10 Must-Watch Horror Movies from SXSW You Shouldn’t Miss

From eerie body horror and loyal dogs to terrifying creatures and murderous clowns — these are the standout horror titles that took South by Southwest by storm.
By Rafael Motamayor | March 18, 2025

The South by Southwest Film Festival has wrapped up once again, delivering a slew of fresh debuts, long-anticipated premieres, and surprising hits that had crowds in Austin, Texas, cheering for more than just barbecue. While SXSW may not carry the same awards-season prestige as some other festivals, it has consistently introduced genre films that go on to win over audiences everywhere. In fact, movies like Everything Everywhere All at Once, Don’t Breathe, The Cabin in the Woods, and A Quiet Place all made their debuts at SXSW before becoming household names.

This year was no exception, with the festival presenting an exciting mix of international films, different genres, and bold new voices making waves in the world of horror. Here are the most talked-about horror and genre films from SXSW that deserve a spot on your must-watch list.

Good Boy (2025)

Imagine a haunted house horror film — but told from the perspective of a dog. That’s the premise of Good Boy, and while it sounds simple, this movie manages to be both terrifying and heartwarming. At the center is Indy, an extraordinary canine actor who brings emotion and depth to the story. Through Indy’s eyes, we see fear, confusion, determination, and courage as he faces supernatural threats to protect his human companion. Even though it leans on familiar horror tropes, Good Boy introduces enough clever twists to feel unique and unpredictable.

Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting described it as “a heartbreaking portrayal of how terrifying the unknown can be for a dog whose world has suddenly been turned upside down.”

Clown in a Cornfield (2025)

Director Eli Craig, best known for Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, returns with Clown in a Cornfield — a gruesome yet fun YA horror film that caters to both teens and adults. Based on Adam Cesare’s popular novel, the film follows a teenage girl hoping to start fresh in a quiet town, only to find herself caught in growing tensions between the youth and local authorities — plus a homicidal clown targeting local teenagers. Like Fear Street, this movie offers bloody, creative kills and smart social commentary alongside relatable, well-developed characters.

As Matt Donato from Daily Dead put it: “It’s the perfect gateway horror for emerging fans — many teens’ first brutal slasher ride — and that’s awesome.”

We Bury the Dead (2024)

Think zombie films are overdone? Think again. We Bury the Dead reinvents the genre with a fresh and dramatic approach. Starring Daisy Ridley, the film follows a woman working in a body recovery unit after a military experiment devastates Tasmania. Reports of corpses reanimating give her hope that her husband might still be alive. Writer-director Zak Hilditch blends horror with poignant drama, offering moments of humanity even among the undead. This inventive zombie story deals with grief, hope, and letting go.

Josh Hurtado from ScreenAnarchy praised it, saying: “Daisy Ridley’s commanding performance brings weight to this gritty, unexpectedly bloody film.”

Death of a Unicorn (2025)

In his directorial debut, Alex Scharfman delivers a wild, creature-filled horror-comedy. Drawing clear inspiration from Jurassic Park, the film stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car on the way to a family retreat. But the unicorn’s furious parents launch a brutal revenge mission. Death of a Unicorn is over-the-top fun, with outrageous creature designs and a clear message wrapped in B-movie charm.

Alec Bojaland of Den of Geek wrote, “If it’s possible to use a unicorn horn in a ridiculous way, this film tries it. That dedication earns it a solid place in the B-movie hall of fame.”

Hallow Road (2025)

What lengths would you go to for your child? That’s the question haunting two parents who receive a late-night call from their daughter after she hits someone on a forest road. Racing to the scene, they encounter chilling revelations and face tensions that threaten to tear their family apart. Director Babak Anvari, known for Under the Shadow, crafts a tense, one-location thriller with standout performances by Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys. The slow-burn story delves into folk horror territory, making it a perfect future Halloween staple.

James Preston Poole from ButWhyTho noted, “Anvari’s confined, two-character descent into darkness leaves viewers breathless. The journey itself is worth every moment.”

Drop (2025)

Christopher Landon brings his trademark horror-comedy style to Drop, a taut thriller reminiscent of Disturbia and Red Eye. The film follows Meghann Fahy, who plays a widowed mother trapped in a disastrous first date scenario after receiving chilling, anonymous messages on her phone. As she pieces together the mystery, the tension escalates. The film balances humor and horror with stylish direction and a gripping narrative.

Variety’s Siddhant Adlakha described it as “a clever, pulpy mystery that skillfully blends tech paranoia and fear of abuse into a gripping, entertaining ride.”

Slanted (2025)

Slanted is a biting satire on race and assimilation, paired with intense body horror. The film centers on Joan Huang, a teenage girl striving to become Prom Queen and achieve the “ideal” American beauty standard. In her desperation, she undergoes a radical transformation that changes how others perceive her, leading to chilling consequences. Director Amy Wang delivers a powerful commentary on identity and self-acceptance, capped off with an unforgettable horror finale.

Kate Sánchez from ButWhyTho wrote, “This film uses genre to explore lived experiences in an honest, messy, and deeply moving way.”

It Ends (2025)

Director Alexander Ullom’s debut It Ends is an existential horror film that examines friendship and adulthood. Four friends find themselves on an endless road trip as they contemplate their futures, only to be confronted by desperate strangers and impossible dangers on a road with no exit. The film uses its surreal premise to explore themes of change, uncertainty, and the fear of growing apart.

Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com highlighted its strength, saying, “Anchored by four charismatic leads and a concept that wisely avoids over-explanation, this film stands out.”

Redux Redux (2025)

Time loops and parallel universes can be tricky, but Redux Redux gets it right. The movie follows a grieving mother who travels through multiple realities to repeatedly avenge her daughter’s murder, losing herself in the process. With creative set design and relentless pacing, this sci-fi thriller manages to feel epic despite its indie roots, delivering both gore and emotional depth.

Mary Beth McAndrews of Dread Central praised it, calling it “a visceral, imaginative film that pushes its high-concept premise to thrilling extremes.”

Ash (2025)

Blending psychological terror with eerie visuals, Ash (2025) tells the story of a man trapped in a nightmarish simulation, haunted by past choices and strange visions. As he tries to escape, the lines between reality and hallucination blur. Director Lee Cronin creates an atmospheric slow-burn that leaves viewers questioning everything.

According to Collider’s Chase Hutchinson, “Endgame taps into deep fears of regret and isolation, wrapping them in surreal horror that sticks with you long after.”