The highly anticipated horror sequel, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, has stumbled out of the gate with a brutal reception from film critics. Ahead of its theatrical debut on 5 December 2025, the movie has landed a shockingly low 13% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 46 reviews at the time of writing. This makes it one of the worst-reviewed horror films of the year so far.
A Critical Disaster for the FNAF Sequel
This score places the sequel far below its predecessor, which managed a 33% rating from critics. More damningly, it joins the ranks of 2025's lowest-rated horror titles like The Ritual (9%), Bloat (29%), and The Home (30%). The audience score is not yet available, as it requires a minimum of 50 verified ratings. For context, the first film enjoyed a significantly warmer 86% score from audiences, highlighting a stark divide between fans and critics.
What's the Story and Who's in the Cast?
Directed by Emma Tammi and written by the franchise creator Scott Cawthon, the film continues the story from the popular video game series. The plot follows Abby Schmidt (Piper Rubio) one year after the events of the first movie. Her return to reunite with the animatronic characters triggers new events that uncover the dark origins of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza.
The cast sees the return of Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Matthew Lillard, Theodus Crane, and Kellen Goff. They are joined by new faces including Skeet Ulrich, Mckenna Grace, Teo Briones, Freddy Carter, Wayne Knight, and Megan Fox. Notably, popular YouTuber Matthew "MatPat" Patrick joins as the new voice of Toy Bonnie.
Why Are Critics So Disappointed?
The critical consensus paints a picture of a messy and unfocused film. Reviews widely describe the movie as confusing and poorly written, with a plot bogged down by unnecessary details, plot holes, and an over-reliance on video-game logic. Critics also note that the scares are weak, depending too much on predictable jump scares rather than building genuine atmosphere or tension.
A handful of reviews offered mild praise for better fan service, improved villains, and stronger practical effects. However, the overwhelming opinion is that the film feels rushed and is unlikely to win over anyone who isn't already a dedicated fan of the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise. As more reviews come in, the Rotten Tomatoes score may shift, but the initial reaction has undoubtedly set a grim tone for its box office journey.
