As 2025 begins, I’ve put together my list of the 30 most anticipated films of the year. From visionary directors and long-awaited sequels to bold original stories and genre-defining experiments, this list captures the projects I’m most excited to see. It’s a celebration of the creativity and ambition shaping the future of cinema—whether through indie gems or massive blockbusters. Here’s to another incredible year of movie magic!
28 Years Later. Directed by Danny Boyle
The 28 X Later franchise stands out as one of the few zombie apocalypse series that truly captures the terror of such a world. Its zombies are not the sluggish, shambling walkers of The Walking Dead, but relentless, merciless predators—swift, violent, and utterly horrifying. Yet, the scariest aspect of this franchise isn’t the infected themselves; it’s humanity’s response to the chaos. The series masterfully explores how quickly society crumbles, forcing us to question who the real monsters are: the infected or us. With Danny Boyle returning to direct and Cillian Murphy reprising his breakout role, this latest installment promises to reignite the franchise’s gripping intensity and moral complexity. It’s hard not to be thrilled for what’s to come.
Coming Soon to Theaters June 20th 2025
After the Hunt. Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Luca Guadagnino seems to be a filmmaker who never rests. Hot off his 2024 double feature of Challengers and Queer, he’s already gearing up for another compelling project. This time, he’s tackling a personal drama/thriller centered on a woman forced to face her own truths when a close colleague is accused of a heinous crime. With an all-star cast that includes Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloë Sevigny, the anticipation for this film is palpable. Guadagnino’s knack for blending emotional depth with razor-sharp tension makes this an unmissable addition to his ever-growing body of work.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
The Ballad of a Small Player. Directed by Edward Berger
Another tireless filmmaker, German director Edward Berger, returns with another promising project. Following his 2024 feature Conclave and the 2022 Oscar-winning war epic All Quiet on the Western Front, Berger’s latest film is an adaptation of the acclaimed novel Ballad of a Small Player. The story follows a man whose reckless past as a high-stakes gambler catches up with him while he attempts to lay low in Macau. With Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton leading the cast, this intimate thriller is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of tension-filled, character-driven cinema.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
The Bride. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal
The genre-blending trend continues into 2025 with The Bride, a horror, science fiction musical that reimagines the 1935 novel The Bride of Frankenstein. In her sophomore directorial effort, Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers a project as daring as it is ambitious. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast that includes Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Penélope Cruz, Peter Sarsgaard, and Annette Bening, this bold musical promises to be one of the year’s most intriguing and unique cinematic experiences. It’s definitely one to keep on your radar.
Coming Soon to Theaters September 25th 2025
The Battle of Baktan Cross. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest feature, The Battle of Baktan Cross, remains shrouded in secrecy. What little we do know is tantalizing: a crime thriller boasting a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Alana Haim, and Benicio del Toro. With wild set photos already sparking speculation and a budget exceeding $100 million, Anderson’s newest venture appears to be a bold move for the celebrated auteur. Keep an eye on this year’s Cannes lineup, where the film is rumored to make its world premiere.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Bugonia. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Yorgos Lanthimos continues his streak of delightfully bizarre storytelling with his latest film, Bugonia, a remake of the 2003 South Korean satire Save the Green Planet!. This marks his fourth collaboration with Emma Stone and his second with Jesse Plemons, further cementing their creative partnerships. With Bugonia, Lanthimos seems to be revisiting the eccentric sensibilities that defined his earlier work, and I’m fully on board for whatever strange and surreal journey he has in store for us this time.
Coming Soon to Theaters November 7th 2025
Caught Stealing. Directed by Darren Araonofsky
Darren Aronofsky continues to defy genre boundaries with his latest project, Caught Stealing. Adapted from the novel of the same name, this crime thriller follows a down-on-his-luck baseball player who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld of 1990s New York City. Boasting a powerhouse cast that includes Austin Butler, Matt Smith, Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Bad Bunny, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Aronofsky seems poised to push both himself and his ensemble to their creative limits. This promises to be a gripping and gritty addition to his filmography.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Death of a Unicorn. Directed by Alex Scharfman
I’m always up for a good horror comedy, and Death of a Unicorn sounds like it’s tailor-made for my taste. This twisted tale follows pharmaceutical executives trying to profit from the death of a unicorn—a premise brimming with dark humor and biting satire. With a stellar cast featuring Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Richard E. Grant, and Will Poulter, the ensemble is sure to bring the absurdity to life. Helmed by first-time director Alex Scharfman, this film promises to be a uniquely entertaining debut.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Eddington. Directed by Ari Aster
Director Ari Aster remains firmly on his peculiar path of blending horror with the unexpected in his latest film, Eddington. While details about the plot are scarce, it’s confirmed to be a western horror-comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix, Austin Butler, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal. With such a powerhouse ensemble and Aster’s knack for pushing the boundaries of the horror genre into uncharted territory, Eddington is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. Definitely one to keep on your radar.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
The Entertainment System is Down. Directed by Ruben Ostlund
Two-time Palme d’Or winner and Oscar nominee Ruben Östlund continues his sharp critique of the ultra-wealthy in confined spaces with The Entertainment System is Down. Starring Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, Daniel Brühl, and Joel Edgerton, the film centers on passengers aboard a long-haul flight who must entertain themselves after the in-flight entertainment system fails. With a premise aimed at satirizing our increasingly short attention spans, The Entertainment System is Down will make you reflect on how you would have survived a flight 20 years ago, when such distractions didn’t exist. Expect Östlund’s signature blend of dark humor and social commentary to shine through.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Frankenstein. Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a story that has been retold countless times, and with each new adaptation, I find myself wondering just how much further it can go, having been explored in nearly every possible way. However, when Guillermo del Toro is behind the writing and direction of a new version, consider me all in. If anyone can breathe new life into this nearly 200-year-old tale, it’s del Toro. With an ensemble cast featuring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz, this fresh take on Frankenstein promises to offer a captivating and innovative twist on the classic story.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Friendship. Directed by Andrew DeYoung
Friendship was a film I had hoped to catch at TIFF, but unfortunately, sky-high ticket prices from scalpers kept me from attending. This off-the-wall comedy, starring Paul Rudd, Tim Robinson, and Kate Mara, promises to be outrageously funny, and I’m eager to finally experience it.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Hamnet. Directed by Chloe Zhao
Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao is looking to reclaim her footing after the mixed reception of her 2022 Marvel film Eternals with an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet. This historical fiction delves into the relationship between Agnes and William Shakespeare following the tragic death of their son, Hamnet. With a talented ensemble featuring Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Emily Watson, this film is shaping up to be a strong contender in the upcoming awards season. It’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Mickey 17. Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Five years after his Academy Award-winning film Parasite, Bong Joon-ho returns to the director’s chair with his latest feature, Mickey 17. Adapted from the novel of the same name, this dark science fiction comedy marks a return to the director’s roots. With a stellar ensemble cast including Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, Mickey 17 is shaping up to be a must-watch. Be sure to keep this one on your radar.
Coming Soon to Theaters March 7th 2025
The Life of Chuck. Directed by Mike Flanagan
Although I’ve already seen the People’s Choice winner at the Toronto International Film Festival, I’m eagerly anticipating a second viewing of Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck. Adapted from Stephen King’s short story, the film tells the life of Chuck Krantz in reverse. This feel-good King adaptation is sure to take you on an emotional rollercoaster, making you reflect on your own existence—a skill that only Flanagan can pull off with such depth and mastery. I can’t wait to experience it again.
Coming Soon to Theaters May 30th, 2025
Materialist. Directed by Celine Song
Celine Song returns with her highly anticipated sophomore directorial feature, Materialist, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. While details about the film are scarce, we know it centers around another tragic love triangle. If it’s anything like her acclaimed debut Past Lives, it’s sure to be an emotional journey that will break your heart.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Marty Supreme. Directed by Josh Safdie
Josh Safdie is stepping out on his own for the first time without his brother Benny with his upcoming feature Marty Supreme. This fictitious biopic follows professional ping pong player Marty Resiman in the 1950s. Starring Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tyler, the Creator, the film marks a notable departure for Safdie, as he moves away from his signature high-stakes crime dramas to explore the world of competitive ping pong. It’s an exciting new direction for the filmmaker, and one that’s sure to be intriguing.
Coming Soon to Theaters Christmas 2025
The Monkey. Directed by Osgood Perkins
After Longlegs in 2024, I’m on board for whatever Osgood Perkins directs next. His latest feature, The Monkey, takes Stephen King’s novella and adds a darkly comedic twist, essentially turning it into Final Destination with a King touch. With a stellar cast that includes Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood, this is one horror comedy you won’t want to miss.
Coming Soon to Theaters February 21st, 2025
Mother Mary. Directed by David Lowery
David Lowery continues to explore the realm of fantasy with his latest feature, Mother Mary. While details about the film remain scarce, we know it focuses on the relationship between a pop star and a fashion designer, starring Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, and Hunter Schafer. Given Lowery’s track record, we can expect this film to be something truly unique and special.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Paddington in Peru. Directed by Douglas Wilson
After nearly eight years, the beloved Paddington bear is finally returning to the big screen. In this new adventure, Paddington heads back to his homeland, where he embarks on another heartwarming and exciting journey. With its signature charm, humor, and warmth, this film promises to be a delightful experience for audiences of all ages, offering a perfect blend of fun and nostalgia for long-time fans while welcoming a new generation to Paddington’s world.
Coming Soon to Theaters February 14th, 2025
The Phoenician Scheme. Directed by Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson once again delights with his signature symmetrical filmmaking in The Phoenician Scheme, an espionage comedy-drama thriller that takes his eccentric style in bold new directions. With one of his most impressive ensembles to date, featuring Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hanks, and many more, this film is shaping up to be one of my most anticipated releases of the year. Anderson’s unique approach to storytelling promises to bring a fresh and captivating take on the genre, making this a must-see.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
Rabbit Trap
With Dev Patel starring and Elijah Wood producing, Rabbit Trap has quickly risen to the top of my most anticipated films for 2025. The story follows a married musician couple who relocate to a remote cabin in Wales to finish their new record, only for things to take a dark turn when they begin hearing a mysterious sound that slowly unravels their grip on reality. This psychological horror promises to be a mind-bending, psychedelic journey, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds. It’s sure to be a wild and unforgettable experience.
Coming Soon to Theaters 2025
The Running Man. Directed by Edgar Wright.
British filmmaker Edgar Wright tackles his first Stephen King adaptation with The Running Man. While the novella was previously adapted in 1987, Wright’s version promises to be a “much more faithful” take on the source material. Starring Glen Powell, Katy O’Brian, Josh Brolin, and Lee Pace, Wright’s distinctive directorial style will be put to the test as he brings this thrilling King novella to life on the big screen. Fans of both Wright and King can expect a fresh yet faithful spin on the story.
Coming Soon to Theaters November 13th, 2025
The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has long been typecast as an action star, often playing variations of himself in nearly every role. However, in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, Johnson aims to prove he’s more than just an action hero. He takes on the challenging role of Mark Kerr, a former wrestler and MAA fighter, marking a significant shift in his acting career as he tries to prove himself as a serious actor. With a supporting ensemble that includes Emily Blunt and numerous martial artists and MAA fighters, The Smashing Machine is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films of 2025, showcasing Johnson’s potential as a serious actor.
Coming Soon to Theaters in 2025
Superman. Directed by James Gunn
DC’s comic book films have been a chaotic mix over the past 15 years, with the failed Zack Snyder franchise casting a long shadow throughout the 2010s. Now, James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy hopes to revitalize the franchise. Having already proven his success with The Suicide Squad (2021) and the Peacemaker series on HBO, Gunn aims to bring the same energy to the story of Superman. With David Corenswet stepping into the role previously held by Henry Cavill, Gunn promises his version will stay true to the comic books. The film features an impressive ensemble, including Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Milly Alcock, and Anthony Carrigan, and fans can only look to the sky and hope that Superman will finally soar once again.
Coming Soon to Theaters July 11th, 2025
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Directed by Rian Johnson
Details about Rian Johnson’s third installment of the Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man, remain scarce, but it’s sure to deliver another thrilling murder mystery. Daniel Craig returns as the sharp and charismatic Benoit Blanc, joined by a stellar ensemble that includes John O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, and more. Johnson has promised that this new chapter will be tonally and thematically different from its predecessors, offering a fresh take on the series. Whatever direction it takes, Wake Up Dead Man is bound to be a delightful and engaging whodunit.
Coming Soon to Theaters Fall 2025
The Way of the Wind. Directed by Terrence Malick
Terrence Malick’s historical epic The Way of the Wind—a film about Jesus Christ—has been shrouded in cinematic mystery. Filming wrapped back in 2019, but the film has remained in the editing room for over five years. Whether due to concerns about backlash from its grounded portrayal of Jesus or Malick’s search for the perfect cut, the film’s premiere date remains uncertain. However, rumors suggest it could make its debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Only time will tell if The Way of the Wind will ever make it to the silver screen, but when it does, it’s sure to make a powerful impact.
Coming Soon to Theaters
Wildwood. Directed by Travis Knight
Laika, the stop-motion animation studio behind Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Pinocchio, is set to release its latest film, Wildwood, sometime this year. Based on the novel of the same name, this dark fantasy epic promises to be a visual feast, further solidifying Laika’s reputation as one of the best animation studios in the industry. Fans can expect another breathtaking and imaginative adventure from the studio that continues to push the boundaries of animation.
Coming Soon to Theaters
Wolf Man. Directed by Leigh Whannell
Universal Pictures is once again aiming to revive its Monster Catalog with Wolf Man, directed by Leigh Whannell and starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. The goal is to return to the creature’s roots, creating an isolated, atmospheric monster film. Whannell, who impressed audiences with his 2020 hit The Invisible Man, is set to bring his knack for tension and suspense to Wolf Man, and hopes to prove once again that he can breathe new life into classic monsters.
Coming Soon to Theaters January 17th 2025
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