The Porter Report: Top 10 Upcoming Films of 2025

 

Happy New Year everyone. Day 1 of a fresh 365 has arrived and with a new year comes new movies. There are so many incredible films on the calendar and I personally cannot wait for them to get here. Whether you are a fan of Marvel, DC, Dragons, Dinos, Witches, or Navi, this year is guaranteed to have something for you. Before we run down the movies coming our way this year, let's kick things off with our top storylines heading into 2025

Marvel and DC will be attempting to return to form this year with the former rolling out the final cinematic entries before next year‘s Avengers Doomsday and the latter ushering in a new era of their cinematic franchise. Two particular projects will be bringing back two Silver Age comic icons. July will see the return of Marvel’s first family in the third iteration of the Fantastic Four and DC's poster boy for truth, justice, and the American Way ushering in James Gunn’s DCU. Both of these films will be led by a collection of creators who are going back to the root of what makes these characters so iconic. Focusing on the essence of the characters as opposed to reinventing who they are, these two films will be very much new but have an old-school feeling to them that has long been needed. 

Live-action adaptations of animated films are always a divisive topic in fandom. The reactions to their conception range from intrigue to genuine anger over retelling a story that was considered perfect in its original form. In 2025, we’ll see several animated films get the live-action treatment. Disney will bring their original animated classic Snow White to the big screen as well as their 2002 animated film Lilo and Stitch. In the summer, Universal will return fans to Berk for the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Only time will tell if these films will feel like the stories you know or be an entirely different experience altogether. 

Historically, the last few months of the year only see significant blowups in November and December. This year isn’t the case for the last 3 months of the year has heavy hitters on screen. October sees the return of Mortal Kombat and Tron in addition to a film that celebrates one of the music’s greatest entertainers. November will see a big set of film drops with the release of the highly anticipated sequels to Zootopia and Wicked. December closes it all out with the release of the third installment of James Cameron‘s epic sci-fi story. The final three months of 2025 will serve as an incredible grand finale to what is sure to be one of the most insane years at the cinema in recent memory.

With all the projects set to drop in just mere months, it can be tough to keep track of them all. Thankfully, I’m here to help. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 most anticipated movies for the new year. Some of them may be on your personal list and some may not. Regardless, getting you excited about the upcoming year in cinema has always been the main goal of this page. So how about we take a look ahead to what’s in store for us. Here are The Porter Report’s 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

#1

A Better Way Forward

Some leaders are born, some leaders are made, and others are called to it. For Sam Wilson, his life has taken an unexpected turn as he is now responsible for carrying on the legacy of his late friend Steve Rodgers as the new Captain America. The task is already daunting enough as he is facing opposition from those who believe he is unfit for the mantle. But the revelations that transpire are much more dangerous and potentially costly than this Avenger could have ever anticipated. Taking place after the events of 2021’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Captain America Brave New World sees Sam navigating dark secrets and dangerous opposition as he grapples with the challenges and consequences of wielding the shield. The movie serves as the official cinematic debut of Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as Captian America that will also feature Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross, Giancarlo Esposito as Serpent Society operative Sidewinder, and returning from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk Liv Tyler as Betty Ross and Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns aka The Leader. A new star-spangled man takes the reigns when Captain America Brave New World arrives in theaters on February 14th, 2025. 

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Check Out The Official Trailer

#2

Bad Guys Wanted

In a universe that has been without Earth's mightiest heroes for over half a decade now, many are wondering who will protect them when the next catastrophic event threatens the planet. Many have solutions but few have the resources (or charisma) to bring such individuals together. Thankfully, Valentina Allegra De Fontaine has both. Determined to usher in a new era of peace, Fontaine enlists a ragtag group of down-on-their-luck-enhanced individuals to fight the battle that others can't...whether they like it or not. Serving as the closing film of Marvel Phase 5, Thunderbolts* will see the most unlikely group of assassins, super soldiers, criminals, and miscreants banding together for some “supervised” mayhem. Returning MCU favorites including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, Hannah John Kamen’s Ghost, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky, and Julie Louis Dryfus’ Valentina Fontaine headline the action ensemble with Lewis Pullman making his MCU debut as Sentry. Be ready for what is sure to be an unproblematic collaboration when Thunderbolts* kicks off the summer movie season on May 2nd, 2025.

Check Out The Official Trailer

#3

This Is Berk

The island of Berk is rich in history. The brave and fierce Vikings of the land protect Berk from the dangers that threaten their existence. One of those dangers is the constant invasion of fire-breathing dragons. Everyone on the island is equipped and ready to face the dangers that these creatures pose..well..ALMOST everyone. Young Viking in training Hiccup is having a hard time finding his footing when it comes to making sure he's equipped to defend his home. It also doesn't help that he is the son of Stoic The Vast, the legendary chief of Berk. Determined to prove himself, Hiccup embarks on a life-changing adventure that will change his life, home, and one young Nightfury forever. Just in time for the 15th anniversary of the animated film, Director Dean DeBlois brings his iconic classic to life through a new lens for a whole new generation. DeBlois leads a collection of young and returning talent with Mason Thames taking on the lead role as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, Jullian Dennison as Fishlegs, and reprising his role from the animated film Gerard Butler as Stoic the Vast. The most unlikely bond between man and beast will retake the skies when How To Train Your Dragon flies into cinemas on June 13th, 2025

Check Out The Official Trailer

#4

A New Domain

There is a cost when it comes to thinking you are in control. When you try to control nature, nature will always find a way to show you she is the alpha. When that day comes, will you survive the lesson? Set years after the events of 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion, Jurassic World Rebirth sees the world further changed by the existence of dinosaurs out and active in the modern world. Rogue One and Godzilla director Gareth Edwards leads a loaded cast that includes Johnathan Bailey, Scarlett Johansson, and Mahersala Ali in the next installment in the series. Prepare to witness the dawning of a new era when Jurassic World Rebirth comes to theaters on July 2nd, 2025

#5

Up, Up and Away

He is known by many names. Son of Krypton. Kal-El. Clark Kent. But to those who know him best. He is simply known as Superman. Dedicating his life to protecting the home he arrived at as a baby, Superman will face his greatest challenge yet as he grapples with the legacy he has built since dawning the symbol on his chest. The definitive opening installment of the revamped cinematic universe for Warner Bros DC brand, Director James Gunn looks to set the tone and lay a stable foundation for the future of DC cinematic storytelling. Written and directed by Gunn himself, Superman will see David Cornswet as Clark Kent with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film will also see several DC character appearances including Mister Terrific played by Edi Gathegi, Hawkgirl played by Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisando as Jimmy Olsen, and Lex Luthor played by Nicholas Hoult. Be sure to look up in the sky for the arrival of the man of steel when Superman descends onto cinemas on July 11th, 2025.

Check Out The Official Trailer

#6

Family First

The future is written by the bold, the brave, the daring, and the righteous. For a group of talented explorers and scientists, their ambition will take them to new heights and test them in ways they are both prepared and unprepared for. One thing is for sure, this family will transform the world around them and their universe will never be the same again. The third cinematic iteration of one of Marvel’s most beloved teams will serve as the opening film of Marvel Phase 6. WandaVision creator Matt Shakman brings his retro-inspired visual sensibilities to the 1960s-inspired period piece with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm respectively. The road to the culmination of the multiverse saga starts here when The Fantastic Four First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th, 2025.

#7

**Not an official title logo. Only a concept **

Remember The Time

Many people think they know the story of one of the greatest entertainers to ever grace the mic and the stage. His voice rocked a nation, his moves captivated an audience, and his heart was filled with a desire to inspire. But for every triumph was a tribulation, for every cheer, there was a cry, and for every story, there is a part left untold. The question that remains is: Who is Michael? Chronicling the life and career of Michael Joseph Jackson from his humble beginnings with the Jackson 5 to his iconic solo career, Michael is set to be a larger-than-life cinematic event that looks to show all facets of the king of pop. Training Day and The Equalizer Director Antoine Fuqua helms the musical biopic with a legendary ensemble of talent that includes the likes of Nia Long, Coleman Domingo, Derek Luke, Larenz Tate, Miles Teller, and in the titular role, Michael Jackson’s own nephew Jaafar Jackson. Be ready to remember the time when one of the greatest entertainers walked the earth when Michael dances its way into theaters on October 3rd, 2025. 

#8

Because I Knew You

In the land of Oz, chaos has engulfed the land. The people are terrified of the wrath they might face from a monster who they believe will bring destruction wherever she goes. But in the middle of the chaos is two women on opposite sides of the battle lines torn apart by their moral compass and ambition. For the woman known as Glinda and the young woman now known as the Wicked Witch, the deeds of those with the most to lose will change a land's future for the better. Following the shockwave of events in Part 1, Wicked For Good sees the emotional and devastating fallout of Elphaba’s turn from promising prodigy to wanted fugitive and Galinda’s struggle to balance her ambition and moral compass amid her accent within the ranks of Oz’s elite. The dynamic tandem of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo return as Galinda and Elphaba, respectively, with Johnathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldbulm, Marrisa Bode, and Ethan Slater reprising their roles as Fieyro, Madame Morrible, The Wizard, Nessarose, and Boq. The second half of this sprawling musical epic promises to change us for the better when Wicked For Good arrives in cinemas on November 21st, 2025.

#9

Paw and Order

Nick and Judy try their best to be the best representatives of the ZPD. While their partnership has produced great results, they long to show they have what it takes to shake up the department as full-on detectives. When trouble strikes in a new part of the city, they are called to investigate the matter. They soon encounter new allies and opposition they never thought they would face. If there was any doubt about the stakes, their new case is for sure destined to be a "cold-blooded" thriller. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 animated film sees the return of Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps as they investigate a series of crimes in unexplored sections of their world. The directing duo of Jared Bush and Byron Howard return to lead the cast that sees Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin returning as Nick and Judy, with Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan joining the fray as snake vigilante Gary. Prep your badge because ZPD is on the case and ready for anything when Zootopia 2 arrives this holiday season on November 26th, 2025.

#10

Up In Smoke

Fire is a great representation of many things. Uncontrolled, it is deadly and destructive. The resulting aftermath is ash which is in itself metaphorical. It represents desolation and loss but from a certain point of view new life. Both have many meanings but for those unprepared to face the flames, the results will burn everything in its path leaving nothing to salvage. When the inferno strikes, how will you face the blaze? Following the life-altering events of The Way of Water, Jake Sully and his family will see themselves put to the ultimate test and could potentially see everything they hold dear go up in flames. The third installment of James Cameron’s epic sci-fi story will see the return of Sam Worthington’s Jake Sully and Zoe Saldaña’s Neytiri alongside Sigourney Weaver, Britain Dalton, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, and Bailey Bass as Kiri, Lo’ak, Tuk, Spider, and Tsireya. The film will explore unknown regions of Pandora, including spaces inhabited by a new tribe of Na’vi known only as the Ash People, led by their fearsome leader, Varang, played by Game of Thrones veteran Oona Chaplin. A fire rises and only the strong will survive the inferno when Avatar Fire and Ash arrives in theaters on December 19th, 2025.

I think it's the understatement of the year already that we have a lot coming our way in 2025 and the crazy part is this is only 10 of the films that are set to release this year that I'm personally anticipating the most. 2025 promises to be a bountiful harvest for cinephiles so I hope you are ready for a feast for the eyes. With all that said, I now throw it to you guys: post your most anticipated film(s) of 2025 down in the comments below, and also feel free to highlight some of the films that I didn’t cover that everyone should be on the lookout for. I’m super excited about this new year in film and I hope you are too. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of NYD and I'll see you all next time.