The most exciting time of year has returned! io9 is gearing up for a week of thrilling, unconventional films at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, one of the most unique genre film festivals globally. Fantastic Fest is dedicated to showcasing the weirdest, most outrageous, and downright badass films out there, and we can’t wait to dive in once again.
Choosing which films to see at Fantastic Fest can be a challenge since every single movie sounds incredible. The lineup is curated to grab your attention, featuring familiar titles like the horror sequel Black Phone 2 and the chilling anthology V/H/S/Halloween. Beyond those, it’s all about trusting your instincts.
As a veteran of Fantastic Fest for about 15 years, I’ve devised a strategy for selecting the films that pique my interest the most. First, I carefully go through the complete list of feature films, reading up on every single one. I then rank them based on two criteria: a) what I believe the io9 audience will find intriguing and b) what I genuinely want to see. After that, I tackle the list, starting from the top and working my way down through almost 100 films.
1. Bulk
Director Ben Wheatley, known for Kill List and Meg 2, presents a mind-bending tale about a man searching for someone in a house where every door opens to an alternate dimension. If you enjoy alternate realities and complex timelines, this is a must-see.
2. Vicious
Starring Dakota Fanning, this film unfolds as a girl receives a mysterious box. Inside, she must place three items: something she needs, something she despises, and something she loves. The consequences? Absolute chaos ensues.
3. Bad Haircut
Getting a haircut should be a relaxing experience, but in Bad Haircut, it turns into a nightmare. As a barber turns out to be psychotic and possibly supernatural, you won’t want to miss this wild ride!
4. Disforia
Offering a disturbing glimpse into a dystopian future, Disforia depicts a family targeted by a society that pays to witness human torture, echoing themes from Funny Games and Hostel.
5. Whistle
Directed by Corin Hardy of The Nun, this terrifying short film centers on students who discover a whistle that summons their death the moment it is blown.
6. Don’t Leave the Kids Alone
Imagine being home alone as a child in a new house, waiting for your parents who’ve gone out. You discover the haunting secrets this house holds at your own peril. This premise is pure nightmare fuel!
7. Appofeniacs
Featuring Sean Gunn and Jermaine Fowler, this film follows a hacker unleashing chaos with malicious deepfake videos. It’s certainly an unsettling take on technology.
8. The Curse
This film dives into social media-driven evil, as a woman investigates her friend’s suspicious death, uncovering a gripping mystery along the way.
9. A Useful Ghost
Not all spirits are malevolent. In A Useful Ghost, a grieving husband finds that his deceased wife has reincarnated as their vacuum cleaner. The tagline of “vacuum sex” adds an intriguing twist!
10. The Plague
Starring Joel Edgerton, this film features a close-knit group of upper-middle-class friends, several of whom are harbors of a contagious skin disease.
11. Obsession
In Obsession, a man obsessed with a co-worker makes a wish tied to more than he bargained for, unleashing supernatural challenges for both of them.
12. Dolly
Seann William Scott and Ethan Suplee lead this horror film where a couple confronts a killer wearing a sinister doll mask, forcing them into a life-or-death struggle.
13. Beast of War
Imagine a film inspired by the USS Indianapolis speech from Jaws, but centered on downed World War II soldiers facing a threat from a killer shark. It’s a brutal and harrowing experience.
14. Decorado
Think of an animated mouse trying to break free from the confines of a false world reminiscent of The Truman Show. That’s the premise of Decorado.
15. The Ice Tower
Marion Cotillard stars in this reimagination of The Ice Princess, set against the backdrop of the 1970s French film industry, where she befriends a runaway orphan. What adventures lie ahead? You won’t want to miss out on this intriguing narrative.
That’s just a glimpse into the films I’m eager to see during Fantastic Fest, running from September 18 to 25. Be sure to keep an eye on io9 for comprehensive reactions, reviews, and updates.
What are the top films to see at Fantastic Fest? Each title showcases the festival’s commitment to delivering unique cinema experiences. This year, expect thrillers, horrors, and bizarre tales that push the boundaries of storytelling!
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