‘The Black Phone 2’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Is In — Here’s How It’s Faring

The sequel to the 2021 hit horror film, Black Phone 2, has received its first reviews, and critics are giving it a generally positive response.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an 80% Tomatometer rating based on 25 reviews.

Directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written with C. Robert Cargill, Black Phone 2 sees Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Jeremy Davies return to their roles, with Miguel Mora appearing in a new role.

The sequel also adds Demián Bichir and Arianna Rivas to the cast. The story continues the supernatural horror of the original while expanding the lore and exploring new locations.

What do you think happens when you die? Black Phone 2 only in theaters October 17. pic.twitter.com/b7OGcL6nf8

— Black Phone 2 (@UniversalHorror) September 4, 2025

Critics praised the film for its strong performances and effective horror moments. Many enjoyed how the sequel built on the first movie while giving the characters and the villain, the Grabber, fresh developments. The film’s cinematography, effects, and the way it introduces new elements of suspense were also highlighted as positives.

Black Phone 2 evolves the protagonists and the Grabber in wild new directions, and it boasts many excellent scenes and performances, even if some choices work to mar the film’s virtues.

Jeff Ewing

Black Phone 2 is well connected to the first, but it really soars as a sequel by having its own style & definition. Derrickson & co. pull that off very effectively via the new location, having Gwen & Finney work together, and how they evolve the Grabber.

Perri Nemiroff

Black Phone 2 adds plenty of terror and new lore to thrill audiences, but doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessor.

Molly Henery

However, some reviewers felt the movie didn’t fully capture the magic of its predecessor. A few critics noted that certain creative choices, including the emphasis on religious themes, felt forced and disrupted the story.

Others thought the film occasionally seemed juvenile or inconsistent in tone, with some elements making it feel like it belonged to a different subgenre than the first film.

Scott Derrickson’s Black Phone 2 is far from the worst horror sequel this year, but it falls noticeably short when compared to its beloved predecessor in more ways than one.

James Preston Poole

The strengths of the film are marred and overshadowed by a consistent push to make Christianity look cool and edgy, which leaves parts of the film feeling disjointed and, frankly, unrealistic.

Lex Briscuso

In spite of Black Phone 2’s sophistication in cinematography and effects, this sequel hits as somewhat juvenile. … Not only does Black Phone 2 belong in a different subgenre than The Black Phone… they don’t even feel like they should share a franchise

Caitlin Kennedy

Overall, Black Phone 2 is being seen as a solid follow-up that delivers thrills and expands the story, even if it doesn’t surpass the original in every way. Fans of the first movie will likely find plenty to enjoy, though some may feel it doesn’t quite reach the same level of impact.

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