The big screen promises an extraordinary lineup for 2025. From superhero epics to horror chillers, musicals to dramas, the coming year offers something for every taste. Studios are rolling out their biggest stars and most beloved franchises alongside fresh original stories. This collection of films represents the most talked-about upcoming releases based on fan excitement, industry buzz, and early previews. Let’s dive into the 39 films everyone will be talking about next year.
James Gunn reboots the Man of Steel with David Corenswet as Clark Kent, balancing alien heritage with human upbringing. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane while Nicholas Hoult takes on Lex Luthor. The film features Krypto the Superdog and glimpses of a diverse Justice League. With a $300M budget, Gunn aims to restore Superman’s hopeful spirit. Early test screenings suggest he’s succeeded, making this the cornerstone of DC’s new universe.
Anthony Mackie officially steps into the Captain America role as Sam Wilson faces a conspiracy led by Tim Blake Nelson’s Leader. Harrison Ford joins as Thaddeus Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk during a massive showdown. Liv Tyler returns as Betty Ross after years away from the franchise. Recent reshoots added more action sequences, pushing this Valentine’s release toward Civil War levels of spectacle. Fandango surveys show fans can’t wait to see Mackie fully embrace the iconic shield.
Tom Cruise might conclude his run as Ethan Hunt, confronting both the AI threat from Dead Reckoning and a personal betrayal. McQuarrie directs pulse-pounding sequences including submarine stunts and a Venice chase. Hayley Atwell returns as Grace alongside Luther. The script aims to give Ethan’s team emotional closure while Cruise’s dedication to jaw-dropping practical stunts remains the series’ biggest draw. A rumored zero-gravity sequence has fans speculating this could top all previous entries.
Set five years after Dominion, this soft reboot follows scientists extracting DNA from prehistoric creatures for medical breakthroughs. Jonathan Bailey stars alongside Scarlett Johansson’s operative and Mahershala Ali’s mysterious scientist. Director Gareth Edwards brings a darker, Alien-influenced tone to the franchise. New dinosaurs include a terrifying marine predator never featured before in the series. Bailey’s performance has already generated significant social media buzz among franchise fans.
James Cameron’s third Pandora adventure introduces the Ash People, a volatile Na’vi clan led by Oona Chaplin. Jake and Neytiri face fresh threats amid volcanic landscapes and aerial battles. Sigourney Weaver returns in a mysterious role that differs from her previous character. The film expands underwater sequences while pushing visual technology beyond what we’ve seen before, building on the previous film’s $2 billion success. Cameron promises even more breathtaking innovation in this winter blockbuster.
Marvel’s antihero team-up follows Pugh’s Yelena and Stan’s Bucky on a black-ops mission for Louis-Dreyfus’s shady handler. The crew includes Red Guardian and other morally flexible characters facing a shadowy threat. The asterisk hints at a major twist, possibly involving the Sentry. Pugh’s electric Black Widow performance and the ensemble’s chemistry have made this a fan favorite long before its premiere.
Marvel’s first family joins the MCU in a 1960s-set adventure. Pedro Pascal plays Reed Richards, with Vanessa Kirby as Sue, Joseph Quinn as Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The team confronts Galactus and Silver Surfer. Director Matt Shakman brings WandaVision’s retro flair to this family story, aiming to succeed where previous studio attempts failed. After two disappointing adaptations, fans feel Marvel might finally get these beloved characters right.
The second half of Jon M. Chu’s Broadway adaptation covers Elphaba’s rebellion against Oz’s corrupt Wizard and Glinda’s rise to power. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return with Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero and Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible deepening the drama. Expect stunning visuals and iconic songs like “Defying Gravity.” The first film’s $800 million haul virtually guarantees another hit this Thanksgiving. Fans can’t wait to see how Chu handles the emotional finale.
Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi comedy follows Pattinson as a colonist who regenerates after death on a deadly ice planet. Each clone keeps memories of its predecessors, causing existential chaos. Ackie plays Mickey’s ally while Ruffalo appears as a suspicious commander. Bong brings his trademark dark humor and social commentary to Ashton’s novel. The Parasite director’s Oscar win and Pattinson’s multiple-Mickey performance make this a genre standout.
This Wes Anderson spy film stars Tom Hanks alongside Scarlett Johansson, Rupert Friend, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, and Bryan Cranston. Currently in post-production, the movie appears to involve a father-daughter relationship complicated by challenges in their family business. Anderson brings his distinctive visual style and storytelling approach to this ensemble piece, which will initially have a limited theatrical release.
Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller takes place in 1930s Louisiana where twin brothers return home to face supernatural evil. Michael B. Jordan plays both siblings, with Delroy Lindo as a preacher and Hailee Steinfeld as a mysterious local. Coogler blends horror with themes of race and religion. The Black Panther director’s reunion with Jordan and a chilling TIFF teaser have horror fans counting down the days. Industry insiders predict this could redefine the vampire genre.
This John Wick spinoff follows Ana de Armas as Rooney, a ballet-trained assassin seeking revenge. Set during Wick: Chapter 3, the film features Keanu Reeves in key scenes alongside McShane’s Winston. Expect balletic fight choreography and deeper exploration of the High Table’s underworld. De Armas trained extensively for the physically demanding role, bringing the same intensity she showed in No Time to Die. Action fans have marked this as a must-see.
Danny Boyle returns to direct this sequel to his influential zombie thriller. Jodie Comer stars as a survivor in rage-virus-ravaged Britain, with Fiennes playing a twisted doctor and Murphy making a cameo. Garland’s script launches a planned trilogy about the evolving infection. The original changed zombie cinema with its fast-moving infected. Horror fans have waited decades for this continuation, making it one of the year’s most anticipated genre films.
Dean DeBlois directs this live-action remake about Viking boy Hiccup befriending the feared dragon Toothless. Mason Thames plays Hiccup with Nico Parker as Astrid and Gerard Butler returning as Stoick. The film combines CGI dragons with practical sets recreating Berk’s rugged landscape. The beloved animated trilogy won hearts with its emotional depth and spectacular flying sequences. Fans feel cautiously optimistic about seeing Toothless brought to life in this summer adventure.
Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde return to tackle a conspiracy involving a villain voiced by Ke Huy Quan. The sequel expands Zootopia’s world with new districts, including a reptile-heavy zone full of colorful characters. Directors Bush and Howard bring back their blend of humor and thoughtful themes. The original earned over $1 billion worldwide and won an Oscar. Families have this Thanksgiving release circled as their holiday must-see.
Renée Zellweger returns as beloved Bridget, now navigating single motherhood and dating in her fifties. She romances a younger man played by Leo Woodall while reconnecting with Hugh Grant’s charming Daniel Cleaver. Emma Thompson’s script balances humor with grief as Bridget faces new life stages. The Valentine’s release marks Zellweger’s first time in the role since 2016. Fans praise the franchise for growing up alongside them rather than rebooting with younger actors for a new generation.
Brad Pitt plays a retired Formula 1 driver mentoring rookie Damson Idris on the fictional APXGP team. They race on actual circuits against real teams, with Javier Bardem as their demanding team owner. Director Joseph Kosinski used custom cameras mounted on F1 cars during Grand Prix events for authentic footage. Pitt trained extensively with Lewis Hamilton to prepare for the physically demanding role. After Top Gun: Maverick’s success, this promises similar high-octane thrills.
Christopher Abbott stars as a father infected by a werewolf curse who fears endangering his family, played by Garner and young Firth. Director Whannell applies his Invisible Man approach, grounding horror in psychological dread rather than jump scares. The film uses practical creature effects rather than relying solely on CGI. Universal continues modernizing its monster legacy with this mid-January release. Horror fans appreciate Whannell’s thoughtful take on the classic creature.
Guillermo del Toro’s passion project adapts Mary Shelley’s novel with Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his creation. Mia Goth plays Elizabeth with Christoph Waltz in a key supporting role. Del Toro brings his signature gothic visuals and emotional depth to this monster tale. The director’s lifelong love of classic monsters informs every frame of this anticipated adaptation. Netflix has positioned this as their major awards contender for next year.
The creepy AI doll returns in this sequel to the surprise 2023 horror hit. Taking the killer-doll concept into high-tech territory, M3GAN 2.0 promises more terrifying upgrades and unsettling violence. Producer James Wan and director Gerard Johnstone are expected back with Allison Williams likely reprising her role. The original film’s blend of AI commentary, campy horror, and unexpected humor earned it both critical praise and strong box office, making this follow-up a highly anticipated summer horror offering.
Pixar’s sci-fi adventure follows Yonas Kibreab voicing the title character, an 11-year-old social outsider who becomes Earth’s ambassador to an alien congress. Zoe Saldaña, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil round out the voice cast. Directors Madeline Sharafian and Adrian Molina bring their distinctive animation style to this heartfelt story about finding your place in the universe. The film marks Pixar’s return to original storytelling after recent sequels.
Following the massive success of 2023’s adaptation, Blumhouse returns to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza for more animatronic horror. Elizabeth Lail and Josh Hutcherson are set to return, with Matthew Lillard joining the cast. Director Emma Tammi builds on the creepy atmosphere of the first film, which significantly outperformed box office expectations despite mixed reviews. The sequel plans to expand the lore of the popular video game franchise.
The beloved yellow sponge returns for his fourth feature film adventure. This time, SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends embark on a quest to find their missing friend. The franchise continues its blend of traditional animation with modern techniques and celebrity cameos. Releasing alongside Avatar 3, this family-friendly alternative aims to capture holiday audiences with its underwater humor and heartfelt friendship themes.
The iconic alien hunter returns in this follow-up to 2022’s acclaimed “Prey.” The film shifts from historical settings to a new hunting ground with fresh human targets. Director Dan Trachtenberg likely returns with a new cast facing the deadly extraterrestrial. The franchise continues its back-to-basics approach, focusing on survival horror and innovative combat scenarios. 20th Century Studios positions this as their major pre-Thanksgiving action-horror release.
Edgar Wright directs this adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel, previously made into the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film. The new version promises to stick closer to King’s original story about a deadly game show in a totalitarian America. Wright brings his kinetic style and dark humor to this sci-fi action thriller. Cast details remain under wraps, but the film is positioned as a major fall release.
Disney finally returns to the digital world with this long-awaited third entry in the Tron franchise. Jared Leto stars alongside Evan Peters, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Director Joachim Rønning brings a fresh vision to the series’ distinctive neon-drenched virtual reality. The film builds on the visual legacy of the original 1982 film and 2010’s Tron: Legacy while introducing new characters to a new generation of tech-savvy audiences.
The world’s loudest band returns with original stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer reprising their iconic roles as Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls. Director Rob Reiner also returns for this sequel to the 1984 mockumentary classic. The aging rockers face new challenges in the modern music industry, likely with appearances from real music legends. Fans have waited decades for this follow-up to one of comedy’s most quotable films.
The beloved British aristocratic family returns for what’s billed as the final cinematic chapter. The original cast reunites with creator Julian Fellowes writing the screenplay. Set in the late 1920s, the film promises to wrap up storylines for the Crawley family and their faithful servants. After two successful films that followed the acclaimed television series, this finale aims to give fans a satisfying conclusion to the period drama phenomenon.
Sydney Sweeney plays a maid uncovering dark secrets in the home of a wealthy couple portrayed by Seyfried and Sklenar. Director Paul Feig shifts from comedy to psychological thriller for this adaptation of McFadden’s bestseller. Glen Powell appears as a charming neighbor who may know more than he reveals. The novel became a sensation through TikTok recommendations. Sweeney’s star power and the book’s twisty narrative make this a perfect year-end thriller.
Emily and Stephanie head to Capri for Emily’s wedding to a wealthy Italian played by Michele Morrone. Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return as the mismatched friends whose plans unravel amid mysterious murders and double-crosses. Director Paul Feig ups the campy thriller elements while maintaining the stylish fashion sense of the original. The sequel streams on Amazon Prime rather than theaters. The first film’s cult following and the lead actresses’ electric chemistry have fans excited.
Timothée Chalamet transforms into Marty Reisman, a real-life ping-pong hustler in 1950s America. Josh Safdie directs this tale of ambition and betrayal with Gwyneth Paltrow as Marty’s mother and Tyler, The Creator in a supporting role. Daniel Lopatin provides a jazzy score reminiscent of Uncut Gems. A24’s involvement signals an artful approach to this sports drama. Chalamet’s physical transformation and Safdie’s kinetic style have already generated Cannes buzz among film insiders.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s secretive epic follows a mysterious California conflict with DiCaprio playing a volatile leader. Shot on 35mm with a reported $100+ million budget, the film blends action with surreal drama. Regina Hall, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor round out the star-studded cast. Anderson’s bold vision and DiCaprio’s return to auteur-driven cinema have already sparked Oscar talk. Industry insiders suggest this could be the director’s most ambitious work.
Steven Soderbergh directs this espionage thriller about spies whose marriage unravels during a covert operation. Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender play the couple, with Pierce Brosnan as their MI6 handler and Regé-Jean Page as a rogue agent. David Koepp’s script delivers clever twists throughout the sleek narrative. Soderbergh brings his crisp pacing and visual style to the spy genre. The film kicks off the year with intelligent thrills for adult audiences.
Helen Mirren leads a stellar cast of British acting royalty as one of four retirees who solve crimes from their retirement village. Kingsley, Brosnan, and Imrie play her fellow amateur sleuths investigating a developer’s murder. Director Columbus adapts Osman’s bestselling novel with a light touch perfect for Netflix. The book’s massive popularity and the cast’s impeccable credentials make this a streaming highlight. A specific release date remains unannounced.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reunite for this sequel to their 2003 hit. Anna is now a mom whose daughter swaps bodies with her, while Curtis’ Tess meddles from the sidelines. Chad Michael Murray returns alongside new cast members caught in additional body-swapping hijinks. Director Ganatra maintains the original’s pop-punk spirit while adding new generational humor. Disney banks on nostalgia and the leads’ chemistry for this early August release.
This Michael Jackson biopic traces the King of Pop’s rise from Jackson 5 stardom through Thriller’s success. Jaafar Jackson plays his uncle with an uncanny resemblance that stunned early viewers. Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson while Nia Long appears as Katherine. Director Fuqua recreates iconic performances including the legendary Motown 25 moonwalk. The Jackson estate’s backing ensures musical authenticity when the film arrives in October.
Nicolas Cage plays a father returning to his Australian beach hometown where he clashes with a cult-like surf gang. Director Finnegan shot on Western Australia’s stunning coastline, creating a sun-drenched psychological horror. The film premiered to raves at Cannes, particularly for Cage’s typically unhinged performance. Julian McMahon appears as the enigmatic surf cult leader. Comparisons to Midsommar suggest a folk horror vibe beneath the beach setting.
Julia Roberts stars as a Yale professor whose life spirals after a student makes a serious accusation. Andrew Garfield plays her colleague with Ayo Edebiri as a young academic caught in the fallout. Director Guadagnino applies his sensual style to this exploration of ambition and betrayal in academia. The cast’s awards potential and Guadagnino’s Challengers success have positioned this as a major awards contender. Expectations run high for Roberts’ most challenging role.
The reformed animal criminals return for another heist, this time to stop a global crime syndicate. Sam Rockwell voices Wolf alongside Awkwafina’s Ms. Tarantula and the rest of the team. New characters voiced by Anthony Ramos raise the stakes for this animated adventure. DreamWorks maintains the original’s Ocean’s Eleven-inspired visual style. The first film earned $250 million worldwide and found an even larger audience streaming. Families have this marked as a key summer outing.
Disney’s live-action remake stars Rachel Zegler as a more proactive Snow White and Gal Gadot as the magic-wielding Evil Queen. Director Marc Webb brings a contemporary sensibility while honoring the 1937 classic. New songs by Pasek and Paul complement the familiar tale. Martin Klebba appears as Grumpy among a diverse cast of dwarfs. Despite online controversy, Zegler’s vocal talent and Webb’s visual approach have many fans excited for this spring release.
Hollywood loves nothing more than a great comeback story, and 2025 looks set to deliver several. From beloved franchises finding new life to aging stars reclaiming the spotlight, these films represent the industry at its most ambitious. While some will inevitably disappoint, others will exceed expectations, becoming the cultural touchstones we’ll discuss for years to come. Mark your calendars, set your notifications, and prepare for a cinematic year worth remembering.