2025’s most anticipated movie blockbusters

About this gallery:

For this list, we’ve zeroed in on the movies getting the most buzz this year—whether they’re hyped because they look downright awful and everyone’s waiting to watch the trainwreck, or because they might actually be great and have a fanbase ready to snatch up tickets the second they go on sale.

Think we missed an essential movie for this list? Go ahead and let us know in the comments—don’t hold back, we can take it!

Captain America: Brave New World

Release Date: February 14.

Sam Wilson picks up the iconic shield in Captain America: Brave New World, stepping into the role of Captain America. Directed by Julius Onah, the film follows Sam as he navigates an international incident and uncovers a nefarious global plot. With a cast that includes Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross and Liv Tyler reprising her role as Betty Ross, this installment promises to blend political intrigue with superhero action. Fans are eager to see how the narrative addresses contemporary issues while honoring Captain America’s legacy. | © Marvel Studios

Mickey 17

Release Date: March 7.

From the visionary director Bong Joon-ho comes Mickey 17, a sci-fi adventure starring Robert Pattinson as an "expendable" human sent to colonize an icy planet. The film explores themes of identity and survival, with Pattinson’s character undergoing multiple regenerations, each retaining memories of past lives. Featuring Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo, and Bong Joon-ho’s genre-blending expertise, Mickey 17 promises to be a profound addition to the sci-fi genre. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Snow White

Release Date: March 21.

Disney continues its live-action adaptation trend with Snow White, directed by Marc Webb. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film reimagines the classic 1937 animated feature, potentially with new songs and a modernized narrative. While excitement surrounds the fresh take, skepticism lingers over remaking beloved classics. Either way, stunning visuals and compelling performances are expected to take center stage. | © Walt Disney Pictures

A Minecraft Movie

Release Date: April 4.

A Minecraft Movie brings the wildly popular video game to the big screen under the direction of Jared Hess. Featuring stars like Jason Momoa and Jack Black, the story follows four misfits transported into the game’s cubic world to save the Overworld from the Ender Dragon. While the game's massive fanbase could make this a box office hit, translating an open-ended game into a coherent narrative will be a challenge. Fans are eager to see how the film balances faithful game elements with cinematic storytelling. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Until Dawn

Release Date: April 25.

Based on the interactive horror video game, Until Dawn is directed by David F. Sandberg. The plot follows a group of friends spending a weekend in a ski lodge, unaware of the sinister presence stalking them. With Peter Stormare reprising his role as Dr. Hill, the film aims to capture the game’s suspenseful atmosphere and branching narrative paths. Fans of the original game and horror enthusiasts are eager to see how the interactive elements are adapted for the big screen. | © Ballistic Moon

Thunderbolts*

Release Date: May 2.

Marvel's Thunderbolts assembles a motley crew of antiheroes, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), under the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). This unconventional team is tasked with missions that traditional heroes might shy away from. While the concept of antiheroes banding together isn't groundbreaking, the film's success will hinge on its execution and character dynamics. Given Marvel's track record, there's cautious optimism that Thunderbolts will deliver a fresh perspective within the MCU. | © Marvel Studios

Lilo & Stitch

Release Date: May 23.

Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch aims to bring the beloved 2002 animated classic to a new generation. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film stars newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo, with Chris Sanders reprising his role as the voice of Stitch. The challenge lies in capturing the original's quirky charm and emotional depth, especially with the heavy reliance on CGI for Stitch. While some fans are excited about this reimagining, others remain skeptical about whether the live-action format can do justice to the unique spirit of the original. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Release Date: May 23.

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, promising high-octane action and intricate espionage plots. As the purported conclusion to the long-running series, expectations are sky-high for a fitting send-off. While the franchise has consistently delivered thrilling sequences, there's a risk of fatigue setting in. The success of this installment will depend on its ability to provide a fresh narrative while honoring the legacy of the previous films. | © Paramount Pictures

Karate Kid: Legends

Release Date: May 30.

Karate Kid: Legends seeks to revitalize the iconic martial arts saga for a contemporary audience. With a new cast and storyline, the film aims to balance nostalgia with innovation. However, reboots carry the inherent challenge of meeting the expectations of long-time fans while appealing to newcomers. The film's reception will largely depend on its ability to honor the original's spirit while offering a compelling, updated narrative. | © Sony Pictures

Ballerina

Release Date: June 6.

Ballerina expands the John Wick universe by focusing on a female assassin, portrayed by Ana de Armas, trained in the art of ballet. This spin-off has the potential to offer a fresh perspective within the action genre, blending grace with lethal prowess. However, it must establish its own identity to avoid being overshadowed by its predecessor. Success will depend on compelling character development and innovative action sequences that distinguish it from the main series. | © Lionsgate

How to Train Your Dragon

Release Date: June 13.

The beloved tale of Hiccup and Toothless is soaring back to the big screen, this time in a live-action adaptation. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy, the film aims to capture the magic of the Viking village of Berk and its dragon inhabitants with real-world visuals. Fans are eager to see how the enchanting world and its characters translate into live action, though some remain cautiously optimistic about whether it can recapture the charm of its animated predecessor. | © Universal Pictures

28 Years Later

Release Date: June 20.

The Rage Virus saga continues with 28 Years Later, reuniting director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, the film explores a world still grappling with the aftermath of the virus. With a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the film promises to delve deeper into the human condition amidst chaos. While anticipation is high, some fans wonder if this sequel can deliver the same intensity and innovation that made the original a cult classic. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

M3GAN 2.0

Release Date: June 27.

Following the unexpected success of the 2022 techno-thriller, M3GAN 2.0 is set to upgrade the horror with more AI-induced mayhem. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprise their roles, facing new challenges as M3GAN evolves beyond her original programming. Produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster, the sequel aims to blend horror and dark humor, though skeptics question whether it can replicate the original's surprise charm without feeling like a system reboot. | © Universal Pictures

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Release Date: July 2.

Just when you thought the park was closed for good, Jurassic World: Rebirth stomps into theaters. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film ventures into uncharted territory as an expedition seeks dinosaur DNA for groundbreaking medical research. With Scarlett Johansson leading the cast, the plot promises a blend of science fiction and adventure. However, some fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping this installment offers fresh thrills without rehashing the same old dino-mite scenarios. | © Universal Pictures

Superman

Release Date: July 11.

The Man of Steel returns in a new reboot directed by James Gunn. David Corenswet dons the iconic cape, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. This iteration aims to explore Superman's dual heritage and his role in a modern world that views kindness as old-fashioned. While the casting has generated buzz, and Gunn's involvement suggests a fresh take, some fans are holding their breath, hoping this reboot can soar above previous attempts and truly do justice to the Last Son of Krypton. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Release Date: July 25.

Marvel's first family is set to make a grand entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Directed by Matt Shakman, this reboot aims to blend a retro-futuristic '60s aesthetic with modern storytelling, introducing audiences to Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. With a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, expectations are sky-high. However, given the mixed reception of previous Fantastic Four films, fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping this iteration finally does justice to the beloved characters. | © Jesse Grant

Michael

Release Date: October 3.

Michael is an upcoming biographical musical drama that delves into the life of the legendary Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, the film promises to explore both the iconic performances and the complex personal life of the King of Pop. While the project has generated significant buzz, it also faces scrutiny, given the controversies surrounding Jackson's life. Balancing a tribute to his musical genius with a nuanced portrayal of his personal challenges will be a delicate act for the filmmakers. | © Sony Music Entertaintment

Wicked: For Good

Release Date: November 21.

The land of Oz is set to enchant audiences once more with Wicked: For Good, the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film explores the untold story of the witches of Oz, promising spellbinding musical numbers and a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Fans of the stage production are eager to see how the intricate story and dynamic performances translate to the big screen. However, as with any adaptation, there's apprehension about whether the film can capture the magic that made the original a cultural phenomenon. | © Universal Pictures

Zootopia 2

Release Date: November 26.

Disney returns to the bustling metropolis of anthropomorphic animals with Zootopia 2. The sequel aims to reunite audiences with beloved characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, diving deeper into the societal themes that resonated with viewers in the first film. While the original was praised for its clever social commentary and world-building, sequels often grapple with the challenge of meeting high expectations. Fans are hopeful that this follow-up will expand on the rich narrative and continue to blend humor with thought-provoking messages. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Release Date: December 19.

James Cameron's epic saga continues with Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the groundbreaking franchise. Set to explore new regions of Pandora and introduce audiences to diverse Na'vi cultures, the film promises cutting-edge visual effects and an immersive cinematic experience. However, with the considerable gap between releases and the ever-evolving landscape of science fiction cinema, some wonder if the sequel can recapture the awe and wonder that defined the original. Nonetheless, Cameron's commitment to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking keeps anticipation high. | © 20th Century Studios