It looks like 2025 will be excellent for movie buffs. The return of classic franchises is magnificent. In addition to that, certain sequels that have been absent for a long time will soon be released. Moreover, new interpretations of the familiar will also be featured on the big screen. Here are the 15 new sequels and franchise films that seem to be the most awaited of the year, ranging from the heroics comeback to horror, and spectacles filled with nostalgia…
15. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
The return of the animatronic nightmares is what the audience will see next. After Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza went down in flames, the establishment has been renewed for another hour of terror and frolics of the undead kind. So it’s time for Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Piper Rubio, and Elizabeth Lail to meet evil William Afton for round two. Just anticipate more tension, more screaming, and more spooky pizza-parlor havoc as the fright game phenomenon keeps expanding.
14. Paddington in Peru
What about a trip to the Southern Hemisphere for the marmalade-eating bear who stole everybody’s hearts? Paddington and the Browns go to Peru to find out what happened to Aunt Lucy, who seems to have vanished without a trace. The third movie with Ben Whishaw back as Paddington’s voice and Hugh Bonneville and Imelda Staunton coming back for their roles will be loaded with heart, humor, and an incredible amount of sticky situations.
13. Captain America: Brave New World
MCU is moving on to the next phase with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) officially becoming the new Captain America. Harrison Ford had his first time playing the part of President Ross—who is, at the same time, conjectured to be the Red Hulk—starring in this flick with international matters of politics and personal heritage. So is it going to be a new and brave chapter of the Star-Spangled Avenger!
12. Freakier Friday
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back for another insane body-swap comedy—this time, however, Anna is a mother herself. The last switch is a surprise, of course, and thereby generations clash, crazy things start happening, and the fun is on. This entertaining and nostalgic sequel that fans have been waiting for since 2003 has finally come out.
11. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel’s First Family is finally part of the MCU! Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach bring Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben to life, while Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) shake things up in the cosmic scene. Fans are hoping this iteration finally does the Fantastic Four justice.
10. Jurassic World: Rebirth
The dinosaurs are back in a new, high-octane reboot starring Scarlett Johansson as Zora Bennett, an undercover operative tracking dinosaur DNA to use for medical science. But when her mission falls apart, prehistoric destruction breaks out all over again. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One), this reboot brings thrills, spectacle, and heart.
9. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Ethan Hunt’s last mission has come. Tom Cruise is going to take it to the next level once again with death-defying stunts, as Hunt takes on a rogue AI that’s poised to destroy the world. A grand, moving farewell awaits one of Hollywood’s greatest action heroes.
8. The Black Phone 2
In the follow-up to the 2021 horror release, Ethan Hawke is once again the sinister Grabber. With Scott Derrickson back as the director, viewers should anticipate more unsettling calls, psychological tension, and demonic dread throughout the story. So if the original film freaked you out, then this one will hopefully scare you even more.
7. Tron: Ares
After all the years of anticipation, the Grid is finally back up and running. Jared Leto is Ares, a state-of-the-art AI that seamlessly transitions into the real world on a hazardous mission. Besides, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges make up the cast, and Nine Inch Nails is in charge of the soundtrack—so, the film will be a combination of visually stunning and existential computer drama.
6. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
The Four Horsemen return for the performance of their wildest trick yet. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco are once again joined by the new faces Rosamund Pike and Justice Smith. Brace yourself for slick tricks, clever twists, and an extra layer of secrecy behind each disappearing act.
5. Predator: Badlands
Director Dan Trachtenberg is back after Prey to serve up a new fearless spin on the Predator franchise. This time around, the action occurs on a far-flung world, and Elle Fanning is the star. The surprise? The Predator may not be the bad guy this time. Violent, stylish, and surprising—this may be the biggest leap forward yet for the franchise.
4. The Running Man
Edgar Wright handles Stephen King’s dystopian action thriller with Glen Powell starring. Filmed in a world where combatants battle for survival on live television, the remake is going to deliver stinging satire, frenetic action, and Wright’s inimitable style. More brain and gore than the original 1987 film will be expected.
3. Wicked: For Good
Jon M. Chu’s second episode of the epic saga is an emotional finale of Glinda’s (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) storytelling. Through amazing visuals and energetic numbers, Wicked: For Good seems to be ending the story on a magical note.
2. Zootopia 2
The characters of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from the first movie are investigating another case that affects the city drastically. There is a new reptile who is coming to Zootopia to stir things up. The new character, Gary the Snak, will be voiced by Ke Huy Quan, and Shakira will continue to sing as Gazelle. The film will combine clever humor, heartfelt messages, and an intriguing world that the audience will be captivated by.
1. Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron has made a return trip to Pandora for another jaw-dropping visual spectacle. The Ash People, who are fire-based Na’vi, are taking over with their dubious morality and new planets. In the third instalment of the series, we can expect silky action and deeply emotional investment, as always, with the returning cast of Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Michelle Yeoh.
Little things like Na’vi warriors, the magical witches, killer animatronics, and nostalgic comebacks, 2025’s movies have it all. Maybe you want heart, horror, or heroics, and these sequels are showing that Hollywood is not out of stories. It’s just the beginning.