Critics Review Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 and Urge to End This Franchise

The follow-up to the 2023 adaptation of the popular Five Nights at Freddys video game has already drawn strong reactions from reviewers. The first movies ending hinted at a sequel, which proved successful at the box office. Now, Five Nights at Freddys 2 is scheduled for release in 2025, promising more animatronic horrors.

The story picks up a year after the original, with Abby Schmidt (Piper Rubio) returning to Fazbear Entertainment and reconnecting with familiar characters. Returning cast members include Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard, while Skeet Ulrich joins as Henry Emily, the co-founder of Fazbear Entertainment alongside Lillards William Afton.

Critical response has been overwhelmingly negative. Eric Eisenberg from CinemaBlend rated the movie 1.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as "dull" and relying heavily on predictable jump scares. He also criticized the films weak storytelling and poor character development.

Josh Oller of AV Club gave it an F, noting that director Emma Tammi failed to create effective horror scenes. He added that the animatronics, while visually impressive, end up moving through scenes without purpose, and the movie focuses too much on game references rather than building tension.

Matt Donato

BJ Colangelo

On a slightly brighter note, Aiden Kelley

Despite harsh reviews, the franchises loyal fanbase is expected to attend screenings, but critics consensus is reflected in a 12% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Five Nights at Freddys 2 will premiere in theaters on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Author: Connor Blake