By Elazar Abrahams
January is here, which means it’s time to speculate about the pop culture year ahead. What has the potential to be good? What’s going to bomb hard? Just how boring is Tron: Ares going to be? Only time will tell, but sometimes the speculation and waiting game can be just as fun as actual opening weekends. So, without further ado, here are TV and City’s five most anticipated movies of 2025.
Sinners (April 18)
Our list kicks off with a bit of a wild card, as it’s no guarantee that this supernatural action flick will be a critical darling. However, Sinners does look like LOADS of fun. The project reunites the dynamic duo of director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan, who have struck gold with their past collaborations of Black Panther, Fruitvale Station, and the Creed franchise. The trailer looks properly scary and compelling, like the perfect popcorn movie to catch on the biggest screen possible. The marketing is attempting an air of mystery about the story, but let’s be honest, it’s gonna be vampires.
Superman (July 11)
There are a few superhero movies out over the next twelve months that could have claimed this spot. In February, Captain America: Brave New World has the potential to reignite a fire under the dimming MCU, and Fantastic Four: First Steps will grace theaters this summer in another attempt to revitalize the Marvel fanboys. But ultimately, James Gunn’s Superman is the comic book adaptation with the most hope riding on it this year. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan seem like perfect casting as Clark Kent and Lois Lane respectively, Gunn has a proven track record in the genre, and the hopeful and colorful tone seem very promising. This Superman will also be the entry point into DC Studio’s new shared universe, a clean slate as the brand attempts to move on from the messy Zack Snyder days. If this film soars, it will be a very good sign for the rest of DC’s slate. If Superman is DOA, then the company’s other movies in development might as well cancel their release.
The Battle of Baktan Cross (August 8)
The plot for this one is heavily under wraps. Hear me out though: Auteur Paul Thomas Anderson. Paul Thomas Anderson with a $140 million budget. A new Paul Thomas Anderson movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Alana Haim, and Benicio del Toro. I’m seated. The theater employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not August yet” but I’m simply too seated.
The Bride! (September 26)
If you’re sensing a theme of my hype level relative to talent attached, you’re absolutely correct. The Bride! is directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars the supremely underrated Jessie Buckley as the Bride of Frankenstein and Christian Bale as the iconic monster. A genre twist though: the film is a musical set in 1930s Chicago. After Joker: Folie à Deux disappointing the hell out of audiences last fall, I really hope this strange sing-along adventure can deliver. Mark my words, it’s gonna be something special.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Date TBD)
Few in-theater experiences of late have matched the vibe of watching Knives Out or its sequel Glass Onion in a packed, darkened room. Now the series is finally back with another installment of Detective Benoit Blanc’s (Daniel Craig) casebook. Expect a masterfully crafted whodunnit filled to the brim with wit and twists. What more could a cinephile ask for.
What 2025 release are you most looking forward to?
TV and City 