7 queer horror films you may have already missed in 2025

‘Dead Mail’

Dead Mail is a true oddity of a film, and I mean that in the very best way possible. It feels less like a movie that was released and more like one that was discovered somewhere, tucked away on a dusty, hidden shelf.It follows a host of characters and revolves around a bloody piece of mail that shows up in the lost mail department of a small town post office. Jasper (Tomas Boykin), the post office’s investigator, begins tracking down leads. If he’s successful in putting the pieces together, they’ll lead him to a grisly discovery set in the world of competitive synthesizer building. Yes, competitive synthesizer building. It's a story about loneliness and obsession, and it’s queer in every sense of the word. The definition of a hidden gem.

‘Fréwaka’

Fréwaka is another wonderfully unique film. This folk horror outing from writer-director Aislinn Clark, delivered largely in the Irish language, follows a lesbian named Shoo (Clare Monnelly) who, fresh off the passing of her mother, takes a job caretaking for an ailing woman (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who’s convinced that the fae folk are trying to break into her home.

While at first adversarial, the two women grow closer, bonding over their shared history of trauma. As such, when Shoo begins to suspect that there might indeed be something ancient and evil in the basement trying to get in, it’s not immediately clear if this is a supernatural horror or a case of folie à deux. Lesser films would leave the answer frustratingly ambiguous, while this one blessedly chooses a side and leaves audiences with a haunting climax that is equal parts chilling, aching, and inevitable.

‘Clown in a Cornfield’

Proving once again that queer horror can also just be a ton of fun, Clown in a Cornfield is a classic teen slasher that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly queer. This film is based on the first volume in the popular book series by Adam Cesare and follows Quinn (Katie Douglas), a teen who moves from the city to the small town of Kettle Springs, Missouri. Once there, she begins making new friends and is excited for a fresh start in the flyover states. Things take a turn, however, when she and her friends find themselves the target of Frendo the Clown, the town's former mascot, who’s picking off teens in a string of gruesome killings. You know, classic slasher stuff.

Why is it on this list? Well, it features a queer twist that I won't be spoiling, but I can confirm that it's meaningful to the plot of the film!

Clown in a Cornfield is currently in theaters and heading to digital on June 10.

‘Companion’

Companionmade waves when it hit theaters in January, and if you missed it, now’s a great time to circle back on this darkly funny take on modern dating. The film centers on a group of friends spending a weekend together at the lake house of one of their rich (and shady) pals. Following a fatal incident, it quickly becomes clear that no one there is quite who they seem and the love stories between each of the couples are tested — and their truths revealed. The film stars Harvey Guillén and Lukas Gage as one of the couples and, frankly, they steal the show.

Companion is streaming now on Max.

‘The Parenting’

The Parenting proves that the only way introducing your partner to your parents can be any more terrifying is to have the proceedings crashed by a thousand-year-old demon. In this star-studded (I’m talking Edie Falco, Lisa Kudrow, Dean Norris, and Parker Posey) horror comedy, Nik Dodani and Brandon Flynn star as a couple who invite their respective parents for a weekend of getting to know one another.

Think Meet the Parents but make it gay and add a lot more ectoplasm — and a naked Brian Cox — and what you end up with is The Parenting.

‘There's a Zombie Outside’

There's a Zombie Outside may have flown under your radar, but this very queer — textually and subtextually — film focuses on a gay filmmaker (Ben Baur) whose reality begins to blur as a monster from his film begins creeping around at the edges of his reality, while he and his boyfriend and their friends are away at a cabin retreat.

Metaphors for queerness, identity, and artists' struggles abound in this indie horror film. So if you like horror packed with theme and symbolism, this is a must-see. Plus, it features a cameo from drag legend Peaches Christ!

There's a Zombie Outside is available to rent on Prime Video.

‘Bloody Axe Wound’

OK, I admit it, this last selection is a bit of a cheat. Not because it isn't queer (it is very queer) and not because it isn't a solid horror comedy (it is), but because it technically hit Shudder on December 27, 2024. But I’m making the call and including it here anyway because it's just over the line and likely got lost in the holiday season shuffle. It's also great, and sapphics deserve nice things, too!

Bloody Axe Wound follows Abbie Bladecut (Sari Arambulo), the daughter of a slasher killer (Billy Burke) who, as dad’s health begins to fade after one too many resurrections, has been tapped to take his place. There's just one problem: she's already fallen in love with Sam (Molly Brown), one of the nubile teens she’s tasked with killing as part of her initiation.

It's quirky and sweet and perfectly blends the queer coming-of-age genre with a supernatural slasher. It’s a strange combo, but it just works.

Bloody Axe Wound is streaming now on Shudder.

And with that, this week’s Creepy Kiki is adjourned! I’ll be back with more highlights on queer horror next week. In the meantime make sure you like and follow us on YouTube for more queer news and pop culture content.