The Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

Fight it as we might, the calendar has turned over once again. It is 2025.

Crap.

Well, here’s a lighter take on that thought: On the upside, things aren’t completely grim! There are still some silver linings, and among them, movies remain as one of the brightest gems out there.

2025 promises an exciting lineup of returning directors and well-known series, featuring fresh animated films, sequels, reboots, remakes, multiple new cinematic worlds, as well as the rare original concept from esteemed filmmakers. (Wow, who would have thought Hollywood still had that up its sleeve!)

Indeed, here’s something to look forward to: 2025 promises a significant leap for cinema! Many of your beloved artists and actors are set to make their long-awaited returns, while others will collaborate for the first time ever. It’s an exciting mix, especially with Marvel and DC each unveiling their largest productions in quite some time (we’re at MCU Phase 14 by then). For dedicated Payakan fans, there’s a brand new Avatar on the horizon, complete with both fire and ash elements. Yes, you heard it right – fire and ash, and in these times, every bit counts!

ScreenCrush has compiled a list of 20 unmissable movies scheduled for release in 2025, ranging from titles debuting within the next few weeks to those slated for the holiday season, which are approximately 12 months away. The rest of the year may not be promising, but these movies are so enticing that they offer a glimmer of excitement for what’s to come.

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

Wolf Man

Title Date: January 17

Previously, Universal’s attempt at rebooting “The Wolf Man” resulted in a visually appealing yet dull experience (I apologize for any shortcomings, Rick Baker). The key difference in this new adaptation is Leigh Whannell, the skillful writer and director who demonstrated his ability to breathe fresh life into classic Universal monsters with contemporary thrills and motifs through his 2020 remake of “The Invisible Man”. In this version, Leigh Whannell takes on the role of the Wolf Man, portrayed by Christopher Abbott. Following a confrontation with a werewolf in the woods near his ancestral home, Abbott’s character starts undergoing transformation. Given the intellectual depth that Leigh Whannell brought to “The Invisible Man”, it’s safe to assume that this seemingly simple premise conceals much more complexity than initially meets the eye.

Dog Man

If you’re a parent with elementary school-aged children, you’re likely familiar with “Dog Man,” the beloved graphic novel series from the creator of “Captain Underpants,” Dav Pilkey. This series combines elements of science-fiction and superhero tropes while incorporating slapstick humor that appeals to both kids (and their playful dads) and features an unexpected amount of heartwarming moments too. Capturing the unique tone of “Dog Man” could be challenging, but judging by the trailer for the upcoming film, it seems they’ve done a great job according to my two children (and their equally immature dad).

Captain America: Brave New World

2025 is shaping up to be a more action-packed year for Marvel compared to their output in 2024, which saw only one release – “Deadpool & Wolverine”. In contrast, they have planned three films for 2025, including the near-conclusion of Phase Five of their cinematic universe, titled “Captain America: Brave New World“. This film is particularly exciting because it marks Anthony Mackie’s debut as the new Captain America. Additionally, fans can look forward to seeing several key characters from “The Incredible Hulk” return after a 15-year hiatus, including Betty Ross and The Leader. Lastly, the film promises an appearance by Harrison Ford as the enraged monster, Red Hulk.

Mickey 17

Title Release: March 7th

Warner Bros. has repeatedly adjusted the release date for Bong Joon-ho’s anticipated follow-up to “Parasite.” Originally slated for last year in March, it was then rescheduled for January, followed by April, and now it seems set for this coming March. Let’s hope this timeline sticks! I’m eagerly anticipating the creative vision that Bong will bring with his Oscar Best Picture winner “Parasite” sequel, featuring Robert Pattinson as a man in a dystopian future who agrees to be cloned upon death. The intrigue escalates when he encounters one of his duplicates.

Black Bag

Black Bag (Release Date: March 14)

Legendary director Steven Soderbergh, in collaboration with screenwriter David Koepp once again (following their work on Kimi in 2022 and Presence in January), brings us the espionage-filled thriller, Black Bag. This action-packed movie stars the incredible duo, Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as a pair of married spies whose bond is tested when Blanchett’s character is falsely accused of treason. With an intriguing plot reminiscent of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but with a more refined, gritty edge, we can’t wait to see this one!

Sinners

In the timeframe between “Creed” and “Black Panther,” director Ryan Coogler has helmed some of the finest franchise movies this century has seen. It’s intriguing to see him delve into something fresh, as he is reuniting with Michael B. Jordan for the upcoming film “Sinners.” So far, the storyline remains undisclosed, but given that Warner Bros. secured the project after a fierce competition among studios, it’s believed to be a period horror tale with a twist – vampires are said to be involved.

The Accountant 2

Title Announcement: Arrival of The Accountant Sequel on April 25th

After nearly a decade, the much-loved CPA-turned-hitman character and our weekly TNT Wednesday night go-to movie is making its grand return! That’s right, the highly bingeable action thriller from 2016, “The Accountant,” has finally spawned a sequel. Ben Affleck reprises his role, along with director Gavin O’Connor and fellow stars Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson. The storyline may be shrouded in mystery, but we’re confident the audience will embrace it wholeheartedly. (Get ready for a wave of accounting humor that’s sure to hit the mark!)

Lilo & Stitch

Title Date: May 23

It’s understandable if you’re feeling fatigued by Disney’s continuous stream of live-action adaptations, especially following some lackluster ones from recent years. However, Lilo & Stitch might buck the trend. Firstly, the source material – an alien misfit lands on Earth and befriends a solitary Hawaiian girl – appears more suited for live-action than, for instance, a Bard’s animal-filled jungle tale. Secondly, the remake is helmed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who previously directed Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Here’s hoping he injects freshness and originality into this new project. And let’s not forget about Stitch – what a rascal he is!

The release date for Lilo & Stitch is May 23. You might be tired of Disney’s live-action remakes, but this one could be different. The story (about an alien meeting a lonely girl in Hawaii) seems more appropriate for live-action than some other adaptations. Plus, it’s directed by the person who made Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, so hopefully, it will have something new and interesting. And Stitch is just adorable!

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

As a seasoned movie critic, I find myself seated once more in the heart of cinema, eager to share my thoughts on the latest addition to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. With its release date set for May 23, “Mission: Impossible 8” (originally billed as the second half of the seventh installment) sees Tom Cruise’s indomitable Ethan Hunt embarking on a mission critical to averting global disaster. As always, Cruise delivers awe-inspiring stunts that leave one’s mind reeling.

Now, at 62 years young, Cruise lends an air of uncertainty as to whether this could be the swan song for this illustrious franchise. Yet, with the tantalizing prospect of another billion-dollar box office success, I can’t help but speculate that “The Final Reckoning” might not be as final as it seems. After all, fortune favors the bold.

Karate Kid: Legends

Title Date: May 30

There’s a chance this film could end up kicking me where it hurts. Poor Karate Kid movies can be truly terrible, but when they’re good, they’re fantastic. The concept of reviving the film franchise with a sequel featuring Ralph Macchio as the new Mr. Miyagi and Jackie Chan reprising his Miyagi-like role from the 2010 Karate Kid remake is intriguing. Will Karate Kid: Legends live up to the greatness of the original movie or the early seasons of Cobra Kai? If they manage it all for the sake of love, there’s a chance. (The action in the trailer certainly looks promising.)

28 Years Later

Title Date: June 20

The original creators of “28 Days Later”, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, are returning with a new film titled “28 Years Later”. While it’s arriving earlier than expected (the first movie hit theaters 23 years ago), given the current state of the world, it seems understandable. The main cast includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. However, there are rumors that original franchise lead Cillian Murphy will make an appearance as well. Moreover, expect another dose of fast-moving zombies to give you a good scare once more! I can hardly wait to be terrified all over again.

F1

Release Date: June 27

Although I’m not very knowledgeable about Formula One racing, I’ve learned that the upcoming F1 movie is directed by Joseph Kosinski. His dynamic style in aerial combat scenes significantly enhanced Top Gun: Maverick, surpassing the original film in terms of action. Given this, a racing movie by Kosinski (featuring Brad Pitt as a retired driver helping a promising newcomer) seems like it could be quite successful.

This version maintains the information and tone of the original while providing a slightly different structure and word choices to make it easier for readers to understand.

Superman

Title Date: July 11

If you were uncertain about James Gunn, the director of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad”, creating an authentic Superman film, the recent intriguing trailer might have won you over. David Corenswet portrays the latest version of Superman, facing a new Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and yearning for a new Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). We’ve witnessed these characters on the big screen multiple times before, but this film introduces a dog character named Krypto, who appears to be an impressive scene-stealer.

Title Release Date: July 11

Doubting James Gunn, the director of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad”, crafting an honest Superman movie? The recent compelling trailer could have persuaded you otherwise. David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman, encountering a new Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and longing for a new Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). We’ve previously seen these characters on the big screen, but this film introduces us to Krypto, a dog character who seems destined to steal the show.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

In July, the superhero movie landscape is set to be electrifying with both Marvel and DC introducing new iterations of their iconic franchises. Two weeks following the release of “Superman”, Marvel will unveil its first MCU “Fantastic Four”. The cast includes Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Thing. Notably, “First Steps” deviates from the norm for Marvel, as it is also a period piece, set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s reminiscent of the era that spawned the original “Fantastic Four” comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Naked Gun

The sacred comedy franchise that I hold dear is none other than “The Naked Gun,” featuring the riotous police spoofs of David Zucker, the ZAZ team, and Leslie Nielsen as the clumsy detective Frank Drebin. A new rendition, sans the original creators, initially sounds unpromising – until you learn that this fresh take is helmed by Akiva Schaffer from The Lonely Island (and director of “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”) and stars Liam Neeson as the new Drebin. Suddenly, it appears to be an exceptional idea.

Wicked: For Good

In the second half of the “Wicked” Broadway show, the songs aren’t as strong as those in the initial act. There’s no “Popular” or “Defying Gravity,” but after the first movie’s success, who wouldn’t be intrigued by how the story unfolds between Elphaba, Glinda, and the Wizard of Oz? (Release Date: November 21)

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Title Date: December 19

Indeed, the next installment of ‘Avatar’ is here! The third film in what could potentially be a series of up to five (or six, or ten, or forty?) ‘Avatar’ films will transport us to a fresh part of Pandora and present a new tribe of Na’vi known as the “Ash People.” (Perhaps Bruce Campbell will lend his motion capture skills to one of these characters.) As always, prepare yourself for writer/director James Cameron to amaze us with breathtaking visuals, thrilling action sequences, captivating characters, and, well, some rather extraordinary font choices.

Marty Supreme

In the year 2025, brothers Benny and Josh Safdie, who previously teamed up for the acclaimed 2019 film “Uncut Gems,” are set to release individual films. Benny will direct his first solo feature with “The Smashing Machine,” a biopic featuring Dwayne Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr. On the other hand, Josh will present “Marty Supreme,” a movie about a ping pong champion portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. With two Safdie sports movies scheduled for release in the same year, 2025 promises an intriguing cinematic experience.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Untitled Benoit Blanc Mystery (Coming to Netflix This Year)

The upcoming third installment of the Benoit Blanc mystery series is set to premiere on Netflix at an undisclosed date. However, only a seasoned detective could accurately predict when that will be. The impressive cast for this whodunit includes Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott, Mila Kunis, and Glenn Close. At present, details about the central mystery remain under wraps. However, the title suggests a connection to a classic U2 track from their “Pop” album, hinting that perhaps a dance club could be the scene of a crime this time around.

Frankenstein

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Netflix is yet to announce the release date for Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”. Del Toro has been eager to bring this horror masterpiece to life for more than a decade, and it’s Netflix that made it possible. Oscar Isaac steps into del Toro’s Dr. Frankenstein role, while Jacob Elordi from “Euphoria” and “Saltburn” takes on the monster. It promises to be an eerie, entertaining experience!

The Best Netflix Movies of 2024

Orion and the Dark

If the film portraying a youthful protagonist who maintains a record of his apprehensions and worries in a diary seems reminiscent of Charlie Kaufman’s style, it’s likely due to the fact that Kaufman himself was involved in adapting Netflix’s animated series, “Orion and the Dark.” At first glance, this show may appear similar to “Inside Out,” but it’s significantly stranger and more eerie. The central character, 11-year-old Orion, encounters Dark, a personification of his greatest fear, who proves to be surprisingly benevolent. Accompanied by Dark, Orion embarks on a global journey, encountering embodiments of various nighttime activities like Sleep, Dreams, and Mysterious Noises. The narrative revolves around overcoming fears, but it also delves into unlikely friendships, the arduous road to forgiveness, and the existential dilemmas of childhood that we all can identify with.

Hit Man

In Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man”, Glen Powell takes center stage in a film based on a true tale of a college professor moonlighting as a phony hit man, complete with disguises that fool would-be assassins for the local police. However, his undercover life gets complicated when he meets a woman seeking revenge on her abusive husband, leading him to develop feelings for her while trying to hide their romantic involvement from the cops. The film is filled with humor, action, and highlights Powell’s charm as well as his versatility in playing multiple roles simultaneously.

Rebel Ridge

In the cinematic world of Director Jeremy Saulnier, renowned for his hard-hitting crime thrillers steeped in violence, the 2024 release, titled “Rebel Ridge“, presents a refreshing deviation. Instead of gunshots and gore, this film is a cauldron of suspense that simmers until it boils over. The lead character, Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond, is a former Marine whose bail money for an imprisoned relative is confiscated during a routine traffic stop by local police. Desperate to retrieve the funds, Terry embarks on a perilous journey, unearthing a wide-ranging conspiracy that has gripped an entire town. Pierre delivers a powerful yet subtle performance, pitting his unyielding resolve against Don Johnson’s relentless power.

His Three Daughters

As their father transitioned to home hospice care during his final fight against cancer, his three daughters – portrayed by Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen – convene in his apartment, bracing for the inevitable end that could occur at any moment. Struggling with the imminence of their father’s demise, the sisters strive to find some semblance of normality, reopening old wounds along the way, yet drawing closer through minor squabbles – a characteristic trait of siblings. The film His Three Daughters, filmed within a single apartment, is visually stunning, and the trio of actresses deliver exceptional performances, displaying exceptional chemistry and interacting in ways that are both unusual and captivating.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

The extraordinary documentary titled “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” stands out as one of a kind, undoubtedly the most distinctive production of 2024. Drawing from the blog of Mats Steen, a Norwegian individual who passed away at 24 due to a progressive muscle disorder, along with the memories shared by his friends and family, this film weaves together the life story of Steen, encompassing both his real-life experiences and his exploits within the virtual world of the game “World of Warcraft“. By employing digital animation mimicking the visual style of “WoW“‘s gaming engine, this film reimagines Steen’s life in the virtual realm of the game. Here, Steen could experience the love and thrill that his illness prevented him from enjoying in real life.

Don’t Move

In crafting an authentic original thriller, the film Don’t Move turned out to be quite an enjoyable surprise. When the grieving mother Iris (Kelsey Asbille) is abducted by a serial killer, she manages to break free, but discovers that he has administered a paralytic substance into her system, which gradually takes effect. The only means of survival for Iris is to outrun the killer before her body completely succumbs, making for a nerve-wracking experience. This concept is intriguing and creates an intense atmosphere, and at a lean 92 minutes, it never overstays its welcome by dragging on any unnecessary scenes.

Martha

It’s high time for an enlightening and captivating documentary on Martha Stewart, and the film Martha certainly meets that expectation. Directed by R.J. Cutler, who has previously worked on films like The War Room, The September Issue, and Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, this movie is both comprehensive and entertaining, offering an engaging biography of one of the original lifestyle influencers. The film tackles Stewart’s intricate life story with curiosity and compassion, making it enticing even for those who may not be avid Martha Stewart fans (even if you’ve only seen snippets from her cooking variety show with Snoop Dogg). Regardless, Martha is bound to make you a fan.

Hot Frosty

Absolutely, I’d include that outlandish holiday rom-com featuring the enchanting hunky snowman who turns human and woes a solitary woman in my top Netflix picks of the year. Despite its preposterous plot — trust me, it’s as absurd as it sounds — “Hot Frosty” manages to be laugh-out-loud self-deprecating, poking fun at itself while winning you over with its endearing qualities. It’s like a chiseled snowman with abs, if you will.

The Piano Lesson

In the play “The Piano Lesson,” written by August Wilson in 1987, stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Erykah Badu, Ray Fisher, and Danielle Deadwyler bring to life a dramatic family story. The centerpiece of this tale is an heirloom piano, intricately designed by an ancestor who was once enslaved. As the narrative unfolds, we follow the journey of a brother and sister who have contrasting views on the piano’s fate during the aftermath of the Great Depression. The lives of various family members are intertwined with this significant artifact, creating a compelling Southern Gothic narrative that showcases powerful performances from contemporary acting icons, produced by Denzel Washington.

Carry-On

Jaume Collet-Serra is often overlooked as the mastermind behind edge-of-your-seat thrillers that unfold on diverse transportation systems. His collaborations with Liam Neeson, such as Non-Stop and The Commuter, feature high-stakes action on an airplane and a commuter train respectively. In his newest film, Carry-On, the setting shifts to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where Taron Egerton plays a determined TSA agent whose inaugural day scanning luggage finds him entangled in a terrorist plot that appears inescapable. Jason Bateman delivers a chilling performance as the unnamed villain, who communicates with his target mainly through an earpiece while they both chase a suitcase containing a dangerous cargo through the bustling airport on Christmas Eve. Essentially, it’s like Die Hard, but with airplanes, and Tom Cruise might be envious of the long-distance running scenes.

2025-01-14 04:05