Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) Movie Review – Freddy Fazbear Finally Hits the Big Screen
What happens when a haunted pizzeria, childhood trauma, and killer animatronics collide? You get Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) — the long-awaited, lore-loaded adaptation of one of the most iconic horror video game franchises ever made.
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
It’s not perfect, but it is faithful. FNaF 2023 delivers creepy nostalgia, a solid story, and plenty of Easter eggs for fans. We’re giving it 4 out of 5 stars for being the adaptation fans deserved after nearly a decade of waiting.
What Is Five Nights at Freddy’s About?
Five Nights at Freddy’s follows Mike Schmidt (played by Josh Hutcherson), a struggling young man haunted by the abduction of his younger brother. Desperate to keep custody of his sister, Abby, Mike takes a mysterious night guard job at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria — a long-abandoned family entertainment center that hides a terrifying secret.
Once the sun sets, the rusted animatronics—Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, Foxy, and Balloon Boy—come to life. And they’re not looking for hugs.
Why This Movie Matters to Fans
This isn’t just another horror movie. It’s the FNaF movie fans have been speculating about since 2014. After years of delays, Blumhouse finally brought Scott Cawthon’s terrifying world to the big screen — and with a $20 million budget, it turned into a $290 million global box office smash.
The movie stays loyal to the source material, packed with pixel art intros, eerie dreams, William Afton lore, and animatronic horror that’s more spooky than gory—perfect for PG-13 chills.
The Story – Freddy’s Frights Come Alive
The film opens with a gruesome death-by-springlock before diving into Mike’s tragic backstory. Mike’s life is spiraling: he’s unemployed, haunted by nightmares of his brother’s kidnapping, and being threatened by a villainous Aunt Jane who wants to take custody of Abby.
Things take a dark turn when Mike is offered a suspicious job by Steve Raglan (Matthew Lillard) — night security at Freddy Fazbear’s. As Mike spends more time at the pizzeria, he starts uncovering disturbing visions, ghostly children, and a twisted connection between his past and the killer animatronics.
Standout Moments & Major Twists
Haunted Animatronics
Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy aren't just mechanical—they’re possessed by the souls of murdered children. The movie slowly unpacks this chilling truth, dropping lore like breadcrumbs for longtime fans.
Mike’s PTSD Dreams
Mike uses sleep aids to enter lucid dreams about his brother’s abduction, where a group of spectral children offer twisted deals. These dream sequences are deeply tied to the overarching FNaF lore.
Animatronic Rampage
When vandals try to destroy the pizzeria, the mascots snap:
Chica's cupcake goes berserk.
Bonnie electrocutes trespassers.
Foxy ambushes in the dark.
Freddy bites someone in half — classic.
Big Reveal: Steve is Afton
Plot twist! Steve Raglan is William Afton, the infamous child killer who possessed the animatronics and created the nightmare that is Freddy Fazbear’s. Vanessa, the helpful police officer, is revealed to be his daughter.
Final Showdown – Springtrap Awakens
In the climax, Springtrap (Afton’s animatronic alter ego) confronts Mike and Abby. After a chaotic battle, Abby’s innocent drawings convince the possessed animatronics to turn on their maker. They crush Springtrap and drag him into the shadows—FNaF style.
Mike, Abby, and Vanessa survive, but Springtrap? He’s still alive… locked away… for now.
FNaF Lore Recap – For the Diehard Fans
The Animatronics are haunted by five murdered children.
William Afton, aka Springtrap, is the killer behind it all.
Vanessa is Afton’s guilt-ridden daughter.
The Bite, the missing brother, the dream connections—it all links back to the games.
From the purple guy origins to the hidden sixth child, the movie rewards fans who’ve followed the lore for years.
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Final Thoughts – Should You Watch It?
Yes — especially if you’re a fan of the games.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) might not win awards, but it does capture the eerie spirit of the franchise. It’s spooky, nostalgic, and filled with fan service that hits just right. Whether you're a lore-loving FNaF veteran or a curious horror fan, there’s something here for you.
What’s Next?
With FNaF 2 already confirmed and the Fazbear Frights universe expanding, this movie is just the beginning.
