As 2025 unfolds, the second half of the year promises a slate of cinematic releases that have already generated significant buzz. From bold sequels to visionary originals, these films span genres and showcase some of the industry’s most celebrated talents. Below is a detailed look at the 10 most anticipated films still set to hit theaters before the year ends, based on current industry trends, audience excitement, and critical anticipation as of June 25, 2025.
1. Mufasa: The Lion King
Release Date: December 20, 2025
Director: Barry Jenkins
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton
Disney’s prequel to The Lion King (2019) dives into the origin story of Mufasa, Simba’s father, exploring his rise to becoming the king of the Pride Lands. Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, this film combines photorealistic CGI with a deeply emotional narrative. The story will focus on Mufasa’s early life, his rivalry with his brother Scar (originally named Taka), and the events that shaped his legacy. With Jenkins’ signature storytelling and a stellar voice cast, including Aaron Pierre as young Mufasa and Mads Mikkelsen as a new character, expectations are high for a visually stunning and heartfelt addition to the franchise. Fans are particularly eager to see how Jenkins balances the grandeur of the original with his intimate, character-driven approach.
2. Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Director: Julius Onah
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Harrison Ford, Tim Blake Nelson
The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to evolve with Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Captain America series. Anthony Mackie takes center stage as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Directed by Julius Onah, the film introduces Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, who transforms into the Red Hulk, and brings back Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader. The story promises a global conspiracy with high stakes action, while exploring Sam’s journey to embody the shield’s legacy. Early footage has sparked excitement for its grounded political thriller vibe, reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, combined with Marvel’s trademark spectacle. This film is a key chapter in the MCU’s Phase Six, setting up future Avengers projects.
3. Thunderbolts
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Director: Jake Schreier
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen
Marvel’s Thunderbolts assembles a team of antiheroes and reformed villains for a gritty, team-up adventure. Led by Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier) and Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova (Black Widow), the cast includes David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film is expected to blend dark humor, intense action, and and complex character dynamics, drawing comparisons to The Suicide Squad. The plot remains under wraps, but rumors suggest the team is tasked with a mysterious mission that challenges their loyalties. Fans are excited for Pugh’s return as Yelena and the dynamic between these morally ambiguous characters, making Thunderbolts one of Marvel’s most intriguing 2025 releases.
4. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales
The eighth Mission: Impossible film, subtitled The Final Reckoning, is billed as the conclusion of Ethan Hunt’s saga. Tom Cruise returns for what may be his final outing as the IMF agent, under the direction of Christopher McQuarrie. Following the cliffhanger of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the film will resolve the battle against the AI entity known as The Entity. Expect jaw-dropping stunts, including Cruise’s rumored zero-gravity sequences, and a high-stakes global chase. With returning cast members like Hayley Atwell and Ving Rhames, the film aims to deliver an emotional payoff for longtime fans. The franchise’s track record for escalating action and intricate plots has made this one of the year’s most awaited blockbusters.
5. Untitled Star Wars Film
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Director: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Cast: Daisy Ridley
Daisy Ridley reprises her role as Rey Skywalker in a new Star Wars film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, the story follows Rey as she attempts to rebuild the Jedi Order in a galaxy still recovering from war. While details are scarce, Lucasfilm has teased a fresh take on the franchise, focusing on new characters alongside Rey. The film’s announcement has reignited fan debates, but Ridley’s return and Obaid-Chinoy’s vision for a female-led story have generated significant anticipation. As the first major Star Wars theatrical release since 2019, this untitled project carries immense weight for the franchise’s future.
6. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Director: Matt Shakman
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces the First Family to the MCU. Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), the film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Set in the 1960s, the story explores the team’s origin as they gain powers and face a cosmic threat, rumored to be Galactus. The retro aesthetic and focus on family dynamics have drawn comparisons to The Incredibles, while the casting has been universally praised. After years of troubled adaptations, fans are eager to see Marvel’s take on these iconic characters, positioning this as a cornerstone of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
7. Snow White
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Director: Marc Webb
Cast: Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap
Disney’s live-action Snow White reimagines the 1937 animated classic with Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), the film expands the story with new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and a modernized take on Snow White’s agency. Early trailers highlight Zegler’s vocal performance and Gadot’s chilling portrayal of the Queen, alongside stunning visuals of the dwarves’ cottage and enchanted forest. Despite some online controversy over casting, the film’s pedigree and Disney’s track record with live-action remakes make it a major draw for family audiences.
8. A Complete Unknown
Release Date: December 25, 2025
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Boyd Holbrook, Edward Norton
Timothee Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biographical drama directed by James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari). The film chronicles Dylan’s rise to fame in the early 1960s, culminating in his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Chalamet, who performs Dylan’s songs himself, has already earned Oscar buzz for his transformative role. With a supporting cast including Elle Fanning as Suze Rotolo and Edward Norton as Woody Guthrie, the film promises a rich exploration of a pivotal moment in music history. Music fans and awards season enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this late-year release.
9. Freaky Friday 2
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chad Michael Murray
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reunite for Freaky Friday 2, a sequel to the 2003 body-swap comedy. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, the film catches up with Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan), now navigating new family dynamics. Anna is a single mother to a teenage daughter, Harper, who swaps bodies with Tess, leading to hilarious and heartfelt chaos. The return of Chad Michael Murray as Jake, Anna’s love interest from the original, adds nostalgic appeal. Early reports praise the chemistry between Lohan and Curtis, making this a crowd-pleaser for fans of the original and new audiences alike.
10. One of Them Days
Release Date: September 26, 2025
Director: Eddie Murphy
Cast: Keke Palmer, Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson
Eddie Murphy directs and stars in One of Them Days, a buddy comedy about two best friends, played by Keke Palmer and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who face a series of misadventures after a wild night out. With a supporting cast including Pete Davidson and Murphy himself, the film blends raucous humor with heart, drawing comparisons to Girls Trip. Murphy’s return to directing after a long hiatus, combined with the star power of Palmer and Randolph, has made this a highly anticipated comedy. Expect a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and relatable friendship dynamics to close out the summer season.
Conclusion
The remainder of 2025 offers a diverse lineup of films, from superhero spectacles to intimate biopics and nostalgic sequels. Whether you’re drawn to the visual splendor of Mufasa: The Lion King, the action-packed thrills of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, or the musical charm of Snow White, there’s something for every moviegoer. As these release dates approach, anticipation will only grow, fueled by trailers, festival buzz, and word-of-mouth. Keep an eye on these titles as they shape the cinematic landscape for the rest of the year.