Get ready, horror fans! Spooky season is officially gearing up, and AMC is pulling out all the stops with the return of its beloved "FearFest." This isn't just a few scary movies sprinkled in; we're talking over 650 hours of pure genre bliss, spanning iconic franchises, brand-new series, and special programming across both AMC and AMC+ throughout the entire month of October.
And who better to guide us through this month-long carnival of frights than our "HalloQueen" herself, Janelle Monáe? Returning for her second year, Monáe is more than just a host; she's a genuine horror enthusiast. You'll catch her sharing her passion for the genre, her favorite thrillers, and her deep knowledge of all things spooky in the social campaign. Plus, she's curated a special collection on AMC+ titled "FearFest Favorites by Janelle Monáe," featuring gems like The Birds, Carrie (1976), Child's Play (1988), Halloween (1978), The Others, Psycho, and Vertigo, among others. As Monáe puts it, "Halloween is a time to investigate fears, transform them, and celebrate the unknown." It's a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of FearFest – honoring the classics while championing bold new voices.
What can you expect in terms of programming? Prepare for a deep dive into some of the most legendary horror franchises. We're talking full-blown marathons of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Final Destination. Stephen King fans, rejoice! The library is extensive, featuring It (2017), the original IT mini-series, The Shining (celebrating its 45th anniversary!), and Misery (marking its 35th anniversary).
But it's not all about the classics. FearFest 2025 is also bringing new blood to the scene. Get ready for new episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and an all-new series in the Anne Rice Universe, Talamasca: The Secret Order. And for those who love a good, ghoulish holiday special, The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs is set to deliver a FearFest double feature screening of A Nightmare on Elm Street and Freddy vs. Jason.
Beyond the franchises and new series, AMC has cooked up some seriously fun themed marathons. Get ready to "Fear the '80s" with films like Silver Bullet, Christine, and Poltergeist, or dive into a "Creature Feature" with Tremors, Lake Placid, and Pet Sematary. It's a carefully curated lineup designed to keep you on the edge of your seat all month long.
For those who like to plan their scares, AMC has released a detailed schedule. Kicking off on Wednesday, October 1st, with a Halloween marathon featuring Halloween 4, Halloween 5, the original Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), and Halloween III: Season of the Witch, the momentum builds from there. We've got dedicated days for Friday the 13th (including a whopping 12 films on Saturday, October 4th!), A Nightmare on Elm Street, and even a special Freddy vs. Jason showdown. And don't forget the Final Destination marathon on October 11th and the "Fear the '80s" marathon on October 12th.
Remember, you can catch many of these terrifying treats on AMC all October long. Plus, for those who want to stream on demand, a significant portion of the FearFest lineup will be available on AMC.com with a cable login or by subscribing to AMC+.
So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a month of unforgettable horror. FearFest 2025 is shaping up to be an absolute must-watch for any genre fan.
