If you’re into movies, music, or just unforgettable storytelling, Tribeca Festival 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked editions yet. Tribeca has always been the spot where indie creativity collides with big-name legends, and this year feels like organizers cranked the dial to eleven. From emotional documentaries to wild comedies and even live music tie-ins, the lineup has something for everyone. So, take your seat (and your snacks), because here are the 10 premieres everyone will be obsessing over at Tribeca 2025.
10. Yanuni (Closing Night Gala)
Closing the festival on a strong note, Yanuni is a love story as well as a call to action. Directed by Richard Ladkani and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film takes Indigenous chief Juma Xipaia—who has survived several attempts on her life while defending her land—and her husband Hugo Loss with her. With a baby on the way, her struggle becomes more necessary. This is not just a documentary; it’s an appeal to action.
9. Billy Joel: And So It Goes (Opening Night Gala)
The Piano Man shares the spotlight as Tribeca debuts with an HBO documentary chronicle of Billy Joel’s rise from Long Island to sold-out stadiums around the globe. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the movie blends little-seen footage with up-close personal tales, taking a behind-the-scenes look at one of New York’s greatest voices.
8. Something Beautiful (World Premiere)
Miley Cyrus takes over Tribeca with Something Beautiful, a daring visual album comprised of thirteen original songs. Co-directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter, the premiere is not merely a screening—it’s an experience, topped off with an intimate Q&A with Miley herself.
7. Metallica Saved My Life (World Premiere)
Acclaimed director Jonas Åkerlund joins forces with the world’s best-known heavy metal band on a love letter to a documentary that looks at how Metallica’s music has transformed the lives of their fans. Featuring personal testimonials interwoven with the band’s story, together with a post-screening discussion with Åkerlund and the group, this is guaranteed to bring on the goosebumps.
6. Tow (World Premiere)
Starring Rose Byrne, Demi Lovato, and Octavia Spencer, Tow is about Amanda, a car-dwelling woman who takes on a heartless towing operation. Directed by Stephanie Laing from true events, this underdog story brings grit, heart, and determination to the screen.
5. Deep Cover (International Premiere)
Orlando Bloom and Bryce Dallas Howard star in this action-comedy about three improv wannabes recruited to work undercover. When one of them becomes rogue, their mischief erupts into an all-out gang war in London. Directed by Tom Kingsley, Tribeca’s recipe for sheer fun.
4. How to Train Your Dragon (New York Premiere)
The popular animated epic is reimagined live-action, with director Dean DeBlois back in the helm. Featuring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler, this Universal Pictures release will deliver thrills for decades-long fans and bring a new generation to the Vikings-and-dragon universe.
3. Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (World Premiere)
Netflix goes in-depth on one of the most haunting true stories in recent history. Presented by Mark Monroe, this documentary revisits the 2023 Titan submersible disaster with never-before-heard testimony and expert analysis, uncovering the hubris and ambition behind the tragedy.
2. Sovereign (World Premiere)
Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid, and Martha Plimpton appear in a gripping family drama about ideology and power. A dad introduces his son to the sovereign citizen movement, leading to a showdown with a police chief committed to enforcing the law. Look for a suspenseful, intellectual viewing.
1. Blue Scuti: Game Crasher (World Premiere)
For players, it’s the Tribeca premiere. Written and directed by Chris Moukarbel, the film accompanies 13-year-old Willis Gibson, the first to ever conquer Tetris, as he navigates grief, community, and sudden fame. It’s a coming-of-age story in close quarters set within one of gaming’s most iconic landmarks.
And that’s just the splash-makers. Tribeca 2025 is also launching a trove of music legends’ documentaries—Counting Crows, Billy Idol, Culture Club, Depeche Mode, Wizkid, Becky G, and more, many accompanied by live performances. There are also profiles of cultural icons such as Barbara Walters (Tell Me Everything) and Andy Kaufman (Andy Kaufman Is Me), along with offbeat gems like Videoheaven, a peek at the VHS era. On the narrative side, expect star power from Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney (Everything’s Going to Be Great), Lucy Liu (Rosemead), and Riz Ahmed (Relay).
Whether you’re catching screenings in New York or following from afar, Tribeca Festival 2025 is once again proving why it’s one of the boldest and most exciting celebrations of storytelling on the planet.