The 7 Most Anticipated Movies of Late 2025

Ever wondered what happens when Hollywood’s heavy hitters drop one emotional gut-punch after another? With 2025 already packed with surprises like the box-office smash of a certain Minecraft flick and the roaring comeback of Jurassic dinos, the final stretch of the year promises even more thrills. From heart-wrenching dramas that could sweep awards season to a blockbuster sequel that’ll light up IMAX screens, these films are the ones keeping cinephiles up at night. Dive in and get ready to mark your calendars—these are the most anticipated movies lighting up the rest of 2025.

Hamnet: A Heartbreaking Dive into Shakespeare’s Hidden World

Imagine losing your child and channeling that raw pain into one of history’s greatest plays. That’s the emotional core of Hamnet, Chloé Zhao’s stunning adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel. Fresh off premiering at Telluride and Toronto, where it left audiences in tears, this historical drama shifts the spotlight from William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) to his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley), exploring the family’s quiet tragedy that birthed Hamlet. Zhao’s signature poetic visuals capture the 16th-century English countryside with breathtaking intimacy, turning grief into a force of redemption.

What makes it buzzworthy? The performances are electric—Buckley delivers a soul-crushing portrayal of a mother’s unbreakable spirit, while Mescal adds layers of quiet torment. It’s already being hailed as one of the year’s most devastating films, blending lush cinematography with a score that tugs at your heartstrings. Dropping in limited release on November 27, this one’s a must-see for anyone who loves stories that linger long after the credits roll.

Frankenstein: Del Toro’s Gothic Masterpiece Comes Alive

What if the monster wasn’t just a horror icon, but a heartbreaking symbol of love and isolation? Guillermo del Toro’s long-dreamed Frankenstein adaptation finally roars to life, turning Mary Shelley’s classic into a lyrical tale of creation gone wrong. Premiering to raves at Venice and Toronto, it stars Oscar Isaac as the obsessive Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi bringing unexpected tenderness to the creature and Mia Goth shining as Elizabeth. Del Toro’s touch? Sumptuous visuals that blend gothic shadows with emotional depth, scored to perfection for that spine-tingling immersion.

This isn’t your grandpa’s monster movie—it’s an allegory for human fragility, packed with del Toro’s signature wonder and woe. Critics are buzzing about Elordi’s emotional breakthrough, making the beast feel more alive than ever. Hitting Netflix this holiday season, it’s the perfect fireside watch that’ll have you rethinking what it means to play God. If you’re into films that mix chills with chills-down-your-spine feels, this is your next obsession.

Nuremberg: A Tense Showdown with History’s Darkest Figures

Picture a psychiatrist staring into the eyes of pure evil, trying to unravel the mind behind Nazi atrocities. That’s the gripping hook of Nuremberg, James Vanderbilt’s thriller based on Jack El-Hai’s book. Rami Malek plays Douglas Kelley, the real-life doctor tasked with evaluating Nazi prisoners like Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) before the iconic trials. After a roaring premiere at Toronto—complete with a four-minute standing ovation—this film’s intellectual cat-and-mouse game has everyone talking.

Crowe’s transformation into the charismatic yet monstrous Göring is chilling, clashing brilliantly with Malek’s unraveling intensity. It’s a sleek dive into power, ethics, and the human cost of war, with sharp dialogue that keeps you on edge. Releasing November 7 via Sony Pictures Classics, this one’s ideal for history buffs craving a smart, star-powered drama that doesn’t pull punches. Feel the weight of those courtroom stares—it’s cinema that sticks with you.

Anemone: Daniel Day-Lewis’s Triumphant Return to the Screen

The king is back, and it’s a family affair. Daniel Day-Lewis, absent from screens since 2017’s Phantom Thread, steps into Anemone, his son Ronan Day-Lewis’s directorial debut. This intimate psychological drama explores the tangled bonds between fathers, brothers, and sons through Ray Stoker (Day-Lewis), a traumatized veteran grappling with his past. Co-starring Sean Bean and Samantha Morton, it premiered at the New York Film Festival to whispers of awards gold, promising raw, unflinching emotion.

Day-Lewis’s return feels like a gift—his nuanced performance as a man rebuilding his shattered life is already generating Oscar chatter. Ronan’s script, co-written with his dad, adds a layer of authenticity that’s palpably heartfelt. Hitting limited theaters October 3 before expanding, it’s a quiet powerhouse for fans of character-driven stories that hit close to home. Watching legends like this reunite? Pure movie magic that warms the soul.

The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnson’s Raw Road to Glory

Ever seen a action star shed the muscles for something deeper? The Smashing Machine delivers just that, with Dwayne Johnson channeling MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s gritty biopic. From Venice’s 15-minute standing ovation—where Johnson broke down in tears—this film traces Kerr’s rise to UFC fame amid brutal addiction battles, opposite Emily Blunt as his steadfast wife. Safdie’s raw direction strips away the glamour, focusing on the human toll of the fight game.

Johnson’s performance? Transformative and tear-jerking, earning him legit Oscar buzz as he dives into vulnerability like never before. With intense fight scenes and emotional highs that pack a punch, it’s a sports drama that transcends the ring. Opening October 3 from A24, this is for anyone rooting for underdogs—grab your tickets and witness The Rock redefine himself.

One Battle After Another: PTA’s Epic Twist on Revolution

What happens when ’60s radicals face the harsh light of today? Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, his priciest project yet at $250 million, adapts Thomas Pynchon’s subversive Vineland into a dark comedy with political bite. Leonardo DiCaprio leads as a disillusioned ex-revolutionary, joined by Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro in what critics are calling career-best turns. Premiering to rave reviews, it’s Anderson’s boldest swing, blending humor, action, and commentary on faded ideals.

The trailer’s electric energy hints at a sprawling tale of vanity and redemption, with DiCaprio more unhinged than ever. It’s a wild ride through America’s turbulent soul, perfect for PTA devotees craving complexity. Slated for September 21, this one’s a cinematic event that’ll spark endless debates—don’t miss the chance to experience it on the big screen.

Wake Up Dead Man: Benoit Blanc’s Darkest Mystery Yet

Ready for murder with a side of miracles? Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery brings back Daniel Craig’s suave detective Benoit Blanc for a gothic whodunit laced with religious intrigue. Premiering at Toronto to universal acclaim (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drops in theaters November 26 before Netflix on December 12, starring Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and a killer ensemble including Josh Brolin and Kerry Washington.

Blanc unravels a locked-room puzzle involving faith, foul play, and fabulous suspects—think Knives Out’s wit meets deeper shadows. Johnson’s self-aware twists keep you guessing, while Craig’s charm shines brighter than ever. It’s a delicious escape for mystery lovers, blending laughs with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Stream it holiday-style and let Blanc solve your winter blues.

Bonus: Avatar: Fire and Ash – Pandora’s Fieriest Chapter

And for the spectacle seekers, James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash ignites December 19 with Pandora’s most volcanic adventure yet. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldañna) clash with the fierce Ash People, a new Na’vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang, in a visually explosive tale of survival and new generations rising. Building on the franchise’s immersive world, it promises groundbreaking effects and emotional stakes that push the family to their limits.

Cameron’s magic means jaw-dropping landscapes and action that feels alive—perfect for IMAX. If the first two shattered box-office records, this could be the trilogy’s fiery peak. Gear up for a Pandora that’s hotter and more heartfelt than ever.

These late-2025 releases are shaping up to be a golden era for cinema, blending stars, stories, and sheer spectacle. Which one’s got you booking tickets first? Head to theaters or your streaming queue and let the magic unfold—2025’s endgame is unmissable.