This year, two of the most renowned action franchises, Mission: Impossible and John Wick, are set to expand with new entries: The Final Reckoning and Ballerina, respectively. These films promise to enrich their action-packed universes that have captivated audiences for years. Moreover, several lesser-known international films are slated for release in 2025, broadening their potential reach. Notable mentions include Hong Kong’s The Prosecutor and Finland’s Orenda. Early trailers and exclusive sneak peeks from these upcoming releases have sparked considerable buzz, highlighting crime thrillers as a prominent genre for the new year.
The Prosecutor
Release Date: January 10, 2025
After its release in Hong Kong at the end of 2024, Donnie Yen fans can soon experience The Prosecutor on a global scale. Directed and produced by Yen himself, the film tells the compelling story of a prosecutor jeopardizing his career to clear a wrongfully accused defendant’s name while uncovering the real perpetrator.
Previously, Yen made an impact in John Wick: Chapter 4 as Caine, a blind assassin, showcasing his martial arts prowess and earning accolades for his formidable performance as Wick’s adversary. Critics have lauded The Prosecutor‘s gripping narrative and dynamic fight choreography, further raising expectations for its 2025 release.
Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera
Release Date: January 10, 2025
While the original Den of Thieves received mixed critical reviews in 2018, it resonated with audiences, cementing Gerard Butler’s status in action cinema. The eagerly anticipated sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, follows Big Nick, played by Butler, as he partners with O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s Donnie Wilson to infiltrate and dismantle a group of criminals from within.
The first film drew comparisons to classic heist movies like Heat, and though the sequel faces high expectations, buzz around its action sequences and dynamic character evolution is palpable, as hinted by the trailer and exclusive images.
Wings
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Starring Sylvester Stallone and Scott Eastwood, the thriller Alarum explores the harrowing journey of spies evading relentless pursuers. Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald portray former assassins embroiled in a high-stakes chase after discovering a pivotal flash drive, with Stallone’s agent character stepping in to assist them.
The film promises adrenaline-fueled action complete with explosive set pieces and intense confrontations, catering to fans of the crime and action genres eager for gripping storytelling.
Black Bag
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Black Bag, directed by Steven Soderbergh, centers on a couple whose relationship is tested by the treacherous world of espionage. Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender star as a married couple caught in a conspiracy when Blanchett’s character is accused of treachery.
The tension is amplified as Fassbender navigates the precarious decision between loyalty to his wife and duty to his country. With Soderbergh’s established record of creating suspenseful narratives, Black Bag is positioned as one of the most thrilling releases of 2025.
A Working Man
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Directed by David Ayer, known for his work on The Beekeeper and Fury, A Working Man stars Jason Statham as Levon Cade, an ex-black ops agent who embarks on a mission to locate his boss’s missing daughter. The narrative unfolds into a gripping conspiracy that unravels Cade’s life.
This film, adapted from Chuck Dixon’s novel Levon’s Trade, builds on their successful collaboration and stirs excitement for Ayer’s signature storytelling style.
Drop
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Meghann Fahy, recognized for her role in The White Lotus, will lead the thriller Drop. Directed by Christopher Landon, known for Happy Death Day, the film follows a widowed mother who is haunted by unsettling anonymous messages following her long-awaited first date.
Although the concept may seem familiar, Landon’s unique touch as a horror filmmaker suggests that Drop will deliver thrills with an unsettling atmosphere, setting it distinctly apart from other thrillers of 2025.
The Amateur
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Based on Robert Littell’s acclaimed novel, The Amateur will spotlight Rami Malek as a CIA cryptographer on a personal vendetta following the tragic death of his wife in a terrorist attack. Caught in bureaucratic indifference, Malek’s character takes matters into his own hands.
Directed by James Hawes, noted for gripping television series, The Amateur promises to engage viewers with its intense narrative and cinematic depth, reminiscent of Hawes’ previous works.
Orenda
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Orenda, directed by Pirjo Honkasalo, explores deep emotional themes through the intertwined journeys of two women on a remote island. One traverses to bury her late husband while the other, a former priest, grapples with her loss of faith.
This poignant narrative promises to resonate with audiences, showcasing the film’s unique perspective and emotional depth.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Release Date: May 23, 2025
While there are hopes for more in the Mission: Impossible saga, The Final Reckoning is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter. With Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt, the film revolves around the fight against a formidable AI known as Entity. The returning cast includes fan-favorites Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, and Vanessa Kirby.
The film’s trailer teases thrilling action and nail-biting scenarios, suggesting that not all beloved characters may emerge unscathed in this potential conclusion to the franchise. Anticipation is high following Dead Reckoning Part One, with expectations for suspenseful twists.
Ballerina
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Set in the timeline between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina serves as an exciting spin-off. Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro, an assassin on a vengeful quest against those who murdered her father, with Keanu Reeves and other familiar faces from the series returning.
Originally slated for a summer 2024 release, Ballerina faced several delays, but the latest trailers and cast interviews suggest a fresh extension of the John Wick universe, with its hallmark action and storytelling enhanced by the introduction of de Armas’ character.
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