As 2025 begins, cinemas are buzzing with a fresh lineup of exciting films. Following a prosperous year in 2024 that showcased an array of hits across various genres, audiences can now explore both recent releases and upcoming attractions. Highlights from 2024 included the comedic romp The Fall Guy, dramatic narratives like Challengers, horror flicks such as Late Night With The Devil and Longlegs, the anticipated sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and the much-awaited Gladiator II.
The closing days of December 2024 introduced notable titles, including Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, the musical drama A Complete Unknown, and the provocative thriller Babygirl. Kicking off January, audiences were treated to the horror film The Damned and a new film adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, joined this weekend by a unique musical and the sequel to a well-received action flick from 2018.
1. Better Man
Released on January 10, 2025
Better Man is a semi-biographical musical directed by Michael Gracey, chronicling the life of British pop sensation Robbie Williams. Uniquely, the film features a CGI-animated chimpanzee portraying Williams, presenting his narrative from childhood through the dizzying heights of fame with Take That and his subsequent solo career filled with triumphs and challenges.
For more insights, check out Screen Rant’s review of Better Man.
2. Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera
Released on January 10, 2025
Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera is an action drama crafted by Christian Gudegast, acting as a sequel to 2018’s Den Of Thieves. The film resumes the saga of Sheriff Nicholas “Big Nick”O’Brien, who embarks on a gripping chase across Europe to apprehend Donnie Wilson, entangled in a world of diamond heists and the Panther mafia. Together, they plot an ambitious heist targeting the globe’s largest diamond exchange, a high-stakes mission that O’Brien aims to thwart.
3. The Damned
Released on January 3, 2025
The Damned, directed by Thordur Palsson, is a horror film set in the 19th century, revolving around Eva, a widow facing a dire choice amid a brutal winter when a shipwreck occurs near her home. With dwindling provisions, Eva and her team must decide between rescuing the stranded crew or securing their survival, ultimately leading to haunting repercussions fueled by guilt.
4. Nosferate
Released on December 25, 2024
Directed by Robert Eggers, Nosferatu is a gothic horror remake of the 1922 classic by F.W. Murnau. This chilling adaptation follows Ellen Hutter, whose husband encounters the enigmatic Count Orlok during a business trip to Transylvania. Obsessed with Ellen, Orlok brings terror to her life and those around her, echoing themes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Discover more in Screen Rant’s review of Nosferatu.
5. A Complete Unknown
Released on December 25, 2024
A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold, is a biographical drama inspired by Elijah Wald’s book on Bob Dylan’s emergence as a folk icon in 1960s New York. The film depicts Dylan’s transformative performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a moment that forever altered his trajectory in music.
Read more about the film in Screen Rant’s review of A Complete Unknown.
6. Babygirl
Released on December 25, 2024
Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, is an erotic thriller centering on Romy, a powerful CEO, and her intern, Samuel. Despite being married and a mother of two, Romy navigates her forbidden attraction to Samuel, prompting her to explore new dynamics of desire, power, and relationships.
For an extensive review, check out Screen Rant’s take on Babygirl.
7. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Released on December 20, 2024
The beloved blue hedgehog returns in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, an exhilarating live-action/CGI sequel directed by Jeff Fowler. This installment follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they confront their fiercest foe yet, Shadow the Hedgehog. The gang unites with the notorious Dr. Robotnik in a thrilling race against time to thwart Shadow’s ominous plans.
Discover more about Sonic’s electrifying comeback in Screen Rant’s review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
8. Mufasa: The Lion King
Released on December 20, 2024
Mufasa: The Lion King, from director Barry Jenkins, revisits the past of the iconic character, delving into his origin story as narrated by Rafiki. The film captures Mufasa’s journey as an orphan who befriends young Prince Taka, showcasing their brotherly bond in the Pride Lands, ultimately leading to unforeseen challenges.
Learn more in Screen Rant’s review of Mufasa: The Lion King.
9. Ocean 2
Released on November 27, 2024
Moana 2 embarks on a new epic journey, set three years after its predecessor. Directed by a talented trio—David Derrick Jr., Hason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller—Moana responds to a call from her ancestors, gathering a courageous crew and teaming up once more with demigod Maui to lift the curse afflicting the forgotten island of Motufetu.
Find insights into the film in Screen Rant’s review of Moana 2.
10. Wicked
Released on November 22, 2024
Wicked leaps onto the screen, directed by Jon M. Chu. The film recounts the misunderstood backstory of Elphaba, who develops a deep friendship with Glinda during their time at Shiz University. Their paths diverge when they encounter the Wizard, presenting profound moral choices that will shape their destinies. A sequel, Wicked Part Two, is slated for November 21, 2025.
Get detailed insights from Screen Rant’s review of Wicked.
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