The year 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster for cinema enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse array of films that include fresh installments from well-known franchises, potential Academy Award nominees, and independent gems featuring A-list talent. The line-up has grown even more impressive as several studios have pushed back releases to 2025, heightening the anticipation even further. With studios gearing up for an engaging year in films, 2025 promises an exciting journey through storytelling and creativity. While it’s inevitable that some highly awaited films may not meet expectations, the thrill of exploring various titles remains a significant draw for audiences.
Curating a list of the top 25 most eagerly awaited movies is no small feat, as numerous deserving films may not make the final cut. While not all Marvel Cinematic Universe entries can be included, noteworthy franchise reboots—such as Tron, Now You See Me, and Five Nights at Freddy’s—also stand on the sidelines. Additionally, various films that might disrupt the Oscar race are yet to be confirmed for specific release dates and have therefore been excluded from this countdown. Here are Screen Rant’s most anticipated films of 2025:
25 Deliver Me From Nowhere
Jeremy Allen White Takes On Bruce Springsteen
Jeremy Allen White, known for his remarkable performances in The Bear, will take on the role of Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me From Nowhere. Directed by Scott Cooper, this film carries the weight of high expectations to authentically portray Springsteen’s life and music. White’s ability to capture such an iconic figure is sure to bring excitement to audiences, especially following his compelling performance in The Iron Claw.
24 Die, My Love
Jennifer Lawrence & Robert Pattinson Join Forces
In Die, My Love, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson reunite under the direction of Lynne Ramsay. Lawrence embodies a woman navigating life’s challenges within a dark comedic framework. With glimpses from initial promotional materials hinting at a captivating on-screen dynamic between the two actors, anticipation for this collaboration continues to grow.
23 Marty Supreme
Timothée Chalamet Stars In A New Safdie Brother Movie
Timothée Chalamet, fresh from the success of Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown, takes center stage in Marty Supreme. This film marks the solo directorial debut of Josh Safdie, known for his previous collaborations with his brother, Benny. Chalamet’s transformation, which includes sporting a notable mustache for a ping-pong-centric storyline, adds to the film’s allure, particularly if he secures an Oscar nomination in the lead-up to its debut.
22 Ballerina
Ana De Armas’ John Wick Spinoff Finally Arrives
Ballerina is poised to be the inaugural spinoff from the John Wick franchise. Initially slated for a release in the previous year, the film’s delays have only fueled excitement. The recently unveiled trailer has been positively received, highlighting enhanced action sequences aiming to match the intensity of the main series, especially with Chad Stahelski’s increased involvement as a director.
21 Lilo & Stitch
A Modern Disney Icon Comes Back To The Big Screen
Stitch, an iconic character from Disney’s animated universe, returns in the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. While the storyline might resonate with those familiar with the original, there’s lively potential for both nostalgic fans and new audiences to experience the touching story of Lilo and Stitch anew. With Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, at the helm, expectations remain high.
20 Zootopia 2
Disney’s Animated Hit Returns
The popularity of the original Zootopia set a high bar for its sequel, which aims to recapture that success. With familiar characters and voice actors returning alongside new additions like Ke Huy Quan lending his voice to a snake, Zootopia 2 holds significant promise. With the creative minds behind Encanto steering this sequel, it has the potential to become one of the standout animated features of 2025.
19 Warfare
Civil War’s Alex Garland Delivers A New War-Focused Story
Following the success of Civil War in 2024, Alex Garland introduces another compelling narrative with Warfare. Co-directed and co-written by Garland and Ray Mendoza, this film draws inspiration from Mendoza’s real-life experiences in Iraq, promising a poignant and authentic lens on the soldier’s journey.
18 The Black Phone 2
Scott Derrickson & Ethan Hawke’s Horror Film Gets A Sequel
The horror genre welcomes back Scott Derrickson and Ethan Hawke with The Black Phone 2, a sequel to one of the most well-received horror films of 2021. Hawke reprises his chilling role as The Grabber, alongside returning cast members Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw. Hints suggest the upcoming sequel will evoke the same terror and intrigue that made the original so gripping, leveraging Joe Hill’s conceptual foundation for its storyline.
17 Karate Kid: Legends
The Karate Kid Crossover We’ve Been Waiting For
Revitalized by the success of Cobra Kai, the Karate Kid franchise makes its theatrical return in 2025 with Karate Kid: Legends. Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han, joining forces with Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. This movie is set to deepen established narratives while addressing important connections between their characters, filling a gap left by the conclusion of Cobra Kai season six.
16 Jurassic World Rebirth
Gareth Edwards & Scarlett Johansson Shake Up Jurassic World
While the latest installment in the Jurassic World franchise was marketed as the final chapter, Jurassic World Rebirth signals a creative resurgence. With Gareth Edwards at the helm and a cast that includes Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, fans are eager to witness how this rebirth will reimagine the beloved dinosaur saga.
15 Mickey 17
Bong Joon-ho’s Robert Pattinson Sci-Fi Movie Arrives At Last
Marking his return to cinema, Bong Joon-ho brings Mickey 17 to audiences in 2025. Although there were delays, the film is positioned to captivate audiences with Robert Pattinson taking on multiple roles. Combining tones reminiscent of Okja with an icy backdrop akin to Snowpiercer, this project promises to showcase Joon-ho’s signature flair for storytelling.
14 Wicked: For Good
The Second Wicked Film Is Already Coming
Fans of the Broadway sensation Wicked can look forward to the sequel, Wicked: For Good, in 2025. The original cast and creative team reunite for this much-anticipated follow-up, which was filmed concurrently with the first installment. Given the popularity and acclaim of the initial film, expectations are high for more musical magic.
13 Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
The Acclaimed Maestro Tackles A Horror Icon
Guillermo del Toro, a visionary filmmaker celebrated for works like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, will bring his unique interpretation to the iconic tale of Frankenstein in 2025. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as The Monster, alongside Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz, this promising adaptation is set for a theatrical release by Netflix.
12 The Running Man
Glen Powell & Edgar Wright Redo The Stephen King Classic
In a modern retelling of Stephen King’s The Running Man, Glen Powell collaborates with director Edgar Wright, bringing renewed energy to the classic narrative that originally starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Powell, fresh off projects like Twisters, promises to elevate his star profile alongside Wright’s expertise in blending genres. With the potential to become a significant cinematic experience, this project is one to watch closely.
11 F1
Brad Pitt Headlines The Racing Film From Top Gun: Maverick’s Director
Brad Pitt’s venture into the Formula 1 genre is both thrilling and intriguing, especially under the direction of Joseph Kosinski, renowned for his work on Top Gun: Maverick. The film promises high-octane racing scenes that could rival the intensity of traditional sports cinema, especially with Pitt involved in key action sequences. As long as this film doesn’t go straight to streaming, it is expected to be a standout in theaters.
10 28 Years Later
The Zombie Franchise Is Back With A Stellar Cast
After nearly three decades, the 28 Days Later franchise returns with 28 Years Later. This new chapter serves as the first part of a planned trilogy, incrementally revealing insights into the ongoing legacy of the terrifying series. With a cast that includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, the film is expected to weave spine-chilling narratives that draw from its forerunners, but with fresh and engaging twists.
9 How To Train Your Dragon
The Beloved Animated Franchise Gets The Live-Action Treatment
The beloved franchise, How To Train Your Dragon, returns in 2025 with a live-action adaptation, overseen by Dean DeBlois, who was instrumental in the animated trilogy’s success. While the initial trailer bears resemblance to the animated classic, there’s anticipation that the film will offer new storylines and visuals, featuring a talented cast led by Gerard Butler. The impressive VFX promises a visually stunning experience for all ages.
8 Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson’s Whodunnit Trilogy Concludes
Rian Johnson wraps up his acclaimed Knives Out trilogy with Wake Up Dead Man, featuring returning detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. Joined by a stellar ensemble cast, including Kerry Washington and Josh O’Connor, the film’s intricate plot promises an entertaining blend of mystery and suspense. Aiming for a likely wider theatrical release, expectations for audience engagement are high.
7 Predator: Badlands
Prey’s Director Takes Predator To The Future
Building on the success of 2022’s resurgence in the Predator series, Predator: Badlands reimagines the franchise with a fresh perspective. Under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg, known for Prey, this entry features Elle Fanning in leading roles as she embarks on a narrative journey set in the future, where the traditional power dynamics are flipped. This ambitious re-envisioning demonstrates the franchise’s capacity for reinvention, promising an engaging cinematic experience.
6 Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Movie
The Rumored Title Is The Battle of Baktan Cross
The collaboration between Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime thriller is highly anticipated, especially with whispers of the project being dubbed The Battle of Baktan Cross. Following Phantom Thread and Licorice Pizza, Anderson is set to elevate this original narrative into theatrical grandeur. Anchored by a stellar supporting cast, the film is positioned to contend for awards circulation in the upcoming film season.
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