trampolining. More info: Old and new tech More than a century ago, the Titanic, a modern sea-going marvel, sank in the Atlantic. Some 200 items (and replicas) from the liner are on display at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, including a formidable chunk of the ship's actual hull. The attraction recently added a black-glass necklace recovered from the ocean floor and thought to be another possible relic from the ship. Tech today allows adventure in a headset. Moving south down International Drive from the Titanic attraction is Sandbox VR, newly opened at Pointe Orlando. The attraction features headsets and full-body motion capture for experiences titled 'Squid Game Virtuals,' 'Amber Sky 2088' and 'Curse of Davy Jones.' More info: and Believe it times 2 It's odd, and that's OK. The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum has a slew of items related to heaven and Earth, including a room devoted to the freak show that is Florida. But there's also movie-making tributes and Feel Far Out, a space section, that shows off a 3,197-pound meteorite as well as a 'Star Wars' lightsaber wielded on screen by Luke Skywalker. Its next-door neighbor is sister attraction Ripley's Mirror Maze, which messes with your mind with reflections (and reflections of reflections) and LEDs that distort the pathway through. Not coincidentally, Ripley's daily cartoon for Monday told us that 'the human brain is less capable of complex decision-making when it's too hot outside.' More info: Escape from I-Drive Two Orlando museums have fresh offerings, though walking between the two would not be recommended this week. The Orange County Regional History Center presents 'Orlando Collected,' a gathering of items related to pop culture, politics, parks and more in honor of the 150th anniversary of the city's founding. This Friday, the downtown museum has a 'lunch and learn' session on the making of the exhibit. Meanwhile, Orlando Science Center (about 2.5 miles to the north in Loch Haven Park) has four levels of exhibits and films plus its current exhibit called 'DC Superheroes: Discover Your Superpowers.' Capes are provided. More info: and _______ Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Brad Pitt achieves record-breaking box office career milestone
Brad Pitt's latest movie, F1, has sped past all of the other movies in the actor's acclaimed filmography to set a new box office record for the Hollywood star. F1, or to be precise, F1: The Movie, has recently surpassed $545m (£410m) at the global box office, higher than what was once Pitt's biggest hit, 2013's World War Z, which achieved $540m (£407m). In addition, filmmaker Joseph Kosinski's F1 also set a record for Apple Studios as it outperformed Ridley Scott's historical epic Napoleon ($221m) and Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon ($158m), to become the company's highest-grossing theatrical release of all time. Pitt, 61, plays the role of veteran driver Sonny Hayes, who returns to the grid after a long absence with fictional team APX GP. Among his other box office hits are Mr and Mrs Smith ($487m), Ocean's Eleven ($450m) and Once Upon a Hollywood ($377m). The Quentin Tarantino-directed Once Upon a Time... also earnt Pitt an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2020. Asides from films in which Pitt had a lead or major role, the only film he has appeared in with a bigger box office revenue than F1 is Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool 2, in which Pitt appeared in a brief cameo role. The film earnt $785m (£591m) at the box office in 2018. F1, of which seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is an executive producer, was released in June to mixed reviews. In a two-star review The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey wrote: 'For a film both produced by and starring (in a brief but pivotal role) Hamilton, and otherwise happily populated by a real who's who of the current F1 scene, Ehren Kruger's script sidelines much of the real skill involved here, all those split-second decisions of when to pit and when to overtake. 'Instead, we're called on to root for Pitt's washed-up veteran Sonny Hayes, an obnoxiously skewed take on Tom Cruise's Maverick who treats the track like his own personal Ben-Hur chariot race.' Despite its impressive box office takings, F1 is still way off the top of the leaderboard when it comes to the biggest films of 2025. Disney's Lilo & Stitch ($1bn/£753m) and Warner Bros A Minecraft Movie ($955m/£719m) both lead the way in Hollywood, with Jurassic World: Rebirth, starring Scarlett Johansson, trailing just behind after earning an impressive $766m (£577m). These, though, pale in comparison to the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2, which has earnt $1.8bn (£1.3bn) worldwide. The majority of its box-office revenue has come from China, although it was also released internationally. An English-language version of the film is now in production, featuring voice work from Michelle Yeoh.
