In the ever-evolving landscape of horror and science fiction, the late 2020s have seen a remarkable resurgence of genre films that both honor their roots and push boundaries. Recent releases and retrospectives alike have reminded audiences that the past is never far from the present—especially when it comes to the monsters, mysteries, and mind-bending narratives that have long haunted our screens. Two articles published on September 26, 2025, highlight this trend: a deep dive into Wes Craven’s overlooked 1997 horror gem Wishmaster, and a roundup of new streaming sci-fi, including the highly anticipated sequel 28 Years Later.
Wes Craven’s name is synonymous with horror. From unleashing Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street to redefining the slasher with Scream, Craven’s influence on the genre is undeniable. But as Screen Rant notes, his legacy isn’t just about the blockbusters. In 1997, Craven produced Wishmaster, a supernatural horror film directed by Robert Kurtzman and penned by Peter Atkins. While it never reached the cultural heights of Scream or Elm Street, Wishmaster has quietly gained cult status, with many now calling for a modern reboot.
The plot of Wishmaster is a wild ride through centuries and nightmares. It begins in 12th-century Persia, where an emperor’s wish for wonders unleashes a Djinn—a malevolent entity capable of granting wishes in the most twisted ways imaginable. After a gruesome rampage, the Djinn is trapped in an opal, only to be accidentally released in 1990s America. The chaos resumes when Alex Amberson, a gemologist, unwittingly awakens the Djinn, setting off a chain of deaths and darkly comic wish fulfillments. As Screen Rant describes, the Djinn’s victims are punished not just for their desires, but for the careless way those desires are expressed. One woman’s wish for eternal beauty turns her into a mannequin; another’s wish to avoid seeing the Djinn’s true form leaves him blind. The film’s climax pits Alex against the Djinn in a battle of wits, with the fate of many hanging in the balance.
What sets Wishmaster apart isn’t just its inventive kills or its parade of horror icons (Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, and Ted Raimi all make appearances), but its playful engagement with the Faustian bargain. The film takes the age-old trope—be careful what you wish for—and gives it a slasher’s edge. According to Screen Rant, "Just as Freddy manipulates people's dreams to find gruesome, whimsical, and absurd ways of killing them, the Djinn turn their own desires against them." The result is a film that balances dark humor, campy performances, and genuine scares.
Despite its strengths, Wishmaster never quite escaped the shadow of its more famous peers—or the curse of diminishing returns in its sequels. Yet, as Screen Rant argues, the time is ripe for a revival. The 2022 Hulu reboot of Hellraiser proved that with the right creative team and a decent budget, even long-dormant franchises can find new life. "With plenty of fantastic horror directors on the scene, there's no shortage of creators who could do justice to Wes Craven's production," the article notes, suggesting that Wishmaster could be the next cult classic to get a second act.
Meanwhile, the world of science fiction is buzzing with fresh entries and inventive spins on old favorites. A recent New York Times streaming roundup shines a spotlight on five new sci-fi films, with Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later leading the pack. This sequel to the genre-defining 28 Days Later drops viewers into a Britain ravaged by a zombie-like virus, where society has collapsed to a preindustrial state. The story follows 12-year-old Spike, whose coming-of-age involves not just surviving, but hunting the infected with a bow and arrow. As the NYT puts it, "A rite of passage involves going out and killing one with a bow and arrow—the country, which is sealed off from the rest of the world, has regressed to a preindustrial stage."
What makes 28 Years Later stand out isn’t just its bleak setting or the return of Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland. The film is praised for its "bonkers vibe" and inventive twists on zombie lore—these monsters can now mutate and even reproduce. Performances by Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes add emotional depth, with their characters defying expectations at every turn. The ending, tantalizingly, sets up yet another sequel: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, due in January 2026. For fans, that can’t come soon enough.
Other films highlighted in the roundup include Star People, which uses the real-life 1997 Phoenix Lights UFO incident as a springboard for a story about obsession, survival, and the stories we tell ourselves in times of uncertainty. The film’s protagonist, Claire, is haunted by her childhood sighting of the mysterious lights and embarks on a desert quest that blurs the line between sci-fi and social commentary. As the NYT observes, "Whether the aliens come from outer space or across a border, 'Star People' is about the stories we need to tell ourselves to survive in an unsettled world."
Adding levity to the mix are the Thai time-loop comedy Same Day With Someone and the Japanese time-travel romp A Samurai in Time. The former follows museum curator Mesa as she’s forced to relive a disastrous day, only to find unexpected companionship and self-discovery. The latter sees a samurai, displaced by lightning, navigating modern Japan as a stuntman—a gentle ode to the fading jidaigeki genre and the artisans who keep it alive. Both films use their fantastical premises to explore deeper questions about fate, tradition, and the search for meaning.
Finally, Somnium offers a more introspective take on sci-fi, following aspiring actress Gemma as she works at a sleep clinic that promises to "make dreams come true." The film is less about technological intrigue and more about the psychological toll of chasing dreams in a city built on illusion. With nods to David Lynch and a keen eye for the alienation of modern life, Somnium rounds out a diverse slate of new releases that prove the genre’s enduring appeal.
From the supernatural bargains of Wishmaster to the viral nightmares of 28 Years Later and the philosophical musings of Somnium, it’s clear that horror and sci-fi are thriving on screen. Whether through reboots or bold new stories, filmmakers are finding ever more creative ways to tap into our deepest fears—and wildest imaginings.
