2025 is set to have several blockbuster releases in the form of franchise sequels, reboots, and live-action adaptations. While 2024 featured considerably fewer blockbuster releases compared to 2023’s cumulative lineup, 2025 is expected to have even more highly anticipated releases. At the time of writing, the biggest blockbuster releases of 2024 were Inside Out 2 and Deadpool and Wolverinethe only two films to eclipse more than $1 billion at the global box office.
Rounding out the top 5 box office performers of 2024 so far are Despicable Me 4, Dune: Part Twoand Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire. A few more highly anticipated releases will be released before the end of the year, the first of which is Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film Gladiator sequel starring Paul Mescal and Universal’s film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Evilboth released on November 22nd. Ending the year with potential the main contenders for the box office are Moana 2 (November 27) and Mufasa: The Lion King (December 20).
|
Film |
Release date |
|---|---|
|
In the gray |
January 17th |
|
Captain America: Brave New World |
February 14 |
|
A Minecraft movie |
April 4th |
|
Rays |
May 2 |
|
Mission: Impossible 8 |
May 23 |
|
Lilo and Stitch |
May 23 |
|
Karate Kid: Legends |
May 30th |
|
Ballerina |
June 6 |
|
Elio |
June 13 |
|
How to train your dragon |
June 13 |
|
28 years later |
June 20th |
|
F1 |
June 27th |
|
Jurassic World Rebirth |
July 2 |
|
Superman |
July 11 |
|
The Fantastic Four: Getting Started |
July 25th |
|
Craziest Friday |
August 8 |
|
Miguel |
October 3 |
|
Tron: Ares |
October 10th |
|
Predator: Badlands |
November 7th |
|
Wicked: Part Two |
November 21st |
|
Zootopia 2 |
November 26th |
|
Avatar: Fire and Ash |
December 19 |
22
In the gray
January 17th
After a traumatic event, an experienced wilderness guide and a grieving scientist find themselves stranded in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Together, they must navigate the treacherous landscape and overcome their personal traumas to find a way back to civilization, forging an unlikely bond in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Release date
-
January 17, 2025
The first big box office hit of 2025 is Guy Ritchie’s latest film, In the gray. Starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza Gonzálezwho have worked with Ritchie on recent features. The story revolves around two extraction experts, played by Cavill and Gyllenhaal, who need to plan an escape route for a senior negotiator, probably González. The film will also star Fisher Stevens (Succession), Rosamund Pike (missing girl, Salt burn) and Jason Wong (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves).
21
Captain America: Brave New World
February 14
Marvel’s first major release of 2025 arrives on February 14th. Captain America: Brave New World It will be the first MCU film to feature Anthony Mackie, who previously played the superhero Falcon, as the new titular Avenger, replacing Chris Evans as Captain America. Also marks the introduction of Harrison Ford into the MCU as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk. Other notable cast members include Liv Tyler, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar, Takehiro Hira, and Tim Blake Nelson.
20
A Minecraft movie
April 4th
Based on the global phenomenon Minecraft, the crafting, building and adventure game from Mojang Studios, comes A Minecraft Movie. When a teenage girl and a ragtag group of misfits prove to be their world’s only hope against the all-powerful Ender Dragon, they band together to save the entire Overworld.
- Director
-
Jared Hess
- Release date
-
April 4, 2025
- Writers
-
Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Markus Persson, Allison Schroeder, Peter Sollett
The first family blockbuster of 2025 arrives in the form of A Minecraft moviewhich has the potential to be one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Starring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Jennifer Coolidge, Kate McKinnonand Emma Myers from Wednesday acclaim, A Minecraft movie takes place in a fantastic video game world, much like The Super Mario Bros. movie. The action-adventure fantasy film is sure to attract a wide audience based on the popular game’s 180 million users.
19
Rays*
May 2
Marvel’s second big box office hit of 2025 is Rays*which introduces a new cast of supervillains to the MCU. Poised to be Marvel’s answer to DC Suicide Squadthe cast of Rays* will be led by Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Rachel Weisz, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Olga Kurylenko and David Harbour. Sebastian Stan is expected to reprise his role as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier after appearing in several Captain America and Avengers films.
18
Mission: Impossible 8
May 23
Originally titled Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Twothe eighth installment of Tom Cruise’s beloved action franchise will finally arrive in May 2025. The film was initially slated for release in 2024, but suffered production delays as a result of the 2023 SAG and WGA double strike. could become the end Mission: Impossible film with Cruise in command, M: Me 8 should continue to surpass its predecessor with even more incredible stunts and thrilling action sequences.
17
Lilo and Stitch
May 23
Disney’s first major live-action remake of 2025 will be Lilo and Stitch. While Disney hasn’t had much success with its live-action remakes lately, some of them have grossed over $1 billion, including The Lion King and Aladdin. THE live action Lilo and Stitch will feature the original voice of the beloved furry alien creatureChris Sanders, and will also feature Zach Galifianakis, Courtney B. Vance, Billy Magnussen and Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, who voiced Nani in the 2002 animated film.
16
Karate Kid: Legends
May 30th
Karate Kid: Legends will be the first Karate Kid film since the 2010 reboot starring Jaden Smith. Features the long-awaited duo of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who play two of the world’s greatest legends. Karate Kid universe, Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. The film is expected to be connected to the popular Netflix series Cobra Kaiwhich will end in 2025 and will also star Macchio as Daniel.
15
Ballerina
June 6
The long awaited John Wick spin off Ballerina will finally hit theaters in June 2025. Ana de Armas will play the protagonist Eva, a young assassin who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. Several cast members from John Wick universe, like the late Lance Reddick, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves himself will appear in the film. Ballerina has the potential to be as popular and successful as the four John Wick films before him.
14
Elio
June 13
The latest Disney-Pixar film Elio will hit theaters in June 2025. Elio follows an underdog young man with a big imagination who encounters a galactic federation of extraterrestrials and is inadvertently considered Earth’s ambassador. Like many classic Disney-Pixar films before it, Elio should be one of the best offerings for viewers of all ages in cinema in 2025.
13
How to train your dragon
June 13
The live-action adaptation of the popular Dreamworks classic How to train your dragon hits theaters in June 2025. Gerard Butler will reprise his role in the 2010 animated film as Stoick while Hiccup will be played by newcomer Mason Thames instead of Jay Baruchel. Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the animated original and its two direct sequels, will return to write and direct the live-action remake.
12
28 years later
June 20th
The long-awaited sequel to the zombie horror classics 28 days later and 28 weeks later finally arrives in June 2025. Oscar Winner Cillian Murphy, who starred in the 2002 original directed by Danny Boyle, will reprise his starring role as Jim. Danny Boyle returns to direct a script he wrote with Alex Garland (Image: Disclosure)Civil War, Ex-machine). Murphy will be joined by Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jack O’Connell.
11
F1
June 27th
Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) motorsport drama F1 starring Brad Pitt looks to be one of the most promising new releases of 2025. Kosinski reunites with Maverick screenwriter Ehren Kruger on the project, which features Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger driver with a lot of potential. Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies also star.
10
Jurassic World Rebirth
July 2
Announced just a few months ago, in August 2024, the next Jurassic World the film will be released in July 2025. Returning with a completely different cast of characters, Jurassic Park Rebirth will star Mahershala Ali, Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. Gareth Edwards from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Godzillaand The Creator acclaim will direct the highly successful project. THE franchise appears to bounce back after the underwhelming reception of Jurassic World Dominion starring Chris Pratt.
9
Superman
July 11
Arguably the most anticipated superhero release for 2025, James Gunn Superman featuring David Corenswet as Clark Kent will hit theaters in July 2025. As CEO of DC Studios, Gunn will attempt to build a new era of the prolific superhero after Henry Cavill hung up his red cape after the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021. Superman will feature a cast that includes Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Milly Alcock, Skyler Gisondo, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
8
The Fantastic Four: Getting Started
July 25th
In what is potentially the most anticipated Marvel release of 2025, The Fantastic Four: Getting Started comes out in July 2025. Ffirst steps is the first Fantastic Four film since 2015. Since Disney now owns Fox Studios, The Fantastic Four can officially enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby will play Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn will play Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play Ben Grimm/The Thing.
7
Craziest Friday
August 8
A sequel to the classic 2003 comedy Crazy Friday will hit theaters in August 2025, some 22 years after the release of the original remake. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan will reprise their roles as mother-daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman. The comedy sequel will also feature performances from Chad Michael Murray, Mark Harmon, Stephen Tobolowsky and Julia Butters. It will be directed by Nisha Ganatra (Popcorn Chutney, Late at night).
6
Miguel
October 3
The first ever michael jackson the biopic is sure to draw crowds when it releases in October 2025. The Sony film will star Jaafar Jackson, nephew of real-life Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jacksonin the titular role. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training day, The equalizer, Left-handed) and based on a screenplay by John Logan (Fall from the sky, Gladiator, The Aviator, Miguel will feature a cast of Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Colman Domingo, Nia Long and more.
5
Tron: Ares
October 10th
The third Tron film, Tron: Areswill hit theaters in October 2025. Starring Jared Leto, Gillian Anderson, Evan Peters, Cameron Monaghan, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith and Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn from the 1982 original, Tron: Ares could be one of the best science fiction films of the year. The film will be directed by Joachim Rønning, who has directed several other Disney box office hits, such as Maleficinet: Mistress of Evil and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
4
Predator: Badlands
November 7th
Predator: Badlands is a new entry in the Predator franchise, with Prey writer and director Dan Trachtenberg returning for this installment. There are no details about the film other than the fact that Badlands will be a standalone entry set during a new time period.
- Director
-
Dan Trachtenberg
- Studio(s)
-
20th century studios
- Writers
-
Dan Trachtenberg
- Cast
-
Elle Fanning
A new Predator the film will hit theaters in November 2025, making it the eighth film in the franchise. Although not much is known about Predator: Badlands at the time of writing, Elle Fanning from Maleficent and The Neon Demon is set to star. Dan Trachtenberg, who directed the acclaimed Predator prequel Prey in 2022, he will return to direct the new Predator film, the first with “Predator” in the title since 2018 The Predator directed by Shane Black.
3
Wicked: Part Two
November 21st
The second part of the two parts Evil the launch will arrive in November 2025, exactly one year after 2024 Wicked: Part One. Most, if not all, Evil cast expected to return in 2025 filmwhich includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Ethan Slater as Boq, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz and Peter Dinklage as Dr.