2025 saw part 2 of the popular franchise, Five Night’s at Freddy’s hit the big screen, bringing the classic combination of horror and childhood innocence back to its audience. Let’s compare the suspense-filled first film and its recent sequel.
Plot & Story
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023):
The original Five Nights at Freddy’s introduces Mike Schmidt, a troubled young man who takes a low-wage job, working as a night-shift guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzaria. After spending his first night on the job, he realizes the late-night shift at Freddy’s will be tough to survive.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025):
In Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Mike Schmidt returns to Freddy’s to discover a hidden evil dormant for years, now resurrected with an appetite for revenge.
Verdict:
Both films connect horror with childhood trauma, however, the first instalment is more focused on an outsider’s perspective on the horrors at Freddy’s whereas the second film explores the villain’s origins in depth.
Characters & Performances
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023):
Josh Hutcherson delivers his solid performance yet of a struggling guardian, walking the delicate line between being a parent and an older sibling.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025):
Although actress Elizabeth Lali was the main character, the show was stolen by young actress Audrey Lynn-Marie who played Charlotte – a child with a tragic fate.
Verdict:
While both films featured strong leads, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 stands out because of brilliant performances by young actors.
Atmosphere & Horror
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023):
The first film thrives on atmosphere with quiet, tense, suspenseful moments that keep viewers on the edge. Psychological unpredictability and fear of the unknown is utilized as characters try to familiarize themselves with a new environment.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025):
The sequel pushes the horror further with a different kind of suspense – one of familiarity and expectation of a bad outcome. Scenes are faster paced, with occasional jump scares and unsettling depictions of childhood trauma.
Verdict:
Five Nights at Freddy’s builds dread but the sequel focuses more on reconnecting with scares.
Themes & Message
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023):
This film explores fear of the unknown, isolation, and the consequences of ignoring past trauma. The abandoned animatronics signify lost souls adding tragedy into horror.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025):
The second instalment pushes the message of truthfully facing childhood trauma, the price of uncovering dark secrets and the cycle of terror that is Freddy Fazbear’s legacy.
Verdict:
The two films continue the storyline of discovering and confronting evil without losing sight of what’s important.
Scares & Jump Scares
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023):
The first film creates fear through its eerie atmosphere and rising tension, using few predictable jump scares.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025):
The sequel also uses jump scares that feel overused but compensates with fast-paced horror scenes.
Verdict:
Jump scares need to be used sparingly but also effectively to keep audiences on the edge.
Final Verdict
What makes Five Nights at Freddy’s truly horrific is the weaponization of childhood innocence and psychological distress. Otherwise, scare techniques are common and expected in almost any horror film.
Rating (out of 5):
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023): ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (3/5)
Five nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): ★ ★☆ ☆ ☆ (2/5)
