Latest news with #Barbarian
Tom's Guide
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
One of my favorite horror movies just landed on Netflix — and it's already crashed the top 10
When you've seen as many horror movies as I have, it's rare to find one that I can't spot where it's going from a mile away. That doesn't mean I enjoy them any less, of course, but when one defies my expectations — not in a cheap way either, but with genuinely chilling twists — I have to sound the alarm to other horror fans that this is one worth watching. That's the case with "Barbarian," Zack Cregger's haunting horror thriller and first solo directorial debut. "Barbarian" just landed on Netflix this week (June 1) after leaving Hulu, and it's already jumped to the No. 3 spot in the streamer's top 10 movies list. "Black Mirror" actress Georgina Campbell proves her scream queen chops alongside horror veterans Bill Skarsgard and Justin Long in a nightmare twist on a home invasion movie. It's a truly unforgettable and disturbing film that takes such a violently sharp turn midway through, it feels like watching two movies fused together, yet it's somehow the better for it. This is a horror movie made for horror movie fans. It's brilliant how Cregger uses casting choices and genre hallmarks to keep you off balance with each shocking new discovery. I'm not alone in thinking that either: In a rare feat for the genre, "Barbarian" earned a 92% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. "Barbarian" is one of those horror films you're best going into blind, but if you need a bit of convincing before dedicating your precious streaming time (hey, we get it), then here's all the details you need to know about the latest hit horror movie on Netflix. The premise is deceptively simple: A young woman named Tess Marshall (Campbell) travels to Detroit for a job interview only to find her Airbnb has been double-booked. Its location couldn't be more of a red flag either, surrounded by a decaying, nearly abandoned neighborhood. Her unexpected roommate Keith seems harmless enough, but since he's played by Bill Skarsgård (aka Pennywise in the "It" films), horror fans are bound to eye him with suspicion from the jump. Despite the alarm bells going off in her head, Tess decides to stay the night. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Naturally, things spiral from there. The pair stumble upon a hidden basement passage that leads to a maze of underground tunnels filled with chains on filthy mattresses, surveillance cameras, and blood-streaked walls. As disturbing of a picture that paints, it's the discovery of a monstrous woman lurking in the depths that turns their uneasy stay into a full-blown nightmare. Another big name in horror — Justin Long, best known for "Jeepers Creepers" and "Tusk" — also joins the fray in a way I won't spoil. Let's just say, Keith and Tess realize they're far from the first to uncover the house's horrors. It all builds to some of the most stomach-churning scenes I've ever seen in a horror movie, but "Barbarian" doesn't play it completely straight. Beneath the terror lies a sharp, dark sense of humor and twists on what horror fans expect that make the scares that much more chilling. While "Barbarian" employs plenty of classic horror elements that fans will pick up on, the film flips expectations in clever, unsettling ways that will trigger your flight-or-fight instinct as characters race through claustrophobic halls. It's a sharp, unpredictable film (even if you think you know where it's going, trust me, you don't) that balances suspense and terror with bursts of well-timed humor that keep you engaged. It's not without its flaws, of course. The third act meanders a bit, and one big reveal was so zany I struggled to suspend my disbelief even as the action heated up. But even with those gripes, I can confidently say "Barbarian" earns a spot alongside genre standouts like "Get Out" and "Hereditary" as one of the rare modern horror films that genuinely deserves your attention. Don't just take my word for it, though. "Barbarian" nabbed a 92% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences weren't as keen on i,t given its 70% on the Popcornmeter. Slate's Sam Adams called it the "smartest, funniest horror movie in ages" in his glowing review: "'Barbarian's' script thinks through its problems as much as it needs to, and no more: It knows that horror and logic are enemies at heart, and the trick is to make us desire the knowledge of what's behind that door more than we care why it's opened. Its best trick is that there's more than one door. Variety's Peter Debruge said of the director that "the sense of dread he creates is the stuff that the very best horror movies are made of." Not every critic was as sold on Cregger's directorial choices, though. In a review for The Guardian, Benjamin Lee criticized the movie for gesturing at hot-button topics without saying much, describing it as "a defiantly unscary lump of Midnight Madness schlock that gains nothing from showcasing an awareness of the #MeToo reckoning or the damage of gentrification other than box-ticking." Whatever your impression, "Barbarian's" arrival on Netflix couldn't be more perfectly timed. Cregger's next horror film, "Weapons," one of our most anticipated movies of the summer, is set to hit theaters on August 8, so it's the perfect chance to check out the movie that put him on the map. Given that "Barbarian" was both a critical and commercial success, I can't wait to see what twisted tale he's cooked up next. Stream "Barbarian" on Netflix now.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
One Of The Best Horror Movies Of The Decade Has Hit Netflix
Barbarian While horror movies are a dime a dozen, low budgets pursuing high returns, only a select few truly break out into the highest tier of the genre. This is one of those films. Netflix has just landed one of the best horror films of this decade, Barbarian, the 2022 movie directed by Zach Cregger and starring Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgard and Justin Long. It's an unforgettable, horrifying movie that changes direction so violently, I've never experienced anything quite like it. It's practically like two different films stitched together, but it works great. Here's the synopsis, and I would not read any more than that lest it give too much away: 'Traveling to Detroit for a job interview, a young woman books a rental home. But when she arrives late at night, she discovers that the house is double booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the evening, but soon discovers that there's a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest.' Barbarian All I can say past that is that it features stellar performances from Campbell, Long and he's-everywhere-being-creepy-now Skarsgard, who has now played the clown from It and Nosferatu. among other parts. And it's stellar, original work from writer/director Zach Cregger, with the film nabbing a 92% critic score. Barbarian is also worth watching as it can serve as an introduction to Cregger, given that he's on the verge of releasing what appears to be another stellar horror film, at least judging by its trailer. That would be Weapons, out August 8, so still a ways off. That stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin and Toby Huss and has one of the best horror trailers I've seen in recent memory: Past that, Cregger is about to go fully mainstream when he directs a new Resident Evil movie in 2026. No, we are moving past the lengthy (but very profitable!) Milla Jovovich era, and this seems like something that is going to be right up Cregger's alley. I thought I heard he was being pursued for a supernatural Marvel film at one point, but those are just rumors. I have little doubt Weapons will be good, given how well Barbarian went. Definitely check out Barbarian on Netflix now if you haven't, and read nothing else about it past what I'm saying here. You won't regret it. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Clash of Clans' Animated Series Ordered at Netflix
A 'Clash of Clans' animated series has been greenlit at Netflix, Variety has learned. The untitled series is said to follow 'a determined, but in over his head, Barbarian who must rally a band of misfits to defend their village and navigate the comically absurd politics of war.' The show is said to be set in the world of Supercell's 'Clash of Clans' and 'Clash Royale.' Pre-production is now underway. More from Variety Netflix Greenlights Korean Thriller 'The Rat' and Rom-Com 'Lovestuck' Netflix Gets Serious About Kids Gaming With 'Peppa Pig,' 'Sesame Street' and Big Plans for Original IP Netflix Picks Up 'Sesame Street' Worldwide Streaming Rights After Max Deal Ends Fletcher Moules will serve as showrunner, with Ron Weiner ('Arrested Development,' 'Futurama') serving as head writer. Moules previously worked with Supercell on 'Clash of Clans' animated videos for YouTube, which have amassed hundreds of millions of views. ICON Creative Studio will lead animation on the Netflix series. The mobile game 'Clash of Clans' originally launched in 2012, while 'Clash Royale' debuted in 2016. Since then, the two games of have remained wildly popular. They have been downloaded over four billion times with 180 billion hours of gameplay. This is the latest animated series order for Netflix in the past few weeks. Previously, the streamer announced the adult animated comedy 'Mating Season.' That show hails from the same team behind 'Big Mouth,' with the latter series prepping its eighth and final season. Other Netflix animated shows in the works include 'Long Story Short' from 'BoJack Horseman' creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and others from the 'BoJack' team. 'Long Story Short' recently set its main cast, which includes Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, and Nicole Byer. The show will drop on Netflix on Aug. 22. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Clash of Clans animated series coming to Netflix from Futurama writer and Supercell director
Netflix has officially ordered a new animated series based on Supercell's hit mobile games Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, according to Variety. Titled Clash, the series is currently in pre-production. The series follows a determined yet inexperienced Barbarian who must unite a band of unlikely heroes to defend their village, all while navigating the absurd and comical politics of war. Set in the expansive and humorous universe shared by the two games, Clash aims to bring the franchise's fan-favorite characters and whimsical battles to life. Originally released in 2012 and 2016 respectively, Clash of Clans and Clash Royale have remained wildly popular. Together, they have been downloaded more than four billion times, with players logging over 180 billion hours of gameplay. Fletcher Moules, who previously directed Clash of Clans animated videos for YouTube—amassing hundreds of millions of views—will serve as showrunner. Ron Weiner, known for his work on Futurama and Arrested Development, joins the team as head writer. Animation for the series will be produced by ICON Creative Studio. This order adds to Netflix's growing list of animated projects. The streamer recently announced Mating Season, an adult animated comedy from the creators of Big Mouth, which is nearing its eighth and final season. Netflix is also preparing to launch Long Story Short, a new series from BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, featuring voice talents such as Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, and Nicole Byer. That show is set to premiere on August 22.
Tom's Guide
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'Weapons' just took the lead as my most anticipated movie of summer 2025 — here's why
Look, I love a good sequel as much as the next person. I'll definitely be there for 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' I'm curious (and a little nervous) about' 28 Years Later,' and of course I'm going to see 'Jurassic World Rebirth' because dinosaurs are still cool. But with summer 2025 absolutely stacked with sequels, spinoffs, and reboots, it's starting to feel like original stories are getting pushed to the sidelines. That's why 'Weapons' has quietly taken the top spot as my most anticipated movie of the summer. We don't know a ton about it yet, and honestly, that's part of the appeal. It's the latest from Zach Cregger, the writer/director of 'Barbarian' (a.k.a one of the wildest horror surprises in recent memory). And while there's been speculation that 'Weapons' might exist in the same universe, it's not a sequel but instead a self-contained story with new characters, a new mystery, and a completely different tone. That makes it feel fresh, even if there are some connective threads. It's being described as a 'multi-story horror epic in the vein of Magnolia… but scary.' That's all I needed to hear. Maybe it'll be brilliant, maybe it'll be a mess. But either way, I want more movies that take risks. And right now, 'Weapons' feels like one of the boldest bets of the summer. Here's why it's at the top of my list. Horror has always been my favorite genre, so it's no surprise that 'Weapons' immediately caught my eye. But it's not just the genre — it's how this movie presents itself. The first trailer didn't give too much away, which I honestly found refreshing. These days, it feels like most trailers lay out the entire plot beat-for-beat, but 'Weapons' knows how to keep things very mysterious. More than anything, 'Weapons' feels like a breath of fresh, eerie air in a summer packed with franchise fare. Original horror movies (especially ones with big casts and wide releases) don't get nearly as much attention as they deserve. And yet here's a movie with a killer premise and major talent behind it. The setup is simple but chilling: an entire classroom of children vanishes at the exact same time — except for one. But what really has my attention is how confidently this horror-thriller is carving out its own identity. Even with whispers that it may connect to 'Barbarian,' it's not riding coattails, but instead it's forging its own, strange, unsettling path. Warner Bros. Pictures is clearly going all in on 'Weapons,' and it shows. They've launched a cryptic website that unpacks pieces of the story like a digital breadcrumb trail, almost like an ARG, in the spirit of the 'Blair Witch Project' or 'Cloverfield' marketing. There's even a short faux news clip referencing the events of 'Barbarian,' which hints that the two movies might exist in the same universe. Nothing's confirmed, but the connections are fun to spot and they add a layer of intrigue without giving the game away. It's the kind of promo that trusts the audience to lean in and engage, not just sit back and be spoon-fed spoilers. And then there's the cast that adds to this movie's appeal. Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong… this isn't your average horror ensemble. The fact that they signed on tells me this script isn't playing it safe. Cregger, when speaking with Entertainment Weekly, said: 'That mystery is going to propel you through at least half of the movie, but that is not the movie. The movie will fork and change and reinvent and go in new places. It doesn't abandon that question, believe me, but that's not the whole movie at all. By the midpoint, we've moved on to way crazier s*** than that.' Movies like 'Weapons' don't usually get the biggest budget or the loudest campaign, but they're often the ones people end up talking about months later. It's refreshing to see something that isn't just a continuation of something else, and I hope audiences make room for it between all the big-name reboots. Because if we want more original stories, we need to show up for them. So yeah, bring on the dinosaurs and the spies — but I'll be saving my real excitement for the weird little horror epic tucked away in August.
