The year 2025 is poised to deliver an exceptional lineup of films that are sure to captivate audiences. With a diverse array of genres ranging from thrilling blockbusters to poignant indie films, there’s something for every cinema enthusiast.
Whether you’re craving adrenaline-fueled action, heartwarming narratives, or side-splitting comedies, the upcoming releases are filled with memorable stories and impressive casts.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the most anticipated films of 2025.
A Complete Unknown
17 January
The cinematic year kicks off with Timothée Chalamet portraying Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown. Dylan himself has expressed his approval, praising both Chalamet and the film, which is based on Elijah Wald’s book, Dylan Goes Electric.
Alongside Chalamet, Edward Norton and Elle Fanning star in this film set in the 1960s, placing Chalamet in strong contention for Academy Awards recognition.
The Brutalist
24 January
Adrien Brody is expected to make waves with his performance in the post-war drama The Brutalist. Despite its substantial three-and-a-half-hours run time, early reviews are glowing.
Brody plays a Holocaust survivor turned architect who relocates to the United States to embark on a promising career under the mentorship of Guy Pearce’s affluent character.
The Phoenician Scheme
TBD
Anticipation builds for The Phoenician Scheme, a father-daughter espionage comedy-drama co-written with Roman Coppola, expected to deliver a signature Andersonian caper.
While specifics remain under wraps, viewers can expect an ensemble cast peppered with familiar faces and some newcomers.
The Monkey
21 February
Following the success of last year’s indie hit Longlegs, Oz Perkins’s upcoming film The Monkey comes with hefty expectations. Based on a Stephen King story, this horror film features a toy monkey unleashing chaos.
Mickey 17
April 18
After a lengthy hiatus since Parasite, Bong Joon-ho’s latest project, Mickey 17, is finally set to release. The film promises to explore the quirks of humanity through the lens of an eccentric space satire featuring Robert Pattinson.
Bong described it to Empire magazine as a narrative highlighting the “pathetic” nature of humans, setting the stage for an intriguing experience.
Warfare
TBD
Alex Garland is back with another war film for A24, following last year’s Civil War. This film, set against the backdrop of the recent Iraq conflict, focuses on US soldiers living with an Iraqi family.
With a rising ensemble cast that includes Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, and Will Poulter, Warfare is expected to create some significant buzz.
Golden
May 15
If you’re not swayed by the idea of Pharrell’s life told in Lego form, perhaps a dramatized tribute to his hometown would captivate you, crafted by music video maestro Michel Gondry.
Following the animated biopic Piece by Piece, Golden will be a coming-of-age musical comedy that paints a vibrant picture of the magical neighborhood in which Pharrell Williams was raised.
28 Years Later
June 20
Daniel Boyle and Alex Garland reunite for a thrilling third installment of the 28 franchise. The film will pick up from where its predecessor left off, showcasing survivors entrenched in a fortified island compound amid strict quarantine measures.
Starring Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the stakes are high as they navigate this new world.
F1
27 June
After impressing audiences with Top Gun: Maverick, director Joseph Kosinski is back with F1, starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem in a racing drama that surely promises excitement.
Pitt portrays a veteran F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger racer, reminiscent of a classic Mr. Miyagi moment. This film is shaping up to be this year’s must-see.
Superman: Legacy
11 July
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msfs4tjy2-0
Despite some fatigue surrounding superhero films, the anticipation for Superman: Legacy remains high. Directed by James Gunn, it marks a new chapter for the iconic character with David Corenswet embodying Clark Kent and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
Fans are eager to see how this fresh approach will unfold.
The Battle of Baktan Cross
August 8
Paul Thomas Anderson is once again adapting a Thomas Pynchon work, this time rumored to be based on Vineland, which explores memories of the carefree ’60s during the Reagan era.
With Leonardo DiCaprio attached to this project, it’s sure to be a noteworthy entry in Anderson’s filmography.
Bugonia
November 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo0FV2fQDYQ&ab_channel=MonsterHollywood
Yorgos Lanthimos is back with another distinctive vision, leading us into the realm of Korean horror comedy with Bugonia. Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, this film is a remake of Save The Green Planet!, focusing on the bizarre tale of a man convinced his captive is an alien.
Expect another quirky journey to the big screen that only Lanthimos can deliver.
Marty Supreme
Late 2025 / early 2026
Though the Safdie brothers are branching off individually, they are both delivering exciting projects. Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine features Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in a biopic of UFC fighter Mark Kerr, while Josh concludes the year with Marty Supreme, featuring Timothée Chalamet as 1950s table tennis champion Marty Reisman. This film will include talents like Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, The Creator, and Fran Drescher.
With a rich variety of films on the horizon, 2025 promises to be a remarkable year for cinema. From biographical narratives to genre-bending explorations, the lineup will undoubtedly entertain and provoke thought, leaving audiences excited for what’s to come.
