My 35 Most Anticipated Films of 2025
The upcoming year is shaping up to be an exciting for movie lovers. The slate of films in 2025 promises something for everyone, whether you're a fan of thrilling action, spine-chilling horror, heartfelt dramas, or laugh-out-loud comedies.
The upcoming year also includes established franchises returning, highly anticipated sequels, and exciting new projects from visionary directors.
As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve combed through the release calendar and picked 35 films that I’m looking forward to watching. Let’s dive in! The movie are listed in order of their release dates.
WOLF MAN (January 17)
Blumhouse is breathing new life into the classic werewolf tale with Wolf Man. With Leigh Whannell (The Invisible Man) directing and a cast led by Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, this promises to be a gripping, character-driven horror story. The story follows a family trapped in a remote farmhouse as a werewolf stalks them has me already bracing for edge-of-my-seat tension. Whannell’s knack for blending emotional depth with bone-chilling horror has me howling with anticipation.
COMPANION (January 31)
With Companion, the team behind Barbarian is bringing us a sci-fi horror tale that feels both innovative and eerie. Starring Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher, this psychological thriller promises a chilling exploration of human relationships in the face of unimaginable events. If it’s anything like Barbarian, I’m ready for a story that keeps me guessing until the end.
LOVE HURTS (February 7)
Ke Huy Quan’s career resurgence has been pretty awesome, and it’s great to see him headline an action film like Love Hurts. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, this film blends action and emotional depth as a former hitman turned realtor is forced to confront his dark past. With Ariana DeBose and Daniel Wu in supporting roles, this has all the makings of a high-octane, heart-pounding action movie.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD (February 14)
Sam Wilson’s Captain America (Anthony Mackie) is getting a full-fledged solo film, and a lot of fans seems excited about it. The inclusion of Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross aka Red Hulk, is what really excites me about this movie. I hope that this movie ends up being the intriguing political thriller the creative team is hyping it up to be.
THE GORGE (February 14)
Scott Derrickson’s The Gorge looks like a stunning mix of supernatural action and emotional storytelling. Starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as operatives stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious chasm, this film promises breathtaking visuals and intense performances. Derrickson’s track record with The Black Phone and Doctor Strange makes me confident that The Gorge will deliver in spades.
THE MONKEY (February 21)
Stephen King adaptations rarely disappoint, and with James Wan producing The Monkey, my expectations for this one are high. Directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs) and starring Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood, this eerie tale about a cursed toy monkey sounds like the perfect mix of psychological and supernatural horror. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds on screen.
SINNERS (March 7)
Michael B. Jordan teaming up with Ryan Coogler again for Sinners could be a big hit with audiences. This vampire thriller set in the Jim Crow-era South blends social commentary with supernatural horror, and I’m here for it. Jordan’s dual role as twins, coupled with Coogler’s directorial talents, makes this a movie I won’t want to miss.
THE ELECTRIC STATE (March 14)
Based on Simon Stålenhag’s hauntingly beautiful graphic novel, The Electric State has been on my radar ever since the Russo brothers announced it. Millie Bobby Brown stars as a teenager navigating a dystopian 1990s America alongside a quirky robot companion. With Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and Stanley Tucci rounding out the cast, this Netflix film is poised to be a sci-fi gem.
A MINCRAFT MOVIE (April 4)
I’m interested to see how this blocky world translates to the big screen. With Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Danielle Brooks leading the cast, the film promises a humorous and adventurous journey through the Overworld. If done right, this could be a refreshing take on video game adaptations.
MICKEY 17 (April 18)
Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up to Parasite is bound to be a cinematic and fun event, and Mickey 17 sounds like it will deliver the same blend of originality and comedic thought-provoking storytelling. Robert Pattinson stars as a man caught in a unique sci-fi predicament, with Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Mark Ruffalo adding star power. Bong’s ability to blend genre with profound themes ensures this film will be a blast to watch.
THE ACCOUNTANT 2 (April 25)
Ben Affleck returns as the math genius-turned-lethal enforcer Christian Wolff, and I’m eager to see where this sequel takes his story. With Jon Bernthal and J.K. Simmons back, the dynamic between Christian, his brother, and law enforcement promises to deliver more of the tense action and sharp character interplay that made the original so compelling. This is shaping up to be another intense and cerebral thriller.
UNTIL DAWN (April 25)
As a fan of the Until Dawn game, I’m excited to see David F. Sandberg’s vision for this R-rated horror adaptation. Capturing the branching, decision-heavy nature of the game on the big screen will be a challenge, but with Sandberg’s knack for crafting terrifying visuals and storytelling, this could be one of the year’s most inventive horror films.
THUNDERBOLTS* (May 5)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe closes out Phase Five with Thunderbolts, bringing together a rogue’s gallery of characters in a high-stakes government mission. Seeing Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles is a treat, and it will be interesting to see how the story for this dysfunctional team will; play out. This could bring a darker edge to the MCU.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONIG (May 23)
Tom Cruise isn’t done wowing us with death-defying stunts, and The Final Reckoning promises to be a heart-stopping conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s saga. Following the AI-driven chaos of Dead Reckoning Part One, this finale dives into the consequences of Hunt’s relentless mission against The Entity. With returning cast members and franchise newcomers like Hannah Waddingham, this could be the most explosive Mission: Impossible yet.
THE LIFE OF CHUCK (May 30)
Mike Flanagan’s next Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck, has been generating rave early reviews, and I can’t wait to see why. The reverse chronology of Chuck’s life, from his death back to his childhood, sounds like a poignant, mind-bending narrative. With Flanagan’s talent for emotional depth and King’s layered storytelling, this could be one of 2025’s most memorable films.
KARATE KID: LEGENDS (May 30)
With Cobra Kai breathing new life into the Karate Kid franchise, I’m happy to see Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan unite for Legends. The story of a kung fu prodigy adjusting to life in New York while navigating tragedy and mentorship sounds like the perfect continuation of this iconic series. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on the franchise, and I’m here for it.
BALLERINA (June 6)
Ana de Armas stepping into the John Wick universe as a vengeance-driven assassin? Sign me up. With Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick appearing alongside her, Ballerina expands the Wick lore while delivering its signature mix of stylish action and emotional stakes. I’m ready for an electrifying addition to one of the best modern action franchises.
28 YEARS LATER (June 20)
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland teaming up again for another chapter in the 28 Days Later franchise is something fans have been waiting for, but I wasn’t sure if it would ever happen. Cillian Murphy’s return as Jim, paired with Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, sets the stage for a gripping, emotional continuation of this apocalyptic saga. Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max for added intimacy, this is bold and innovative take on the zombie genre.
F1 (June 27)
Joseph Kosinski’s F1 promises to bring the intensity of racing to life like never before, with Brad Pitt mentoring Damson Idris in a high-stakes Formula 1 story. With real races as the backdrop and Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick pedigree, this movie will be a visual spectacle packed with adrenaline-fueled drama. Racing fans and movie buffs alike are in for a treat.
JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH (July 2)
Gareth Edwards’ take on the Jurassic World franchise is sure to deliver a fascinating new film with dinosaurs struggling to survive in isolated equatorial zones. The idea of a team chasing DNA samples from the largest creatures on Earth for a life-saving drug adds a fresh layer to the story. With Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey leading the charge, this feels like it will be a bold evolution for the franchise.
SUPERMAN (July 11)
James Gunn’s fresh take on Superman feels like a breath of fresh air for the iconic character. David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane seem like inspired choices, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing Nicholas Hoult bring a complex Lex Luthor to life. Gunn’s focus on Superman as a symbol of hope in a cynical world is exactly what this franchise needs, and I’m eager to see how he balances Kryptonian mythology with a modern perspective.
THE FANTSTIC 4: FIRST STEPS (July 25)
Finally, Marvel’s First Family is getting a movie from Marvel Studios, and with Pedro Pascal leading the charge as Mister Fantastic, the reboot couldn’t look better. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s, the film’s aesthetic and focus on Galactus and the Silver Surfer promise to bring a really cool cosmic Marvel adventure. Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach round out the team perfectly, and I can’t wait to see how Matt Shakman delivers on this long-awaited reboot.
NOBODY 2 (August 15)
Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell was an absolute revelation in the first Nobody, and I’m thrilled to see him return for the sequel. With Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, and RZA also reprising their roles, this promises to be another adrenaline-fueled, darkly comedic action ride. The movie will be directed by Timo Tjahjanto and I’m expecting even more jaw-dropping sequences and a deeper dive into Hutch’s past.
CONJURING: LAST RITES (September 5)
The Warrens are back for their final supernatural showdown in Conjuring: Last Rites, and I’m ready to be terrified one last time. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have brought so much heart to this franchise, and knowing this film will wrap up their story is bittersweet. I hope that director Michael Chaves will deliver a satisfying and chilling conclusion.
THE BRIDE (September 25)
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride sounds like a interesting reimagining of the classic Bride of Frankenstein tale. Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale are a dream pairing, and setting the story in 1930s Chicago offers a fresh twist on the gothic horror romance. This movie could turn out to be a hauntingly beautiful film.
MICHAEL (October 3)
A Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson feels like it’s going to be an event. Covering Jackson’s rise to superstardom and his personal challenges, this film is going to offer an intimate look at the King of Pop’s life. With over 30 iconic songs included, it’s bound to be as thrilling as it is emotional.
TRON: ARES (October 10)
The Tron franchise is diving deeper into the real world with Tron: Ares, and Jared Leto leads a stellar cast in this story about the first true contact between humans and AI beings. With Joachim Rønning at the helm and a wild premise, this feels like the futuristic adventure fans have been waiting for.
THE BLACK PHONE 2 (October 17)
The original Black Phone was a standout horror film, and seeing Scott Derrickson and Ethan Hawke return for the sequel has me hyped. Expanding on the chilling concept of the disconnected phone calls from the dead, this movie promises to dive deeper into its unsettling mythology. I’m ready for more haunting twists and scares.
PREDATOR: BADLANDS (November 7)
After the success of Prey, Predator: Badlands will take the iconic alien hunter to new levels. Elle Fanning leading the charge in a story about survival and sisterhood adds an intriguing human element to the brutal action. Dan Trachtenberg has already proven he understands this franchise, and I’m eager to see how he expands the universe.
THE RUNNING MAN (November 27)
Edgar Wright developing a new adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man has gotten a lot of fans excited. Glen Powell as the wrongly convicted cop will bring a fresh take to the dystopian thriller, while Wright’s visual flair and biting humor are sure to make this adaptation stand out. With the backdrop of a deadly game show, this promises to be as thrilling movie-going experience.
WICKED: FOR GOOD (November 21)
The first Wicked movie set the stage beautifully, and I’m looking forward to seeing the conclusion of Elphaba and Glinda’s story. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were perfectly cast, and Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard is sinisterly charming. With the iconic songs and emotional depth that define this story, fans can’t wait to return to the Land of Oz for the final chapter.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2 (December 5)
The first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie was a fun, creepy ride, and I’m excited to see how the sequel ups the stakes. Josh Hutcherson returning as the unlucky security guard promises continuity, and Blumhouse knows how to deliver just the right balance of scares and humor. With more killer animatronics and chilling mysteries, this is bound to be another crowd-pleaser.
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (December 21)
James Cameron’s Avatar films are cinematic spectacles, and Ash and Fire looks like it will continue to push boundaries. Exploring the volcanic regions of Pandora and introducing the fiery Ash People is an exciting twist that promises fresh visuals and deeper world-building. With the Sully family’s journey at the heart of the story, I’m ready for another emotional and immersive adventure.
HAPPY GILMORE 2 (TBA)
Over 25 years later, Adam Sandler is bringing Happy Gilmore back to the green, and I couldn’t be more excited. With the return of Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller, along with new cast members like Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce, this promises to be a hilarious follow-up. Seeing Happy and Shooter McGavin train rival protégés is sure to bring plenty of laughs and nostalgic fun.
FRANKENSTEIN (TBA)
Guillermo del Toro’s dream project finally comes to life, and it’s bound to be extraordinary. With Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Monster, Frankenstein promises to be a dark, emotional, and visually stunning adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz also star in the film and I can’t wait to see del Toro’s unique vision for this timeless story.
Which films coming out in 2025 are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments!