The Most-Anticipated Movies of 2025

As a movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that 2024 promises to be quite the cinematic extravaganza! The lineup we have here is a veritable smorgasbord of genres and franchises, appealing to every sort of cinephile.

2025 seems poised to captivate moviegoers with an enticing array of offerings! From eagerly awaited reincarnations of beloved comic book universes, engrossing adaptations based on blockbuster novels, and highly-anticipated sequels from esteemed filmmakers, next year promises a tantalizing blend that’s sure to lure audiences back into the magic of cinema. As a movie aficionado, I can hardly wait!

If you’re curious about what Marvel is planning next, take a look at “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” or “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Other popular franchises are returning for some exciting movie nights, including “Jurassic World Rebirth,” “Superman,” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.” Enjoy the show!

These upcoming films, such as “Paddington’s Peruvian Adventure,” “A Minecraft Story,” “Elio’s Journey,” “Zootopia 2” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Quest for New Parents,” are intended to entice both children and their parents to the theater. Additionally, musical enthusiasts can look forward to returning to the cinema for “Wicked: The Sequel” during another festive Thanksgiving gathering.

Distinguished directors set to release upcoming movies include Paul Thomas Anderson (with an unnamed project), Yorgos Lanthimos working on “Bugonia,” Bong Joon-ho presenting “Mickey 17,” James Cameron preparing for the third “Avatar” installment, Danny Boyle involved in “28 Years Later,” and James Gunn launching a fresh interpretation of “Superman” to mark the beginning of a new DC film era.

Regardless of the preferences of your entertainment choices, you’ll find numerous blockbuster movies to anticipate in the year 2025.

Wolf Man (Jan. 17)

Leigh Whannell’s latest horror production unfolds in an isolated farmstead, home to the small family comprising Charlotte (portrayed by Julia Garner), her spouse Blake (Christopher Abbott), and their little girl Ginger (Matilda Firth). This family encounters a bizarre beast that sets upon them. As they uncover that Blake has contracted this strange affliction, he undergoes a chilling transformation into an unfamiliar form. The narrative presents a fresh perspective on the timeless Universal Pictures monster initially depicted in the 1941 film “The Wolf Man.

Captain America: Brave New World (Feb. 14)

In this fresh interpretation of Marvel’s initial superhero, helmed by director Julius Onah, we have a new Captain America film following Chris Evans’ exit. This time, it’s Anthony Mackie’s character Sam Wilson who steps into the role, facing a global crisis where he is tasked with safeguarding President Harrison Ford, who unexpectedly transforms into the Red Hulk. The ensemble also includes Rosa Salazar as Diamondback and Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross.

Paddington in Peru (Feb. 14)

In the third installment of Paddington’s adventures, our beloved bear character travels from England to a Home for Retired Bears nestled deep within the lush Amazonian jungle of Peru. Here, he embarks on a quest to reunite with his long-lost Aunt Lucy. Familiar faces such as Ben Whishaw (Paddington), Emily Mortimer, and Hugh Bonneville (the Browns) reprise their roles, while Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas join the ensemble cast.

Mickey 17 (March 7)

In Bong Joon-ho’s science fiction thriller, Robert Pattinson plays Mickey 17, a space explorer. Mickey is a disposable worker chosen for a perilous mission to establish a colony on the frozen planet Niflheim. Since each employee dies during the assignment, they are cloned with the memories of their predecessor. Alongside him in this adventure are Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette.

Snow White (March 21)

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1937 classic is set to premiere in cinemas, following its initial delay due to a strike. Led by director Marc Webb, the film features Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the wicked queen, and Patrick Page as the Mirror on The Wall. Andrew Burnap takes on the role of Jonathan, a modern take on the original prince. The musical fairy tale is penned by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, with nods to Dorothy Ann Blank from the original animated film.

A Minecraft Movie (April 4)

Jared Hess’ partially-animated film is inspired by the hugely successful block-style video game. The story revolves around four unconventional characters: Jason Momoa, Emma Myers known for “Wednesday,” Danielle Brooks from “Orange is the New Black,” and newcomer Sebastian Eugene Hansen. They are suddenly whisked away into a bizarrely symmetrical fantasy realm. Upon their arrival, they meet Steve (Jack Black), embarking on a journey of adventures with him to find their way back home.

Sinners (April 18)

In the horror-thriller directed by Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan portrays two siblings who decide to rebuild their lives by going back to their childhood home. Along the way, they encounter a formidable evil force. The trailer concludes with an ominous warning: “Dance with the devil too long, and he’ll eventually catch up to you.” Coogler, who has previously worked on “Creed” and “Black Panther”, is the writer and director of this production, which also features Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Li Jun Li, and Omar Benson Miller.

Thunderbolts* (May 2)

Marvel’s fresh antihero tale centers around a band of villains who are employed by the American government in this upcoming film. Directed by Jake Schreier (“Beef”), the action-packed blockbuster also boasts an impressive cast, including Florence Pugh as Black Widow Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov, Lewis Pullman as Robert Reynolds, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus portraying a U.S. agent.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (May 23)

In “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Ethan Hunt and the IMF team may be concluding this installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series. With Tom Cruise returning as a daring secret agent, they are up against the challenge of thwarting an impending threat from malevolent AI. The film features familiar faces like Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and Vanessa Kirby, along with new additions Holt McCallany and Hannah Waddingham. This action-packed movie was filmed simultaneously with its predecessor.

Lilo & Stitch (May 23)

626 Experiment is all set to return with the premiere of “Lilo & Stitch,” the live-action reboot of Disney’s 2002 animated hit, in theaters. This time around, Dean Fleischer Camp takes the director’s chair, with Maia Kealoha portraying Lilo, a solitary Hawaiian girl who forms an unlikely friendship with an alien who has crash-landed on Earth, initially mistaken for an “ugly dog.” Sydney Agudong steps into the role of Lilo’s elder sister Nani, while Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifinakis will bring to life Pleakley and Jumba, a duo of aliens hot on Stitch’s trail.

Ballerina (June 6)

The upcoming “John Wick” spin-off will focus on Ana de Armas as a Ruska Roma-trained assassin. The latest installment in the action series, “John Wick: Chapter 4,” has become the highest-earning film in the franchise, and it received widespread critical praise with a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Keanu Reeves will reappear as John Wick in the spinoff movie, joined by Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick (who sadly passed away), Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane.

Elio (June 13)

The newest original movie from Pixar is titled “Elio.” This film is helmed by directors Domee Shi and Madaline Sharafian, with the latter directing her first feature film. The story revolves around an 11-year-old boy who’s deeply fascinated by space, who gets transported to an interstellar organization and is mistaken for Earth’s leader. The talented voice cast for “Elio” includes Jameela Jamil, Zoe Saldaña, and Brad Garrett.

How to Train Your Dragon (June 13)

15 years following the initial release of “How to Train Your Dragon” in cinemas, Dreamworks’ cherished animated series transitions to live action with this fantasy/adventure adaptation. Penned and produced by Dean DeBlois (author of the first three animated “HTTYD” movies), this live action reinterpretation stars Mason Thomas as Hiccup, a Norse teenage outcast who bonds with a dragon named Toothless while wrestling with feelings of belonging due to his father, played by Gerard Butler, being the clan chief. The film also features Nico Parker as Astrid.

28 Years Later (June 20)

Approximately ten years since his debut in the renowned zombie movie “28 Days Later,” directed by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, Cillian Murphy is set to rejoin the “28 Days Later” series with the upcoming third installment titled “28 Years Later.” This film marks the start of a new trilogy within the franchise. In “28 Years Later,” Murphy takes on his character Jim once more, a bike courier fighting for survival amidst a zombie apocalypse. The cast also includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Erin Kellyman.

F1 (June 27)

After an intense bidding competition, extensive casting, and actual filming that took place during the 2023 British Grand Prix, Brad Pitt’s action-packed racing movie “F1” is set to arrive in cinemas at last. The movie features Pitt portraying Sonny Hayes, a veteran Formula One driver who comes out of retirement to guide a promising newcomer (Damson Idris). Notably, the real-life Formula One teams and their drivers will make an appearance in “F1,” playing themselves alongside Pitt and Idris.

M3GAN 2.0 (June 27)

In theaters this summer, M3GAN is back with a new version, titled “M3GAN 2.0”. The story continues from where it left off, featuring Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprising their roles as Gemma and Cady, an aunt and niece. Together, they confront a self-aware doll (played by Amie Donald and Jenna Davis) that has taken on a life of its own. Akela Cooper and Gerard Johnstone return to their roles as writer and director. In simpler terms, M3GAN 2.0 is the sequel to the original movie, where Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprise their roles, and they face an intelligent doll with a mind of its own, directed by Akela Cooper and Gerard Johnstone.

Jurassic World Rebirth (July 2)

In the upcoming installment of the “Jurassic World” series, Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali are set to star. Gareth Edwards, known for his work on “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” is directing a script penned by David Koepp, who originally wrote “Jurassic Park.” The film will take place five years after “Jurassic World Dominion,” following a time when the planet’s environment has become inhospitable for dinosaurs. A brave group embarks on a mission to retrieve DNA samples from three colossal creatures, as they strive to find a solution to this new predicament.

Superman (July 11)

In the near future, spectators can gaze up at the skies, for James Gunn is set to resurrect Superman (David Corenswet) on the silver screen, within the revamped DC Universe that he co-creates with Peter Safran. The narrative focuses on Superman’s personal quest to harmonize his roots with his upbringing in the human world. Rachel Brosnahan steps into the role of Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult assumes the role of Lex Luthor.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25)

Stepping into the cinematic realm once more, I find myself eagerly anticipating the revival of Marvel’s beloved quartet, the Fantastic Four. This time around, the team is assembled under the guidance of Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, alias The Invisible Woman; Joseph Quinn brings Johnny Storm, aka The Human Torch, to life; Reed Richards, or Mr. Fantastic, will be played by Pedro Pascal; and Ben Grimm, our stalwart The Thing, will be portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Film (Aug. 8)

Undercover details about the plot are yet to be revealed, but Paul Thomas Anderson is back in the director’s chair for a film he wrote himself, with Warner Bros taking on production duties. Among the star-studded cast, you’ll find Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, along with Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor from “A Thousand and One”, Wood Harris known for his role in “Creed”, rapper Shayna McHayle, and newcomer Chase Infiniti.

Freakier Friday (Aug. 8)

Stepping into the realm of cinematic critique, I’m excited to share my thoughts on “Freakier Friday,” the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 comedy classic, “Freaky Friday.” This time around, we have the pleasure of revisiting the unforgettable duo of Tess and Anna, portrayed by none other than Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.

The Bride (Sept. 26)

Following the financial triumph of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Warner Bros. is planning to revive the undead once more with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s film, “The Bride.” Christian Bale has been cast as Frankenstein’s monster, while Jessie Buckley, who appeared in Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter,” will play the title character. The plot takes place in 1930s Chicago and intends to give a fresh spin to the classic Frankenstein tale.

Michael (Oct. 3)

Michael Jackson is set to be the focus of a new biographical film, sparking debate about how the movie will handle the accusations of sexual misconduct against him. Antoine Fuqua, known for “Training Day,” is directing this project, with Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, portraying the King of Pop. Colman Domingo takes on the role of Joe Jackson, Michael’s father. The cast also includes Miles Teller, Kat Graham, Laura Harrier, and Nia Long.

Tron Ares (Oct. 10)

In the fifteen years since “Tron: Legacy” premiered, the video game characters are set to make their return to our world in the upcoming “Tron Ares.” Jared Leto is slated to play Ares, a digital programmer tasked with venturing into the physical world. Evan Peters will portray Julian Dillinger, a character named after the antagonist from the 1982 “Tron,” alongside Greta Lee and Jeff Bridges.

The Black Phone 2 (Oct. 17)

Four years following Ethan Hawke’s chilling performance as The Grabber, “The Black Phone 2” invites him back for another round of spine-tingling terror. At present, specifics about the plot remain undisclosed; however, Universal and Blumhouse have hinted that this film serves as the commencement of a fresh, sinister franchise.

Predator: Badlands (Nov. 7)

After the hit on Hulu, “Prey,” released in 2022, director Dan Trachtenberg is coming back to the universe of “Predator” with a new film titled “Predator: Badlands.” Although specifics about the plot are scarce, it was mentioned last summer that Elle Fanning might take on a leading role for this upcoming blockbuster from 20th Century Studios.

Bugonia (Nov. 7)

In the humorous sci-fi movie “Bugonia,” there’s a abundance of theories about secret plots. The story revolves around two characters who are convinced that a particular woman is actually an alien planning to destroy Earth. As a result, they take drastic measures and kidnap a high-profile CEO. Yorgos Lanthimos is the director, with Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Cedric Dumornay among the star-studded cast.

Wicked: For Good (Nov. 21)

Audience members can look forward to revisiting the world of Oz in fall, with the release of “Wicked: Part Two,” the follow-up to John M. Chu’s musical adaptation. The original cast, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum and others, will be reprising their roles. John M. Chu is set to return as director, with a script penned by the writers of “Wicked: Part One,” Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, along with L. Frank Baum.

The Running Man (Nov. 21)

After his leading role in “Hit Man,” Glen Powell is set to appear alongside Josh Brolin in the upcoming dystopian thriller titled “The Running Man.” This film is inspired by Stephen King’s 1982 novel, which was previously adapted into the 1987 movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. King collaborated with Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright on the script for this feature film, with Wright set to direct. Alongside Powell and Brolin, the cast also includes Michael Cera, Lee Pace, Lee Charles, and Katy O’Brian in “The Running Man.

Zootopia 2 (Nov. 26)

Following a nine-year hiatus, the beloved bunny police officer Judy Hopps is back for “Zootopia 2” on the big screen. The cast includes Jason Bateman, Fortune Feimster, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ke Huy Quan, and Shakira. While we don’t yet know the exact storyline, the film will find Judy collaborating with Nick Wilde (played by Bateman) to solve a fresh and perilous mystery.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (Dec. 5)

In the horror movie “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” actors Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, and Elizabeth Lail take on leading roles. The original film, “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” was inspired by a 2014 video game of the same name and was led by director Emma Tammi. For this sequel, Tammi once again takes the helm, promising even greater fear-inducing situations than the first movie.

Avatar: Fire and Ash (Dec. 19)

Avatar: Fire and Ash” is the continuation of James Cameron’s successful franchise, which began with the blockbuster “Avatar” in 2009. The ensemble cast includes Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Jemaine Clement, Matt Gerald, David Thewlis, Sam Worthington, Edie Falco, Cliff Curtis and Oona Chaplin. This movie serves as a sequel to the 2022 release “The Way of Water”, though specific plot points have yet to be revealed.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants (Dec. 19)

Delve beneath the sun-kissed sands of Bikini Bottom for a cinematic adventure in “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” In this film, penned and helmed by Derek Drymon, Clancy Brown brings his unique charm to Mr. Krabs, while Brian Doyle-Murray and Mark Hamill lend their voices to the spectral Flying Dutchman. Meanwhile, Tom Kenny takes on the role of our lovable hero, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Bill Fagerbakke brings Patrick Star’s antics to life.

2024-12-27 20:48