Beyond Fest 2025: Hollywood's Ultimate Genre Film Festival Takes Over Los Angeles

The entertainment world is buzzing as Beyond Fest 2025 prepares to unleash the most massive genre film celebration in American cinema history. Running from September 23 to October 8, 2025, this 15-day cinematic extravaganza promises to transform Los Angeles into the epicenter of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action filmmaking. With a staggering 90 feature films spanning multiple venues, Beyond Fest has officially cemented its status as the largest and most attended genre film festival in the United States .

The Festival That Redefines Genre Cinema

Beyond Fest isn’t just another film festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Established in partnership with the American Cinematheque, this non-profit festival has evolved into a mecca for filmmakers, industry professionals, and passionate fans from around the globe .

The festival’s mission is clear: showcasing “fearless filmmaking” across the spectrum, from arthouse to grindhouse. As Head of Programming Evrim Ersoy puts it: “This year, we're celebrating the full spectrum of genre filmmaking that intentionally ranges from the arthouse to the grindhouse. Our goal has always been to connect film communities with the greatest variety of filmmakers” .

Unlike traditional festivals chasing awards prestige, Beyond Fest embraces the rebellious, edgy spirit of genre cinema—celebrating films that shock, challenge, and innovate. No wonder it has built a cult following among fans who crave bold storytelling .

Star-Studded Opening and Closing Night Spectacles

The festival kicks off in style with Park Chan-wook’s dark comedy “No Other Choice”. Known for masterpieces like Oldboy and The Handmaiden, Park’s selection reinforces Beyond Fest’s global reach .

Closing night is equally prestigious with Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi thriller “Bugonia”, starring Emma Stone. A reimagining of Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!, it’s expected to be one of the year’s most talked-about films .

With auteurs of this caliber, Beyond Fest positions itself as a true bridge between Hollywood glamour and avant-garde cinema.

Massive Film Lineup: Numbers That Speak Volumes

The 2025 edition is the biggest ever:

• 8 World Premieres

• 5 North American Premieres

• 9 U.S. Premieres

• 25 West Coast Premieres

• 90 Total Feature Films

Venues include the historic Egyptian Theatre, the intimate Aero Theatre, and the versatile Los Feliz 3, each delivering a distinct cinematic experience .

Beyond Fest also champions new talent with 40+ short films spread across five curated blocks, cementing its role as both celebration and incubator for genre cinema .

Blockbuster Premieres and Celebrity Appearances

High-Profile Debuts

• “Good Fortune” by Aziz Ansari, starring Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves .

• Bryan Fuller’s “Dust Bunny” featuring Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver .

• “Black Phone 2” from Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, returning to their smash-hit supernatural horror .

International Spotlight

• Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” (Palme d’Or winner at Cannes).

• Oliver Laxe’s “Sirāt”, blending arthouse with genre.

• Radu Jude’s “Dracula” – a bold reworking of the vampire myth.

• Genki Kawamura’s “Exit 8” from Japan, delivering unique horror storytelling .
  

Legendary Retrospectives and Special Events

Guillermo del Toro Celebration

The festival dedicates a 12-film retrospective to del Toro, featuring Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Blade II. With del Toro himself in attendance, fans will gain rare insight into his visionary craft .

Iconic Guests

• Meiko Kaji (Lady Snowblood) in her first U.S. appearance, paired with restorations of her classics and a live conversation with Sean Baker .

• John Carpenter hosting a 70mm screening of Big Trouble in Little China.

• Al Pacino presenting Dick Tracy, adding Hollywood star power .

  

Horror: The Beating Heart of Beyond Fest

Horror reigns supreme at Beyond Fest 2025:

• “V/H/S/Halloween” – latest in the anthology franchise.

• Eli Roth’s “Dream Eater” – promising visceral nightmares.

• “Good Boy” – viral sensation hitting the Egyptian Theatre .

• Tobe Hooper’s “Salem’s Lot” (4K Restoration) – bringing classics to life again.

• Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans S2 – world premiere of horror culture beyond film .

Action, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Spectacles

• “The Furious” (Kenji Tanigaki) – martial arts fireworks.

• “Sisu: Road to Revenge” – brutal Nordic action sequel .

• “After the Hunt” (Luca Guadagnino) – his bold sci-fi debut.

• Fantasy-infused films blending genres and redefining storytelling .

Venues and Theatrical Experience

• Egyptian Theatre – flagship venue, hosting premieres and Hollywood-meets-genre spectacles .

• Aero Theatre – intimate space perfect for Q&As and audience-filmmaker dialogue.

• Los Feliz 3 – hub for short films and diverse programming .
  

Industry Impact and Cultural Significance

Beyond Fest is not just a festival—it’s an industry barometer. Its selections often predict future hits, while its partnership with NEON ensures distribution for standout titles .

It also offers masterclasses and panels, nurturing emerging talent and shaping the future of genre cinema.

Conclusion: The Future of Genre Filmmaking

With Park Chan-wook opening, Yorgos Lanthimos closing, and legends like Guillermo del Toro, John Carpenter, and Meiko Kaji gracing the stage, Beyond Fest 2025 isn’t just a festival—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

From horror to fantasy, action to sci-fi, Beyond Fest continues to prove why audiences worldwide are hungry for bold, boundary-pushing storytelling. Its mix of global premieres, retrospectives, and cultural events ensures it remains the ultimate destination for genre lovers—and a preview of where cinema is headed next.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes Beyond Fest 2025 different from other film festivals?

Beyond Fest 2025 is the largest genre film festival in the U.S., focusing exclusively on horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action films. Unlike traditional festivals chasing awards, Beyond Fest embraces bold, rebellious, and experimental filmmaking that challenges mainstream cinema.

2. Where is Beyond Fest 2025 happening?

The festival runs across three iconic Los Angeles venues: the historic Egyptian Theatre, the intimate Aero Theatre, and the versatile Los Feliz 3, each offering a unique cinematic experience.

3. Which films are premiering at Beyond Fest 2025?

Key premieres include:

• Park Chan-wook’s "No Other Choice" (Opening Night)

• Yorgos Lanthimos’ "Bugonia" with Emma Stone (Closing Night)

• Aziz Ansari’s "Good Fortune"

• Bryan Fuller’s "Dust Bunny"

• "Black Phone 2" by Scott Derrickson
  

4. Who are the celebrity guests at Beyond Fest 2025?

Legends like Guillermo del Toro, Meiko Kaji, John Carpenter, and Al Pacino will appear, alongside contemporary filmmakers like Scott Derrickson and Bryan Fuller. Fans can expect screenings, retrospectives, and live discussions.

5. How many films are screening at Beyond Fest 2025?

The lineup features 90 feature films and 40+ short films, including 8 World Premieres, 5 North American Premieres, 9 U.S. Premieres, and 25 West Coast Premieres—making it the most extensive program in the festival’s history.