2024 was a great year for movies. What about next year? I got my picks on which movies I wanna see in 2025. Without further ado, here are my Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2025? Why Top 12? Because I refuse an extra number from giving me bad luck. I got plans to write my Top 12 Films of 2024. Be patient. I gotta a lot on my plate.
12. Ballerina
- Release Date: June 6, 2025
Originally slated to come out in 2024, John Wick’s spin-off set between Chapter 3 and 4 centers on the titular character (played by Ana de Armas) who begins her training as an assassin to avenger her father by hunting down the man who killed. Keanu Reeves will reprise his role as John Wick in a cameo appearance. Norman Reedus & Gaberiel Bryne will factor in important roles. This’ll be Lance Reddick’s final onscreen appearance as Charon. Len Wiseman will direct Ballerina. Hopefully, it won’t be a dud like Total Recall’s remake with Colin Farrell.
11. Mother Mary
- Release Date: Unknown
An epic melodrama produced by independent production company, A24 stars Anne Hathaway & Michaela Coel about a relationship between a musician and a fashion designer. As of early 2025, plot details are under wraps. All I know is David Lowrey (The Green Knight) is directing it. Hunter Schafer, Kaia Gerber & FKA Twigs signed on for roles. No release date’s been confirmed at the moment. By the way, Ms. Hathaway will work with Christopher Nolan in “The Odyssey.”
10. Michael
- Release Date: October 3, 2025
Not to be confused with John Travolta as an angel, this one’s a biopic about Michael Jackson’s life and career beginning with his childhood as a member of the Jackson 5, a solo career to his untimely death. Despite accusations, MJ’s legacy continues to live on influencing the music industry. As of early 2025, no trailer’s released. I know MJ’s nephew, Jaafar will portray his uncle. Antonie Fuqua will direct the biopic. I wonder how Lionsgate gonna pull it off. Only time will tell.
9. Mickey 17
- Release Date: March 7, 2025
Based on the novel “Mickey7,” Robert Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes. A space colonist reluctancy tasked to survive the most dangerous mission on an alien planet. If he dies, he’s reborn as a clone while his memories remain intact. Suddenly, a 17th clone of Mickey survives, he dukes it out with an 18th clone. Hilarity Ensues. When I first saw a trailer for Mickey 17th, I was intrigued. As I wait for “The Batman Part II,” I’m putting this dark sci-fi comedy on my list. It’s like a cross between “Groundhog Day” & Michael Keaton’s “Multiplicity.” It’s funny because this’ll be the second time a Batman actor encounters a clone of himself.
Oscar winning director, Bong Jo Ho’s set to direct. Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun & Toni Collette will appear in pivotal roles. Seeing two clones of Mickey makes me wanna replay “Injustice 2” in a one-on-one match with Batman fighting himself.
8. Nobody 2
- Release Date: August 15, 2025
Bob Odenkirk reprises his role as former assassin named, Hutch Mansell who comes out of retirement. No plot details or trailer has been confirmed. I got my eye on this sequel. Someday, a crossover between Nobody & John Wick could happen.
7. Superman
- Release Date: July 11, 2025
After the DC Extended Universe ended in 2024 with “Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom,” James Gunn resets the entire franchise as the DC Universe starting with “Creature Commandos” as the opening act for the Man of Steel’s reboot. This time, David Corenswet takes over Henry Cavill’s role. Intended to be first film in a planned story arc titled, “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” Besides Supes, other characters including Lex Luthor, Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl will factor in. I trust James Gunn shepherding the DC Universe. A live-action Teen Titans movie is in development. All I want is Raven on the big screen.
Superman’s the only superhero movie I’m lookin’ forward to this year. I’m setting my expectations on Marvel’s upcoming movies low. It’s gonna be hard for ’em to top “Deadpool and Wolverine.” I don’t mean to contradict myself, but I placed the Marvel movies as honorable mentions. Give ’em a chance to do their own thing.
6. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: The Rez Arc
- Release Date: Unknown
When I saw Chainsaw Man’s first season, I really enjoyed the chaotic atmosphere of the titular character’s hijinks. The Rez Arc’s set after Season 1’s finale. Denji meets a woman named, Rez. At first, he finds her attractive. Moments Later, she has a deadly agenda. Fan favorite, Power will make her return. At the moment, Chainsaw Man’s movie has yet to confirm a release date. If you’re into anime, watch Chainsaw Man’s show on Crunchyroll or Hulu. I like it slightly better than SpyxFamily.
5. 28 Years Later
- Release Date: June 20, 2025
Set nearly three decades after the Rage Virus infected countless people, a small group of survivors living in a small island. One of them leaves to explore the dangerous world filled with secrets from the past. Plot Details are kept under wraps. All I know is Danny Boyle’s back to direct the threequel. He and Alex collaborate once again crafting the script. They worked on “28 Days Later” and the underrated sci-fi thriller, Sunshine.” As a fan of Mr. Garland, I’m definitely on the hype train.
Rumors circulated Cillian Murphy came back as a zombie. Thankfully, it’s been confirmed his character, Jim isn’t infected. Just a random extra. So far, Cillian’s presence has yet to be revealed. It’s been not to give away juicy details. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer & Ralph Fiennes have pivotal roles.
NOTE FROM JANUARY 10, 2025: Cillian Murphy won’t appear. However, he’ll eventually make an appearance in a planned trilogy.
4. The Running Man
- Release Date: November 7, 2025
A remake of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action sci-fi thriller from 1987 and a second interpretation of Stephen King’s novel, Edgar Wright will direct this film with Glen Powell as the lead star. For those who don’t know, The Running Man takes place in a dystopian world where criminals participate in game show which is a fight to the death contest. Whoever’s the last one standing, shall win. Glen plays a cop who didn’t commit a crime, is forced to defend himself.
Michael Cera, Josh Brolin, Sean Hayes & William H. Macy signed on for roles. As of early 2025, I’ve yet to see a teaser trailer. Before I see the upcoming remake, I better rewatch the original. Can this remake be superior to the original like the 2017-2019 versions of It: Chapters 1-2. Only time will tell. The Running Man’s the only remake I’m looking forward to the most. I think Disney’s remakes of “Lilo and Stitch” & “Snow White” are gonna suck.
3. Bugonia
- November 5, 2025
Yorgos Lanthimos’ next project is a sci-fi comedy about two guys who kidnap a CEO. They claim she’s an alien hellbent on obliterating Earth. Another film lacking crucial plot details and a teaser trailer. Best to keep things under wraps. After winning her second Oscar for her performance in “Poor Things,” Emma Stone (one of my all-time favorite actresses) will carry the film. Maybe Bugonia will make up “Kinds of Kindness.” I didn’t immensely enjoy. Bugonia shares a significant date. “Remember remember the 5th of November.” A famous quote from “V for Vendetta.”
2. The Battle of Baktan Cross
Release Date: August 8th 2025
Once again, no plot details or trailer announced, Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming tenth film will star my all-time favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio. According to IMDb, it’s a crime-thriller. Benicio Del Toro, Alana Haim, Regina Hall & Sean Penn signed on for unconfirmed roles.
UPDATE FROM MARCH 2025: The film is actually titled, “One Battle After Another.”
Honorable Mentions
- Captain America: Brave New World
- The Monkey
- Vicious
- Sinners
- Novocaine
- Thunderbolts
- Final Destination: Bloodlines
- Karate Kid: Legends
- The Fantastic Four: The First Steps
1. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
- Release Date: May 23, 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, my number one pick is the final installment of the “Mission Impossible” series. Tom “TC” Cruise will reprise his role as Ethan Hunt one last time. As a huge fan of TC and the Mision Imposible movies, I’ve been on the hype train for this one. It’s supposed to be the final installment of the series. Final Reckoning’s the second part of the last entry, Dead Reckoning – Part One. Both parts were shot back-to-back. I see this as an epic swan song like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
In addition to Christopher McQuarrie directing, previous cast members including Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vannessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff & Angela Bassett will make their return. Besides old faces, Mr. Cruise announced a popcorn bucket is in development. I wonder what it’s gonna look like. Probably a stunt from the film with a miniature figure of Ethan climbing on to something.
That’s my Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2025. Which ones are you looking forward to the most. Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 