Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025): A Fresh Air for the Franchise

It all started a quarter of a century ago. This legendary modern horror franchise managed to make a whole generation paranoid about doing many things. Final Destination franchise made people afraid of flying, driving on highways, being behind trucks carrying logs, riding roller coasters, going to swimming pools, crossing bridges, using tanning beds, elevators, escalators—basically, every fear, whether rational or irrational. The last installment, Final Destination 5, came out in 2011. Now, the iconic franchise is back to shake things up with Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025). It took 14 years for the franchise to return and deliver a new round of trauma. But the question is—was the long wait worth it?

As tradition goes, each Final Destination film begins with a massive disaster scene. This time, it takes place in a tall building called Sky View. In 1968, Iris (Brec Bassinger) and her boyfriend Paul (Max Lloyd-Jones) attend the grand opening of the Sky View Restaurant Tower. At the dance party, Iris senses that something is wrong. She gets a premonition that the building is going to collapse. Meanwhile, 56 years later, college student Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) has been having nightmares for the past two months—visions of Iris's premonition. It turns out Iris is her grandmother. Feeling that something is not right, Stefani tries to find her reclusive grandmother and uncovers a huge secret about death that has been waiting to claim the lives of Iris’s bloodline—people who were never supposed to exist.

In this sixth installment, I am glad to say that the film offers something fresh, rather than just repeating the same story formula from the past five films (someone gets a premonition, warns the others, some listen, then the accident happens exactly as predicted, and Death comes back to finish the survivors off in creative ways). The premonition scene is a breathtaking sequence. I have to praise it. It really sets the mood and atmosphere, and it gave me clues that this movie was going to be a banger.

This film feels more complex because it tries to dig into its own mythology. I found myself surprisingly immersed in the story, realizing that the film was trying to be more careful and deliberate in its storytelling. This time, it does not just showcase senseless gore. Instead, it builds the story first—making us care about the characters and understand their emotions. As a result, I genuinely cared about what happened to them, especially since the story focuses on a family rather than a large group of strangers, like in previous films. That’s what makes Bloodlines the most emotional entry in the series for me. The characters trying to save each other actually feels believable this time.

This careful storytelling also affects how the gore scenes feel. To me, there was not a single gory scene that felt empty or pointless. Every death had weight. But that’s not the only fun part. The intense build-up in each sequence adds tension, and I found myself eagerly trying to guess who would die and how. I even started noticing small details that could potentially set off deadly chain reactions. But instead of making me feel prepared, paying attention to everything only increased my anxiety. And when the moment finally came... BOOM. I did not scream. I just sat there with my mouth open. That’s exactly what I want. That’s why I love Final Destination, and this film did its job really well.

I also need to mention Tony Todd’s appearance. He brought his signature charisma in what is said to be his final performance. He should be proud—his return brings new life to the franchise, especially because his character gets a surprisingly deep backstory reveal this time. RIP Tony Todd.

Even though I have praised the story, it is not perfect. But honestly, why should I go on about minor flaws in a film where story was not even my biggest expectation? Final Destination: Bloodlines successfully delivers thrilling entertainment and revives a long-sleeping horror franchise in a cool way. It might not be as traumatizing as the log truck scene from Final Destination 2 (2003) or the tanning bed from Final Destination 3 (2006), but with a more complex plot, I’d say this one is better overall than the previous sequels. FYI, I gave the original film a perfect score—even though nothing in it ever gave me nightmares.

Score: 4 of 5

5 Horror Films that Actually Scared Me

Don’t be surprised if this blog talks a lot about horror movies—after all, I’m a big fan of the genre. I love the thrill of being scared by a movie, even though I’m the kind of person who easily gets frightened. Over the years, I’ve watched so many horror films, ranging from awful to genuinely terrifying ones.

Because I’ve seen so many, I’ve grown familiar with the usual scare tactics. I can often predict when a jump scare will happen or recognize certain clichés like clueless characters making bad decisions. That’s why it’s such a joy when I come across a horror movie that manages to truly frighten me—or at least has one sequence that makes me want to sleep with the lights on.

This time, I’ve put together a list of horror films that genuinely scared me—not just because of one or two creepy moments, but because the whole movie was terrifying. I’ll save the single scary sequences for another list.

1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

When I was a kid, I kept seeing this movie pop up in articles about the scariest horror films ever made. I must’ve read over 100 lists, and this movie was always included. So, I finally decided to watch it—and yes, it was terrifying.

To my surprise, it wasn’t as gory as I’d imagined. The articles I read described it as extremely violent and banned in several countries. But the fear didn’t come from blood or gore—it was how real everything felt. The terror felt so authentic that I couldn’t shake the thought that this could actually happen to me.

There are no over-the-top scenes like severed heads or guts spilling out. The most graphic parts are someone getting hit by a hammer or run over by a car. For someone like me, who’s seen plenty of extreme horror, these scenes are nothing. But the psychological impact? It’s unmatched. Watching Sally run for her life while screaming for help, with Leatherface chasing her, was terrifying. To this day, I haven’t found another horror movie with this level of intensity.

2. The Omen (1976)

What’s so scary about a movie about the Antichrist? From the synopsis, I thought it would be just another typical horror film. But I was completely wrong.

Aside from the strange and creepy stories about the cast and crew being cursed during production, the movie itself is genuinely terrifying. There’s an unsettling vibe throughout the film that got under my skin. It’s not just scary—it’s deeply disturbing. The sense of dread stayed with me long after the movie ended.

3. Anaconda (1997)

This one might not seem surprising. As someone who’s terrified of snakes, watching Anaconda was like living a nightmare.

Now that I’m older, I can see how silly some parts of the movie are. The snake roars, moves impossibly fast after swallowing someone, and defies all logic. But when I watched it as a kid, none of that mattered. Watching the giant snake swallow Jon Voight was terrifying.

Despite the flawed logic, I think the animatronics used in this movie deserve more appreciation. The effects are actually impressive for their time.

4. Pengabdi Setan (2017)

When I was in middle school, I downloaded this movie on YouTube and watched it alone in my room. Big mistake.

The scene where Hendra sees the blurry figure of Ibu standing by the window gave me chills. I was so scared that I ran out of my room. This movie is a great example of what I love in horror—an eerie mystery that plays with your imagination. It’s the kind of fear that stays with you even after the movie ends. If I ever make a list of the scariest Indonesian horror films, this one would definitely be in my top three.

5. Flight 224 (from 4Bia (2008))

I love anthology horror films because they offer a variety of short, unique stories. Usually, not all segments are equally good (or all of them are bad), but the final segment often stands out as the scariest. That’s exactly the case with Flight 224.

This segment taps into fear through guilt and revenge. The setting inside an airplane adds a claustrophobic feeling—you can’t escape, no matter how scared you are. The ending of this segment is brilliant and unforgettable. It still haunts me whenever I think about it.

These are just some of the horror movies that have scared me the most. I’m sure there are more, but these are the ones I remember for now. Maybe I’ll write a part two someday.

If you have recommendations for scary movies—especially ones like those on this list—please let me know. Thanks for reading!

TOP 20 BEST FILMS OF 2024

Hi, everyone! Happy new year! It’s been a really long time since I last wrote on this blog. I know no one really reads this lol, but if you’re here, I’m genuinely happy to have you reading along.

Last year, I started writing an annual list of the best movies I watched. For 2024, I logged 257 films on my Letterboxd account—the exact same number as last year. That total includes rewatches, though, which I hadn’t logged since I first made my account. Out of those 257 movies, 32 were 2024 releases. To compare, that’s more than last year and, luckily, a lot better in terms of quality. Of course, I still ended up watching a few bad or disappointing films like Maxxxine and Trap. But without further delay, here are the 20 best 2024 releases I’ve seen.

Before we jump to number 20, let’s start with two honorable mentions:

• Grave Torture: This Indonesian horror film has a brilliant premise, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to my expectations. Still, I wouldn’t call it a bad film.
• Immaculate: Released close to The First Omen, this film admittedly pales in comparison. While it’s not very scary, it remains intriguing in its own right, featuring what might be Sydney Sweeney’s best horror performance of the year.

20. Speak No Evil | United States | Directed by James Watkins

A remake of the 2022 Danish horror phenomenon, Speak No Evil manages to keep the story compelling while adding a few unique touches. James McAvoy’s performance is a definite highlight. Even though I didn’t like the original, this remake stands out as one of the better modern horror remakes.

19. In A Violent Nature | Canada | Directed by Chris Nash

It’s always fascinating to see a slasher told from the killer’s perspective. While this isn’t entirely original, it still captured my interest—and I ended up enjoying it a lot. That said, its slow pacing might not appeal to everyone. For me, this is one of the best slasher films with this concept, alongside Maniac (2012).

18. Strange Darling | United States | Directed by JT Mollner

At first glance, this seemed like a typical thriller, and I expected nothing more than some tense moments. But halfway through, the film delivered a unique twist that made it not only more intense but downright insane. The two leads also have excellent chemistry, elevating the cat-and-mouse sequences.

17. A Quiet Place: Day One | United States | Directed by Michael Sarnoski

To be honest, this film doesn’t bring anything new to the table. If it hadn’t been made, it wouldn’t have impacted the franchise much. Still, I enjoyed watching it. Once again, Lupita Nyong’o delivers a solid performance, bringing life to the film. But let’s be real—the real star is Frodo, the adorable cat played by Nico and Schnitzel. Admit it: you’d care more about Frodo than Lupita, wouldn’t you?

16. Abigail | United States | Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett

The humor in this film didn’t work for me at all. Compared to the modern Scream duology, this didn’t feel like it was directed by the same duo. But let’s set that aside—this was still a fun ride, especially toward the chaotic final act.

15. Longlegs | United States | Directed by Osgood Perkins

While the slow pacing wasn’t my favorite, this film delivers solid horror with a strong mystery element. Nicolas Cage steals the show, making the opening scene shockingly creepy as his face suddenly appears just before the title card. I actually jumped.

14. Smile 2 | United States | Directed by Parker Finn

Who would’ve thought the sequel would surpass the original? Across the board—from acting to technical aspects—everything feels like an upgrade. And yes, it’s scarier too, though the first film’s final act still haunts me more.

13. The Wild Robot | United States | Directed by Chris Sanders

DreamWorks shouldn’t be underestimated by Disney. The Wild Robot proves that DreamWorks is a force to be reckoned with in modern animation. While I didn’t find it as exceptional as many others did, I appreciated its warmth. A strong contender for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards.

12. Twisters | United States | Directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Wow, this was such a fun watch. The story doesn’t stray far from the original, but I thoroughly enjoyed every tense sequence. It’s the perfect summer movie.

11. The First Omen | United States | Directed by Arkasha Stevenson

The Omen (1976) remains one of the few horror films that genuinely scared me. While I wasn’t terrified by this prequel, it exceeded my expectations with strong storytelling and disturbing imagery—especially that childbirth scene. Nell Tiger Free’s unhinged performance, particularly during the possession scene, is unforgettable.

10. The Shadow Strays | Indonesia | Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

It’s hard to surpass the insanity of The Raid duology, a brutal yet captivating martial arts series that left a mark internationally. The Shadow Strays doesn’t quite reach that level, but it still proudly adds to Indonesia’s lineup of impressive action films. I thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling brutality of its action sequences. Forget the logic of the story, and you’ll find yourself having a great time.

9. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies | Thailand | Directed by Pat Boonnitipat

Thailand should be proud of this film for becoming the country’s first-ever entry to make the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature Film. And honestly, I’m not surprised. This is a well-crafted drama where I felt warmth throughout its story. It didn’t move me to tears, but I could genuinely feel the sadness, especially in the ending. A beautiful film.

8. Dune: Part Two | United States | Directed by Denis Villeneuve

This sequel expands the story to a grander, more epic, and busier scale. I could still feel the cinematic experience, even though I didn’t watch it in theaters. However, compared to Dune (2021), I preferred the first film because this one felt slower to me. Even so, it’s undeniably one of the best films of the year.

7. Inside Out 2 | United States | Directed by Kelsey Mann

No sequel could ever surpass the brilliance of Inside Out (2015)—not even other Pixar films. That said, this is still a good follow-up to an animated masterpiece. The themes feel more personal and slightly more mature, leaving many viewers reflecting on their lives. The only downside is that it lacks the same imaginative spark and storytelling impact as the original. Still, it’s a solid movie.

6. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga | United States | Directed by George Miller

It’s heartbreaking to see this film flop at the box office. If I had lived closer to a theater, I would’ve watched it there. Furiosa is just as fun as Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). The intensity remains intact, and its action sequences are explosive. The only thing missing is the spark that made the previous film extraordinary. If it had that, this might’ve landed in my top three.

5. Anora | United States | Directed by Sean Baker

This Palme d’Or winner felt boring at first, but my opinion took a complete 180-degree turn once the story hit its core. The film is utterly chaotic—in the best way possible. I loved how raw and messy it felt. Mikey Madison was the perfect choice to play Anora, and I sincerely hope she wins an Oscar. And this time, she’s not on fire lol.

4. Harlot’s Prayer | Indonesia | Directed by Hanung Bramantyo

Upon release, this film sparked major controversy. In my opinion, the backlash came from people who felt personally attacked by its message. The film boldly exposes the hypocrisy, chaos, and corruption of important figures in Indonesia. Aghniny Haque’s performance is outstanding, showcasing a seamless transition from an innocent character to a bitchy one. Indonesia needs more films like this—ones that slap us with reality.

3. Alien: Romulus | United States | Directed by Fede Álvarez

This film successfully brings the legendary Alien franchise back to its horror roots. After several entries that shifted from horror to action, Alien: Romulus delivers the terror I felt when watching the original. While Alien (1979) leans toward atmospheric horror, this film blends action with horror as its driving force. I loved Álvarez’s creative sequences and that terrifying final act. Absolutely insane.

2. Civil War | United States | Directed by Alex Garland

After watching 172 Days (2023) last year as my first-ever theater experience, I went back to the cinema in late April 2024—and it was for this film. The experience was incredibly satisfying. I jumped out of my seat multiple times, thanks to its deafening, hyper-realistic sound design. Though not a horror film, it gave me some of the most chilling depictions of civil war. That dead body pit sequence? Easily one of the most nerve-wracking scenes I’ve ever watched. So glad I caught this in theaters.

1. The Substance | France, United Kingdom, United States | Directed by Coralie Fargeat

Body horror isn’t exactly my favorite genre, but I don’t actively avoid it either. The Substance might just become a prime example of how body horror should be done. Its satirical message is brilliantly delivered, criticizing society’s obsession with perfection. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley form a killer duo, giving what I think are the best performances in horror last year. Does this mean I should finally watch another body horror, such as The Fly (1986)? Maybe it’s time to give it a shot.

There are still many 2024 releases I haven’t watched yet, whether due to a lack of time or simply not being interested. Wicked, Blink Twice, and Flow are a few promising films I haven’t gotten to. Thank you for reading this! I hope you’ll keep coming back to my blog. Bye, everyone!

TOP 10 Best First-watch Films of June '24

10. Sing 2 (2021)

This sequel is pure joy. Packed with popular songs, it's bound to put a smile on everyone's face, including me.

9. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

While not as epic as the original, this prequel and spin-off dazzles with its impressive action scenes.

8. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

An intriguing concept turned into a thrilling and intense adventure. 

7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

A fantastic beginning to the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy. It's hard to believe this is just the start of such an amazing series.

6. The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (2005)

This Filipino film feels incredibly real, making me feel like I'm witnessing someone's life story unfold.

5. Children of Heaven (1997)

Despite an unsatisfying ending for me, this film is a powerful motivational story. Iranian cinema continues to impress.

4. Wait Until Dark (1967)

A classic that remains incredibly tense without relying on graphic violence. The gripping dialogue keeps you on edge, and that last 20 minutes was insane.

3. M (1931)

It’s incredible that a film from nearly a century ago can offer such a strong mystery thriller. The acting, storytelling, and cinematography are outstanding.

2. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

An epic conclusion to the trilogy. Andy Serkis makes Caesar feel so real, delivering the most emotional installment in the series.

1. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Yes, all three Planet of the Apes reboot films made my TOP 10 this month. This second film is the best, captivating from start to finish with Andy Serkis' exceptional performance. Simply amazing.

TOP 10 Best First-watch Films of May '24

10. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

A horror crossover that's a mixed bag, but ultimately a fun watch.

9. Sorority Row (2009)

Far from perfect, yet this film moves at a good pace and keeps you entertained. An underrated remake.

8. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

The lead actors deliver excellent performances, even if the film itself is somewhat forgettable.

7. Doctor Sleep (2019)

Mike Flanagan's direction is strong, making this 180-minute (Director's Cut) film engaging, though not particularly astounding.

6. Abigail (2024)

The first act is kinda dull and unfunny, but the film picks up in the middle and maintains a thrilling pace to the end.

5. The First Omen (2024)

As a prequel, it did a good job. This film excels with its scares, thrills, and solid cast performances. One of the year's best horrors.

4. Incendies (2010)

Beyond its mind-blowing twist, this film offers a captivating narrative. Denis Villeneuve deserved recognition from the start.

3. Shrek 2 (2004)

The comedy shines, and as a sequel, it matches or even surpasses the original.

2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

This 159-minute mystery thriller is mesmerizing. Its fast pace makes the lengthy runtime feel short. David Fincher's direction is superb.

1. The Look of Silence (2014)

A chilling documentary that's frightening, shocking, and deeply sad. It's an incredibly brave film. Fantastic!

TOP 10 Best First-watch Films Of April '24

10. Immaculate (2024)

Watching this film with cautious optimism proved fitting. While it didn't surpass my expectations, it held its own as a decent horror flick. Sydney Sweeney's performance added depth to the eerie ambiance of the movie.

9. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

Despite not having seen the original, it's unlikely this remake would overshadow Wes Craven's original work. It stands as a solid example of a well-executed horror remake.

8. Sang Penari (2011)

Prisia Nasution's performance steals the show, elevating the film to new heights. Her portrayal adds a layer of authenticity that enhances the overall viewing experience.

7. Them (2006)

While the theme of home invasion is not new to horror, Them manages to bring a fresh perspective. Despite a slow start, the gripping finale leaves a lasting impact, defying initial expectations.

6. Poor Things (2023)

Emma Stone's portrayal is captivating from start to finish. Her presence dominates the screen, overshadowing other aspects of the film (in a good way).

5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2018)

This tragic drama strikes a delicate balance, leaving a lasting impression without delving too deeply into darkness. The stellar cast and compelling script ensure a memorable viewing experience.

4. A Ghost Story (2017)

A pleasant surprise that captivates with its poignant narrative. Despite not being my cup of tea, the film manages to evoke a sense of melancholy that lingers long after it ends.

3. Flee (2021)

A unique blend of animation and documentary that tells a heart-wrenching story. While it may not bring tears to me, its emotional resonance leaves a profound impact.

2. The Raid 2 (2014)

A sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every aspect. Gareth Evans delivers a martial arts masterpiece that is bigger, bloodier, and more thrilling than before.

1. Civil War (2024)

A remarkable conclusion to the month's cinematic journey. Watching it in the theater was a true delight. Alex Garland's focus on storytelling pays off, with action sequences that are both satisfying and surprising, thanks to impeccable sound mixing. An unforgettable movie experience from start to finish.