Top 2025 Movie Releases We’re Excited About

As the new year approaches, I was looking back on the big movies of the past year. I couldn’t come up with a definitive favorite film of 2024. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was fun and nostalgic, and being a huge fan of the original, I liked Wonka, but it was a bit disappointing. I don’t even think Wonka counts because it was released right about this time in December 2023. I haven’t seen a movie this year that I would add to my “Favorite movies of all-time list.”

However, with the New Year, 2025 will have a whole new batch of movies to look forward to.

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I was checking out the new Fandango survey that asked nine thousand people what movies they're most looking forward to seeing in 2025. Fandango’s results show that a lot of people are excited about the next chapters in the film franchises that they love. That’s how I felt this year with the aforementioned Wonka, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

The most anticipated movie that’s expected to be released in the new year according to Fandango's survey is Captain America: Brave New World. Next on the most anticipated list is Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, followed by Jurassic World Rebirth, then From the World of John Wick: Ballerina and Fantastic Four: First Steps in the fantastic fifth spot.

Sixth place goes to Avatar: Fire and Ash, and rounding out the top 10 is Wicked Part Two, The Accountant 2, Superman, and 28 Years Later.

Even though I wouldn’t consider myself an avid fan of superhero movies, I think I’d put Superman on the top of the list for my 2025 planned viewing.

Some of the actors those surveyed are most excited about seeing are Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World Rebirth, Pedro Pascal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Ana De Armas in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, Brad Pitt in F1 and Nicholas Hoult in Superman.

According to the survey, 9 out of 10 people said they plan to see more movies in theatres next year than they saw in 2024. A little more than half of them say their goal is to go to the movies at least six times in 2025.

Hitting the theatre once every two months doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s five times more than my 2024 movie-going total.

There is still one movie I’m looking forward to seeing this year. I’m interested in the Bob Dylan biography, A Complete Unknown starring Timothee Chalamet coming out on Christmas day.

When it comes to St. Nick, I've been a fan ever since I was a kid. He's a holiday superhero! That's why I love watching a good Santa movie at Christmas time. Santa movies have given us everything from heartwarming tales and even raunchy comedies. Some of these movies hit just right and become holiday classics, while others, wouldn't even make it on the Hallmark channel. So let's stick to the good stuff here. The ones that make you laugh, and hit you right in the feels.

First up, there’s just something hilarious about watching a regular guy get roped into being Santa and having absolutely no idea what he’s doing. Add in some elves and reindeer who are way too serious about their jobs, and boom, instant holiday movie gold. If you’ve ever wanted to see your dad bumble around trying to do something he’s not prepared for, there’s a movie for that, and it’s The Santa Clause.

Then, you’ve got the Christmas magic of Buddy the Elf. He’s not Santa himself, but he’s basically the spirit of Christmas in oversized tights. You can't talk about Santa without mentioning how Buddy practically forces Christmas spirit onto everyone, even a grumpy Santa who acts more like he needs a nap than a sleigh ride. He kind of reminds me of my Buddy Booger. He drives you nuts, but you can't help but love the guy.

Okay so let’s not forget about the classics, though. If you’re tired of the latest CGI movies, an old-school black-and-white movie might just hit the spot. Miracle on 34th Street is it. I used to watch this every year with my mom. She loves it. It's that Christmas film that reminds you there’s still magic in the world, even if it’s hiding in a courtroom.

And I cant forget about Arthur Christmas! Oh the memories! I must of watched this movie EVERY day when my daughter was little. It's a movie where Santa’s youngest kid, who looks like he couldn’t organize a sock drawer, goes full hero to deliver a single gift. He brings the kind of dedication we should all bring to holiday shopping.

Of course, not every holiday movie plays by the rules. Sometimes you need a Saint Nick who’s more grumpy than jolly, someone who’s better at downing drinks than handing out gifts. A movie like Bad Santa is perfect for those days when you need a laugh after the kids goes to bed.

Tim Allen going from a regular dad to Kris Kringle? Pure gold. This flick has heart, laughs, and the right amount of Christmas magic. Watching Allen stumble through Santa training is like seeing your dad try to set up a trampoline without directions. It’s the perfect mix of slapstick and holiday spirit.

Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf isn’t technically Santa, but it’s got the jolly man as the backbone of the plot. Ed Asner plays a grumpy but lovable Santa who teams up with Buddy to save Christmas. It’s ridiculous, warm, and full of maple syrup-level sweetness.

This is the O.G. Santa movie. Kris Kringle gets caught up in a wild trial to prove he’s the real deal. It’s all black-and-white, but the charm is timeless, and you’ll find yourself believing in the magic by the end.

Santa’s son Arthur takes on a race against time to deliver a missed gift. The animation and humor make it fun, while the story brings heart. It’s a family favorite with a modern twist.

A conman plays Santa to pull off a heist but finds unexpected redemption. Dark, funny, and not your typical Santa story. Perfect for when you need some adult holiday humor.