2025 is shaping to be a banner year for movies, promising a thrilling escape from the grind and gloom of Ogba’s relentless pace and darkness. The movie industry is rolling out the red carpets for an exciting line-up of films. From jaw-dropping sequels to visionary auteur projects, a treasure trove of films is waiting to wow audiences. If 2024 was excellent, with unexpected blockbusters and the return of beloved franchises, 2025 aims to outdo it with a slate of ambitious and highly-anticipated movies. In this listicle, we’ll dive into 10 of the year’s most anticipated films in no particular order—starting with a few heavy hitters in this first segment and a handful of honourable mentions that promise to make waves.
1. 28 years later
28 Years Later is the third film in the 28 Days Later series, following 28 Days Later, released in 2002 and 28 Weeks Later (2007). The movie series is characterised by its mixture of psychological tension and visceral horror, and 28 Years Later is no different. The post-apocalyptic horror film written by Alex Garland was produced and directed by Danny Boyle.
Scheduled for release in June 2025, The movie focuses on a group of survivors on a small island who venture back to the mainland, only to discover that the Rage Virus has not only mutated the infected but has also had horrifying effects on the remaining human survivors. Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Jim, joined by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes, ensuring that the acting calibre matches the high expectations.
Boyle’s directing style, characterised by frenetic camera movements and unsettling close-ups, will make the post-apocalyptic world feel more alive and terrifying than ever. Interestingly, the film was shot on iPhones. Early teaser footage hints at evolved infected creatures, societal collapse, and a chilling exploration of humanity’s darker instincts. With Boyle at the helm and the return of key collaborators, 28 Years Later is poised to be one of the most haunting films of the year.
2. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
The Ethan Hunt saga is set to conclude (or is it?) with Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning. Tom Cruise, who has become synonymous with death-defying stunts and exhilarating action sequences, returns for his eighth outing as the IMF’s fearless leader. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who also helmed the last three Mission: Impossible films, this sequel promises to be an explosive and emotional finale.
Earlier, it was announced that the seventh and eighth Mission: Impossible movies would be filmed back to back, and people started to believe that it would serve as a two-part finale for the series. However, there still has been no announcement in this regard. In fact, it is the last movie in the franchise; the teaser makes it seem like it could be the last entry in the series.
While details of the plot still remain secret, the film is expected to continue the narrative from Dead Reckoning Part One, with Ethan Hunt and his IMF team confronting the AI antagonist known as The Entity. The movie is expected to be released in May 2025.
3. Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron’s Avatar franchise has already cemented as one of the best film franchises of modern times, with its first two entries occupying two of the top three spots on the all-time box office charts. Nothing less is expected of its third instalment—Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is scheduled to be released in December 2025.
James Cameron has indicated that Avatar: Fire and Ash will introduce a new Na’vi clan known as the Ash People, who reside near volcanic regions of Pandora. This clan is expected to contrast sharply with the water-centric Metkayina clan featured in Avatar: The Way of Water.
The return of Kate Winslet, Zoe Saldaña, and Sam Worthington ensures continuity, with new characters and settings expanding Pandora’s lush and immersive world. With a rumoured budget exceeding $350 million, Fire and Ash will push visual effects technology to its limits, promising groundbreaking sequences that will once again redefine cinematic spectacle.
4. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is an upcoming superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team ‘The Fantastic Four.’ It’s a movie set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is the third attempt by filmmakers to produce a live-action Fantastic Four movie, with the original Fantastic Four franchise starring Chris Evans and Jessica Alba, doing pretty well, unlike its 2015 counterpart, which starred Mike Teller and Michael B. Jordan and suffered criticism from fans and critics alike. After all these, Marvel’s first family will be returning to the big screens, and it is hoped that this movie will do justice to these iconic characters.
The movie directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision) promises to be a fresh and innovative take on the team’s adventures.
The cast is led by Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards. Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) steps into the role of Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) plays Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) portrays Ben Grimm. Together, they form a retro-futuristic version of the Fantastic Four set in the 1960s. The antagonist is presumed to be the cosmic being- Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, with Julie Garner as Silver Surfer.
5. Thunderbolts*
Another superhero film from Marvel Comics, set to release before the Fantastic Four, Marvel Studios’ antihero ensemble film Thunderbolts, is set to be a darker, edgier addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts brings together some of the MCU’s most morally ambiguous characters for a high-stakes mission.
Florence Pugh reprises her role as Yelena Belova, joined by Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff. Together, this ragtag team of antiheroes must carry out dangerous, morally questionable missions under the supervision of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).
Although comparisons to DC’s Suicide Squad are inevitable, Thunderbolts promises to carve its niche by leaning heavily into its characters’ complicated dynamics, and hopefully ends up a better movie. With the film also serving as the conclusion to Marvel’s Phase Five, fans are eager to see how it ties into the MCU’s broader narrative. Schreier’s sharp, character-driven directing style ensures this film will deliver both action and emotional depth.
6. Superman
One of the most anticipated movies of 2025, James Gunn’s reboot, Superman, is set to launch his new DC Universe with David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. The film will focus on Superman’s struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult portrays Lex Luthor.
Gunn promises a grounded, character-driven story that still offers the spectacle fans expect. With a substantial budget and ambitious vision, Superman aims to mark a fresh start for DC after years of turbulence, echoing the tone of Superman: The Movie (1978). Despite some criticism regarding the return of Superman’s trunks, expectations are high for this film, which is set to redefine the legacy of an iconic character. Its release is scheduled for July 2025.
7. Jurassic World: Rebirth
The Jurassic franchise is taking a fresh direction with Jurassic World: Rebirth. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), the film shifts focus away from the epic dino battles of its predecessors and instead hones in on a more grounded, exploratory narrative.
Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the story follows a scientific expedition into an isolated equatorial region where researchers aim to extract DNA from prehistoric creatures for medical breakthroughs. Scarlett Johansson leads the cast as the ambitious project leader, supported by Jonathan Bailey and Ed Skrein.
8. Wicked: For Good
Following the great success of Wicked in 2024, its November 2025 sequel continues the film’s untold story of Oz. The first movie dazzled viewers with its excellent visuals, heartfelt performances and powerful music, grossing over $600 million at the box office. Hence, expectations for its sequel are high, and its director, Jon M. Chu, is more than ready to deliver another hit.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Wicked: For Good will pick up where the first film left off, exploring the fallout of the witches’ decisions and further delving into the backstory of Oz. While critics have noted that the musical’s second act wasn’t as strong as the first, fans are optimistic that Chu will find a way to bring the same emotional depth and spectacle to this chapter.
The music, once again composed by Stephen Schwartz, will play a pivotal role in the film’s success. Add to that the lush production design and Chu’s knack for creating visually stunning sequences, and you have a recipe for another box-office triumph.
9. How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon is joining the list of animated movies with live-action versions with this 2025 adaptation. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy, this film will reimagine the story of Hiccup and Toothless in a new format while retaining the heart and soul of the original.
Mason Thames stars as Hiccup, a young Viking who dreams of becoming a dragon hunter, only to form an unlikely friendship with a dragon named Toothless. Nico Parker (The Last of Us) plays Astrid, Hiccup’s fierce and loyal companion. Gerard Butler returns in a new capacity, voicing a key character that ties the story to its animated predecessors.
Fans are both excited and apprehensive about the live-action approach as these do not always work out well in the end. Still, DeBlois’ involvement ensures the adaptation stays true to the franchise’s friendship, courage, and acceptance themes. With its breathtaking Icelandic landscapes and state-of-the-art visual effects, How to Train Your Dragon is poised to win over a new generation of fans while delighting longtime followers.
10.Frankenstein
Rounding up this list is Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein. Known for his love of Gothic horror and monster stories, del Toro is the perfect director to bring Mary Shelley’s classic tale to life with his unique blend of macabre beauty and emotional depth.
Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi (Euphoria) portraying the tragic creature. Mia Goth, a rising star in the horror genre, joins the cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role, likely adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Del Toro has hinted that this adaptation will stay true to the novel’s philosophical themes while incorporating his signature visual style, creating a dark, atmospheric world that explores the consequences of playing God.
Netflix will distribute the film, and while the release date hasn’t been confirmed, many speculate it will drop late this year to coincide with Halloween. With del Toro at the helm, Frankenstein promises to be a masterpiece that redefines how we think about this iconic story.
Honourable Mentions
As incredible as our list is, several other films are worth highlighting. These honourable mentions may not have cracked the list, but they’re still generating plenty of excitement and deserve your attention.
Michael
This biopic of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has sparked immense curiosity. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), the film stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) in the titular role alongside Colman Domingo and Miles Teller. The movie aims to explore the complexities of Jackson’s life and career, from his meteoric rise to his controversies and enduring legacy. With Fuqua’s keen eye for drama and Jaafar’s striking resemblance to his uncle, Michael has the potential to be both a box-office hit and an awards contender.
Constantine 2
Fans of the original Constantine have been clamouring for a sequel for years, and in 2025, their wish will finally come true. Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Constantine, the chain-smoking exorcist who walks the line between heaven and hell. Francis Lawrence, who directed the 2005 cult classic, returns to helm the sequel, promising more supernatural thrills and a deeper exploration of the character’s morally grey world.
Snow White
Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White stars Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), the film promises to be a visually stunning reimagining of the 1937 animated classic.
