SHRINK CHAT: Best Horror of 2025 - Sinners, IT: Welcome to Derry & Our Top Picks of the Year

SHRINK CHAT: Best Horror of 2025 - Sinners, IT: Welcome to Derry & Our Top Picks of the Year

Author: Shannon & Cathy | Terror Talk January 26, 2026 Duration: 51:53

What made horror worth watching in 2025? Two therapists with strong opinions, honest reactions, and no patience for hype without substance have your year-end guide.

This is Terror Talk's annual Best of Horror episode - a curated, spoiler-free breakdown of the movies, series, and surprises that defined horror in 2025, with the clinical lens and dark humor you come here for.

This episode covers:

To kick things off:

  • Cathy's new obsession - Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons, the horror board game that's earned a permanent spot at the table

Top horror TV series of 2025:

  • IT: Welcome to Derry - the Pennywise origin story and whether it delivers on the promise of the source material
  • Dexter: Resurrection - the return of TV's most beloved serial killer and the psychology of why we root for him
  • The Hunting Wives - Shannon and Cathy's take on the series everyone was talking about
  • Alien: Earth - the franchise's small screen debut reviewed
  • Zero Day - discussed and dissected
  • Stranger Things - Shannon and Cathy disagree. Strongly. You'll want to hear this one.

Top horror movies of 2025:

  • Sinners - the year's most talked about horror film and what it does psychologically that almost no other horror film attempted
  • Frankenstein - the latest reimagining and whether it earns its place in the legacy
  • House of Dynamite - a surprise entry and why it worked
  • Wolfman - reviewed with the clinical lens on monster psychology
  • Companion - the film that caught them both off guard
  • Plus, surprise mentions that didn't make the list but deserve your attention

Shannon and Cathy bring their forensic and clinical psychology expertise to the year in horror - not just what was good, but why it worked, what it was doing psychologically, and what it says about where the genre is headed.

A female-driven, expert perspective on the best horror 2025 had to offer. Smart recommendations, honest reactions, no spoilers.

Two licensed therapists — one forensic psychologist, one clinical marriage and family therapist — reviewing horror so you know exactly what's worth your time.

Until then... sleep safe. 😴

🎧 Follow Terror Talk wherever you get your podcasts and join us on Patreon for bonus content and access to the compound.
📸 Instagram: @terrortalkpodcast | 🎥 YouTube: Terror Talk Podcast | 📘 Facebook: Terror Talk Podcast | 🎵 TikTok: @dark.psychology.girls
🎶 Music by Mannequin Uprising


Ever find yourself wondering what really makes a terrifying film tick, or what twisted logic might run through a real predator's mind? That's the unique space where Terror Talk-Horror Movies, Psychopaths and Humor lives. Hosted by therapists Shannon and Cathy, this podcast brings an unexpected and insightful lens to the things that go bump in the night, both in reality and on the silver screen. Their professional background allows them to dissect the psychology of infamous serial killers with a clarity that's as fascinating as it is chilling, then seamlessly pivot to analyzing the latest horror blockbuster or a cult classic. What you'll hear is a blend of expert insight into criminal motives and the artistic mechanics of fear, all delivered with a relatable and often darkly humorous tone that makes the macabre surprisingly approachable. Each episode feels like a conversation with two friends who are deeply knowledgeable about the darkest corners of human nature and pop culture, breaking down the myths and media portrayals that shape our understanding of horror. This isn't just a rundown of scary stories; it's a thoughtful exploration of why we're drawn to them, packed with surprising takes and a genuine sense of community for anyone obsessed with the genre. Tune in for a smart, engaging, and occasionally funny journey into horror, both real and fictional.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Terror Talk: True Crime, Serial Killers and Horror
Podcast Episodes
PATREON BONUS - Emotional Contagion and Psychopathy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:49
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss emotional contagion and psychopathy.Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to join o…
PATREON BONUS - Psych Research - Do we need a new psychopathy test? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:20
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss the possibilities of a new psychopathy test.Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, t…
The Chilling Case Behind A Deadly American Marriage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, murder, and graphic descriptions of gore. Listener discretion is strongly advised.In this episode of Terror Talk, we dive deep into the disturbing real…
PATREON BONUS - Aliens in the Bermuda Triangle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:13
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss the strange alien occurrence of the Bermuda Triangle.Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus c…
PATREON BONUS - Strange Epidemic - Sweat Plague [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:00
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss the strange epidemic of the Sweat Plague.Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to j…
Top 10 Horror Movies of 2025 (So Far!) – A Mid-Year Breakdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
Halfway through 2025 and horror is killing it! In this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, your horror-loving therapist hosts count down their Top 10 Favorite Horror Movies of 2025 (So Far). From unsettling indies to major s…