We will soon be entering 2025 and as unbelievable as it sounds, the new year is right around the corner. Every year, audiences are enthralled with some action-packed releases and thoughtful dramas. This year too, cinephiles can get excited as there are a bunch of exciting new releases that promise to offer a fun experience. From Formula One racing in F1 to the new Avatar movie, here's a list of 20 movies that you should not miss in 2025.
1. Snow White
In an era of live-action remakes, fans will get to enjoy a musical fantasy re-imagining of the classic Disney film from 1937, Snow White. This Marc Webb directorial features Rachel Zegler in the titular role along with Gal Gadot. The movie will be produced by Walt Disney Productions and the screenplay is by Barbie director, Greta Gerwig. Set to release in March 2025, this one will be a magical watch.
2. The Smurfs Movie
Everyone’s beloved animated characters are back! The Smurfs movie is a musical fantasy reboot of the original film series and is directed by Chris Miller. One more reason to be excited is that fans will finally get to hear the voice of Rihanna as Smurfette and the movie will also feature original songs by the singer. The movie will also feature the voices of Octavia Spencer, and Sandra Oh, and is set to release in July 2025.
3. Wolf Man
Blumhouse Production movies are known for providing quality entertainment and gripping horror. Wolf Man is one such horror film that promises to satisfy the viewers’ horror cravings. Directed by Leigh Whannell and co-produced by Ryan Gosling, the movie stars Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott, and it is a reboot of the 1941 movie. It is set to release in January 2025.
4. F1
What could be better than Brad Pitt and racing cars? Scheduled to release in June 2025, F1 is an upcoming sports action-drama that promises high-octane thrills and beautiful visuals. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also directed Top Gun: Maverick, the movie is in collaboration with the Formula One World Championship itself and also stars Javier Bardem.
5. 28 Years Later
Everyone’s favorite, Cillian Murphy is back. Directed by Slumdog Millionaire director, Danny Boyle, 28 Years Later, is part of the movie franchise and also stars Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and others. Scheduled to release in June 2025, the movie takes place after the events of 28 Weeks Later and focuses on a group of people who must survive amidst the infected population.
6. Saw XI
One of the most terrifying horror movie series, the Saw movies have a cult status. With a number of sequels, and many of them getting panned, viewers are looking forward to what the franchise has in store next. But with Saw X’s positive response, it is hoped that Saw XI will also follow the same approach. Currently, the only confirmed cast member is Tobin Bell, who will reprise the role of the dreaded Jigsaw killer. The movie is set to release in September 2025.
7. Tron: Ares
Starring Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, Evan Peters, and others, Tron: Ares is the next installment in the sci-fi action movie series. Slated to release in October 2025, the movie is directed by Joachim Ronning and it will be exciting to get back into the world of neon visuals. The movie has always delivered and is the perfect film to watch if one wants to escape into the world of futuristic gaming and thrilling chase scenes.
8. Avatar: Fire and Ash
The Avatar movies are a big deal and everyone’s excited to see what James Cameron has up his sleeves in this third installment of the film franchise. Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to release in December 2025 and is a sci-fi movie featuring some of the most cutting-edge technology and visuals. Featuring Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, and others, the movie will be a must-watch.
9. The Conjuring: Last Rites
Another horror release that fans are waiting for with bated breath is the next installment in the superhit The Conjuring series. Directed by Michael Chaves and bringing back Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, The Conjuring: Last Rites, is a supernatural movie that revolves around the couple, Ed and Lorraine Warren and is produced by James Wan. The movie is set to release in September 2025 and fans should give this one a go.
10. Superman
The year 2025 will bring a new Superman to our screens. Superman is a superhero movie that is the first movie in the DC Universe and is a reboot of the other Superman film series. David Corenswet will essay the role of the iconic superhero and the film is directed by James Gunn. The movie is set to refresh the superhero franchise and it will be interesting to see the new avatar. The movie will be released in July 2025.
11. Jurassic World Rebirth
Following on the heels of Jurassic World Dominion, Jurassic World Rebirth is the next film in the franchise and is directed by Gareth Edwards. The sci-fi action thriller will have a new star cast of Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Bailey. Offering the classic edge-of-the-seat thrills and a new premise, the movie will be a refreshing watch and is scheduled to release in July 2025.
12. I Know What You Did Last Summer
Talks about making a fourth film have been going on since 2014 but the movie has remained in development hell. Since February 2023, however, the movie has been reignited and an untitled movie is set to release in July 2025. Confirmed cast members include Madelyn Cline, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Billy Campbell. The movie will continue the story from the second film and will feature a young cast along with the return of the older cast.
13. Elio
There’s something for everyone in 2025 and children are not to be left behind. Known for their quality and heart-warming plots, Pixar is back with Elio, which will be released in June 2025. A sci-fi adventure movie, it is about a young boy who is lifted by aliens and must now act as the ambassador of Earth. Featuring the voices of Jameela Jamil, and Zoe Saldana, and written by the writer of Coco, this one should be on the must-see list.
14. Mickey 17
After Parasite, everyone’s been waiting for Bong Joon-ho’s next release, Mickey 17. A sci-fi black comedy starring Robert Pattinson, the movie was supposed to be released in 2024 but got delayed. Now releasing in April 2025, fans are excited to see what the visionary director has to offer. The movie’s plot about an astronaut having multiple clones is exciting, to say the least.
15. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, is an upcoming action spy film that is the next installment in the blockbuster Mission Impossible series. Starring Tom Cruise, Vanessa Kirby, and others, the movie will be released in May 2025 and will be the ultimate summer release of the year. Fans have come to enjoy Cruise’s jaw-dropping stunts and the next installment promises to be a must-watch.
16. Captain America: Brave New World
As part of the phase five of MCU and a continuation of the television series, Captain America: Brave New World releases in February 2025 and everyone is curious to meet the new Captain America in Anthony Mackie. The movie also stars Harrison Ford. After a few dull releases, 2025 seems to be the year when the MCU will finally be back to enthrall audiences.
17. A Minecraft Movie
Everyone’s beloved video game is back in an on-screen avatar. A Minecraft movie is an adventure comedy and stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and others. Directed by Jared Hess, the movie is about four misfits who get trapped in a cubic world of imagination and must master and protect the world to go back home. Full of zany visuals, the movie is a must-watch for children and adults alike and will be released in April 2025.
18. Karate Kid: Legends
Fans of both the Karate Kid movies can rejoice as Karate Kid: Legends brings together Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio! The martial arts action movie is directed by Jonathan Entwistle and is a sequel to the original Karate Kid trilogy and the 2010 remake. Set to release in May 2025, the movie promises to enthrall fans of the franchise and offer double the fun with both Chan and Macchio in tow.
19. The Bad Guys 2
It is rare to see an animated heist movie but The Bad Guys 2, promises to offer both thrills and comedy. A sequel to the original movie, this installment features the voices of Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, and Lilly Singh, and revolves around the bad guys coming back for one last job by an all-girls squad. Set to release in August 2025, this one will be an interesting watch.
20. How to Train Your Dragon
A live-action remake of the popular 2010 animated film, How to Train Your Dragon, is directed by Dean DeBlois and stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Ruth Codd, and others. Viewers who enjoyed the animated movie should definitely check out this one. Live-action remakes are all the rage currently and it seems that it will continue in 2025. The movie releases in June 2025.