Top 10 High-Budget Movie Sequels Set to Release in 2025

The year 2025 has arrived, igniting excitement among cinema enthusiasts. This marks the commencement of awards season, with fervent debates surrounding which films from the previous year will claim top honors. At the same time, as we usher in the new year, it’s time to look ahead at the cinematic gems poised to hit theaters in the coming months. That includes a range of eagerly awaited sequels that promise to captivate audiences.

The upcoming year is already being heralded as a significant one for the film industry. A multitude of highly anticipated titles is set to debut, alongside the return of major film franchises. Among these sequels are several that come with staggering production costs. These high-budget films are expected to make a considerable impact at the box office in 2025. It’s important to note that a few notable sequels, such as Zootopia 2 and Tron: Ares, have yet to disclose their budgets, and thus are not included in this roundup.

10 Avatar: Fire And Ash

Budget: $250 Million

It’s impossible to talk about blockbuster sequels without mentioning James Cameron’s acclaimed Avatar franchise. To date, the series has seen only two films but has grossed over five billion dollars globally. With a hefty budget of $250 million, the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to maintain the franchise’s successful trajectory. This third installment will reunite beloved cast members including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Sigourney Weaver, inviting fans to explore new regions of Pandora, diverging from the aquatic themes of its predecessor, Avatar: The Way of Water.

9 Captain America: Brave New World

Estimated Budget: $350-375 Million

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to push boundaries with its cinematic investments, and Captain America: Brave New World exemplifies this trend. Slated for release on February 14, this film boasts an estimated budget of $350-375 million, making it one of the priciest films ever produced by the MCU. It will be the fourth chapter in the Captain America narrative and will prominently feature Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie. This film will pick up where the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier left off, developing Wilson’s new role as the iconic hero.

8 Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Budget: $400 Million

May 2025 heralds the return of the exhilarating Mission: Impossible series with The Final Reckoning, a direct continuation of Dead Reckoning Part One. This installment comes with a staggering $400 million budget, setting a new record for the franchise. With such substantial investment, fans can expect breathtaking stunts and heart-pounding action sequences, promising an edge-of-your-seat experience that is characteristic of Tom Cruise’s iconic role.

7 Jurassic World: Rebirth

Budget: $265 Million

The Jurassic World franchise is poised for an exciting transformation with the upcoming release of Jurassic World: Rebirth on July 2. This film will launch a new storyline, bringing together an impressive cast including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey as they venture into a remote territory to retrieve DNA from prehistoric giants. With a budget of approximately $265 million, this installment aims to deliver stunning visual effects that have become a hallmark of the franchise.

6 Wicked: For Good

Estimated Budget: $150-165 Million

The film adaption of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked took audiences by storm in late 2024 and will continue its enchanting journey with Wicked: For Good in 2025. To ensure a fitting conclusion to Elphaba and Glinda’s story, the filmmakers decided to split the narrative across two films. With a budget estimated between $150-165 million, this sequel aims to vividly recreate the enchanting world of Oz, building upon the stunning visuals established in the first part.

5 28 Years Later

Budget: $75 Million

In a genre that often sees lower budgets, the forthcoming 28 Years Later defies this norm with a reported production cost of $75 million. This sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later will draw significant attention due to its star-studded cast, which includes Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Given the original’s impressive box office performance, expectations are high for this sequel, especially with its elevated budget.

4 Predator: Badlands

Budget: $100 Million

2025 will see the next chapter in the legendary Predator series with Predator: Badlands. With a budget estimated at $100 million, this installment promises to elevate the franchise’s standard for sci-fi action films. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane, the film will star Elle Fanning in the lead role, setting the stage for thrilling encounters with terrifying alien foes.

3 Mortal Kombat 2

Budget: $68 Million

Thrills are in store for fans of the Mortal Kombat series with the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 hitting theaters on October 24, 2025. This sequel, directed by Simon McQuoid, continues the story initiated by the 2021 film, featuring a returning ensemble cast. With a budget of approximately $68 million, a marked increase from the previous film, fans can look forward to more intense battles and high-stakes drama.

2 From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina

Estimated Budget: $50-80 Million

Starting in 2014, the John Wick films have captivated action lovers, and their next venture, Ballerina, is set to premiere on June 6, 2025. This entry serves as a spin-off, exploring a narrative within the existing universe, and stars Ana de Armas. While the estimated budget ranges from $50 to $80 million, it promises to deliver the gripping action fans have come to expect from the franchise.

1 Greenland: Migration

Estimated Budget: $65-90 Million

Although its release during the pandemic hampered its box office success, Greenland is set for a return with a sequel titled Greenland: Migration. This installment follows the Garrity family on their perilous journey across post-apocalyptic Europe in search of safety. With an estimated budget of $65-90 million, this sequel aims to capitalize on the compelling narrative established by its predecessor, with hopes of achieving greater financial success.

Source & Images