If you thought the first half of 2025 was packed with cinematic surprises, just wait until you see what’s coming in the second half. Whether you’re here for the visuals, the casts, or the promise of unforgettable stories, this list covers the must-watch films set to premiere between July and December 2025.
The Fantastic Four – July 25, 2025
After multiple failed versions over the years, Marvel is finally introducing the Fantastic Four into the MCU — and expectations couldn’t be higher.
With Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the cast is already turning heads. Rumors hint at a ‘60s retro aesthetic mixed with interdimensional sci-fi. This movie could be a key puzzle piece in Marvel’s future phases. Plus, fans are dying to see how Doctor Doom fits into all of this.
Smurfs – August 2, 2025
Yes, the Smurfs are back — and this time breaking into the musical world. The animated-musical stars Rihanna as Smurfette (and also as executive producer), alongside voices from Nick Offerman, John Goodman, and Natasha Lyonne. The new film is aiming for something more stylish, musically inventive, and family-friendly than previous Smurf adaptations.
Superman: Legacy – July 11, 2025
James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy is DC’s attempt to finally get things back on track after years of confusion with canceled projects and overlapping timelines.
David Corenswet takes on Clark Kent, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. This Superman isn’t meant to be dark or jaded. He’s idealistic, raised in Kansas, and trying to do the right thing in a complicated world. Gunn says the focus is on who Superman is at his core — not just what he can do. If that tone lands, it might be the reset DC fans have been waiting for.
Wicked: Part Two – December 25, 2025
Following the 2024 release of Wicked: Part One, this second part wraps up the epic friendship between Elphaba and Glinda.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their roles in a musical that’s likely to be both a box office juggernaut and a major awards contender. Composer Stephen Schwartz has been fine-tuning new songs specifically for this second chapter, and director Jon M. Chu has promised a more emotional, climactic tone. Expect this to be one of the most talked-about films of the season.
Avatar 3 – December 19, 2025
James Cameron is back with the third chapter in his Pandora saga. After The Way of Water pushed the boundaries of visual effects, The Seed Bearer will introduce us to new tribes and biomes — including the Ash People, who have a more antagonistic relationship with nature.
Cameron has said this installment will expand on the Sully family’s journey while diving deeper into the spiritual and ecological themes of the franchise.
Zootopia 2 – November 26, 2025
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back, and so is the city that made Zootopia such a standout. The first film caught people off guard, and this time around, Disney’s diving deeper into the world, with new districts, new characters, and a story that’s supposed to dig even more into the social tensions between species.
After Frozen 2 proved there’s an appetite for well-made sequels, Zootopia 2 has a lot riding on it. But if it keeps the same mix of humor, heart, and smart storytelling, it’ll be another win.
Tron: Ares – October 10, 2025
Jared Leto stars as Ares, a sentient program who enters the human world, challenging the boundary between AI and reality. The film reportedly has a darker, more cyberpunk tone than its predecessors, with heavy visual worldbuilding and a score by members of Nine Inch Nails.
While Tron has never been a billion-dollar franchise, it’s always had a passionate fanbase. And in a year where AI is dominating real-world conversations, the timing of Tron: Ares couldn’t be more relevant.
Jurassic World: Rebirth – July 2, 2025
The Jurassic Park franchise is coming back with Jurassic World: Rebirth, promising to reignite the thrill of dinosaur adventure for old fans and new ones. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film takes the series into fresh territory while honoring its roots.
Set on a remote island, Rebirth follows a new team, led by Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, who are tasked with overseeing a daring project involving dinosaur DNA. Jonathan Bailey joins the cast as well, adding to the fresh energy. The story explores the consequences of humanity’s attempt to control nature, digging deeper into ethical questions about genetic engineering and survival.
Anaconda – December 25, 2025
This one’s a bit of a surprise — Anaconda is back, but not quite how you might expect. Instead of a straight-up horror movie, it’s more of a horror-comedy with Jack Black and Paul Rudd leading the charge. Think scary snake meets goofy, fun vibes.
The story takes place in the Amazon, where a group runs into a huge, deadly snake that’s way smarter than usual. There’s still some scares, but a lot of laughs too, thanks to the cast’s comedic chops.
It’s a fresh take on the old creature feature, and it’s coming out on Christmas Day, so it might be a good pick if you want something different from the usual holiday fare.
Mortal Kombat II – October 24, 2025
The Mortal Kombat franchise is back with a sequel that fans have been waiting for since the 2021 reboot shook things up. Mortal Kombat II promises bigger fights, more characters, and, of course, the brutal action the series is known for.
Karl Urban returns as Cole Young, and the cast is stacked with fan favorites alongside some new faces ready to throw down. Director Simon McQuoid knows what fans want and aims to deliver a movie that’s both faithful to the games and exciting for newcomers. Early buzz suggests the story will dive deeper into the lore, with plenty of twists and surprises to keep audiences hooked.
2025’s second half is shaping up to be an exciting time for movie lovers, with a mix of fresh takes, long-awaited sequels, and bold new stories hitting theaters. Whether you’re into high-stakes action, heartfelt animation, or thrilling sci-fi, there’s something on the horizon to look forward to. Keep an eye on these releases — they promise to make the rest of the year one of the most memorable for cinema in a while.
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