Hear ye, hear ye! 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the legendary Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, hosted annually by the Alamo Drafthouse. It has become a cornerstone for genre film enthusiasts worldwide. Cinephiles and celebrities enjoy eight days filled with screenings, premieres and lively events. 

Festival attendees can look forward to world premieres of highly anticipated films, epic parties, panels and exclusive chances to see talented performers and filmmakers walking the red carpet. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere and its dedication to showcasing innovative, bold and diverse genre cinema, make it a must-attend event for movie lovers everywhere. 

Fantastic Fest has been a launching pad for some of the biggest movies to debut in the United States. Last year, those included the Palme d’Or winner from Cannes and Oscar-winning Best Picture Anora, the Oscar-nominated The Wild Robot, A24’s A Different Man, the acclaimed documentary Will & Harper and the highly anticipated Christmas horrors of Terrifier 3.

The Black Phone 2

The entire cast and director of Terrifier attended last year, mingling with guests, shaking hands and taking photos. Spencer from Ice Nine Kills was also present, having composed a song specifically for Terrifier 3. Will Ferrell and Harper Steele walked the red carpet and answered questions from influencers. Meanwhile, Elijah Wood was casually walking around, blending in like a regular festival attendee.

The event also features exclusive secret screenings for in-person moviegoers. These special screenings are kept under wraps until the moment you arrive at the theater, creating an exciting surprise element. Last year, the secret screenings included highly anticipated titles such as The Apprentice, Heretic and Better Man, as well as the first two episodes of The Creep Tapes series.

One day, I plan to head to Austin to attend this prestigious event. But until then, I am participating in virtual press screenings again. These virtual screenings usually don’t include all the major films, but I’ve found a wide variety of interesting indie movies while browsing the virtual library. Respati, What Happened to Dorothy Bell and Witte Wieven are the ones I watched and reviewed, and they were incredibly well-made!

The Strangers-Chapter 2

That’s why I’m most excited about the hidden gems this year.

I know the big films are highly anticipated, such as The Black Phone 2, The Strangers: Chapter 2, among others, set to be released soon. However, you should also check out these lesser-known titles that might not be on your radar right now. 

Sometimes, discovering the next big thing can lead to unforgettable experiences, and I genuinely believe these movies will make a significant splash with festival attendees and leave a lasting impression. 

13 Days Till Summer

The most buzzed-about global film is 13 Days Till Summer from Poland. One of my favorite parts of the festival is its focus on international cinema. The poster, which shows a masked killer, immediately grabs my attention. The film follows teenager Antek and his sister, Paula, who are left alone for the weekend in their smart house. When Paula throws a party, things turn deadly as people start disappearing one by one. 

As a horror fan, I’ve found that the scariest movies often come from overseas, so I’m excited about 13 Days Till Summer.

Mother of Flies

Mother of Flies, directed by the Adams Family, is about Mickey, who has terminal cancer. She and her father venture into the woods to meet a healer named Solveig. After exploring her treatment options, they discover Solveig needs Mickey’s help just as much as she needs hers. 

The Adams Family is an American family that’s been pushing boundaries in horror lately. They are a group of indie filmmakers collaborating to create low-budget, DIY gems. I absolutely love their witchy 2021 film Hellbender. They write, direct, shoot, edit and star in all of their projects. Talk about a cool family!

They are known for debuting movies at this festival, and this year is no different.

Shelby Oaks

Originally launched as a Kickstarter campaign, Shelby Oaks, directed by Chris Stuckman, is a found footage film that follows a woman’s obsessive search for her sister, which takes a sinister turn. 

It’s uncommon for a YouTuber to transition from creating online content to appearing on the big screen, but Stuckman has done it. Neon picked up this project earlier this year and added more funding to enhance the production. I enjoy Stuckman’s movie review content, so I can’t wait to see what he’s cooked up for us. 

Obsession

Obsession by Curry Barker is about a guy named Bear who buys a toy that can grant wishes. When he wishes for his crush, Nikki, to love him, it leads to a descent into madness that neither he nor she can control. 

Coincidentally, Barker is another YouTuber who gained popularity. Last year, he made his hour-long horror movie, Milk & Serial, which he uploaded directly to YouTube. His content mainly consists of comedy sketches with his friends and co-creators, similar to The Whitest Kids U’Know. Curry has established himself as a serious filmmaker in the style of Zach Cregger, seeing his comedic background.

Coyotes

Coyotes is from Colin Minihan, the director of one of my favorite found-footage horror movies, Grave Encounters. It features two big names and a real-life couple: Justin Long and Kate Bosworth. 

The story is about, you guessed it, a pack of wild coyotes that threaten to attack the pair in the Hollywood Hills after a sudden wildfire. It’s a survival thriller that combines the danger of home invasion with nature’s unpredictability, with a touch of comedy. I love it when nature fights back, so this has my name all over it!

Beast of War

For all the creature feature fans out there: Beast of War is already making waves. It’s gaining attention because it features a practical shark, which is rare these days in a world saturated with CGI. This World War II thriller follows a group of soldiers stranded in the ocean, hunted by a massive shark. And since it’s based on a true story, it makes the suspense all the more intense!

The great thing about Fantastic Fest is how it showcases big-budget films, while also supporting lesser-known ones. It provides a platform for both independent and studio movies, fostering a sense of belonging and community for all film enthusiasts. 

Additionally, the festival provides numerous opportunities for attendees to deepen their immersion into the world of cinema. This diverse lineup not only showcases the artistic range of filmmakers, but also fosters an engaging atmosphere where fans can connect more closely with the creative process. 

With it being the 20th anniversary of the fest, I can only imagine what treats will be in store for attendees. 

Venture off the beaten path. Explore the film guide to find hidden gems, indie films and lesser-known movies that you might not see on mainstream lists. Discover your next great cinematic find. Supporting the underdog — championing independent filmmakers, small studios and emerging talents — is truly rewarding.

…after all, that is what makes Fantastic Fest “fantastic”.