I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is Slashing Up Netflix Charts

The latest installment in the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" franchise, which hit theaters earlier this year, is now hooking a whole new wave of fans as it climbs the Netflix streaming charts!

TL;DR: Here's the Bloody Scoop

• The 2025 "I Know What You Did Last Summer" movie, a legacy sequel, is currently the #4 most popular film on Netflix in the U.S. (as of October 21, 2025).
• Original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. return, with a new generation of teens facing the Fisherman.
• The film features a bold, divisive twist involving a beloved original character, aiming to take creative risks other legacy sequels might avoid.

The Unexpected Netflix Comeback for a Horror Legacy

Remember "I Know What You Did Last Summer"? The 1997 slasher flick was a big deal back in the day, riding high on the teen horror wave started by "Scream." It even spawned a couple of sequels before disappearing for a while. Fast forward to 2025, and the franchise got the "requel" treatment – a mix of reboot and sequel – with a new film sporting the exact same title as the original. While its theatrical run this past summer (it premiered July 18, 2025) didn't quite set the box office on fire and critics weren't exactly raving (it landed at a "rotten" 36% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences told a different story, giving it a respectable 68% and making it the franchise's best-reviewed entry by viewers.

Now, just hitting Netflix on October 16, 2025, this new "I Know What You Did Last Summer" has found its true home. As of October 21, it's already clawed its way to the #4 spot on Netflix's U.S. movie charts! It seems people who skipped the theater are totally down to check it out from the comfort of their couches. This strong streaming performance could actually be the lifeline the franchise needs, potentially paving the way for more scares down the line.

A New Generation Meets the Old Guard in Southport

The 2025 film takes us back to Southport, North Carolina, where a fresh group of friends gets entangled in a deadly car accident. Just like the OG crew, they decide to cover it up, making a pact to keep their secret. Of course, that secret doesn't stay buried for long, and soon they find themselves stalked by the infamous hook-handed killer. In a clever twist, these new teens discover that this isn't the first time this has happened in Southport. So, who do they turn to for help? None other than the survivors of the legendary 1997 massacre!

Yes, you read that right: Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise their iconic roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson, offering guidance (and perhaps some warnings) to the new generation. While Sarah Michelle Gellar's Helen Shivers character makes a brief appearance, it's in a dream sequence since, well, she met a rather gruesome end in the original. The new blood includes a fantastic cast with Madelyn Cline ("Outer Banks") as Danica Richards, Chase Sui Wonders ("Bodies Bodies Bodies") as Ava Brucks, Jonah Hauer-King ("The Little Mermaid") as Milo Griffin, Tyriq Withers ("Him") as Teddy Spencer, and Sarah Pidgeon ("The Wilds") as Stevie Ward. You'll also spot Billy Campbell, Austin Nichols, Lola Tung, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez rounding out the ensemble.

A Major Twist That Will Get Fans Talking (Spoilers Ahead!)

If you haven't seen the movie yet and want to avoid major spoilers, now's your chance to scroll on! But for those who are curious, or have already watched the film, there's a big, bold choice this movie makes that sets it apart. While many legacy sequels play it safe with returning heroes, "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (2025) goes in a completely different direction. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson had two major goals: to "kill basically everyone" among the new characters and, more shockingly, to reveal Ray Bronson as the new incarnation of The Fisherman.

Yep, you heard that right! Freddie Prinze Jr.'s Ray, now a single bar owner divorced from Julie, is driven crazy by Southport's efforts to hide its traumatic past. He teams up with his employee, Stevie Ward, to unleash his own brand of revenge. Freddie Prinze Jr. was actually super excited about this unexpected turn for his character, telling an interviewer:

"She took a big swing, and there's a lot of pressure that comes along with that. I know that it's gonna make some diehard fans upset because it should break their hearts. That was kind of my goal in the performance. It's why I try to play him so vulnerable and broken, in the hopes for that. That's all deliberate."

— Freddie Prinze Jr. on playing Ray Bronson

This bold move gives the film a level of creative freedom that more established legacy franchises like "Scream" often shy away from. It's a risk, for sure, but one that makes the film a truly fascinating watch, especially on a rewatch when you know Ray's true intentions.

What About the Future of the I Know What You Did Last Summer Franchise?

With its impressive streaming performance, many are wondering if this means more "Last Summer" Movies are on the way. The film certainly left the door open, especially with its exciting post-credits scene. After Julie James once again survives the chaos in Southport, she gets a visit from an old friend: Brandy Norwood, reprising her role as Karla Wilson from the 1998 sequel "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer." Julie arrives with a menacing note, teasing yet another killer, and asks Karla for help. Karla's enthusiastic response – "Who are we fing up this time?" – clearly signals a desire for more! This scene directly ties the new film to the often-overlooked 1998 sequel, suggesting a future installment could lean heavily into those characters and storylines, maybe even a return to the Bahamas.

The 2025 film made a decent $63.3 million globally on an $18 million budget, turning a profit for Sony Pictures. But its current Netflix buzz, alongside its strong audience score, shows a clear appetite for this franchise. If the streaming numbers stay strong, don't be surprised if Julie and Karla are back for another round against a hook-handed menace.

Where to Watch the I Know What You Did Last Summer Movies Now

Ready to jump into the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" universe? Here's where you can catch all the action:

• I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025): Currently streaming on Netflix (U.S.). Also available for digital rental/purchase, 4K UHD, and Blu-ray. It's also available on HBO Max in some international territories and Amazon VOD in others.
• I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997 Original): You can stream the classic on Paramount+.
• I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998 Sequel): Dive back into the Bahamas chaos on Netflix and Tubi.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there's plenty of slasher fun to be had with this rejuvenated franchise!

"I knew that when I really sat down and thought about where would these people be and how could this change a person — especially knowing that they each have kind of their tethers in the movie, in the young cast —what would that look like? And so I said, 'I think Ray would be the killer. I want Ray to be the killer.' And Sony said yes. And then I was very nervous. I brought it to Freddie, and Freddie said, 'Yes.'"

— Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, Director

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Slasher Movie

When did "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (2025) get released? The film premiered in theaters on July 18, 2025, and hit Netflix on October 16, 2025. What is the rating and runtime of the 2025 movie? It is rated R and has a runtime of 100 minutes. Who directed the new "I Know What You Did Last Summer" movie? Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for "Do Revenge," directed the film and co-wrote the script. Are the original cast members in the 2025 film? Yes! Jennifer Love Hewitt (Julie James) and Freddie Prinze Jr. (Ray Bronson) return. Sarah Michelle Gellar (Helen Shivers) appears in a dream sequence, and Brandy Norwood (Karla Wilson) shows up in the post-credits scene.

Sources:

• A 2025 Horror Movie Nearly 3 Decades In The Making Is Finding New Fans On Netflix - Slash Film
• A Legacy Slasher Sequel Is Dividing Critics, But It's a Netflix Hit - CBR
• Know the Cast: ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ - Vague Visages
• The 'Worst' I Know What You Did Last Summer Sequel Is Finding New Fans On Netflix - ComicBook.com
• Review: ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ - The Herald-Dispatch
• I Know What You Did Last Summer Director And Freddie Prinze Jr. Broke Down That Killer Twist With Me - CinemaBlend