Prepare to dive into the world of cinema, where an unexpected horror gem has captured the attention of a legendary filmmaker. John Waters, the Pope of Trash himself, has spoken, and his choice for one of the best films of 2025 might just surprise you!
In his annual film roundup for Vulture, Waters revealed an unusual favorite: 'Final Destination Bloodlines'. This horror sequel, a bold and twisted take on the iconic franchise, has earned its place as Waters' second-favorite film of the year. But here's where it gets controversial... Waters describes it as "the best sequel to the coolest cinematic franchise ever." Imagine that!
"Ferocious, fractured, and filled with scary surprises, this film transcends the trash genre and enters a new realm of exploitation art," Waters exclaimed. And this is the part most people miss: exploitation art is a bold and often controversial movement, pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable on screen. It's a bold statement, and one that has sparked debate among film enthusiasts.
But Waters' list doesn't stop there. He also praised films like 'Eddington', a satirical pandemic western thriller by Arti Aster, which topped his list with a strong recommendation: "If you don't like this film, I hate you." Now, that's a bold statement!
Other notable mentions include 'Oslo' trilogy, 'Sirāt', 'Sauna', 'Room Temperature', 'Misericordia', 'When Fall Is Coming', 'My Mom Jayne', and 'The Empire'. Each of these films offers a unique and thought-provoking experience, showcasing the diversity of cinema in 2025.
In 'Final Destination: Bloodlines', a college student, plagued by a violent nightmare, embarks on a mission to save her family from a gruesome fate. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, with a script by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, the film stars an impressive cast including Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, and the late Tony Todd.
The sixth installment in the 'Final Destination' franchise has not only become the highest-grossing entry in the series, with over $315 million at the box office, but it's also sparked excitement for a sequel. With Michiel Blanchart in talks to direct, the future of this franchise looks even more thrilling.
So, what do you think? Is 'Final Destination Bloodlines' a worthy addition to the horror genre? And will the upcoming sequel live up to the hype? Let's discuss in the comments! Waters' choice has certainly sparked some interesting conversations, and we'd love to hear your thoughts on this unexpected horror favorite.
