This new year is set to deliver a diverse array of films, from anticipated franchise continuations to innovate original stories. We’ve rounded up 22 must-see new movie releases coming to a theater new year in 2025.
Here are 25 must-see movies slated for release this year.
These films represent a broad spectrum of genres and storytelling, promising a captivating cinematic year ahead.
1. Avatar: Fire and Ash
Indeed, this is one of the most highly-anticipated new movies releases of 2025. James Cameron returns with the next installment in the “Avatar” series. “Fire & Ash” continues the saga of compelling story of the Na’vi and Pandora.
🍿 release date: December 19, 2025
2. Superman: Legacy
Superman is returning to the big screen with its latest reboot, Legacy. This fresh take on the iconic superhero narrative, aims to capture the hearts of a new generation.
🍿 release date: July 11, 2025
3. 28 Years Later
Danny Boyle directs this sequel to the acclaimed “28 Days Later,” exploring the aftermath of the rage virus decades later.
🍿 release date: June 20, 2025
4. New movie releases: Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro offers his rendition of Mary Shelley’s classic, blending horror and gothic romance. The highly-anticipated rendition will be available on Netflix sometime in 2025.
🍿 release date: TBA 2025
5. The Electric State
Set in a retro-futuristic past, a young woman (Millie Bobby Brown) embarks on a journey with a robot companion.
🍿 release date: March 14, 2025
6. New movie releases: Wicked Part Two
The continuation of the musical adaptation delves deeper into the untold story of the witches of Oz.
🍿 release date: November 21, 2025
7. Jurassic World Rebirth
The adrenaline-rushing dinosaur saga continues with new challenges and adventures in the ever-evolving Jurassic world.
🍿 release date: July 2nd, 2025
8. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel’s first family makes their MCU debut, introducing new dynamics and adventures.
🍿 release date: July 25, 2025
9. Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action)
A live-action adaptation of the beloved animated classic, bringing the story of Lilo and her alien friend Stitch to new audiences.
🍿 release date: May 23, 2025
10. New movie releases: Mercy
A sci-fi thriller starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, set in a dystopian future.
🍿 release date: August 15, 2025
11. The Bride!
Maggie Gyllenhaal directs this reimagining of the classic “Bride of Frankenstein” tale, with a star-studded cast.
🍿 release date: September 26, 2025
12. New movie releases: Alarum
An action thriller starring Sylvester Stallone, following two assassins entangled in a high-stakes mission.
🍿 release date: January 17, 2025
13. Kiss of the Spider Woman
Jennifer Lopez stars in this musical drama, exploring themes of love and politics.
🍿 release date: January 26, 2025
14. Train Dreams
A period piece set in the early 20th century, delving into the life of a railroad worker.
🍿 release date: January 25, 2025
15. New movie releases: The Thing With Feathers
An emotionally intense film exploring themes of hope and despair.
🍿 release date: January 25, 2025
16. Blue Moon
Richard Linklater presents a biographical film about composer Lorenz Hart.
🍿 release date: May 2025
17. Timestamp
A Ukrainian film addressing life after the 2022 Russian invasion.
🍿 release date: February 2025
18. New movie releases: Mickey 17
Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, featuring a unique and intriguing storyline.
🍿 release date: March 7, 2025
19. Opus
A film by Mark Anthony Green, anticipated to be a standout at the Sundance Film Festival.
🍿 release date: March 14, 2025
20. The Wedding Banquet
Directed by Andrew Ahn, this film is a notable entry in the Sundance lineup.
🍿 release date: April 18, 2025
21. New movie releases: Plainclothes
A ’90s cop drama directed by Carmen Emmi, featured at Sundance.
🍿 release date: January 26, 2025
22. Drop
A heart-thumping psychological thriller about a widow who finds herself involved in a game with a deranged stranger forcing her to make a life-changing decision that involves life and death.
🍿 release date: April 11, 2025