Top 20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

Release Date: February 14, 2025 [U.S.]

It feels like we’re entering a new world in 2025. Captain America may be the hero audiences need right now. Sam Wilson picks up the star-spangled shield, but he’s not the only one adjusting to a new role. Taking over for the late William Hurt, Harrison Ford plays General Thaddeus Ross. Make that President Ross since the White House just got a new resident. You can’t take the soldier out of the politician, as Ross ushers in a war-torn era with Sam caught in the middle. It’s red, white, and blue vs. Red Hulk, although the action isn’t the only thing “Brave New World” has going for it. The advertising promises a conspiracy thriller that may harken back to Sam’s debut in “The Winter Soldier.”

Release Date: March 7, 2025 [U.S.]

Given his success with “Creed” and “Black Panther,” Hollywood owes Ryan Coogler a blank check to produce an original project. Coogler ultimately received $90 million to write and direct “Sinners,” which reteams him with Michael B. Jordan. We’re getting double the Jordan, as the actor plays twin brothers Elijah and Elias. While the casting may sound familiar, “Sinners” is new territory for Coogler, who helms his first horror film. The threat appears to be supernatural, perhaps even demonic. The trailers for “Sinners” have otherwise kept its plot hidden in the shadows. That’s the way we like it. We have a feeling this is a film you’ll want to go in with as little information as possible, especially since the talent involved is more than enough to hook us in.

Release Date: TBA 2025 [U.S.]

Ari Aster tackled psychological horror in “Hereditary,” folk horror in “Midsommar,” and surreal horror in “Beau Is Afraid.” His latest film, “Eddington,” is billed as a modern Western with a dark comedic edge. Rumors suggest the film will occur during the pandemic and could even involve zombies. Wherever “Eddington” falls under the horror umbrella, Aster isn’t straying too far from his comfort zone, again working with Joaquin Phoenix as a New Mexico sheriff who believes he’s destined for more. Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler round out a supporting cast in a small-town story where things turn grim after sunset. It sounds unlike anything Aster’s done before, but then again, he never makes the same movie twice.

Release Date: October 10, 2025 [U.S.]

Since its debut in 1982, “Tron” has never been as big as Disney likely hoped. The film’s cult following persisted, though, paving the way for “Tron: Legacy” in 2010. While another sequel was considered, Disney ultimately rebooted the franchise with “Tron: Ares.” The film isn’t completely abandoning its roots with Jeff Bridge’s Kevin Flynn appearing. Similar to “The Force Awakens,” “Tron: Ares” is expected to be a passing of the torch with Jared Leto, Evan Peters, and Greta Lee leading the cast. Considering how much AI has evolved in the past 15 years, the film’s story of a digital being entering our world should carry newfound relevance. Daft Punk will be missed, but we’re counting on Nine Inch Nails to produce a banger score.

Release Date: June 27, 2025 [U.S.]

In “Top Gun: Maverick,” director Joseph Kosinski[a] and cinematographer Claudio Miranda made audiences feel like they were up in the air alongside Tom Cruise. They could pull off a similar feat with “F1,” putting the viewer behind the wheel with Brad Pitt. Adding to the thrill, Pitt reportedly did his own driving in the film. Granted, in an F2 vehicle that was altered to look like an F1 car, but still cool. Visual tricks aside, the film is striving for authenticity, even featuring several real-life Formula One drivers. With Jerry Bruckheimer producing, “F1” seems like the racing movie he tried to make 35 years ago with “Days of Thunder,” which also coincidentally starred Tom Cruise. Where that film crashed, “F1” may burn rubber.

Release Date: June 13, 2025 [U.S.]

Be it due to bad advertising or a questionable straight-to-streaming model, Disney has mishandled the distribution of several recent Pixar movies. Sequels like “Inside Out 2” still print money, but “Elio” could determine how many original projects we’ll see from Pixar in the coming years. Centered on a lonely boy who unwittingly becomes Earth’s ambassador to a group of extraterrestrial beings, the premise offers plenty of comedic possibilities. There’s also an opportunity to explore profound questions about humanity and life beyond the stars. Initially set to be directed by Adrian Molina of “Coco,” “Turning Red’s” Domee Shi and “Burrow’s” Madeline Sharafian took over the production in 2024. If anything like their past works, “Elio” should be another Pixar film that reaches for the stars.

Release Date: June 20, 2025 [U.S.]

For nearly 18 years, we’ve asked, “When are we gonna get ‘28 Months Later?’” Well, probably never since the third movie is called “28 Years Later.” We’re just ecstatic that Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are revisiting the zombie franchise that changed everything. The behind-the-scenes talent aren’t the only ones coming back. Cillian Murphy reprises his role for the first time since 2002. Back then, the idea of a zombie apocalypse seemed far-fetched. In a post-pandemic world, empty cities and deadly infections no longer feel like a “what if” scenario. Now is as good a time as any for “28 Years Later,” which already has another sequel in the works entitled “The Bone Temple.” Yeah, we wish it was called “28 Decades Later” too.

Release Date: August 8, 2025 [U.S.]

Paul Thomas Anderson. Need we say more? How about Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Alana Haim[d], and Benicio del Toro! Still not sold? Well… we’re honestly running out of things to say about this crime thriller, which has kept its plot under wraps. Rumors suggest that the 1990 novel “Vineland” was an inspiration. Yet, even the title, “The Battle of Baktan Cross,” isn’t necessarily set in stone. When it comes to Anderson, though, the less we know, the better. We want to be surprised. The film has been described as Anderson’s “most commercial” work, which is reflected in a budget exceeding $100 million. By far the biggest budget the director has ever received, we know PTA is worth three figures.

Release Date: TBA 2025 [U.S.]

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” directed by Guillermo del Toro. That sounds about right. We’re surprised such an adaptation has taken this long to happen. It’s not like it was due to a lack of trying. Del Toro has expressed interest in doing a “Frankenstein” movie for years, although the pieces never fell into place as other projects captured his attention. One of those passion projects was his version of “Pinocchio.” With that stop-motion film going on to win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Netflix didn’t hesitate to green-light del Toro’s “Frankenstein.” Like “Pinocchio,” “Frankenstein” is a story we’ve heard before, but del Toro is interested in exploring aspects of Shelley’s novel that other adaptations omitted. After years in development hell, it’s alive!

Release Date: May 2, 2025 [U.S.]

It’s funny. For years we wondered when Natasha Romanoff would get her own movie. Then when she finally did the consensus was, “It was fine, but when is Yelena Belova getting a movie?” Yelena leads this ensemble, which includes other anti-heroes/reformed villains like Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, and Ghost. Oh, and Bob. Can’t forget Bob, who we’re guessing is going to be Sentry. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine[e] is also in play as this band of lost souls is recruited to carry out government missions too dangerous for others. So, that’s it? What, they some kinda… Thunderbolts? Yeah, you knew we were going there, but we have faith this team-up will be less like “Suicide Squad” and closer to “The Suicide Squad.”

Release Date: November 21, 2025 [U.S.]

We’ll admit that when news broke “Wicked” would be a two-part adaptation, we cried, “Cash grab.” While it might’ve been financially motivated (at least at an executive level), we think it was the right choice having seen “Part One.” The 2024 hit expanded upon the Broadway sensation, taking the character development and worldbuilding to even greater heights. Leaving us on a high note with “Defying Gravity,” director Jon M. Chu earned our trust. Coinciding with Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, “Part Two” will keep the focus on Elphaba and Glinda as their friendship is tested. Some Broadway elitists may say Act 2 of “Wicked” isn’t as strong as Act 1. With new songs and dynamics being added, though, this sequel might change your opinion for good.

Release Date: TBA 2025 [U.S.]

We love Dwayne Johnson… even if his movies haven’t always blown us away. Of course, director Benny Safdie is gaining a reputation for pushing actors to new, exciting, often stressful places. Safdie’s collaborations with his brother Josh resulted in career-best performances from Robert Pattinson and Adam Sandler. Safdie may do the same for Johnson in “The Smashing Machine.” Playing mixed martial artist Mark Kerr[f] might not seem like a stretch considering Johnson’s wrestling background. Given Kerr’s history of substance use, though, this A24 biopic could push Johnson to dramatic depths we’ve rarely seen. Emily Blunt has described her co-star as “unrecognizable” in the film, making us wonder if we’ll get to call him Oscar Nominee Dwayne Johnson before inevitably calling him President Johnson.

Release Date: November 21, 2025 [U.S.]

Any Schwarzenegger fan surely has a soft spot for 1987’s “The Running Man.” Readers, meanwhile, have waited decades for a more faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, which coincidentally took place in the dystopian year of 2025. King was ahead of the curve with his commentary on reality TV, America’s declining economy, and a society growing more prone to violence. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for another “Running Man” adaptation. The only thing more promising than the source material is the talent involved. Director Edgar Wright doesn’t have a miss in his filmography and Glenn Powell is on the cusp of being a bonafide movie star. We’ll be running to the theater, especially if we need an escape from the harsh realities of 2025.

Release Date: TBA 2025 [U.S.]


“Knives Out” was a breath of fresh air for murder mystery fans. The sequel shouldn’t have been able to recapture the same spark. For many, “Glass Onion” somehow surpassed its predecessor, remaining faithful to the original tone while going in a different direction. We’re not sure how lightning can strike three times in a franchise dependent on staying several steps ahead of us. Writer/director Rian Johnson is known for subverting expectations, however. We should expect the unexpected, but we’re guaranteed to see Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc lead another all-star ensemble including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis, among others. If there’s one Netflix movie we’d love to see on the big screen this year, it’s “Wake Up Dead Man.”

Release Date: June 6, 2025 [U.S.]


The “John Wick” franchise has some of the best worldbuilding in modern action without ever overexplaining how this secret society works. While John himself is in a league of his own, any of the figures he’s crossed paths with could have their own movie. In addition to Keanu Reeves, we can expect to see a few familiar faces in “Ballerina,” including Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick in his final role. The stage belongs to Ana de Armas, though, as Eve Macarro, a dancer/assassin ready to paint her shoes red. Set between the third and fourth “John Wick” movies, Eve’s mission to avenge her father should serve as a reminder that fight choreography and dance choreography are closer than we assume.

Release Date: July 11, 2025 [U.S.]


The DCEU certainly had its highs, but even going back to the earliest lows like “Batman v Superman,” a reboot seemed fated. As James Gunn had a falling out with Marvel, the time seemed appropriate to start fresh. Gunn kicks off the DC Universe’s theatrical output with “Superman.” Although he may be the most iconic and important DC hero, Superman isn’t the easiest character to adapt. Ideally, this version could combine the optimism and gravitas of the original Christopher Reeve’s movies with the more grounded edge Zack Snyder brought to the table. Above all else, we hope this is a genuine James Gunn production, complete with his signature wit, inventiveness, and eye for comic book action. Krypto’s presence in the movie is a good sign!

Release Date: December 19, 2025 [U.S.]


“Avatar: The Way of Water” was the sequel we never thought we’d see, and despite more than a decade of skepticism, it actually lived up to the hype. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait as long for the third installment, “Fire and Ash.” As the title suggests, this story will introduce the “Ash People,” revealing the fiery side of the Na’vi. We don’t just mean that in an elemental sense. While humans have primarily been the antagonists, James Cameron has teased a clash between the Na’vi. The fire potentially refers to a blowout while the ash symbolizes the fallout. Will it all burn to the ground or could something else rise from the ashes? With two more sequels planned, we’re guessing the latter.

Release Date: April 18, 2025 [U.S.]


Bong Joon-ho has been gripping South Korean audiences and cinephiles worldwide for decades. If you didn’t know his name before 2020, you did after “Parasite” won the Oscar for Best Picture. While Bong has made a few English-language movies, “Mickey 17” is unlike anything else in his filmography: an adaptation of a popular sci-fi book with a $150 million budget and a major Hollywood distributor in Warner Bros. For anyone worried the studio system might get in the way, you’ll be happy to know that Bong was granted final cut. Those who read “Mickey7” can expect some changes, including the title. Given Bong’s track record, though, we say, “Let the man cook!” Also, we’re loving this unpredictable phase of Robert Pattinson’s career.

Release Date: July 25, 2025 [U.S.]


When Disney entered negotiations to purchase 21st Century Fox, two questions lingered above all others: when will the X-Men join the MCU and will we finally get a watchable “Fantastic Four” movie? While the mutants have slowly entered the fold, the Fantastic Four will take their first steps in this semi-period piece. The casting sounds fantastic with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach[g] as Ben Grimm. The ensemble also includes Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer. However, we’re curious if the film could set up Dr. Doom - marking Robert Downey Jr.’s return. It’ll not only set a tone for future “Fantastic Four” movies, but the MCU’s sixth phase and beyond.

Release Date: May 23, 2025 [U.S.]


The eighth “Mission: Impossible” ties up the loose ends from “Dead Reckoning,” but will it truly be the final reckoning for Ethan Hunt? Tom Cruise has noted that the title could be misleading like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” For all we know, Cruise may keep risking his life for our viewing pleasure until he’s 90. Whether or not this is truly the end of an era, “The Final Reckoning” looks like the culmination of an action franchise that’s been going strong on the silver screen for nearly three decades. This mission should push Hunt’s team to new limits and deeper depths - literally in the latter’s case with the submarine setup already having us holding our breath. Say no more, we accept!

[a]https://youtu.be/j4qwMGd2wmQ?si=WYKyyrpcXTXYIN3t
https://youtu.be/fn2dBc02c5I?si=W0A6TXe8AhXXK9Dr&t=28
[b]ELLY-oh https://youtu.be/8ocanbiSyV4?si=Z2n0zsA6m5Chq0H8&t=8
moh-LEENA https://youtu.be/FzSnUGoCSC4?si=RHmJtRBh7XeAtCpb&t=3
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madda-lin shuh-RAWFFY-in https://youtu.be/A0lMGmg5Ta8?si=o2SmjmkfqfwVmC19
[c]they have not said this out loud yet anywhere
[d]https://youtu.be/zDvhUHcU1qo?si=SrOajt9XyoYBdQ_A&t=31
[e]day https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/1e01ba15-76d2-4025-97ef-d4b9606bded4
[f]https://youtu.be/O0TsbgT6dUY?si=UjigGoqQaJXy_K0-&t=485
[g]https://youtu.be/w_04q75dopA?si=T29SbMXMMfhZBnYi&t=16