From blockbuster sequels to intimate dramas, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for cinema. The upcoming slate offers a rich variety of stories, featuring everything from auteur-driven passion projects to the return of beloved franchises. Whether you’re heading to the theater for a big-screen spectacle or settling in for a streaming debut, there’s something for every film enthusiast.
This guide highlights the most notable new movie list of 2025, grouped by release window and genre. We’ll cover the star-studded theatrical releases of Fall 2025, highly-anticipated franchise installments, and celebrated features that have already made waves at film festivals. Get ready to update your watchlist with the films everyone will be talking about.
Fall 2025 Theatrical Highlights
The fall movie season is poised to deliver a powerful lineup, transitioning from summer blockbusters to a fresher, more original palette of films. Here are some of the most anticipated releases scheduled to hit theaters.
Spinal Tap II
Release Date: September 12
The beloved rock mockumentary is back. Decades after their last tour, the members of the titular heavy metal band are compelled to reunite for one final show. The sequel features the original cast of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, along with director Rob Reiner. Expect a star-studded affair with confirmed cameos from Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Questlove.
Magical-Realist Romance
Release Date: September 19
Director Kogonada, known for his visually distinctive films like After Yang, returns with a magical-realist romance. The film stars Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie as two strangers who find portals that grant them access to past memories. Known for noticing overlooked details, Kogonada is set to deliver another moody and observant feature.
One Battle After Another
Release Date: September 26
Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson directs this action-packed family drama. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, the story follows a retired vigilante (DiCaprio) who must protect his daughter from an old adversary. Anderson adapted the story from parts of Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland,” creating a film that has been in the works since the early 2000s.
Brother Tale
Release Date: October 10
Marking Daniel Day-Lewis’s return to acting after his 2017 retirement, this emotional drama reunites two estranged brothers. Day-Lewis plays a rustic recluse opposite Sean Bean’s suburban “normie.” The Oscar-winning actor also co-wrote the screenplay with his son, first-time filmmaker Ronan Day-Lewis.
Bruce Springsteen Biopic
Release Date: October 24
Jeremy Allen White stars as “The Boss” in this musical biopic chronicling the making of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic 1982 album, “Nebraska.” Directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart), the film is based on Warren Zanes’s 2023 book. White will perform his own vocals and guitar, portraying Springsteen at a pivotal moment in his career.
Save the Green Planet!
Release Date: October 31
Visionary director Yorgos Lanthimos reunites with Emma Stone for a reimagining of the 2003 Korean sci-fi black comedy. Stone plays a pharmaceutical CEO kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists (one played by Jesse Plemons) who believe she is an alien bent on destroying Earth.
Frankenstein
Release Date: October 31
Just in time for Halloween, Guillermo del Toro offers his take on the classic Mary Shelley story. Known for his masterful creature features and gothic sensibilities, del Toro is expected to bring a visually stunning and emotionally resonant version of the iconic monster to the screen.
The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Release Date: November 7
This historical true-crime drama features Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, the second-most-powerful man in Nazi Germany, and Rami Malek as the U.S. Army psychiatrist assigned to determine his competency for trial. The film is adapted from the 2013 nonfiction book of the same name and is directed by James Vanderbilt, the screenwriter behind Zodiac.
The Running Man
Release Date: November 14
Edgar Wright directs this new adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel. Glen Powell stars as a desperate father who joins a violent reality competition to win money for his sick daughter’s medical bills. This version is said to be a more faithful adaptation of the book than the 1987 film, exploring themes of media manipulation and social control in the year 2025.
Blockbuster Franchise Releases
2025 also sees the return of some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises, promising high-stakes action and cutting-edge visual effects.
Tron: Ares
Release Date: October 10
The third installment in the Tron series, this standalone sequel stars Jared Leto as Ares, a sophisticated AI program sent from the digital world into the real one. Marking humanity’s first encounter with AI beings, the film explores the tension between artificial and human life. The star-studded cast includes Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and the returning Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn.
Jurassic World Rebirth
The Jurassic saga continues with an all-new story and cast. Led by Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, the film takes place three years after Jurassic World Dominion. With dinosaurs now confined to the equator, a team is sent to a remote island research facility to extract biomaterials vital for a new heart disease treatment. Of course, things don’t go as planned.
Comedy and Legacy Sequels
Get ready for a dose of nostalgia as classic comedies make their return to the big screen.
The Naked Gun
Release Date: August 1
Liam Neeson steps into the iconic role of Frank Drebin Jr. in this legacy sequel to the classic comedy franchise. While Leslie Nielsen’s shoes are big ones to fill, Neeson’s surprising turn toward comedy in recent years could make this a hilarious revival.
Critically Acclaimed & Festival Features
Beyond the blockbusters, 2025 also includes noteworthy films that have already earned praise on the festival circuit.
Blue Moon
Directed by Richard Linklater, this biographical comedy-drama has already premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Linklater is known for his unique storytelling and ability to capture authentic human moments, making Blue Moon a must-see for fans of independent and character-driven cinema.
Your 2025 Movie Guide
With so many exciting films on the horizon, here’s a quick-reference table to keep track of the year’s biggest releases.
| Category | Movie Title | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 Theatrical | Spinal Tap II | Celeb-studded comedic sequel |
| One Battle After Another | DiCaprio & Penn; action drama | |
| Magical-Realist Romance | Kogonada + Farrell & Robbie | |
| Frankenstein | del Toro’s revival | |
| Brother Tale | Day-Lewis’s emotional return | |
| Springsteen Biopic | Allen White as Bruce Springsteen | |
| Save the Green Planet! | Lanthimos + Emma Stone | |
| The Nazi and the Psychiatrist | Crowe & Malek in historical drama | |
| Dystopian Thriller | The Running Man | Edgar Wright adaptation |
| Sci-Fi Spectacle | Tron: Ares | AI blockbuster sequel |
| Jurassic World Rebirth | High-stakes prehistoric action | |
| Comedy Sequel | The Naked Gun | Legacy revival with Neeson |
| Art-House Feature | Blue Moon | Festival darling by Linklater |
Looking Ahead at a Cinematic Year
The 2025 movie slate demonstrates a remarkable diversity, promising a year packed with compelling narratives for every type of moviegoer. The fall season alone is filled with strong theatrical offerings, from laugh-out-loud comedies and intense dramas to mind-bending sci-fi and gripping thrillers. As release dates approach, be sure to check local listings and get ready for a fantastic year at the movies.
