New year, new movies? Not exactly… Hollywood seems to have one golden rule: if it worked once (or twice, or five times), why not do it again? And 2025 is no exception. From long-awaited sequels to fresh spins on old favourites, this year is doubling down on nostalgia.
But are we witnessing cinematic masterpieces or just studios milking franchises dry? Let’s break down the most anticipated releases.
Sequels: The Saga Continues
Action & Adventure:
- Captain America: Brave New World (February)
Suit up, because Cap is making a grand comeback! Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) makes his first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers’ successor after inheriting the mantle in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. With political intrigue, new villains (Red Hulk enters the chat!), and Marvel’s signature battles, will this chapter redefine the legacy of the shield?
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (May)
The stakes are higher than ever as Ethan Hunt takes on his most dangerous and personal mission yet. Expect old enemies, new threats, and, of course, insane stunts.
But is this truly the final mission? Paramount may hint at it, but Tom Cruise isn’t ready to let go. Can’t blame them, though… calling it the last Mission: Impossible would’ve been the ultimate box office stunt.
- Jurassic World: Rebirth (July)
After 30 years, the prehistoric franchise continues to expand with a seventh instalment, introducing a fresh new cast: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey (yes, our dear Viscount Bridgerton!), and Mahershala Ali. Set five years after Dominion, this chapter follows a team of scientists on a mission to retrieve dinosaur DNA for a medical discovery. Will these giant creatures hold the key to saving humanity?
Bonus Alert: James Cameron’s saga is far from over! A third film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is dropping in December. While the plot’s still under wraps, one thing’s for sure – it’ll be a hot spectacle!
Horror:
- Final Destination: Bloodlines (May)
Fate has a twisted sense of humour. Fourteen years after its last instalment, the franchise that made you fear everyday objects continues with a new set of survivors who think they can cheat death, only to find it stalking them in increasingly inventive ways.
- M3GAN 2.0 (June)
The internet’s favourite killer doll is back, and she’s deadlier than ever. Do you remember that viral TikTok dance that turned M3GAN into a pop culture icon? Well, she might have some new moves in store, along with a sinister upgrade. When her stolen technology is used to create Amelia, a next-gen AI with a taste for destruction, M3GAN’s creator has no choice but to resurrect her.
Comedy & Family:
- Paddington in Peru (February)
Hold onto your hats (and sandwiches), because Paddington is off to Peru! This time, he’s trading rainy London streets for the jungles of his homeland, meeting new friends and getting into mischief along the way. Will he find what he’s looking for? One thing’s for sure, there will be plenty of heartwarming moments and, of course, endless jars of marmalade!
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (February)
Once upon a time, Bridget Jones was just a single woman with a diary and a dream. Now, she’s older, wiser (debatable), and a single mom trying to balance parenting, grief, and dating in the modern world.
While Mark Darcy’s absence stings, fans can take comfort in the return of Hugh Grant’s mischievous Daniel Cleaver. Billed as the final film in the beloved series, it’s a bittersweet farewell… or is it? Renée Zellweger herself still holds out hope.
- Zootopia 2 (November)
Disney fans are spoiled this year! It’s been nearly a decade, but Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are finally back in action! This time, the fearless rabbit cop and her quick-witted fox partner take on a mysterious and perilous case threatening the urban jungle of Zootopia.
- Wicked: For Good (November)
Because defying gravity once wasn’t enough! After flying to the second-highest box office spot in 2024, Elphaba and Glinda’s story is far from over. Will the friendship of the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good change the fate of Oz?
Bollywood Blockbusters:
- Housefull 5 (June)
It’s time for another round of madness! What started as a riotous comedy in 2010 with Housefull continues in Housefull 5. This time, the madcap crew, led by Akshay Kumar, sets sail aboard a lavish cruise, travelling through Europe.
- War 2 (August)
YRF’s spy universe expands to a whole new level. In this sequel, Hrithik Roshan returns as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, tasked with a high-stakes mission to neutralise a new threat to national security. Packed with explosive action and a plot full of unexpected twists, this is the spy thriller you’ve been waiting for.
Remake Fever: The Classics Get a 2025 Upgrade
- Snow White (March)
Disney Studios’ latest live-action venture stars Rachel Zegler as a stronger, more empowered Snow White and Gal Gadot as the iconic Evil Queen. Directed by Marc Webb and co-written by Greta Gerwig (Barbie), this fresh take unveils a Snow White who’s no longer waiting for a prince to save her but exploring deeper themes of identity and self-discovery. It’s time to meet Snow White 2.0!
- Lilo & Stitch (May)
Ohana means family, and this May, Disney brings back the beloved duo with a live-action/CGI remake that’ll hit you right in the feels. With newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Chris Sanders reprising his role as the voice of Stitch, the heart of the story remains very much alive. Aloha, childhood nostalgia!
- How to Train Your Dragon (June)
Hiccup and Toothless take flight once more in DreamWorks’ live-action adaptation. Faithful to the animated classic, this version reimagines the Viking-dragon saga in a visually stunning new way. But can real-life Toothless be as adorable? Time will tell, and we’re ready to be wowed!
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July)
Marvel is giving its First Family another shot at big-screen glory. Set on a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic Earth, the team faces off against the cosmic force known as Galactus and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer.
With Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, expectations are high. Third time’s the charm, right?
Final Verdict: Reviving Classics or Creative Burnout?
2025 is packed with familiar stories, but does that reflect a lack of originality, or are we just suckers for nostalgia? While some sequels and reboots genuinely excite, others feel like Hollywood and Bollywood hitting repeat. Either way, we’ll be at the cinema, popcorn in hand, ready to judge them all.
