2025 is shaping up to be another significant year for movie enthusiasts, bringing exciting new titles and notable streaming debuts. With audiences quickly returning to theaters following the pandemic, 2025 highlights both original films and sequels. Whether you're hoping to enjoy each cinematic spectacle on the big screen or catch cherished movies from home, there’s something for everyone.
One of the iconic films making waves is Stephen Spielberg's Oscar-winning Schindler's List, set to make its Netflix debut on January 1, 2025. This gripping WWII drama encapsulated audiences as it received seven Academy Awards and amassed over $322 million at the box office. It holds impressive ratings too, with critics giving it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. ScreenRant emphasized its extraordinary filmmaking, saying, "Schindler’s List does what so many World War II films struggle to do: be extraordinary... It’s also extraordinarily long, but... makes it a one-of-a-kind watch. Viewer discretion is advised because of heavy themes, but it’s undeniably exciting for audiences to have the chance to stream such iconic cinema on Netflix.
The year will also see the hotly anticipated release of films across various genres. January kicks off with several interesting movies: Better Man, starring the legendary Robbie Williams, arrives on January 10; this biopic explores his life with some delightful twists including animated motion capture. Following on January 17, Universal brings the reboot of the classic monster film Wolf Man. Directed by Leigh Whannell, it promises to breathe new life and tension back from the archives of horror.
On January 17, director Steven Soderbergh unveils Presence, filmed from the ghost's perspective. This will be complemented by other unique films hitting theaters, such as Love Hurts on February 7, starring the celebrated Ke Huy Quan. His portrayal of a hitman turned mild-mannered realtor has already generated considerable buzz.
Moving to fresh horror offerings, the adaptation of Stephen King’s work The Monkey has generated excitement as attention around writer/director Osgood Perkins continues to grow. Coming up alongside existing strong horror offerings is the return of the much-loved M3GAN franchise with M3GAN 2.0 on June 27, showcasing its success and the return of its core cast.
2025 is serving not only to reboot existing properties but to introduce sequels or spin-offs like Ballerina from the John Wick saga, premiering on June 6, bringing another layer of depth to the established world. Superhero films remain ever-popular, and we're set for the release of Superman on July 11, under the direction of James Gunn, marking what fans hope will be the start of more vibrant stories from the DC universe.
One major point of interest for discerning film aficionados is The Brutalist, which premiered during the Venice Film Festival and is considered a frontrunner for the 2025 Oscars. Set to hit theaters on December 20, 2024, the film follows László Toth, played by Adrien Brody, showcasing his architectural talents and the ensuing drama of his new life. Acquired and distributed by A24 for around $10 million, this film will see limited release before expected wide distribution early 2025.
A24 has needed to finalize precise streaming options for The Brutalist, so it is speculated it may land on Max around April 2025. This timing is also strategically beneficial, as its streaming release aligns right with Oscars season, potentially allowing for renewed interest among voters and critics alike.
This year promises to be rich with films transcending the ordinary boundaries: with big-budget superhero reboots like Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, along with nostalgic remakes, perhaps even the most awaited Avatar: Fire and Ash arriving on December 19, the cinematic buffet seems limitless.
Whether audiences flock to theaters or opt for comfortable streaming options at home, 2025 looks promising with the promise of exceptional storytelling, star-studded casts, and memorable cinematic experiences waiting at every turn. Given the cultural moment cinema is experiencing, prepare for countless narratives and vibrant visuals to arrive on both big and small screens alike.
