Tired of heroes? Maybe. Yet 2025 is all in—it’s going big. Some folks might be sick of capes and far-off fights, but this year is huge for hero films. Both Marvel and DC are out with big names, new stars get their turn, and some long-awaited hits are here. Love the show, the folks, or the wild tales off-cam, there’s lots to look out for. Let’s list the top hero films of 2025, and why each is key in a year that could flip the hero world.
4. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
We waited ages, but Marvel’s top team is now in the MCU. This isn’t just their old tale. They dive into a fresh alt-world that’s kind of retro-future, making it stand out. Pedro Pascal is Reed Richards. With him are Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.
Now, the risks are huge—think Galactus big—with Ralph Ineson as the big bad and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer. At its core, it’s still about the family, but with Earth at risk, calm times are few. Matt Shakman, of WandaVision, directs it. It’s set to start Phase 6 of the MCU with flair. There are talks of Robert Downey Jr. back in Marvel, not as Iron Man.
Maybe as Doctor Doom, in this or maybe a later film like Avengers: Doomsday. Folks can’t wait, and early talks even say this might beat Superman at the box office—not small, given the rocky past of the Fantastic Four.
3. Superman
James Gunn’s Superman looks to be a bold new take. David Corenswet has the cape, Rachel Brosnahan is Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult plays a smart Lex Luthor. This spin skips the old tale, focusing more on Clark Kent mixing his roots from Krypton with his life on Earth—his small-town Kansas days. Gunn made sure to pick the right crew, not just big names, and early looks show he nailed it.
Box office talk is cool—about $125 to $150 million first weekend—yet it’s still set to shine. Gunn was clear on the film’s deep themes, painting it as a tale of fitting in, of feeling outside in the USA, giving it a real and now feel. It might not break each record, but this could be the heart the new DC world needs.
2. Thunderbolts*
Yes, that star (*) in the name is on purpose—still a secret what it means. Thunderbolts* groups antiheroes and ex-bads, many with big fans in the MCU. See it as Marvel’s dark, rough group film. The crew has Florence Pugh’s Yelena, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, and more.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back as Valentina, the boss, as always. Jake Schrier directs. It could be a less-set path than other Marvel films. It’s one of the few hero films out this year, and what folks saw at Comic-Con got a big wow. Some early reviews call it a top new Marvel film. It’s not just another Avengers; it’s testing how far Marvel can push without losing folks.
1. Captain America: Brave New World
Now, Anthony Mackie is the man with the shield, and Brave New World is not just his big time—it’s a start to a fresh phase. With Steve Rogers out, it’s on Sam Wilson to find out what being Captain America now means. This time, he faces Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader and Giancarlo Esposito as the sly new bad, Sidewinder. Harrison Ford is in as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt—and yes, he’s set to go full Red Hulk.
Julius Onah directs, and the film is full of strain, past, and high-tension state drama. It’s more than just a hero flick—it’s about leading, self, and the right to shape what Captain America is about. It sets the stage for the next Avengers: Doomsday, with Sam likely to lead a new team.
If Brave New World hits, it’ll show the MCU still has fresh tales to tell. If not, it might mean big changes are due.
One point is clear: 2025’s heroes are not a sure win. Horror films like Sinners and Final Destination: Bloodlines show folks like to scream as much as cheer. Fans pick more, want more, and both Marvel and DC must change. Yet, if these four films hit well, 2025 might be a real back-on-top year for a field that some thought was down and out.