Critics are panning Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 as one of the worst films of 2025, with the horror sequel currently holding a dismal 12% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its theatrical release.
A Sharp Decline from the Original
Serving as the follow-up to the 2023 live-action adaptation of the popular horror game franchise, the sequel struggles to replicate even the modest critical reception of its predecessor. While the first Five Nights at Freddy’s film was a commercial success, it faced harsh reviews and settled for a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel, however, has failed to maintain even that benchmark, plummeting to a 12% rating as critics express growing frustration with the series’ reliance on convoluted lore and animatronic horror.
Targeting Fans, Alienating Audiences
The prevailing critical consensus suggests that the film is hyper-focused on catering exclusively to younger fans of the franchise. By prioritizing deep-cut Easter eggs and franchise-specific lore within its PG-13 framework, the production seems to disregard broader cinematic quality. While this strategy may drive box office numbers among the core fanbase, for general audiences, the film is being widely characterized as a tedious experience that is best avoided.
Where It Stands Among 2025’s Worst
The film’s performance is particularly striking when compared to other critically maligned projects released this year. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has managed to secure a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than several high-profile flops, including the year’s poorly received Star Trek entry, the Jack Black-led Minecraft adaptation, and Disney’s recent Snow White remake.
The “Borderlands” Bar
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reception, the film has narrowly managed to avoid the absolute bottom of the barrel. With its 12% rating, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 sits just slightly above the 10% score earned by the Eli Roth-directed Borderlands movie. While claiming to be “better than Borderlands” is a technical victory, it highlights the severe critical struggle facing this latest installment in the Blumhouse horror franchise.
