There’s nothing quite like the rush of a full movie theater—the gentle buzz of the crowd, the acrid scent of popcorn, and that moment of quiet before the first bullet. 2025 is set to be a crazy year for film fans, with long-brewing sequels, remakes of old favorites, and ambitious new beginnings from some of the most promising newcomers in cinema. So, what’s it worth to clear your schedule (and set up ticket reminders) for? Here’s a recap of the 10 most-anticipated flicks that are going to be the buzz—and the box office—this year.
10. Wicked: For Good
If you believed that the first Wicked cast a spell, the sequel is set to double up. Wicked: For Good reunites Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, and audiences are already organizing group bookings to see this Thanksgiving opener. It’s music, magic, and a pre-sold audience of adult theater geeks who’ve waited years for this moment. According to Variety, this sequel is already established as a heavy holiday attraction.
9. Jurassic World: Rebirth
When we thought the dinos had made their final curtain call, Jurassic World: Rebirth is stomping its way back onto the big screen in earnest. It’s not a stealthy comeback—prepare yourself for full-on prehistoric pandemonium, the way the audience loves it. Prepare yourself for new, nastier beasts and set pieces which have you automatically reaching for your armrest. It’s big-screen escapism in all its most bombastic, retro mode.
8. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel’s beloved family is finally getting their well-deserved MCU launch. The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t a reboot, though, but a massive puzzle piece in Marvel’s growing cosmic universe. People are wondering how this new family will fit into multiverse mayhem and coming Avengers storylines. Either way, something massive is launching from here.
7. Thunderbolts
If you enjoy your hero’s complex, Thunderbolts is the show to watch. It’s The Suicide Squad but with heroes and villains you’re familiar with (or hate). Pedro Pascal leads the team, and fan speculations are already circulating about who he is. Rolling Stone says that this could be Marvel’s most courageous swing in years—and that’s no small thing.
6. Superman (James Gunn Reboot)
The Man of Steel is returning, and he’s being given a complete creative reboot by the hand of James Gunn. This installment is set to deliver heart, hope, and a completely fresh spin on DC’s most beloved hero. With the studio riding high on a course correction, this Superman film is shoulder some serious expectations—and audiences are hoping Gunn is the man to do it.
5. Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron isn’t done with Pandora. Avatar: Fire and Ash is the next chapter in the sprawling, visually spectacular franchise. Love it or not, Avatar movies are major cinematic events, and the buzz around this installment hints at even more groundbreaking effects and deeper dives into the world of the Na’vi. If you’re in it for the jaw-dropping visuals, this one’s non-negotiable.
4. Princess Mononoke – 4K IMAX Restoration
Ghibli fans, take a breath—this is not a drill. Princess Mononoke is returning to theaters in a way you’ve never seen it: fully restored in 4K and presented in IMAX. For longtime fans, it’s a rare opportunity to relive the film in pristine quality. For newcomers, it’s a perfect introduction to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most profound works. GKIDS confirmed that the IMAX version was carefully crafted under the guidance of Studio Ghibli’s Atsushi Okui. In other words, this is going to be breathtaking.
3. One Battle After Another (Paul Thomas Anderson)
Paul Thomas Anderson is back, and film enthusiasts around the world are already drooling. No plot points have been revealed yet, but anticipation is building. PTA has a history of creating iconic characters and riveting stories that linger in your mind long after the movie ends. Whatever this is, you can bet it’ll be intelligent, moving, and likely nominated for some Oscars.
2. The Phoenician Scheme (Wes Anderson)
Wes Anderson’s fantasy universe just continues to grow with The Phoenician Scheme, and if you’re an aficionado, you know exactly what I’m referring to: symmetrical framing, richly colored palettes, and off-center monologues aplenty. The cast is crammed (as per usual), and word on the street is that this is going to be one of his most epic to date. For those who adore weird, independent films, it’s a no-brainer.
1. Sinners (Ryan Coogler)
Right on its heels at #1 is Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s newest and everybody’s most hyped release of 2025 to date. The movie has already pre-previewed and is filling theaters with viewers desperate to see something new and newsworthy. It’s one of those unusual movies that reminds people why theaters are still a thing—why watching a story play out in a dark room with strangers is still this electric experience. Look for sold-out showtimes, watercooler talk on the internet, and perhaps even some hardware in its future.
From monsters to musicals, superheroes to auteurs, 2025 is rich in cinematic pickings. Whether you are in town for the spectacle, the storytelling, or just an excuse for too much popcorn, this year’s slate has something for every type of movie fan. Start clearing space on your schedule today—the pics we’re going to be discussing long after the final credits roll.