by Enrique Bates
2025 promises to be an exciting year for cinema, with numerous highly anticipated films set to hit the big screen. From superhero epics to thrilling horror films, here’s a look at the top 20 movies that have fans eagerly waiting for their release.
1. Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date: February 14, 2025
The Marvel Cinematic Universe enters a new era with Sam Wilson taking up the shield as Captain America. Harrison Ford joins the cast as General Thaddeus Ross, now President Ross, marking a significant change in the power dynamics of the MCU. The film is set to blend action with a conspiracy thriller, drawing comparisons to Sam’s debut in The Winter Soldier. Fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds while they are playing at online casinos not on GamStop.
2. Sinners
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Ryan Coogler, known for his work on Creed and Black Panther, directs Sinners, his first foray into horror. Starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers, the film revolves around supernatural, possibly demonic forces. The plot is largely under wraps, adding to the mystery and excitement surrounding its release.
3. Eddington
Release Date: To Be Announced 2025
Ari Aster, the director of Hereditary and Midsommar, steps into Western horror with Eddington. Set during the pandemic and possibly involving zombies, the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a sheriff in New Mexico. The dark comedic tone and intriguing premise have already made it one to watch.
4. Tron Aries
Release Date: October 10, 2025
After the success of Tron Legacy in 2010, Disney revives the Tron franchise with Tron Aries. Jared Leto leads the cast in this reboot, which will explore the concept of a digital being entering the real world. The film promises to address timely themes surrounding artificial intelligence, with a new, cutting-edge score by Nine Inch Nails.
5. F1
Release Date: June 27, 2025
F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is set to be the next big racing film. Brad Pitt stars, reportedly driving in real Formula 2 races to bring authenticity to the action. The film is a tribute to the spirit of racing, with several real-life Formula 1 drivers appearing as themselves.
6. Elio
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Pixar’s Elio tells the story of a young boy who is accidentally chosen as Earth’s ambassador to an alien group. Directed by Adrian Molina, the film is expected to combine Pixar’s signature humour with thought-provoking themes about humanity and the universe.
7. 28 Years Later
Release Date: June 20, 2025
The long-awaited sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, 28 Years Later is finally happening. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the film will revisit the post-apocalyptic world of infected zombies. Cillian Murphy returns to his iconic role, as audiences once again face the horrors of a world ravaged by disease.
8. One Battle After Another
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this crime thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Zoid Wheeler, a character on the run. With a star-studded cast including Regina Hall, Shawn Penn, and Benicio del Toro, the plot is still a mystery, but Anderson’s reputation for compelling storytelling ensures that One Battle After Another [originally titled The Battle of Btan Cross] will be a hit.
9. Frankenstein
Release Date: To Be Announced 2025
Guillermo del Toro brings his unique vision to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. After the success of Pinocchio, del Toro is set to explore the darker elements of the classic story, providing a fresh perspective on the monster and his creator. The project has been in development for years, and del Toro’s involvement has already generated significant buzz.
10. Thunderbolts*
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Marvel fans are eagerly awaiting Thunderbolts*, which brings together a group of reformed villains and anti-heroes, including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and the Red Guardian. The film is expected to focus on these characters taking on government missions that others can’t handle. With such a diverse and dynamic cast, Thunderbolts* is poised to be another hit in the MCU.
11. Wicked: For Good
Release Date: November 21, 2025
The sequel to the Wicked film adaptation continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, set against the arrival of Dorothy in Oz. Director Jon M. Chu will continue to explore the complex relationship between the two witches. Fans of the Broadway musical are sure to be excited to see how the second part unfolds.
12. The Smashing Machine
Release Date: To Be Announced 2025
Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial artist with a troubled past, in The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie, known for pushing actors to their limits, the film promises a deep and dramatic performance from Johnson. This biographical film about Kerr’s rise and fall in the MMA world could be one of Johnson’s most compelling roles yet.
13. The Running Man
Release Date: November 6, 2025
The Running Man, based on Stephen King’s novel, is getting a reboot with Edgar Wright at the helm. Set in a dystopian future, the film will explore themes of reality TV, violence, and the decaying economy. With Glen Powell leading the cast, this film has the potential to be a thrilling and thought-provoking take on King’s original story.
14. A Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Release Date: To Be Announced 2025
Following the success of Knives Out and Glass Onion, writer-director Rian Johnson returns with another Knives Out mystery. A Wake Up Dead Man will once again feature Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc. The film is expected to continue the series’ trend of sharp, clever storytelling with an all-star cast, including Glenn Close and Josh Brolin.
15. Ballerina (John Wick Spin-off)
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Ballerina is a John Wick spin-off that centres on a dancer-turned-assassin, played by Ana de Armas. Set between the third and fourth John Wick films, it promises to be packed with intense action and stunning fight choreography. Fans of the John Wick universe will be eager to see this new addition to the franchise.
16. Superman
Release Date: July 11, 2025
James Gunn kicks off the new DC Universe with a fresh take on Superman. This reboot aims to bring back the hope and optimism of the original Superman films, while incorporating the grounded edge that modern audiences expect. With a cast that includes a fresh face as Superman and Krypto the dog, this film is sure to set the tone for future DC films.
17. Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release Date: December 19, 2025
The third instalment of James Cameron’s Avatar series, Fire and Ash introduces the Ash People, expanding the world of Pandora. With a more intense conflict between the Na’vi and humans, this film will explore new emotional and physical landscapes. The title promises a clash that could change the future of the franchise.
18. Mickey 17
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Parasite director Bong Joon-ho brings his next project, Mickey 17, to life. A sci-fi film based on the novel Mickey 7, it stars Robert Pattinson in a story about a man who is repeatedly sent to die on a dangerous alien planet. With Joon-ho at the helm, this film is expected to be as unpredictable as his previous works.
19. Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025
After much anticipation, the Fantastic Four finally join the MCU with First Steps. The film introduces the iconic superhero team, with a cast that includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Fans are also hoping for the introduction of Dr Doom, setting up future MCU storylines.
20. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Release Date: May 17, 2025
Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt returns for the final chapter of the Mission: Impossible series. The film will tie up loose ends from Dead Reckoning and promises to take the action franchise to new heights. Fans are eager to see if this will truly be the end for Ethan Hunt or if Cruise will continue to thrill audiences for years to come.
