We’re almost halfway through the year now, and there’s still a whole cinematic world of movies left to come to our theatres and shake some things up. Come with me, and let’s get into some of the most anticipated movies set to come in the second half of 2025. Oh, and some of these movies might shock you that they are getting sequels – it definitely got me.
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1. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in what’s said to be the final chapter of the Mission: Impossible series. This time, he’s facing off against a super-intelligent computer program that threatens global chaos. With the help of his trusted crew (played by Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg) Ethan also takes on the dangerous Gabriel (played by Esai Morales). Expect mind-blowing stunts and intense action scenes that push the limits one last time!
2. Karate Kid: Legends
Release Date: May 29, 2025
This new Karate Kid movie brings back beloved martial arts icons and introduces a fresh story full of heart and high kicks. We follow Li Fong (Ben Wang), a young kung fu prodigy who moves to New York and ends up facing a fierce local karate champion. He turns to legendary mentors, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), to train for the ultimate showdown. It’s a fusion of old-school spirit and modern action!
3. Ballerina
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Spinning out of the John Wick universe, Ballerina introduces a new action heroine while keeping that stylish, hard-hitting vibe the fans love. This spinoff dives deeper into the criminal underworld and keeps its story simple yet gripping. With many of the creative minds from John Wick involved, this film promises to expand the franchise in a thrilling new direction.
4. How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action)
Release Date: June 13, 2025
DreamWorks is (FINALLY) bringing the magic of dragons and Vikings to life with a live-action retelling of its animated classic! Directed by Dean DeBlois, this version stays close to the source with epic visuals, heartwarming moments, and music by original composer John Powell. If you loved Hiccup and Toothless before, you’re in for a nostalgic treat.
5. 28 Years Later
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the terrifying world of 28 Days Later. Set nearly three decades after the first outbreak, the story takes place on a quarantined island connected to a dangerous mainland. A trip into infected territory uncovers chilling secrets about survivors and what they’ve become. With a cast including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, this one’s bound to deliver big scares.
6. F1
Release Date: June 2025
Get ready for a fast-paced thrill ride! Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver making a comeback in this action-packed sports film. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, F1 was filmed at actual race events using modified F2 cars. Real drivers, real tracks, and an all-star cast!
7. M3GAN 2.0
Release Date: June 27, 2025
The creepy AI doll is back! After the massive success of M3GAN, the sequel promises more scares and dark humor as M3GAN returns from the grave (or storage unit?) to wreak havoc once again. Fans of the first film can expect a deeper dive into her unsettling world, with returning characters and more twisted fun.
8. Superman
Release Date: July 11, 2025
James Gunn takes the reins in launching a fresh start for DC with Superman. This isn’t another origin story, instead, it follows a young Clark Kent (David Corenswet) balancing life as a reporter and a hero. Expect appearances from Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), and other DC favourites. All while Superman tries to bring hope to a world already filled with superheroes. But will he succeed?
9. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Marvel’s First Family is finally entering the MCU, and it’s set in a stylish 1960s-inspired world. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach take on the roles of Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing. Their mission? To stop the cosmic threat of Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) and his mysterious Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
10. Tron: Ares
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Tron fans, get ready! Jared Leto stars as Ares, a digital being who crosses into the real world, leading to humanity’s first direct contact with AI. Expect a deeper, more emotional storyline this time around, with music from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The cast includes Evan Peters, Greta Lee, Hasan Minhaj, and even Jeff Bridges making a return.
11. Mortal Kombat 2
Release Date: October 24, 2025
The sequel to the brutal 2021 adaptation is bringing even more iconic fighters to the screen. Characters like Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, and Sindel are set to make their live-action debuts. While we don’t have a release date yet, filming has wrapped – so expect more R-rated battles and deeper lore very soon. Be sure to check the age rating before bringing along eager little ones
12. Wicked: For Good
Release Date: November 21, 2025
The magical story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) continues in Part 2 of the Wicked saga. This chapter dives into the consequences of their choices, their complex relationship, and the growing tension in Oz. And, of course, it all comes with hints of romance and rebellion. Expect iconic songs from the Broadway musical and brand-new tunes written just for the film.
13. Zootopia 2
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Disney’s fan-favourite animated world is back! Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde return for more adventures in the bustling city of Zootopia. While Disney hasn’t revealed too much yet, fans can expect more clever world-building, lovable characters, and timely themes wrapped in fun animal antics and feel-good moments.
14. Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release Date: December 19, 2025
James Cameron returns with another stunning journey to Pandora and the story continues from Avatar: The Way of Water. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña reprise their roles as Jake and Neytiri, alongside familiar faces like Sigourney Weaver and Britain Dalton. A new threat emerges with the Ash Clan, led by a mysterious character played by Oona Chaplin. Expect dazzling visuals, epic action, and emotional family drama.
