Top 10 Highly Anticipated Movie Sequels Releasing in 2025

The cinematic landscape of 2025 is brimming with highly anticipated sequels, many of which revitalize long-dormant franchises. Audiences can mark their calendars with confidence, knowing what to expect from these revisits to beloved stories. As excitement builds and trailers start to drop, fans are already buzzing about the sequels poised to deliver thrilling entertainment.

In 2025, major franchises will return with blockbuster sequels that cater to a variety of tastes. Action enthusiasts can look forward to films like Mission: Impossible and Captain America. For sci-fi aficionados, Avatar and Jurassic World are projected to be standout releases. Additionally, surprises await with unexpected sequels such as Now You See Me 3 and 28 Years Later, reigniting interest in franchises many thought were left behind.

10 Now You See Me 3

November 14

The upcoming Now You See Me 3 stands out as a surprising addition to the 2025 lineup. Following the first two installments released in 2013 and 2016, the latest sequel is poised to pick up where the cliffhanger left off, reintroducing fans to the enigmatic Horsemen and their connection to the clandestine organization known as the Eye. After a lengthy hiatus, this long-awaited sequel will reengage audiences nine years later.

Key cast members are reuniting for this installment, including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, and Morgan Freeman. Notably returning is Isla Fisher, absent in the previous film. However, fans will miss the veteran actor Michael Caine, who has since retired from the screen. Joining the cast this time is Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike, though her role remains under wraps. Until the release of the trailer, details about the plot will remain a mystery.

9 Freakier Friday

August 8

Equally unexpected is Freakier Friday, with original stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis returning to reprise their roles from the 2003 classic. This sequel teases an innovative twist, featuring a multilayered body swap that spans three generations of the Coleman family, adding an unpredictable comedic flair.

Alongside Lohan and Curtis, NCIS’s Mark Harmon is back as Ryan. Familiar faces like Stephen Tobolowsky and Chad Michael Murray are also joining the cast, and new roles will be introduced as Anna’s children contribute to the generational chaos. The Good Place’s Manny Jacinto has also been confirmed for an unspecified role.

8 28 Years Later

June 20

After a 17-year hiatus, the post-apocalyptic saga is set to revive with 28 Years Later. Excitingly, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, the original creators of 28 Days Later, will reunite for this sequel. While opinions vary regarding 28 Weeks Later, the prospect of the original duo collaborating again is met with enthusiasm.

Filming for 28 Years Later has been completed, and there are hints at additional sequels on the horizon. Cillian Murphy, revisiting his role from the first film, headlines an impressive ensemble that includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, all cast in undisclosed roles. Fans eagerly await further details about the plot and the impending trailer release.

7 Jurassic World Rebirth

July 2

Jurassic World Rebirth promotional image

With its reputation at stake following critical disappointments, the Jurassic World franchise hopes to rejuvenate itself with Jurassic World Rebirth. While Dominion performed well at the box office, its 29% Rotten Tomatoes rating reflected faltering fan enthusiasm. This upcoming title aims to signal a fresh chapter for the franchise.

Featuring a new cast, Jurassic World Rebirth will usher in stars like Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, although their exact roles remain shrouded in mystery. Fans are poised to discover whether legacy characters portrayed by Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill will also appear. The franchise is in capable hands with Gareth Edwards at the helm, known for his work in Rogue One and Godzilla.

6 Zootopia 2

November 26

After the massive success of the original film, Zootopia 2 will finally bring audiences back into the vibrant world of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Both Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman will reprise their roles. As of now, the specific storyline remains tightly guarded, but early promotions imply exciting developments.

A fascinating addition to the cast is Gary the Snake, voiced by Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan. Fans are also thrilled to see the return of Shakira as Gazelle. Gary the Snake is expected to play a pivotal role, possibly as the antagonist, yet the film may include unexpected twists like its predecessor.

5 Captain America: Brave New World

February 14

Captain America: Brave New World promotional image

Marvel enthusiasts don’t have to wait long for a new blockbuster, with Captain America: Brave New World hitting theaters in February. This marks a significant transition as Anthony Mackie takes over the Captain America mantle from Chris Evans, following the narrative from the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Brave New World is a critical piece in the evolving Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leading up to the anticipated Thunderbolts slated for May release. Harrison Ford’s role as Thaddeus Ross, who undergoes transformation into Red Hulk, adds star power to the already exciting cast.

4 Avatar: Fire & Ash

December 19

James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, renowned for its groundbreaking visual spectacle, is expansive, with Fire and Ash being one of three sequels currently in development. Fans can expect the film to dominate box office charts, vying for another billion-dollar success.

Returning favorites like Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña are joined by newcomers Oona Chaplin and David Thewlis in undisclosed roles. Notably, Michelle Yeoh’s character will only appear in the fourth installment, keeping audiences eagerly awaiting her contribution.

3 Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Release Date TBA

The third installment of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man, completed filming in August 2024, but the release date remains unconfirmed. Speculation surrounds the possibility of a theatrical release to appease fan demand, although Netflix’s involvement complicates matters slightly. Regardless, fans can expect to see Benoit Blanc returning in 2025.

With a cast featuring Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Jeremy Renner, the tell-tale mystery promises to subvert expectations, keeping audiences on their toes as Johnson is sure to unveil clever surprises. The first sequel, Glass Onion, raised the bar in terms of thrilling whodunit storytelling.

2 Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

May 23

The impending Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the franchise, rumored to be the last chapter for Ethan Hunt. Previously expected to be a continuation titled Dead Reckoning Part Two, the film’s rebranding hints at significant stakes.

Fans can anticipate jaw-dropping stunts amidst global locales, emphasizing the quintessential elements that have defined the franchise. The narrative will continue with Hunt and the IMF team confronting the pervasive threat of the Entity, likely revolving around locating the elusive submarine, Sevastopol. Should this prove to be the series’ finale, it is sure to conclude with an unforgettable spectacle.

1 Wicked Part Two

November 21

Building on its remarkable box office success, Wicked Part Two will continue the enchanting story fans have come to love. Although there is a long wait for its release following the gripping finale of the first installment, the decision to split the musical into two films is paying dividends.

Anticipation builds for the remaining soundtrack, which includes beloved songs from the original and several new compositions penned for the sequel. The talented duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, praised for their performances, will continue to dazzle in this long-awaited follow-up. While fans eagerly await the conclusion, the excitement lingers throughout the long wait for this remarkable journey’s finale.

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