“The films we love are the dreams we live twice.” That line is particularly poignant in 2025, a year that’s packed with heavy-hitting movies across all genres. There are highly anticipated sequels that have been years in the making, ambitious reboots, and auteur-driven originals on the slate that would make for a pop culture smorgasbord waiting to happen.
Studios are pulling out all the stops Marvel and DC are launching new eras, beloved cartoon universes are making their returns in revamped forms, and visionary directors are debuting years-long passion projects. Whether it’s nostalgia, brain-bending spectacle, or a movie that can’t help but play it unconventional, this year’s slate has something for every kind of film enthusiast.
Here’s a carefully curated list of the 10 most anticipated films of 2025, each set to make waves, break a record, or just remind us why the cinema still reigns supreme.
1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel’s classic family is back again this time with Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach taking on the iconic roles. Set in 1960s New York, directed by Matt Shakman, the film promises a retro-glam aesthetic and a new origin story. Fans have waited years for false promises to pay off, but are finally ready to watch whether the latest reboot can finally give the Fantastic Four big-screen treatment they have long awaited.
Marvel’s 2025 lineup has been uneven at the box office, but First Steps has been gaining positive word for its cast chemistry and period. With the MCU seeking to regain its early spark, this could be the movie that gets things hot again.
2. Jurassic World Rebirth
Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali are the top stars of this new dinosaur franchise entry, directed and written by Gareth Edwards and from original Jurassic Park scripter David Koepp. The story begins five years after Dominion, with the ecosystem on Earth now against the dinosaurs.
The hook? A high-risk DNA-retrieval mission from three giant species before they become extinct for all eternity. Edwards’ skill at scale and tension could make this the most thrilling installment since the original trilogy.
3. Superman
James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Established as the beginning of Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe, the film focuses on Superman’s challenge of balancing his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing.
Gunn’s balance of heart, humor, and character-driven storytelling has fans eagerly looking for a new but faithful-to-character take. With the future of DC movies on its shoulders, this is more than a superhero movie it’s a mission statement.
4. Wicked: For Good
The second part of Jon M. Chu’s budgeted franchise film adaptation of the Broadway hit brings back Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to conclude the untold story of Oz’s most legendary witches. Dividing the musical into two films allowed Chu to keep all the songs and deepen character plots.
Projected on the strength of the first film’s box office and cultural pull, For Good will make this holiday season’s behemoth. Breathtaking graphics, supercharged singing, and a finale designed to leave audiences agog are in store.
5. 28 Years Later
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return to their world nearly two decades ago, with Cillian Murphy reprising the role of Jim. The third film introduces a new trilogy, with the world still shaken by the rage virus decades down the line.
Early teasers have indicated a mix of survival horror and human drama, with the addition of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes to the cast. Fans of elevated genre will enjoy this strange reuniting of writer, director, and star.
6. Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron’s third Avatar movie expands the mythology of Pandora in the introduction of the Ash People, a fire Na’vi clan with a dark twist. Returning cast members include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Sigourney Weaver, with the addition of Oona Chaplin playing a strong character as a new villain.
At over three hours, Cameron is once again betting on immersive world-making and groundbreaking visuals to wrap audiences. Love it or loathe it, the Avatar franchise is one of the largest spectacles in filmmaking.
7. The Smashing Machine
Benny Safdie’s solo directing debut has Dwayne Johnson playing MMA legend Mark Kerr, documenting his rise, battle with addiction, and troubled marriage to Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt). Knowing gritty, up-close storytelling, Safdie is taking Johnson to dramatic territory.
The sports drama based on real events, heavy-hitting performances, and underdog narrative make it the likely awards contender of the year.
8. The Thursday Murder Club
Based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, this Netflix film is a comedy-drama about a group of retirees Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie happily solving cold cases for fun until they stumble upon an actual murder.
Helmed by Chris Columbus, the film mixes warm mystery charm with sharp wit, anticipating it to be a likely streaming hit and crowd-pleaser with fans of ensemble comedy-dramas.
9. Tron: Ares
Fifteen years after Tron: Legacy, Jared Leto’s Ares a software program crosses over into the human world. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film moves much of the action to Earth but retains the franchise’s neon-hued aesthetic.
Featuring Jeff Bridges back and Evan Peters joining the fray, Ares is a reboot and a sequel, counting on pleasing longtime fans and newbies alike.
10. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson’s third Benoit Blanc whodunit brings Daniel Craig back in front of a new cast, which includes Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Kerry Washington. Plot details are few, but Johnson has teased it as Blanc’s “most dangerous case to date.”
With the success of Glass Onion, the anticipation is high for another twisty, character-based whodunit with Johnson’s stop-and-go blend of satire and suspense.
From superheroes to sci-fi epics, musicals to whodunits, 2025’s film slate reminds us of the strength of the range and power of cinema. Whether or not these releases smash box office records, sweep awards season, or just become your new go-to favorites, they’re proof that the big screen still has a good bit of magic left to share.
