Release Date: December 5, 2025 Director: Emma Tammi Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Piper Rubio Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
When the first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie released in 2023, it broke box office records but left some die-hard horror fans asking one question: “Where were the scares?”
Two years later, Blumhouse has answered. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 isn’t just a sequel; it is a terrifying upgrade that finally balances the deep lore of Scott Cawthon’s universe with genuine, pulse-pounding horror.
If the first movie was a love letter to the fans, FNAF 2 is a scream into the void. Here is our spoiler-free review of why this is the best video game adaptation of 2025.
The Plot: Welcome to the Grand Re-Opening
Set one year after the events of the first film, we find Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and his sister Abby (Piper Rubio) trying to live a normal life. But in the world of FNAF, “normal” doesn’t last long.
The story introduces the “New and Improved” Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a shinier, plastic-coated location preparing for a “FazFest” celebration. But as fans know, shiny doesn’t mean safe. The introduction of the Toy Animatronics brings a new kind of threat—one that features facial recognition software and a serious glitch in the system.
The standout addition to the cast is Skeet Ulrich as Henry Emily. His performance adds a tragic, grounded weight to the story that perfectly balances Matthew Lillard’s chaotic energy as William Afton. Seeing the two original founders of the franchise on screen together is a surreal moment for lore hunters.
The Animatronics: Toys, Withered, and The Puppet
The Jim Henson Creature Shop has outdone itself. While the first film gave us the classics, this sequel doubles the roster.
- The Toy Animatronics: Toy Chica (voiced surprisingly well by Megan Fox) and Toy Bonnie (voiced by MatPat—yes, really!) are unnervingly polished. They move with a fluid, uncanny smoothness that contrasts perfectly with the clunky movements of the originals.
- The Mangle: This is the stuff of nightmares. Seeing Mangle crawl across the ceiling of the security office is easily the most terrifying sequence in the franchise so far.
- The Puppet: The true MVP of the film. The Puppet (or Marionette) isn’t just a jumpscare machine; it is a lingering, spectral presence that drives the plot. The way it moves—using practical wire work rather than CGI—makes it feel disturbingly real.
Is FNAF 2 Scarier Than the First Movie?
Yes. Absolutely.
The first movie was rated PG-13 and felt like a “gateway horror.” Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 pushes that rating to its absolute limit. The “sustained threat” is much higher here.
Director Emma Tammi has traded the cozy fort-building scenes for claustrophobic tension. The sequence involving the Withered Animatronics waking up in the Parts & Service room is pure tension, reminiscent of Jurassic Park’s raptor scenes.
For the Lore Hunters
If you have spent the last decade watching Game Theory videos, you will be well fed. The movie finally dives into the Henry Emily vs. William Afton dynamic, touches on the origins of the Puppet, and drops massive hints about Sister Location (keep your eyes peeled for a certain clown-like animatronic in the background of Afton’s workshop).
The Verdict
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is the Terminator 2 of horror game adaptations—bigger, darker, and better in every way. It respects the fans without alienating general audiences, and finally makes Freddy Fazbear scary again.
Pros:
- Skeet Ulrich is perfect as Henry Emily.
- The Puppet is genuinely terrifying.
- Practical effects are industry-leading.
- Mangle climbing on walls looks incredible.
Cons:
- The human subplot involving the “Spectral Scoopers” ghost hunters slows the pacing slightly in the second act.
FAQ: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Movie
Is FNAF 2 suitable for kids? It is rated PG-13 in the US (15 in the UK), but it is significantly more intense than the first film. Parents should be aware that the “jumpscares” are more frequent and the tone is darker. If your child found the first one scary, this might be too much.
Is there a post-credits scene in FNAF 2? Yes. There is a mid-credits scene involving a Springlock Suit that sets up the third movie, and a post-credits audio tease that will have fans screaming. Do not leave the theater early.
Who voices Toy Bonnie? In a nod to the community, Toy Bonnie is voiced by Matthew Patrick (MatPat), the creator of Game Theory.
Looking for FNAF Merch in the UK? Don’t forget to check out Forbidden Planet and HMV for the new wave of “Toy Animatronic” Funko Pops and plushies released alongside the movie!