‘The Black Phone 2’ Scares Up Solid Reviews as Rotten Tomatoes Score Is Revealed

‘The Black Phone 2’ is generating buzz ahead of its U.S. release, scoring an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 reviews.

The 2025 supernatural horror sequel, directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, continues the story from the 2021 original, which was based on Joe Hill’s 2004 short story.

Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Jeremy Davies return, while new additions Demián Bichir and Arianna Rivas join the cast. Universal Pictures is set to release the film on October 17, following its premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 20.

What do you think happens when you die? Black Phone 2 only in theaters October 17. pic.twitter.com/b7OGcL6nf8

— Black Phone 2 (@UniversalHorror) September 4, 2025

Critics generally praised the film for its fresh direction and new twists on the original characters and story, noting strong performances and effective use of new locations. The sequel has been recognized for adding more terror and expanding the lore, which helps it stand apart while remaining connected to the first movie.

Black Phone 2 evolves the protagonists and the Grabber in wild new directions, and it boasts many excellent scenes and performances, even if some choices work to mar the film’s virtues.

Jeff Ewing

Black Phone 2 is well connected to the first, but it really soars as a sequel by having its own style & definition. Derrickson & co. pull that off very effectively via the new location, having Gwen & Finney work together, and how they evolve the Grabber.

Perri Nemiroff

Black Phone 2 adds plenty of terror and new lore to thrill audiences, but doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessor.

Molly Henery

However, some reviewers pointed out areas where the sequel falls short. While visually impressive, parts of the story felt uneven, and certain thematic choices were seen as forced or unrealistic. Others noted that the tone and style sometimes diverged from the original, making the two films feel less cohesive as a franchise.

Scott Derrickson’s Black Phone 2 is far from the worst horror sequel this year, but it falls noticeably short when compared to its beloved predecessor in more ways than one.

James Preston Poole

The strengths of the film are marred and overshadowed by a consistent push to make Christianity look cool and edgy, which leaves parts of the film feeling disjointed and, frankly, unrealistic.

Lex Briscuso

In spite of Black Phone 2’s sophistication in cinematography and effects, this sequel hits as somewhat juvenile. … Not only does Black Phone 2 belong in a different subgenre than The Black Phone… they don’t even feel like they should share a franchise

Caitlin Kennedy

Overall, ‘The Black Phone 2’ appears to deliver a solid horror experience with strong moments, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor.

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